2009 has been a hard year for many older adults, but it can be turned all around with some New Year’s resolution suggestions that just might change your life and make 2010 a better year!

1. Help other seniors in your community – younger generations often volunteer to work with senior’s in hospitals and senior centers, but provide companionship to your peers by reading or socializing with them in these settings

2. Focus on eating well – give up those convenience items, and find a way to incorporate at least one new healthy item into your meal routine daily

3. Socialize – it’s not uncommon for seniors to shy away from social activities later in life. Don’t let this happen to you – join a social group with other seniors. A book club, exercise class, craft lesson or other activity will keep you connected

4. Organize your life – organizing your affairs for future care and even a will is an important goal. You can also take the opportunity to organize other aspects. Clean your house, declutter and donate the items you don’t need to charity

5. Find help if you need it – hire a senior home care service company to fill in the gaps (any areas in life you struggle with) as needed, or ask for help from family and friends

6. Stay connected with technology - if you don’t have a computer, 2010 is a great year to get one or learn how to use all of its features. Use email, instant messenger and other social networking sites to stay connected with loved ones around the world

Via: wickedlocal.com

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If you’ve decided that this year will be the one that you really turn over a new leaf and focus on your health, then try these 9 health techniques that will change your life. Researchers have studied the populations of the world that live the longest, and are the healthiest throughout their lives and have honed in on the Power of 9:

1. Get moving – planned exercise isn’t the only way to remain active. Don’t just schedule your daily 45 minutes at the gym. Stop relying on technology to do things for you. Use a snow shovel instead of the snow blower, bike instead of taking the car, and get rid of your garage door opener and lift it yourself. Simply incorporating movement in your life will help you to live longer

2. Remember why you’re here – everyone has a different reason for living and for getting up each and every morning. Remember what yours is, write it down somewhere so you remember your purpose no matter what crosses your path

3. Cut out calories – don’t stuff yourself when you sit down to a meal. Cutting out 20% of portion sizes and in turn calories is a much more convenient method than actually counting calories. Buy smaller plates and bowls, and eat only when you’re actually hungry

4. Think like a vegetarian – you don’t have to stop eating meat entirely, but a decline in meats and processed foods can be beneficial when you incorporate more vegetables

5. Practice happy hour – if you’re drinking red wine, happy hour is a good thing, provided it doesn’t get out of hand. A glass everyday has extensive health benefits

6. Remember to step back – we live in a busy society, but learning to slow down and relax is crucial

7. Join a community – spiritual practices have their benefits, but those who do not practice a religion simply need to find a place that gives them a sense of belonging. Practicing yoga and/or meditation can have similar benefits

8. Associate with people like you – those that have similar goals and mindsets will benefit your health

9. Make family time – even if you’re busy, schedule regular time and rituals of things to do with your family, your spouse and your closest friends to maintain that connection

Via: USNews

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Christmas is already here, and this is a poem that’s sure to put a smile on the face of every senior and make their family members better appreciate those special people in their lives.

A Senior Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop –

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

’Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

’fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

-Author Unknown

Via: MSGR.ca

Image Source: sxc.hu

Buying a practical gift is the best way to go when purchasing something for an elderly individual. Many seniors do not have a lot of extra space to store things they do not use. When choosing a gift, you want to make sure the gift will be used. More so, make sure the gift is easy to use! Below you will find a list of 10 items that are great ideas for senior gifts.

1. If the senior lives alone, a Medical Emergency Notification System is a great gift to ensure their safety.

2. Cell Phones with Easy to see and use buttons.

3. If the senior is a pet owner, a pre-paid walking service or grooming is a great gift.

4. Gift certificates to the barber or hairdresser, especially if they will come to their home.

5. Pre-pay a season of lawn mowing and landscaping.

6. Wall clocks with a large face so they are easy to see.

7. If the senior is hearing impaired, a flashing light doorbell or telephone will be of great use.

8. Universal TV Remotes with large buttons.

9. Lap tables can be handy to eat on and can also provide a place for small items, such as remotes and eyeglasses.

10. Clothing with zippers or large zipper pulls.

Source: associatedcontent

Image Source: sxc.hu

Shopping for the holidays can be a challenge, but for senior caregivers, the ideas are really quite simple – buy them a gift that allows them to focus on themselves, even for a few hours or a few moments. The following are great ideas that will be a holiday hit with any senior caregiver:

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

Image Source: www.sxc.hu/

Due to the high cost of living and the low income, most seniors feel their travelling days are over. This could not be further from the truth! A home exchange is a great way for seniors to continue to travel to desired locations. If you are a senior homeowner, you can trade your home with another senior. The trade is for a specified time and both parties will travel to the households. This is an affordable and safe way for seniors to travel without worrying about the expense. Home exchanges for seniors have many benefits. A few are listed below.

1. Travel becomes affordable. This is an important aspect for seniors living on a fixed income.

2. A home is much more comfortable than a hotel room.

3. Location choices. Since you will be exchanging your own home for another, you have the opportunity to travel to anywhere.

4. Eliminate other travel costs. Some home exchanges also include a vehicle, so the need for a rental car is eliminated.

5. The process is simple. The internet has many sites for seniors who are looking to exchange a home.

Source: transitionsabroad.com

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It may sound crazy that a medication can increase the risk of a fall, but recent research has proven this to be true. Seniors who are currently taking a prescription antidepressant or anti-psychotic will be at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. As caregivers, we are aware of the issues that can surround a fall. The individual can be physically and emotionally injured. Often times, a fall will lead to depression. The following list contains some facts about seniors and falls.

1. Elderly individuals are usually more sensitive to prescription drugs. They cannot metabolize the medication as well as younger patients. This can cause adverse events, including falls.

2. One third of seniors who reside at home experience at least one fall per year.

3. 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Of this percentage, 15% of the patients will have to move into a long-term care facility.

4. Any drug that contains a sedative, including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, sleeping pills and some high-blood pressure medications, will increase the risk of a fall.

Source: toronto.ctv.ca

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The hard work really starts when seniors are released from the hospital, at least for families who might play a greater role in their care than they did during the period of hospitalization. Families can prepare themselves, starting with knowledge, in order to ensure that they can provide the best care possible to their senior once he/she returns home to finish the recovery process.

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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During the winter season in particular, the thought of a senior with Alzheimer’s wandering away from home is even more alarming. This is all the motivation that caregivers should require to start making some big changes around the home that can help prevent wandering in Alzheimer’s seniors:

1. Install alarms that tell you when external doors or windows are open – you need to give seniors with Alzheimer’s the freedom to move around their home, but even a home alarm system that chimes when doors or even windows are opened can warn you that your loved one might be wandering away

2. Disguise doors – if you don’t want seniors wandering between rooms or outside, paint rooms so the doors blend with the walls

3. Discourage wandering with signs – post signs on doorways inside the home, reminding seniors with Alzheimer’s what can be found on the other side. If there are rooms that seniors should not go in, or doorways that lead to outside, label them with “do not enter”!

4. Give seniors a safe area to walk around – seniors with Alzheimer’s often find themselves restless. Having a secure backyard or garden area can get them out of the home when they feel the need to wander in a safe manner

Via: About.com

In order to reduce stress, senior caregivers should always be prepared for just about anything, and unfortunately, for many seniors, anything can include a trip or stay at the hospital. In order to reduce the stress that caregivers face after their loved one has been hospitalized, a hospital bag should be packed and kept at home in advance. Here are a few essential items to include:

1. The senior’s necessary medications – include a couple of day’s worth of medications in their original bottles with labels for the reference of the hospital

2. Comfortable hospital clothing – some hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own gowns and robes if it makes them more comfortable, so these are items that can be included

3. Footwear – any footwear provided by hospitals is often unsupportive and provides little warmth. Hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own socks and slippers, so these items should be included along with clean underwear

4. Personal hygiene items – though the hospital will provide personal hygiene essentials, seniors can feel more comfortable with their own items. Hospitals will allow them provided they are not heavily perfumed

5. Clothes to go home in – with all of the preparations for seniors to go home, caregivers can overlook the need for clothes to return home in. Having them in the bag will ensure they’re not forgotten