Senior Exercise and Its Benefits

The Benefits Of Exercise For Seniors
By Kenneth Snodin

Fact is as we grow older, we need to keep in shape more than the younger generation. With age the capabilities of the entire body system, muscles, organs, and mind, deteriorate and need more care than before. The changed lifestyle that you adopt in younger age comes in handy later in life. It then becomes simply a matter of shifting from the earlier exercises to a seniors exercise regime.

Many places, like YMCAs have separate sections for seniors exercise . They take special care by providing them with swimming pools, sauna baths, and hot tubs, which are more suitable for seniors than an exhausting workout. Seniors exercise coupled with some multivitamin tablets and sufficient water intake is more than enough for seniors. At their age, seniors cannot be expected to undergo the stress of a 15 miles’ treadmill run or a bench of 350. The idea of a personal trainer at that age is another option that should be considered if it is affordable. A personal trainer for seniors exercise will guide you through with his expertise.

When we are young we feel that all talk of a regulated diet, change in lifestyle is irrelevant. We ignore it at a great cost to us. The realization comes when, as seniors, we find it difficult to even do the simplest of exercise which appeared mundane earlier. Read the full story.

2009 Lifestyle Enhancements for Seniors

When making New Year’s Resolutions, seniors don’t need to make drastic changes; even small modifications to their lifestyle can improve their health and well-being for next year and all the years to come.

Overall Health

Giving up a vice is another common New Year’s resolution, but one that can be greatly beneficial if a senior’s addiction happens to have an impact on their health. Cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can decrease a senior’s overall quality of life; so those who put it behind them in 2009 will have a much better year!

When making their New Year’s resolutions this season, seniors should look to making 2009 into a better, healthier year. To go about this they should consider their exercise routine, nutritional habits and overall health.

Exercise

It is recommended that seniors over the age or 65 exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. They can choose moderately intense cardio activities to raise their heart rates to get the greatest benefit. They should also incorporate exercises that increase balance, flexibility and strength into their weekly routines. Seniors should not focus their efforts on weight loss, or set any specific goals other than simply improving their overall health.

Nutrition

In 2009, seniors should choose foods that offer them optimal levels of nutrition to strengthen their immune systems, prevent the onset of chronic illnesses and generally improve their health. To help prevent high blood pressure and water retention, seniors should minimize their intake of salt and sodium; monitor the amount of fat consumed to avoid high cholesterol; and cut back on sugars and dry foods. There are certain vitamins and minerals that seniors should begin incorporating into their diets, like vitamin D and calcium to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones; fiber to decrease constipation; and increase water intake to get at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Alzheimer’s Care in Portland

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. This progressive and terminal brain disorder has no known cause or cure. It slowly steals the minds of its victims, leading to memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, personality changes, disorientation and the inability to communicate.

Known Risk Factors

* Age: The single greatest risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is age. Approximately 5 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, and almost half of those 85 years and older are estimated to have Alzheimer’s.

* Genetics: The majority of Alzheimer’s cases are late-onset, usually developing after age 65, and this form of the disease shows no obvious inheritance pattern. However, in some families, clusters of cases are seen. A gene called Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) appears to be a risk factor for the late-onset form of Alzheimer’s. There are three forms of this gene: ApoE2, ApoE3 and ApoE4. Roughly one in four Americans has ApoE4 and one in twenty has ApoE2. While inheritance of ApoE4 increases the risk of developing the disease, ApoE2 substantially protects against it. Some current research is focused on the association between these two forms of ApoE and Alzheimer’s disease. Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) or early-onset Alzheimer’s is an inherited, rare form of the disease, affecting less than 10 percent of patients. Familial Alzheimer’s Disease develops before age 65, in people as young as 35. It is caused by one of three gene mutations on chromosomes 1, 14 and 21. More information visit http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/

Click on link below for Memory Games and Exercises

http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/resources/memorygames.html

Senior’s Computer Challenges

Q1 – Why should seniors use the computer?
A1 – Access to a computer and internet can allow seniors a new method to learn about senior resources, complete enjoyable activities, stay in touch with long-distance relatives and generally pass their time.

Q2 – If a senior’s looking to purchase a computer, is it better to buy a new or refurbished version?
A2 – As long as the features are available that a senior requires, it doesn’t really matter whether the computer is new or used. For ease of use, it can be better to purchase a more basic model, with fewer elaborate features that the senior will not require. Do keep in mind that problems could more likely occur with a used computer, which can complicate a senior’s usage since they may not have the problem-solving and technical skills needed to trouble shoot the issues.

Q3 – What’s the best way for a senior to learn how to use a computer?
A3 – Seniors can learn using online tutorials, taking community courses, studying related books or with the help of a knowledgeable family or friend. They should be taught using simple step-by-step instructions, that allow them to practice each necessary skills on its own.

Q4 – What specific challenges might seniors face when using a computer?
A4 – After learning the new skills, seniors might expect all actions to occur as per their step-by-step directions, not knowing that with technology, things don’t always happen this way. When something different happens, seniors may naturally assume that something is wrong with the computer and become concerned when they don’t now how to fix it. Seniors may also find challenges if they have issues with eyesight or dexterity, which are required to interpret what appears on the screen and to use the mouse.

Q5 – How can families support seniors in their computer endevours?
A5 – Families can be patient and supportive, answering senior’s questions in a manner that addresses their learning style, with respect.

Seniors and Pet Therapy

Animals have a number of proven benefits upon seniors, and this has lead to the implementation of a new alternative medicine practice known as pet therapy. Pet therapy refers to the physical, mental and emotional benefits that an animal has upon the senior through positive interactions. Pet therapy can come in a variety of forms, including:

Visitation Therapy – the most common form of pet therapy used on seniors, where a cat or dog is brought into a hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility. The seniors have the opportunity to pet and play with the animal and receives the benefits without the responsibility.

Ownership Therapy – A senior adopts a pet to live in their home and cares for the animal self-sufficiently, or sometimes with the help of a caregiver or family member.

Animal-Assisted Therapy – Chronically ill or disabled patients interact with gentle animals, like dolphins or horses to boost their confidence and refine their physical abilities.

Often pet therapy does involve cats or dogs, but there can be benefits in watching small animals or fish in a contained environment; however, the affection from a larger animal can lift a senior’s spirits more quickly. Animals used for pet therapy are carefully chosen so they are appropriate for the environment that they will be living or visiting. Often older dogs or cats are selected, because they are typically calmer, better trained, with less physical requirements and are more equally matched with senior humans.

Source: http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Pet_Therapy

Holiday Visits with Older Parents

Holiday visits are a good time to make sure your older parents and relatives are managing their lives and affairs. The winter is upon us, so it’s a good time that their home is well prepared for the cold winter months. I remember visiting my dad one holiday, walking into the house.. it was cold.. I was quite shocked. “Dad, why is it so cold in here?” HIs reply was equally shocking.. “I can’t get the heater on”. Immediately, we called the local plumber. In an hour we figured out that the pilot light was not on. So, thankfully, we were able to remedy that situation. This is a good point to bring up with your parents… start a healthy conversation about if they are able to cope with getting older.

Here are a few things to look for:

Pay attention to whether the older person has a change in a health condition

Has their memory changed?

Do they understand your questioning, and are they able to follow your converstation?

What about their living condition? Is their house clean and in order?

Check on their finances. Are they paying bills? Is their check book in order? 

Ask him/her if they are having trouble with household chores?

Ask if they are able to manage their medications?

Check in with their neighbors and nearby relatives. Ask them if they would keep an eye out for your mom or dad.

Make an emergency list for your aging parents – people they can call for possible safety hazards and home maintenance. 

The holiday time is a great opportunity for adult children and family to pay attention to an older adult’s physical, mental, environmental and financial situation. Keep in mind while doing this that it is equally important to them that you respect their need for privacy. Remember most seniors want to remain independent.

Portland Seniors Planned Vacations

Vacations for Seniors

People aged 50 and older make up the vast majority of world travelers. Seniors can travel to a specific destination when they rent a home each year, or keep their experiences fresh and new by visiting uncharted territory.

Many seniors enjoy international home exchange programs, which can involve being taken in by a host family to really get the feel of the local community, or staying in a home while the owners are absent. This structure is available in many international destinations, but is particularly common in countries where hosts may require additional sources of income.

Major tour operating groups provide fully guided tours for seniors for a package price. Typically included is transportation to and from the airport, airfare, accommodation that meets the specific needs of seniors, gratuities, meals, and tour entrance fees. What makes these travel tours different from those for people of all ages is that they may go at a slower pace and choose locations that are wheelchair accessible and easy to walk through.

For seniors with higher levels of healthcare needs, some nursing home and assisted living networks allow residents to transfer to vacation destinations for a period at little or no cost. Other vacation spots may have senior communities and residences that offer varying levels of care during a long or short term stay to the location.

Seniors looking to travel for a short term vacation or stay for the colder season at home should pick a vacation plan that will allow for optimal enjoyment and safety.

Sources: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/senior/senior_tours.shtml

Successful Aging and Finances

Portland Home Care - Guardian Angel Caregivers in Portland OR gives family members tips on helping yourself be a better family caregiver. If you need help caring for an elder or senior in your family, please call us at (503) 698-2020.

In the 21st Century retirement is considered a process or stage of transition, rather than an event of departure. According to a 2002 study by the National Council on the Aging, 42 percent of people 65 and older say they’re retired and working or not retired at all. Entrepreneur and executive Marvin Tolkin said, “Retirement is not about not working; it’s about re-directing your life into other useful work.”

When planning to transition to the next stage of life, seniors should consider:

Taking a second job to continue generating income. Ending one career can mean the beginning of a new one. It can also benefit your savings and investment accounts, enhance your outlook on life and help meet your financial goals of successful aging.

Starting or buying a business. A growing number of Americans who retire from a job wind up owning a business. According to the American Association of Retired People, two out of every five self-employed people are over the age of 50. Post-retirement entrepreneurs prove to be mentally alert, physically active and enthusiastic about their lives. Staying in the business world through self-employment gives them greater freedom to choose the amount and type of work they do. It also helps ensure their financial objectives for successful aging.

A common goal for many people is to keep the same standard of living after retirement, so they can continue enjoying the lifestyle they’ve worked so hard to achieve. This goal may seem daunting, but it is feasible with the right planning and commitment.

Power of Attorney

If for any reason, you become unhappy with the person you have appointed to make decisions for you under a durable power of attorney, you may revoke the power of attorney at any time. There are a few steps you should take to ensure the document is properly revoked.

While any new power of attorney should state that old powers of attorney are revoked, you should also put the revocation in writing. The revocation should include your name, a statement that you are of sound mind, and your wish to revoke the power of attorney. You should also specify the date the original power of attorney was executed and the person selected as your agent. Sign the document and send it to your current agent as well as any institutions or agencies that have a copy of the power of attorney. Attach your new power of attorney if you have one.

You will also need to get the old power of attorney back from your agent. If you can’t get it back, send the agent a certified letter, stating that the power of attorney has been revoked.

Because a durable power of attorney is the most important estate planning instrument available, if you revoke a power of attorney, it is important to have a new one in place. An elder law attorney can assist you in revoking an old power of attorney or drafting a new one. To find a qualified attorney near you, click here.

For more information on powers of attorney, click here.

Is Hospice Care the Right Decision?

Is hospice care the right decision?
Hospice care covers a broad range of services, including nursing care; social services; physician services; spiritual support and counseling; home health aides and homemaker services; trained volunteer support; physical, occupational and speech therapies; respite care; inpatient care; and bereavement support. You can learn more about hospice at www.hospicenet.org, www.cancer.org, www.optionsforeldercare.com, and www.nhpco.org.

If hospice care seems to be the right decision for you or your loved one, there are a number of ways to go about find the hospice that best suits your needs.

The first step is to talk with your physician and determine whether hospice care is appropriate for you or your loved one. Only a physician may order hospice care. If your physician approves it, then begin researching what is offered in your community. Your physician may suggest a hospice facility. State health departments certify hospices, and the yellow pages also list them. If you contact your hospital, senior center, Cancer Society or United Way, they should be able to provide more-detailed information.

If you are Internet-savvy, check out the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at www.nhpco.org. It provides a database of hospices in each state.