When elderly people live by themselves, the fear of falling down is always present. Although seniors want to walk freely from one room to another, they don’t want to wear digital monitors or consider the possibility of going to an assisted living community.

If you are concerned about home safety and interested in fall prevention, there are a few things that you can do. This could be something as simple as wearing the right kind of footwear.

Start the process by talking to your doctor. Your doctor can develop a fall prevention plan, but you must talk with him and ask plenty of questions. Your doctor will probably ask about your medications. This can include supplements, prescriptions, OTC items, and vitamins.

Thus, remember to take your actual medications or a list of medications to your doctor appointment. This step in the process is very important because many medicines have side effects that could lead to dangerous falls or accidents.

Your doctor may also ask if you’ve had accidents in the past. Don’t be afraid to tell him the details. This information helps him personalize your fall prevention plan. Provide info such as where you fell, what you were wearing at the time, and what you were doing fell. Also, don’t forget to include those times when you almost fell. These near accidents are important as well.

You may have health conditions such as ear or eye complications that could lead to potentially dangerous falls. It is important that your doctor knows about current or previous health conditions. Also, he might run tests to determine whether you have medical conditions that you may not know about.

Did you know exercising can actually hinder accidents in the home? How? It helps to make your shin bones stronger. As you get older, many times, the shin muscles aren’t used as often. This results in an activity where you shuffle your feet, and this leads to more accidental falls.

Your doctor may suggest that you exercise with Tai Chi. This involves moving in graceful dance movements. They are slow and gentle, but they help strengthen weak shins. He could also suggest that you walk around the block or take senior water aerobics classes.

The good thing is that initiating this gentle type of exercise can aid in fall prevention. But then again, exercise is good for you, even if it doesn’t cut down on your fall accidents. Exercise makes you healthier and more flexible in the long run.

If standing exercises are cause for concern, ask your doctor to suggest exercise programs that can be performed in a chair or in other monitored locations such as in a clinic or gym.

Footwear greatly impacts your feet as well as your body. High heels can negatively impact your body balance. The same thing can be said for flip-flops and floppy house shoes. These are all shoes that can make you fall down more.

But then again, shoes with slippery soles can also make you slip and slide all over the floor. This is why it is best to purchase non-skid or non-slip footwear.

A lot of seniors like to wear socks or go barefoot, but this too is a very risky move. This is especially the case if your home doesn’t have carpet. Purchase socks and shoes that are skid resistant.

There are different types of hazards in all homes. Think about the ones that are present in your home and try to get rid of them all. Become proactive about fall prevention and eliminate as many of these hazards as possible. For instance, electrical and phone cords are hazardous if they are in a location where you can walk through them. Simple things such as boxes and newspapers are also hazardous if they are left in places where you can trip over them and fall.

Move personal belongings to places in the home where you can walk around them instead of through them. For instance, coffee tables, plant stands, and magazine racks can be positioned where you won’t have to encounter them every time you walk from room to room. Put them as close to the sofa as possible.

Save space and cut down on accidents by putting little items such as magazines and books under the coffee table. Also, consider getting rid of rugs or tacking them down so that you don’t stumble over them.

The goal is to increase fall prevention by securing loose items within your home. This includes things such as floor coverings, floorboards, and even carpeting. The goal is to either secure it or get rid of it.

Consider using nonslip bath mats or purchasing those that actually stick to the bathtub bottom. Also, think about your bathing situation. Get a shower chair or remodel your bathroom so that it includes a walk-in tub.

Improving the lighting in your home can also cut down on accidents. Always turn on the light when you walk into a new room. Yes, you may know every nook and cranny in your home, but it is best to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you can see everything before walking into a room.

If you don’t like bright lights because of your eyes, then consider getting night lights in the hallways or putting lamps in various places throughout the house. You could also put dimmer switches on different lights.

If your neighborhood loses power quite frequently, then put flashlights all through the home so that you can get to one very quickly. Purchase flashlights that plug into the wall socket. These work wonderfully as night lights. But the main thing is that they are always charged for when you really need them.

Sometimes senior care involves being able to step into their shoes before you can properly care for them. View the world as to how they see it. When you think about it, caring for an elderly loved one is just like caring for a child. You have to go through the home and make sure that everything is safe for them.

The difference is that seniors want to live in their own homes instead of in an assisted living community. This means that you must account for each person’s needs and how their home can accommodate those needs. Is there enough physical space and is it properly secured? Consider your loved one’s medical challenges when securing their home. Does he or she have decreased mobility, diminishing eyesight or hearing? This means taking special precautions to ensure that each room is free of hazards.

Lighting

-Each room must have adequate lighting. Put as many light switches in the home as possible.
-Put light switches as close to doors as possible. Your loved one should be able to turn on the light before walking into the room.
-Put bright lights in dark places such as foyers, hallways, stairs, and corners.
-Put night lights in locations such as hallways, foyers, stairs, bathrooms and even bedrooms. Place flashlights in frequented spots such as their favorite chair. Purchase table lamps that are easy to turn off and on and place them in various places throughout the home.

Flooring

-Ensure all flooring has a good grip. Slippery floors should be covered with rubber flooring. If you cannot afford new flooring, use non-skid wax on slippery flooring.
-Remove rugs because seniors can slip and fall on them.

Stairs

-Make sure all stairways have dual railings.
-Make sure the home has ramps instead of steps. Put them above the door sill or remove them so that wheelchair access is available.
-Make sure handrails are installed on each side of a hallway or staircase.

Bathroom

-Put grab bars in the bathroom in places such as in the shower or near the toilet. Also, install bath mats that stick to the bathtub. Bath rugs should be anti-slip.
-Add bath stools and chairs.
-Make it easy for your loved one to reach everything with ease.
-Ensure that the tube is skid-proof.
-Ensure the faucets are properly marked with both hot and cold taps.
-Ensure door locks are easy to lock and unlock from both the inside and outside of the door.

Kitchen

-Make sure the kitchen has numerous choices of foods that are easy to open, heat and reheat.
-Make sure food is rotated so that it does not spoil. Watch the expiration dates.
-Ensure utensils are safe and within easy reach.
-Put sharp items such as knives out of reach. Also, when they are not used, make sure that they are stored in racks.
-Put heavier kitchen items at waist level.
-Replace heavy dishes and glassware with unbreakable items.
-Separate hazardous items from food items.

Medication

-Inspect all medication. Make sure all required medication is on hand.
-Take your loved one to his or her scheduled doctor appointments.
-Make sure all medication is clearly labeled.
-Get rid of expired medication.
-Ensure all medication is dispensed or bubble packed.

Alarms

-Ensure all alarm systems such as smoke detectors work. Replace batteries when necessary.
-Make sure the home has an accessible fire extinguisher.
-Ensure there is a buddy system or medical alert system set in place.

Miscellaneous

-Attach rubber tips to all walking support items. This helps with fall prevention and cuts down on skid and slip accidents.
-Remove all clutter from the home. Try to eliminate low furniture such as footstools and coffee tables. These items increase the possibility trip and fall accidents.
-Remove low furniture from all hallways or other high trafficked areas. Also, get rid of loose cables and cords that could be hazardous in these areas.

Conclusion

The goal is to allow your loved one to live freely within his own home. This means ensuring home safety and monitoring activities from a safe distance. Consider hiring a home care aide to help you with this responsibility. Not only will this help your loved one keep his independence, but it will also provide emotional and moral support. This could include anything from helping them with simple spills to rising out of their chair. Help loved ones enjoy life comfortable and safely on their own terms, within their own home.

Senior citizens living in Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida get to enjoy beautiful palm trees, great weather, mild winters and a number of other popular amenities the state has to offer. These locations have some of the best activities for seniors and as such, more than 300,000 seniors make Florida their home year-round.

For active seniors who enjoy socializing and making new friends from in and around their community, there are a number of organizations that provide activities, support groups, and classes in which they can participate. These include:

The Aging and Disability Resource Center

These resource centers coordinate events that are particularly planned for seniors. Additionally, for any senior who needs assistance, the resource centers offer case management for both the individual and his or her and family members. This is a wonderful organization in which to become involved.

Among other things, Club 55, which is exclusively for seniors, uses local city parks to host a number of activities. This provides a remarkable opportunity for seniors to simultaneously socialize and delight in the great outdoors. For those who are new to the community, this is a wonderful way to meet people and forge new connections.

Parkland Events

Parkland, Florida is a lively city that offers trips and other senior activities. The city is known for having winery tours and culinary school trips. If you have a passion for learning, Parkland offers classes, including ones that can assist seniors in learning the latest technological devices.

Senior Centers

There are a number of community centers that offer a range of activities in which seniors can participate. Included among the amenities at these centers are weight rooms, paddleball courts, tennis courts, a walking track and a fishing dock. These activities provide remarkable ways for seniors to have fun while staying active. For seniors who have grandchildren or other young relatives in their lives, playgrounds are also available at the majority of the sites.

Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center

Sunrise, Florida is home to the Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center, which has more than 1000 involved seniors in its community. There are musical and fellowship events, counseling sessions, health screening and a variety of educational classes. Case management is also available if needed. For those who are affiliated with the Jewish religion, there is the option of celebrating Shabbat. This includes a weekly traditional Shabbat meal on Fridays. It should be noted that seniors of all religious affiliations are welcome to attend any of the events held by the center.

Fun on the Water

You can ride the water taxi in Fort Lauderdale and enjoy amazing tours of the city. There are a few different routes; therefore, seniors will be able to enjoy the experience more than once. Boat shows and night rides take place throughout the year, providing breath-taking views. If you have an interest in hosting a memorable event, you have the option of chartering a boat.

Museums

Broward County and Palm Beach County have a number of museums. Many of these institutions host recreational and educational events and provide discounts for seniors. For those who are fans of the sport of swimming, the International Swimming Hall of Fame would be a wonderful place to visit. Furthermore, the Fishing Hall of Fame located in close proximity.

There are museums that focus on history, sciences, the arts and there is even one for antique cars. For example, Fort Lauderdale has a museum that is a car enthusiast’s dream. The exhibits include motorcars and memorabilia. You will be able to appreciate the story and elegance behind each model. A gallery dedicated to Franklin Roosevelt is also there.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale offers classes and hosts tours and festivals. In Clewiston, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Big Cypress has very affordable admission prices and Seminole history and culture is also highlighted in this museum. Additionally, there is a raised mile-long boardwalk that showcases lots of floral life.

Art Walks

Broward County hosts an art walk every month. On some of the walks, participants are provided with the opportunity to relish fine wines upon completing the journey. The county hosts more than 25 art festivals each year and for lovers of the theatrical arts, there are a number of stage and theater performances to enjoy. Best of all, many of these shows allow access to seniors at a discounted rate.

Historical Tours

Registered historical locations and historical societies can be found all throughout Broward County. A number of tours are offered at historical homes that are bursting with information and interesting tales to tell. Many of these venues provide seniors with discounts.

Food Tours

Food tours provide an entertaining and delicious way of learning about a particular community. West Palm Beach engages with 7 of the best locally-owned, restaurants that are located off the beaten path and individuals can enjoy 13 tastings during a tour. Participants will get the opportunity to participate in activities like meeting chefs, learning how to open a coconut and trying a dish that has been featured on renowned television shows. In addition, they will be able to learn about the fascinating history of the location. There is also an option for private tours and cooking lessons.

There is also the Taste History Culinary Tour. This enjoyable culinary and cultural journey lasts between 3 and 4 hours and combines roughly 4 to 6 blocks of walking and bus riding. During the tour, between 3 and 4 eateries and bakeries are visited for food tastings. In addition, the tour includes trips to art and craft shops or historic buildings.

Food Trucks

In Broward, there are a number of food truck events and the locations include Pompano Beach, Plantation and Davie. Some of these events provide music and other forms of entertainment at the locations. Typically, food truck events are free to attend and participants purchase their preferred food from various vendors. Dates are switched occasionally and events are sometimes discontinued; as such, checking online information or making telephone contact is advisable to ensure a specific event is being held on the day or night you intend to go.

Butterfly World

Visiting Butterfly World is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and pleasurable experiences seniors in Broward County and its surroundings can have. Visitors will be able to see thousands of beautiful butterflies that live in the tropical gardens. There are also a lot of colorful fish and fascinating hummingbirds.

The Grassy Waters Preserve

This 23-square mile wetlands ecosystem is home to a host of native wildlife. Seniors who are nature enthusiasts enjoy this protected area and this is largely because of the many trails that are accessible by the public, for free, seven days a week. There are also guided hiking and canoe programs. Among other wildlife, you will be able to see otter, white-tailed deer, bobcat, and alligator.

The Beach

The abundance of spectacular beaches is one of the hallmarks of Florida. Apart from the wonderful waves and miles upon miles of shimmering sand, there are shops and boardwalks just waiting to be explored. The weather, scenery and all of the events and activities in which seniors can participate make Broward County and Palm Beach County great places for seniors to reside or visit. There is no end to the things that can be seen and done or the opportunities to interact and form connections with others in the community.

Blue Jeans Blues

Located in Fort Lauderdale, this spot delivers great music and its servers are quite friendly. There is typically a mixed crowd with great energy. This is largely because the music is eclectic enough to satisfy the taste of seniors and the young folk alike. Seniors, who enjoy jazz and blues and like to rub shoulders with a younger crowd from time to time, could find Blue Jeans Blues quite enjoyable. This music-filled atmosphere is the ideal place to enjoy drinks and appetizers.

Flamingo Gardens

Among its many attractions, the Flamingo Gardens has an Arboretum that features hundreds of exotic and native trees. These majestic plants are accented with a stream, ponds, a waterfall and lush under-story plantings. This senior-friendly location has the distinction of being home to the biggest assortment of towering Florida Champion Trees; a total of 20 of these trees exist. The Florida Forestry Service has certified them as being the biggest of their species. It is home to a non-native Cluster Fig, which is the biggest tree in the register of the Florida Champion Tree. It is 102 feet high, its circumference is 54 feet, 1 inch and it has an impressive crown span of 95 feet.

Lake Worth Dance Classes

Lake Worth offers dance classes for those who have rhythm in their soul just waiting for the perfect opportunity to release it. Classes are offered in a variety of styles for individuals who like to dance socially. The atmosphere is relaxed and no performance element is included unless you are a natural showstopper who enjoys stealing the show and maximizing your enjoyment.

There are classes focused on Latin dancing in one dance studio, while other studios teach line dancing and ballroom. There is no age limit but many seniors find it appealing to learn the actual steps behind genres of dance they have intuitively participated in for many years. You can come alone as many others do or you can take along a friend; who knows, maybe you could even meet that special someone at one of these classes.

Walk With Ease Program

It is the perfect season to ‘spring into good health’ and the Walk With Ease Program is a great place to start. Initially held in 2012, in Broward County Parks, this event is a joint effort between the Health Foundation of South Florida and the Parks and Recreation Division. The program is designed to encourage adults 55 years and older to walk for their health as it takes the first step to start the journey of improving overall health.

Wine Tasting

Designed to emphasize the culture and knowledge of wine, this type of event involves getting together with a classy group of individuals at a swanky private or commercial location. The events encourage connoisseurs to participate in tasting varietals from across the country, including Florida. Wines from vineyards in states like California, Washington, and New York are typically a part of the offerings. There is also the opportunity to explore red and white wines from all over the world. Additionally, there are fortified varieties to be sampled as well as the foods with which they are nicely paired.

There is also the opportunity to learn the history of wine and the continuing love affair between wine and cheese. You will be able to discover innovations in the wine-making industry and learn the process chefs use to pair new recipes with favorites like Riesling and Pinot Noir. Members of some wine tasting groups meet up at regularly and the meeting place could be a high-end wine bar or the home of one of the members. Whatever the location, it is always tasteful. There are also wine tasting groups that are not exclusive to seniors but readily welcome them. If you join a tour and prefer to form a splinter group with your peers, you could have that option as other seniors may very well feel the same way.

Tai Chi Groups

In Delray Bora, the movements of Tai Chi are demonstrated and taught by a senior instructor. This is one of many groups in the area that focus on Tai Chi, Qigong, and other Eastern exercises. Better breathing and balance are promoted by these practices and they also foster non-medical pain management support and stress relief. Individuals who partake in the offerings of these groups appreciate the focused and slow movements, which are similar to yoga as they flow together nicely and rhythmically.

A number of seniors who participate in these art forms find them to be helpful. This is especially true for those who are afflicted with chronic pain and wish to reduce or eliminate their dependence on painkillers. Memorizing the movements will promote brain agility and overall health. In addition, the positive atmosphere in which these activities take place is remarkable and full of hope. Tai Chi is not merely another form of exercise, it is legitimate art; it is beautiful to watch participants move in time to the leading of an instructor.

Yoga for Seniors

Yoga is among the gentlest and most beneficial activities in which seniors can become involved. The Highland Beach group has weekly sessions and fitness level is not a factor for those who want to join. You will notice improvement in your agility as time goes by and there is no need to push yourself to a point where a stretch becomes painful.

There is a certified instructor to show you how to properly execute gentle yoga poses for beginners, encourage you throughout the session and assist you in getting in and out of the poses if required. You will also be reminded of the importance of not stretching further than you naturally can. Yoga is healing and no one should become injured while carrying out the poses. Taking part in activities like Yoga stimulates blood flow; thereby promoting a sense of joy.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

This is a prime location for nature-loving seniors. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a remarkable example for environmental conservation, education, and research. The center has 20 acres of property and it is located on the protected barrier island. Gumbo Limbo provides refuge for many different species of animals and plants; some of which are endangered or rare. In addition, the employees, volunteers and various organizations that make up the center are committed to protecting the natural resources of the area.

The public programs include educational sessions for children and adults of all ages. They are taught by qualified and knowledgeable biologists, naturalists and educators. The majority of these programs are free or reasonably priced and they feature small group sizes to maximize interaction and learning.

Morikami Japanese Gardens

This picturesque paradise is located just west of Delray Beach and it offers several acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and well-maintained shrubs, trees, ponds, statuary and bridges. It is designed to be a calm and peaceful space and seniors in search of relaxation and tranquility can visit and bask in the awesomeness of the gardens. The site includes a museum, visitors center, gift shop and restaurant, which are all designed to support the Japanese culture and heritage.

Time may not permit you to enjoy all of these activities with the senior in your life. If that is the case, having an aide or companion from Boca Home Care Services can greatly assist in enhancing the experiences. Our courteous and experienced staff will ensure that your loved one will be well taken care of, while he or she enjoys the various events and activities. An aide will also be able to assist with duties like cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, and transportation.

There are a number of lifestyle changes associated with aging. For example, there are seniors who have retired from life-long careers, developed health conditions that impact them on a daily basis and those who have lost members of their social circle. As such, these individuals can easily become depressed, isolated and inactive.

However, while seniors are unable to do some of the things they did when their bodies were younger and stronger, they have gained a lot of wisdom and knowledge along the way. These important attributes can be used to engage in volunteer activities as these important members of the society continue to make useful contributions to others.

Senior citizens make up an essential part of the volunteer community. There are millions of seniors who donate their time every day to assist in making a difference in the lives of others. Research has revealed that volunteering has remarkable benefits as individuals get older.

Ways in Which a Senior Citizen Can Give Back

Start Small

A remarkable way of making an impact through small actions, which can be done from the comfort of home, is “micro-volunteering.” There are a number of service projects that seniors can do on their own time with skills they already have. Micro-volunteering could involve activities that range from re-tweeting a message or signing a petition to counting birds in the garden or participating in a flash mob.

Best of all, it is not required for volunteers to go through an application or training procedure, ongoing commitment is not required and the tasks take mere minutes to complete. Micro-volunteering mainly takes place online; however, it is not exclusively Internet-based. Visiting a lonely neighbor or removing weeds from a garden at a local community center also counts.

Below are some other ways in which senior citizens can give back, remain useful and contribute to society:

Experience and Wisdom

Wisdom typically comes with age and experience and as such, the younger generation can benefit from the wisdom and experience seniors have to impart. This could help the youngster not to act on impulse without thinking things through or rush foolishly into situations which they would be much better off avoiding.

The advice and guidance from seniors could be quite valuable and save the younger generations a lot of time and trouble. It is true that youngsters typically need to make their own mistakes; however, heeding the advice of seniors could assist in putting their problems into perspective or preventing the most destructive errors.

In addition, seniors have a tremendous storehouse of history and knowledge; the proper use of which can help institutions and society in general to avoid the hassle of reinventing the wheel, so to speak. This type of priceless information is needed to keep society grounded in its history and traditional values. In addition, they can be positive role models for children who have had little or no intimate contact with seniors and may regard aging as depressing and negative.

As it relates to the family unit, active, healthy and available grandparents are usually available for babysitting and otherwise engaging with their grandchildren. This frees the parents to do activities like travel for work, go on romantic getaways or take care of certain responsibilities typically associated with the hectic pace that seems to be the norm of everyday life. This helps to forge strong bonds between these generations, which can tremendously enrich the lives of both the children and the seniors.

Grandparents can be amazing storytellers, artfully weaving interesting tales about the many fascinating experiences throughout their lives. This type of familial interaction is a great opportunity for a number of seniors and their families. It is also a much better alternative to being segregated from the younger generations and being relegated to “retirement” communities or nursing homes.

Another way in which seniors can spend time with kids is by becoming volunteers at organizations like the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program or the Foster Grandparents Program by the Service Corps. In addition, seniors can reach out to local children’s hospitals to determine how best they can provide support for these young patients and their families.

Help Out Fellow Seniors

Becoming a Senior Companion is ideal for individuals looking to connect with people in their own age group. This will assist you in helping others to be happier and maintain some semblance of independence as they get older and deal with their limitations. A number of residents of assisted living facilities would enjoy seeing a friendly face. As such, you should think about visiting one of these institutions and seeing how you can brighten the day of a few of the residents.

Join a Local Volunteer Organization

Signing up with a local organization as a volunteer will provide diverse and flexible opportunities for seniors to contribute to the betterment of their communities. It could also alleviate many of the concerns seniors have, especially the ones who are new to volunteerism. Furthermore, by having something to which they can meaningfully contribute, seniors could feel more useful, productive and experience a boost in their self-esteem.

Volunteer Through Religious Organizations

If you belong to a religious group, there is usually the option of getting involved at that place of worship. The majority of these organizations depend on volunteers to assist in their offices by undertaking such tasks as doing community outreach or planning social events.

Benefits of Seniors Engaging in Volunteerism

In comparison to other members of their age group, older volunteers have been found to have lower depression and mortality rates, higher levels of well-being and fewer physical limitations. In addition, it has be found by the National Institute on Aging that taking part in productive and meaningful activities like volunteering can improve longevity and reduce the risk of health problems like dementia in seniors. More details of these and other benefits are highlighted below:

• Social

Additionally, social interaction is vital for the well-being of seniors. As social beings, humans need to have meaningful engagement and be socially active on a consistent basis. However, the means of socialization typically dwindle significantly or get lost post-retirement as the opportunities to meet new people declines.

Additionally, a study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences has shown that seniors who are socially isolated are much more likely to experience depression and chronic stress. They could also develop health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. By becoming volunteers, seniors can help others, while helping themselves to valuable social interactions. They can develop new friendships and have discussions with members of the community the organization is serving and other volunteers.

• Physical

Volunteering can keep seniors more active as well. Some categories of volunteering could inherently incorporate a degree of exercise. These may include assisting with carrying donated goods at a food bank or working outside to beautify parks. Even a desk job can contribute to keeping a senior more active by encouraging him or her to get out of the house more frequently.

• Mental

By becoming volunteers, seniors are provided with opportunities to engage in purposeful and stimulating activities; this can contribute to enhancing their mental health. Studies have revealed that social isolation is among the foremost causes of depression in senior citizens. Loneliness can be easily transformed into feelings of despair and worthlessness. The interactions and conversations afforded by volunteering play an extremely essential role in controlling negative thoughts, which ultimately ensures mental well-being.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function

As individuals age, socialization is a major aspect of keeping the brain sharp. Actively participating in volunteerism encourages seniors to continue observing, learning and responding to the world around. These types of activities and engaging in fulfilling conversations are remarkable for keeping the mind fit. In addition, they could potentially lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Volunteering on a regular basis can also provide seniors with a sense of purpose. This is especially true for those who no longer work full time and are not feeling as useful as they previously did.

• Providing a Sense of Belonging

Enjoying the company of those with similar interests or personalities helps human beings to feel as if we belong somewhere. It is not uncommon for seniors to feel like they do not belong in this fast-paced world. A number of seniors feel as if they are unable to effectively cope with the ever-changing technologies. In cases like these, the need to feel connected or belong is even more intense. Socializing with others provide opportunities to cultivate new friendships and do some meaningful things that will help to create lasting bonds, while simultaneously reinforcing a sense of belonging.

While the majority of individuals, regardless of age, could experience the social, physical and mental benefits of volunteerism. However, studies have revealed that older adults gain the most from these types of activities. It has been discovered that volunteering did not begin to make noticeable mental health improvements for individuals until they reached middle age and the most profound impact was made on older age groups.

As human beings, it is in our nature to want to live as long as we possibly can. However, with old age comes a wide array of physical and mental disorders. To quell such disorders, many seniors are often subjected to unpleasant and at times costly medications and therapies. But what if there was a simpler solution? Could the answer lie with the pets and animals we keep in our homes? The better we understand human-animal interactions the more we can apply them to enhance the quality of people’s lives. This piece explores the ways in which animals affect human health and the role they play in the well-being of the elderly.

Indeed animals play a vital role in people’s well-being. During the past decade, there has been growing evidence that pet and animal ownership can bring a multitude of positive physiological and mental effects on humans. Some of the documented effects of human-animal interactions include the improvement in social interactions, interpersonal interactions, mood enhancement as well as a reduction in stress-related conditions such as hypertension, abnormal blood pressure, and anxiety. Apart from these therapeutic roles, animals are also kept for companionship which can certainly affect the quality of an individual’s life.

The impact of pets and animal ownership on human health

All around the world people keep a multitude of companion animals the most common being dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, hamsters, snakes, aquarium fish as wells a poultry and exotic birds. A study by J.B. Mendes in 2002 entailed taking measurements of changes in blood pressure and heart rate among stressed participants who owned a cat or dog versus those who did not. Participants who owned a cat or dog posted lower resting heart rates and blood pressure at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Participants who owned these pets were also less likely to experience spikes in blood pressure and heart rates while under stress. The possibility of making errors was also higher among non-pet owning participants compared to those who had pets present during the exercise.

These findings point to the fact that having a cat or dog as companion lowers the risk of heart disease and improves performance by lowering stress. In fact, numerous research studies have shown that the action of stroking your animal companion can result in a transient decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

Among the elderly, pet ownership can play a significant role in helping seniors be more active and lively. Multiple studies have shown that elderly individuals who kept pets fare better when it comes to performing physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, feeding, grooming and bathing oneself compared to those who did not keep animal companions.

Another study found that animal companionship to high survival rates among patients with coronary disease. For people who had previously suffered from a stroke, the mortality rate was higher among people who did not keep pets than those who did. There’s also evidence supporting the belief that pets and other animal companions do help patients recover faster from surgery and illness. Results from a similar study also show that animal guardians were less likely to visit their doctor than people who did not keep pets.

Impact of animals on cognition and mental health

During the 18th century, an experiment carried out in an asylum for people with severe mental disorders. For the experiment, the asylum was stocked with rabbits, poultry, and hawks with the hope of encouraging self-control and responsibility. The experiment found that patients benefited greatly from having animals around them.

Among the elderly, the mental and emotional benefits are more pronounced than the physical benefits. As people grow old, life can be incredibly lonely and barren especially when you live away from your children. It gets worse for senior citizens who have recently lost a spouse or a loved one. for young people, loneliness is not a big deal because they have the time and energy to move around and build a social life. For older adults, loneliness is much harder to handle. Luckily, pets and companion animals are more than capable of offsetting boredom and isolation.

Studies have shown that recently widowed women who own pets fared much better physically and psychologically than their counterparts who did not have animal companions. Research shows that pet ownership can erode the emotional trauma that arises from stressful life events such as divorce and loss of a spouse or loved one. Seniors with pets are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, the most notable side effects of loneliness.

Indeed, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is becoming more popular in hospitals, nursing homes for the elderly and a multitude of other healthcare centers. The goal of such schemes is to improve the cognitive and psychological functioning of patients suffering from mental difficulties and emotional dysfunction. AAT programs have been particularly effective in reducing agitation and aggression among older adults suffering from dementia. Such programs entail organizing frequent visits from assistance dogs for a few months then studying the behavioral changes in patients.

Improved social interactions

It is safe to say that people who walk or jog with their animals are more likely to strike conversations with complete strangers compared to people who walk alone. The role of companion animals as social lubricants is more apparent among disabled persons. Indeed the presence of a pet significantly increases the number of approaches and acknowledgments from both friends and strangers for persons in wheelchairs.

People are more likely to mingle or engage in verbal interaction in the presence of pets such as dogs or cats. In another study elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease showed better social contact and improved social relationships in the presence of a dog compared to another control group with no pets involved. Children with autism also benefit from greater use of language and enhanced social motivation when in the presence of animal companions.

However, the success of companion animals as social catalysts largely depends on the choice of animal you choose as your companion. It is advisable to choose animals that have a reputation for good temperament. For example with dogs, breeds such as Rottweilers are likely to elicit negative attention from members of the public.

Factors to consider when choosing an animal companion for elderly persons

One of the first things you ought to consider when choosing the right companion for an elderly friend or relative is the mobility of the individual in question. For seniors who have no physical limitations, you are better off getting them a proactive animal such as a dog, horse or bird. These animals could just be the friend they need to keep them mobile and active. On the other hand, seniors who are physically challenged are better suited to cats that can curl up and keep them company on the bed or couch. Cats are often better choices than dogs because they require less care. Paper-trained dogs are also ideal because they are easy to look after.

The age of the animal is another important factor you need to consider. For seniors who are slowing down, an adult dog or cat would be the best choice. Puppies and kittens, though ideal for young children, may not be suitable for the elderly due to the amount of tender care they demand. However, the animals chosen should not be too old since they may start to exhibit physical limitations and sickness.

It is also very important to consider the state of health of the animal in question. Some pets do carry diseases and a sick animal can heighten the risk of asthma, allergies and other health complications among seniors. It is advisable to have pets examined by a veterinary doctor before introducing them in your home.

The bottom line

Measuring the positive impact of pets and other animal companions on the lives of people can be a challenging task. However, the degree of benefits is strongly influenced by the type of animal companion as well as the amount of time spent with the animal. The research findings thus far have been encouraging and more studies will be conducted to fully understand human-animal interactions. It is not possible to ignore the value that animals bring into people’s lives. A pet will definitely improve the general well-being of a person facing isolation and loneliness. There is also growing evidence that presence of pets and animals in educational settings boosts concentration, motivation, and relaxation which in turn improves learning and performance.

The full range of positive effects associated with having pets around include improved learning, enhanced empathy, reduction in anxiety, reduced aggression, improved pain management during therapy, enhanced social and interpersonal interactions, mood enhancement, the reduction of stress-related complications such as high blood pressure/heart rate, improved mental health as well as physical well-being. Having a companion animal is beneficial regardless of the stage of life of the owner. Animals have so much to offer in our lives, it is about time we embraced pets, especially rescue animals, in our homes.

There are many benefits to living in Florida, especially during the senior years. While everyday weather conditions can make senior life a healthy, enjoyable experience, hurricane season can present special problems and concerns. Fortunately, there are steps seniors can take to stay safe during major storms.

You Can Learn From The Past

Florida has been affected by 79 cyclones during the 21st century. Subtropical Storm Alberto was the most recent storm, occurring in May, 2018. Its effects to Florida included 45 mph winds.

Hurricane Irma, occurring in 2017, resulted in a state of emergency being declared by Governor Rick Scott. State offices and schools were closed, and hundreds of shelters were opened throughout the state. Approximately 6.5 million people evacuated, and thousands of National Guard troops were placed on duty. With 112 mph winds and significant flooding, much of the state was without electricity. There were at least 84 deaths in Florida from Hurricane Irma.

While hurricane season officially lasts from June 1st to November 30th, this is not a guarantee that major storms cannot occur at other times of the year. Every senior, their families, and their caregivers can take sensible precautions for safety, even during the off-season months.

Prepare For Evacuation

At its worst, you may need to leave your home for the sake of your safety and your life. When a storm is approaching, always stay tuned to your local news and weather reports. A battery-operated radio is ideal because a sudden power outage can affect your television and computers. Find your home address on both the FEMA flood map and your county’s evacuation zone.

Have a plan for what to do if your home address is within these zones. Do not wait for a storm before making solid plans to evacuate. It is better if you do not try to evacuate alone. If you do not have a trustworthy relative or neighbor nearby, make preparations well in advance by contacting either the Florida Special Needs Registry or Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs. You can receive emergency assistance if your name is on one of these lists.

Protect Your Home

Personal safety is not the only issue related to hurricanes and other storms. You also want to protect your home. Even if you must leave home until the danger is over, you want a home to return to after the storm.

You can protect your home and your valuable possessions with flood insurance. It is an important investment for the senior citizen who lives in Florida. Insurance can help you rebuild your home after it has been damaged.

Preparation For Emergency Situations

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

While you should always cooperate with the authorities if you are advised to evacuate, you may not be required to leave your home during every storm. Emergency supplies can help an elderly person stay safe in his own home if he does not need to leave. Advance preparation is the key to safety.

There are steps you can take to keep your home safe. One example is to consider the likelihood of a power outage. Even during a minor storm, you may be without power for an extended period of time. One of the most useful investments you can make is a portable home generator. With a generator, perishable food will stay fresh in your refrigerator or freezer, and it is the safest way to have light in your home during a power outage. You will not need to rely on flashlights, candles, or kerosene lamps during the nighttime. A generator can help you avoid accidents.

A second example is to secure objects throughout your home. High winds can cause damage, but you can also be injured if objects fall on you. Consider freestanding cabinets and bookcases, and objects that hang from the wall or ceiling. All of these objects should be tightly secured so they do not jar loose and fall when high winds hit your home.

What Do You Need During Hurricane Season?

When you think of preparation, there is a wide variety of supplies you should have in your home for your health, safety, and comfort. They should be stored in containers that cannot be damaged, in an area that is easy to access. Choose a dry, cool place to store your supplies. You can also consider an extra set of some supplies for your car, in case you need to leave home quickly.

Store important documents in a waterproof container. Some examples include your birth certificate, social security card, healthcare directives, insurance policies, and phone numbers for your doctors and family members.

You can buy a ready-made first aid kit, but there are other health supplies that you may need. It is recommended a senior citizen have a two-week supply of prescription medications, as well as medical supplies and over the counter products. Examples include anti-diarrhea medication and aspirin. If you are unsure of how to obtain extra prescription medications, talk to your personal physician.

If you can stay in your home during storms, you will need plenty of fresh water and non-perishable food. More than one gallon of water each day is recommended. Make sure the water is in unbreakable containers. As you may not be able to use your stove or microwave, choose foods that require little to no preparation. The foods should have a long shelf-life, and the containers should resist damage. As an example, you can find many tasty, nutritious products in the form of MRE. Meals Ready to Eat include snacks and beverages, too.

Cleanliness is important for health and comfort. In addition to extra water for cleaning and personal grooming, pack a supply of moist towelettes. Have garbage bags that tie so you have a sanitary way to dispose of trash and litter.

Sleeping bags or extra blankets can be kept in your home and car. Plastic utensils and paper plates and cups are easier to manage than your usual household items in emergency situations. You should also have a supply of matches, a working fire extinguisher, flashlights and fresh batteries, a manual can opener, extra cash, and a duffel bag with at least one full set of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.

If you have a pet, prepare for his needs, too. Depending on the type of pet you have, this may include extra water, pet food, and various other supplies.

If you are secure in your home during storms, do not attempt to venture outdoors. As you do not want to encounter wind or a flood outdoors, consider entertainment supplies when you are making preparations. Books, magazines, paper, pencils, and booklets of puzzles are some ideas for staying busy when you are home alone during a storm.

Connections For Safety And Peace Of Mind

Elderly persons who live alone can be especially vulnerable during storms and other emergency situations. Do not wait until a storm is on its way to create a support network. Your cell phone is one of the most important devices during storms, but it is only useful if people can be contacted.

Choose people you know you can count on for your support network. Friends, neighbors, family members and your doctor are some examples. Avoid limiting your contacts to one or two names, as you cannot know in advance who will be available. Discuss emergency preparations with each person in your support network. While some may be able to offer assistance or advice, others can provide emotional support. When you are home alone during a storm, a caring voice can mean peace of mind. It can make all the difference in the world to know someone is there, even if you only chat for a while.

Plan To Use Common Sense

If you are like most seniors who live in their own homes, your home is the place where you feel safe and comfortable. Even during an emergency, you do not necessarily want to leave. As safety is the most important factor, though, plan to cooperate with the authorities.

Make a commitment to do what you are advised to do, even if it means evacuation. During a severe storm, you will be much safer in a shelter, or in a different location altogether. As you should be tuned in to the news and weather reports, follow advice for evacuation.

This part of the plan should include knowing where to go if you are advised to leave your home. Check a map so you know the location of the shelter. If you are advised to leave the area entirely, be familiar with the roads leading out of your city and choose an appropriate transportation method. You do not want to become trapped if the roads have become unsafe.

Storms Can Occur At Any Time

You are not necessarily safe simply because it is not peak season for hurricanes. Storms with high winds and flooding can disrupt your life. This is why you should always be prepared.

Even if no emergencies occur, check periodically to make sure you have supplies. Make sure food, medicine, and other products that have expiration dates are fresh, and replace all products that have expired. Make sure all of your emergency supplies are in an easily-accessible area of your home, and that your supplies are all fresh, clean, and stored away from sources of moisture. Everything you need will be ready before the next storm arrives.

Life For A Senior Citizen In Florida

Boca Raton is one of the nicest places you can live when you are in your golden years. Whether you are a young senior or elderly, Palm Beach County has much to offer. You can thoroughly enjoy your senior years with nearly limitless activities, beautiful weather, and good friends.

Hurricane season is one of the few drawbacks of living in this exciting part of the state. However, you do not need to choose between worrying about storms every day and moving to a less ideal location. With sensible preparations, life in Florida can work for you.

You have many people in your life who are willing and able to help. You do not need to take on all the decisions and the process of preparation alone. You can ask for assistance or advice from your loved ones, your doctor, and your home health aide. All of these people care about you, and will be glad to lend a hand.

You can get through hurricane season with the least amount of worry, and the least amount of difficulty. If a severe storm does hit Boca Raton, you will be prepared. While too many people lost their lives or their homes during storms in the past, a tragedy does not need to happen to you. Whether you go to a shelter or stay in your home for the duration of the storm, you can be safe, healthy, and confident because you are prepared.

Common Worries Of A Senior

According to the U.S. census, 47+ million citizens are officially categorized as “seniors” (65 and older). This number is expected to grow with each passing year and should reach 90+ million by 2060. As a result, it’s important to understand what a senior citizen has to worry about whether it’s their daily routine or future.

Here’s a peek at some of the common worries a senior citizen has on a day-to-day basis.

Medical and Health Concerns

It begins with a person’s health whether it’s a lingering issue or something that’s around the corner. Seniors start to fear for their health as the body begins to wear down. This is a natural aging process everyone has to deal with but those concerns do have a prominent effect on the mind.

These concerns can include:

* Managing Blood Pressure Levels
* Taking Diabetic Readings
* Taking Appropriate Medications

If a senior doesn’t feel in control of his or her health, it can begin to affect their quality of life. Even in the best of situations, it becomes important to have control over one’s health and it’s something seniors find challenging. It’s not easy to take professional readings, understand what doctors are saying, and remain on top of things throughout the year. At this age, a slip-up in care can lead to major concerns about a person’s health.

As a result, seniors tend to focus on taking care of themselves and finding a legitimate solution for their needs. According to experts, a home care service can be a wonderful idea for those looking to stay in a familiar setting without having to fret about falling ill. A home care specialist will come in, provide assistance, and make sure the right tests/medications are managed based on the individual’s needs and a medical professional’s recommendations.

Quality of life is of utmost importance as a person ages and what may have been taken for granted in the past isn’t as easy to manage now. This is why staying on top of all medical-related concerns is not only essential but mandatory for those wanting to get more out of their retirement years.

Falling and Getting Hurt

The idea of falling and getting hurt is a prominent concern for seniors.

In general, the body starts to get weaker with age and this has an impact on mobility, flexibility, and the likelihood of slipping. Whether it is walking around or even getting out of bed, there is a risk of injury, which has to be mitigated. Seniors may find solutions to keep their risk low, but injuries can still occur without appropriate assistance nearby.

Not only is it scary to fall, but the idea of getting injured is frightening.

The recovery period is often prolonged at an older age, which can have a profound impact on one’s quality of life. Seniors don’t want to go through a lengthy and perhaps permanent healing process.

By bringing in a home care service, these worries can diminish because a caregiver will be able to help out. They will come in and provide continuous assistance around the home making it easier to feel comfortable and avoid getting hurt. A person’s home is familiar territory which can allow seniors to feel comfortable in safely moving around from place to place.

Isolation

Feeling alone is an uncomfortable situation because humans are social animals.

Without appropriate socialization, care, and comfort, a person can start to feel alienated. This is when the mind starts playing tricks and it leads to secondary health concerns. Seniors often spend time by themselves as they get older especially during their retirement years and the likelihood of feeling alone increases. Many seniors are left alone after the death of a spouse and the relocation of their children.

In such cases, a senior might feel alone and without a way to socialize.

No one wants to be in a situation where they’re unable to communicate with anyone. In fact, studies have shown many seniors find it hard to converse with people without regular conversations and that isolation can have a prominent effect on well-being. Some can even go weeks without speaking to someone, making it a major concern.

Instead of enduring such a situation, it is another reason to look into a home care service. The ideal provider can help relieve some of these socialization struggles. The caregiver is going to come in and deliver excellent care while socializing at the same time. It’s an ideal situation for those needing a balance of physical and psychological maintanance.

Losing Their Home

One of the biggest worries a senior can have is the loss of their home.

Many seniors stay in the same house for 30+ years and it becomes familiar territory. It’s a place they know like the back of their hand, which is important when the body begins to age. Instead of having to think twice about where they’re waking up or where they’re going, all of it comes to them naturally. This is advantageous when it comes to a person’s quality of life and general comfort throughout the day.

As soon as there is a risk of losing their home, a senior can face constant stress and it has a substantial impact on their well-being,

The home is more than a place they live in as it’s also a place filled with memories of their spouse, children, grandchildren, and more. Everything is attached to the location and it is a place in which they find peace.

If this is taken from them, it becomes a prominent issue causing tremendous stress. As a result, millions of seniors prefer to stay at home while making use of a quality senior home care service. Even the thought of losing their home is stressful.

Ending Up In A Nursing Home

Seniors do not want to end their days in a place where their freedom is taken away and everything is done based on a pre-determined program. Whether it is eating food, going to sleep, conversing with others, or participating in activities, seniors do not like the idea of losing autonomy.

With many examples of ineffective or unsafe nursing homes, seniors prefer to remain in the comfort of their own familiar home.

Nursing homes are more than a new place to live in. They come with their own rules, costs, and loss of freedom and often dignity. This is why many seniors prefer home care. They are able to stay in their homes with safety and independence.

Loss of Memory

Being a senior is more than dealing with physical ailments or long recovery processes. It can also include a battle against memory loss as the mind begins to slow down.

Whether it is the memories of their past, or of their loved ones, those thoughts are precious to them and it can be a fearful issue to deal with. With millions of patients dealing with dementia, it has become doubly important to understand how the brain functions at an older age. This concern is seen in seniors hoping to manage their memory loss and take precautions when it comes to their health.

Safety

Thousands of reports are written illustrating the increased risk of victimhood among senior citizens. Whether it’s assault, robberies, scams, senior citizens are often at risk of being victims to this reality.

Without appropriate security, it becomes harder to manage their safety and that’s a worry seniors have. For those living alone, it becomes important to have the appropriate security mechanisms in place to protect the property and not become open to a potential attack.

In addition to their general safety, seniors often worry about getting hurt around the property and feeling unsafe because of the wrong move. This is one more reason for staying in the comfort of their home is important and can go a long way in managing the worries.

Inability To Go Where They Please

Senior citizens adore the idea of free will and going wherever they please. Some like the idea of visiting friends while others head down to the local mall for a bit of shopping. The choice is their’s and that’s important in the grand scheme of things.

If they are unable to control where they’re going or who they are speaking to, this has a profound impact on their quality of life. Seniors can begin to feel repressed and restricted because there are few things worse for an independent adult than not being able to do what they wish. This is one of the reasons many seniors hate the idea of going into “a home” as it will restrict what they are able to do throughout the course of a day.

Being at the mercy of other individuals

Most people are comfortable in taking care of themselves but that becomes a real challenge as they get older. A lot of people are unable to take care of themselves due to their medical condition(s). Instead of having to fret over their independence, a good home care provider is a respectable option to consider. A senior is able to receive appropriate assistance at the right times while retaining their freedom throughout the day.

This can be a comforting thought for those who cherish their independence.

Loss of Dignity

One of the most important aspects of a person’s life is their dignity or self-respect. The idea of being able to look in the mirror and feel comfortable in who they are. Seniors will often be put in positions where their dignity is questioned and/or challenged. This can be a position of discomfort and that is the last thing a senior citizen should have to deal with. In fact, millions of seniors point to this as the reason they look to stay to themselves.

Many seniors will deal with conditions that are challenging, debilitating, and uncomfortable.

These can include:

* Diabetes
* Heart Attacks
* Stroke
* Arthritis
* Dementia

Without appropriate care, these conditions can start to make the aging process increasingly difficult.

Over time, their dignity takes a major hit and that is why having a seamless solution is of utmost importance. Home care services are deemed to be a good fit as they take care of senior citizens without hampering their dignity.

Lack of Funds

Money is important.

However, the funds can start to disappear due to medical fees, living costs, and the day-to-day expense. As time goes on, these financial concerns put a lot of stress on seniors. This has a direct connection to the idea of dignity and not being able to handle what used to be easy in the past. Many seniors come from a life where they were able to manage their bills and other related costs but those things become difficult in retirement.

The lack of funds can be a point of concern as the months go by.

Poverty is not a good place to be and many seniors go into a shell as their finances become insecure. If the financial problems worsen without a way out, this can start to lead to additional concerns both psychologically and pragmatically.

Quality of Care

With so many medical questions and concerns, a senior citizen may require another person to be around to help understand the situation and assist in care. This is where a home care provider is able to come, assess their medical record, and ensure those worries are quelled as soon as possible. As long as a reputable home care service is hired, the quality of care will be maintained.

Transportation

When a person is younger, they are able to get up and take the car out for a drive. This is a simple task most people are able to manage but that’s not always possible as individuals age. In fact, many seniors are no longer able to safely drive. More and more senior citizens are in this position and it can lead to an increased sense of restriction. The individual begins to feel caged in as they are unable to do what they might have in the past. A home care aide can provide the transportation and restore that freedom.

These are a few common worries of a senior citizen These worries are a part of life and everyone will have to deal with them at one point or another. However, with the help of a qualified home care provider, it’s possible to manage day-to-day issues with less worry, more safety, and freedom.

The dietary needs of people alter as they age, and though medical experts recommend people to rely on natural food substances for maximum nutrients, it just doesn’t work at times. The body changes during years of seniority (above 60) and become less efficient at extracting enough nutrients from the food. This makes it imperative to supplement natural food with man-made preparations.

During Your Sixties

Vitamin B12:

As per American Geriatrics Society Journal, even the slightest of vitamin B12 deficiencies may present dementia risks for senior adults. The acids within the gut become less competent at extracting food-related vitamin B12 after 50s, making it important to keep a constant check on vitamin B12 levels and also add in supplements, if needed.

Beef liver, clams, cheeseburger, trout, and sirloin are some good sources of vitamin B12.

Omega-3:

As far as natural omega-3 fatty acids are concerned, DHA is plentiful within the cell membranes of the brain. Over the last ten years, studies have been linking brain benefits to the presence of these fatty acids – right from enhanced flow of blood and increased brain cell growth to lesser mood swings and stronger memory. With age, unfortunately, the cells’ ability to intake DHA diminishes gradually, leaving the mind malnourished and negatively influencing both memory retention and brain function.

Ideal dosage: EPA and DHA – 1000 milligrams per day.

Food sources: Salmon, flaxseed oil, edamame, and walnuts.

Vitamin D:

For many years, scientists believed the primary or the only objective of vitamin D was to assist with calcium absorption from food substances. Recent research studies reveal vitamin D can also bring down recurring pain, heart issues, and even eliminate cancer. Sunlight is the most natural and recommended vitamin D source. Aging reduces one’s ability to harvest the vitamin D benefits of sunlight, making supplement dosages imperative.

Recommended dosage: 600 global units every day. Go for supplements rich in vitamin D3, a form of the active vitamin that’s more potent than vitamin D2.

As for natural food sources of this vitamin, mackerel, tuna, cheese, beef liver, egg yolks offer aplenty.

During Your Seventies

Vitamin B12:

As noted previously, even the mildest of vitamin B12 deficiencies would put senior adults susceptible to dementia. However, the acid needed to absorb food-based vitamin B12 in the stomach plummets with age. According to the Institute of Medicine, vitamin B12 is critical for the sound functioning of the human brain, and adults who are more than 50 years of age will have to resort to B12 supplements. The recommended dosage is 2.4 micrograms per day.

Beef liver, clams, cheeseburger, trout, and sirloin are good sources of food.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is important during 70s, to offer protection against infection and illness. You guessed it right; sunlight offers this vitamin in abundant quantity. However, with age, the body becomes less capable of making optimal use of this freely available vitamin, forcing people to resort to other sources. The prescribed dosage is usually 800 global units every day. Look for Vitamin D3-containing supplements – the vitamin is a more effective variant of vitamin D when compared to vitamin D2. Good food sources of the vitamin comprise mackerel, tuna, beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese.

Protein:

Many health issues are likely to crop up during 70s; the inability to build muscle is one. In addition, protein requirements go up with age. Once close to 10 percent of the muscle mass is lost, the body’s immune system becomes less efficient. Thankfully, protein pills or powders are there for the rescue if natural diet options falter. The recommended dose being 20 – 30 grams of whey protein mixed with a regular shake.

Beef, beans, chicken, almonds are good sources of natural protein.

You may have heard happiness is based on your attitude. This is not simply a cliché. Your attitudes and philosophies have much to do with how happy you are in your everyday life, and even how happy you are with yourself. When you understand your attitudes, and perhaps make some changes, you can find happiness as you grow older. Your senior years really can be the best years of your life.

We Can Learn From A Roman Emperor

If you think back to your school days, you may recall a Roman emperor named Marcus Aurelius. While he ruled for nearly two decades, from 161 to 180, he was also known as a great philosopher. His personal writings included 12 books known as Meditations. There are quotations in Meditations that are relevant to today’s seniors.

There are two places you cannot live: in the past, and in the future. If you live in the past you can be overwhelmed by sadness, sorrow, or regret, and focusing too much on the future can cause needless stress and worry. Think instead of what Marcus Aurelius advised: “Confine yourself to the present.”

When you focus on the present day, you will see how much it has to offer. You can resolve problems when they occur, and live in the moment. When you develop the ability to do this, you can find happiness and joy in everyday life.

“Everything- a horse, a vine- is created for some duty… For what task, then, were you yourself created?” When an elderly person reads this statement, he may think it is foolish. You may feel you have accomplished your purpose in life, and that your days of productivity are long over. After all, you are elderly now, so what more could there be to do?

If you meditate on the statement, though, you will see there is much more to your life than the accomplishments in your past. Whether you are sixty or eighty, you can find new purpose and meaning in your life. You have something worthwhile to contribute, so start thinking about your special talents. You can use what you learned in youth or young adult years to make a positive contribution today.

When you do your part to make the world a better place, you will see yourself in a new light. Others will appreciate you, and you will appreciate yourself, too.

The Emperor also said: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” We all know it can be too easy to become engulfed in negative thoughts. If we continue to entertain negative thoughts, they can affect our emotions and even our health.

For health and happiness, thoughts do matter. During the aging years, much negativity is due to the realities of aging. You may resent new limitations if you were always healthy and independent, or you may be fearful of the future and what growing older may mean for you.

In the past, the concept of “aging gracefully” generally meant giving up. Individuals who moved into their senior years were expected to care less about their personal appearances, stop working, and put fun behind them. Today, though, acceptance of aging does not mean giving up on yourself or giving up on your life. Instead of entertaining negative thoughts, think of what you can have, be, and do.

The elderly population today is healthier than similar generations in the past. Fewer seniors spend their aging years in long-term care facilities, and many older people continue to work or hold volunteer positions. Active seniors today have full social lives and continue to be a part of their communities.

A sad old lady.

With all these benefits of aging today, you do not need to sacrifice happiness for negativity. When you realize how many choices you have, your thoughts can be positive and you can be happy.

Marcus Aurelius had more to say: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive- to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” When you meditate on this statement upon awakening in the morning, or before you go to bed at night, you will develop a new sense of happiness and peace of mind.

What Is Stoicism?

If you have lived long enough to be elderly, you have experienced hardships during your lifetime. You needed self-discipline, sound judgment, and clear thinking in order to be objective.

The passive reactions taught by Stoicism can help you during your aging years. You do not need to be bothered by every external event. You also do not need to be overly emotional about your own personal situation.

If you need help, ask for assistance. However, you should not allow yourself to become a complainer. Not only will this make everyone around you miserable, but it can affect your own state of happiness, too.

Life is not easy at any point in time, but seniors often have special concerns. Concerns about your health, family, limitations, or various other issues can make it tempting to complain to everyone you meet. Instead, think of how you dealt with hardships in the past. You can face any difficulty when you know you have the personal strength to get through it.

What Is Zen?

When you hear of Zen, you probably think of meditation. While the Zen way of life often includes meditation, you may also be interested in learning about the Zen philosophy.

Buddha created the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. The Eightfold Path consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

The Four Noble Truths can help you understand why you are unhappy with your life, and how you can end the unhappiness. In addition to following the Eightfold Path, you will learn that some suffering is part of life, and other suffering can be prevented. One way to prevent suffering is to let go of unnecessary needs, wants, and wishes.

You may be wondering how you can apply these attitudes and philosophies to your own life. Perhaps it is human nature to want what we do not have, wish for something that is not in our best interests, or believe we need something when we really do not need it at all. These patterns can cause a considerable amount of pain and misery when your actual goal is to be happy.

You can assess how these patterns fit into your life and are affecting your overall quality of life. Perhaps you miss the physical strength you had when you were younger, and wish you had it now. If you think rationally, you know you are no longer young, and aging does bring limitations. If you can start to accept what you can and cannot do, and what you can and cannot have, you are not giving up. You are clearing the path to happiness and a higher quality of life.

How Happiness Can Come From A Positive Attitude

The desire for happiness is universal. It is not dependent on a person’s age. However, a mistake people of all ages can make is to believe happiness is something they can find. A person can spend his entire lifetime searching for happiness, only to learn it cannot be found in external places, people, or things.

When you want to be truly happy, the important point to keep in mind is happiness must be created from within yourself, and this starts with a positive attitude.

Almost every day, there is something to be grateful for, and a reason to be happy. Spend some time filling your mind with these reasons. You may be surprised when a smile breaks out on your face. You can be happy, and even joyful.

Second, there is something to look forward to nearly every day. From a favorite dessert to a movie with a friend, looking forward to something you enjoy can increase a positive state of mind.

Third, many changes occur during the senior years. It is up to you to decide how to deal with these changes. When you develop limitations and need help, you can be angry and resentful or you can appreciate the help. If you develop a medical issue, you can complain about how unfair it is or you can follow your doctor’s advice to stay as healthy as possible. If you have lost loved ones, you can become depressed with grief, or you can remember the great times you had together.

Life is not always fair, and often not easy. It is the approach you take to these realities that make a difference. No matter what you encounter in life as you are aging, you can maintain a positive attitude. Happiness requires acceptance, but you can also find something good in nearly any situation.

You can sit quietly and meditate alone at a favorite time of the day, or you can mull it over in your mind as you go about your daily activities. You will see your attitude does make a difference. You can continue to enjoy happiness and peace of mind as you age.

The Senior Years And Changes

Aging brings many changes. Regardless of your specific age, you are at a stage in life that is much different than any you have experienced before. For many seniors, this stage seems to occur suddenly. Perhaps you looked in the mirror recently, and noticed you looked much older.

Perhaps you were doing a chore around your home, and noticed you lacked energy or developed aches and pains.

Perhaps you have been feeling sad because you miss old friends who passed away, or hesitated in attending a local event because you were afraid to be out alone. Perhaps you often worry about your safety or feel isolated because your family members all live far away.

These are some of the changes commonly experienced by seniors. There is much you can do to

determine the impact these changes have on your life. The Serenity Prayer is a good way to look at it. Paraphrased, there are some things you cannot change, some things you can change, and the key is knowing the difference.

This is not your grandparents’ generation when elderly men and women essentially resigned themselves to their lives being over. Today’s elderly population is not content to sit in rocking chairs or spend all their time watching television. Seniors today have better health, and, equally important, more options.

This does not mean you do not have limitations. Changes that accompany natural aging can include health issues, losses, and the mirror reminding you that you are no longer young. While you must accept these changes, you can also look at opportunities to be your best self.

You can stay as healthy as possible by cooperating with your personal physician. You can resolve to eat nutritious meals each day, and engage in moderate activity. You can keep your mind sharp, make new friends, learn about safety for seniors, and be an active part of your community.

If you are bothered by worries or fears about your everyday life or your future, start by thinking about changes. Take a little time to decide which factors you must learn to accept, and which factors are within your control. You will see there is much you have control over in your life, and decide it is time to take action. Whether you are elderly or still a younger senior, you can take steps to make this stage in your life happy and fulfilling.

Options For Living Arrangements

Most of today’s seniors do not need to choose between moving into a long-term care facility and moving in with their adult-aged children. As elderly people today, we can be glad we have other options.

For healthy, active seniors, independent living is an option. This can be an excellent option if you do not have serious medical issues and do not require daily assistance.

Independent living stresses personal freedom and the chance to enjoy an active life. Independent living communities have many activities for seniors, opportunities for socializing with others in your age group, and clinics or hospitals nearby so seniors can easily access health care services.

With independent living, your golden years can be fun and exciting. You can take up a hobby, take classes, or play a sport. You can make new friends with other seniors, and share good times.

You can continue to have freedom and independence, too. If you enjoy cooking your own meals, privacy, or time alone to read, you will appreciate all the choices you have with independent living.

Assisted living is an option for seniors who need assistance or extra support in their daily lives. Assisted living communities have medical professionals available 24/7, as well as a support staff for other types of assistance. Perhaps you have a medical condition that needs to be monitored, require reminders for your medications, or are concerned you may experience a medical emergency.

Assisted living also provides help with activities of daily living, or ADL’s. Perhaps you need help with your laundry, bathing, or personal grooming. These are some of the benefits you can have in an assisted living community.

There is a third option that appeals to many seniors today. Aging-in-place is becoming more and more popular. If you have been independent throughout your adult life, it is not unusual for you to want to maintain your independence. An easy way to accomplish this is to continue living in your own home.

When you live at home, you can enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings. You can keep all of your cherished possessions and keep the pets that you love. Aging-in-place is also an opportunity to live your life on your own terms. You can eat the foods you like at every meal, set your own bedtime, and make the most of your free time. Your daily schedule and decisions can be your own.

While aging-in-place is ideal for many modern seniors, this does not mean you cannot benefit from a little extra help. As more seniors are aging at home, there is quite a demand for qualified home care aides. If you decide to stay at home as you grow older, there are many ways in which you can benefit from a home care aide.

One benefit is assistance with ADL’s. Even healthy seniors can need help with bathing, choosing suitable clothes, and preparing nutritious meals. If you need help with light housekeeping or outside errands, an aide can do these chores, too.

A second benefit is safety. Elderly persons who live alone often worry about intruders, fire, slip-and-fall accidents, and phone scams. Your home care aide will ensure your home is safe. Even when you are alone at night, you will know your home is secure.

Companionship is a third reason to hire an aide. Your aide can accompany you when you attend local events, or go out to dinner. You will have someone to talk to when you are at home. When you see your aide genuinely cares about you, you will know you have made a new friend. Even if there are no other seniors nearby, you never need to feel lonely or isolated. You will look forward to your aide visiting you on a regular basis.

Your health is a priority for your home care aide. While aides do not perform skilled nursing services, there is much she can do to help you stay healthy. Your mind can stay sharp and alert when you play games with your aide. Your physical strength and coordination can improve when your aide helps you do little exercise routines. You can have a good time while maintaining your best possible state of health.

A special skill an aide has is record-keeping. During her visits, she will make notes of your condition or progress. This information can greatly help your physician or nurse. It is an easy way for your health care provider to know if any changes need to be made for the sake of your health.

A home care aide can also make aging-in-place easier for your family. Whether your loved ones live nearby or far away, they are concerned about your well-being. Perhaps they are not entirely supportive of your decision to remain at home, because they worry about your health and safety. They may be concerned that you are isolated, and may become lonely and depressed.

These worries can disappear when your family learns you have hired a home care aide. If they have the chance to meet your aide, they will be delighted. Your aide will be fully trained, qualified for the job, and loves working with seniors. She will be aware of an elderly person’s special needs, and the needs you have as an individual. Your loved ones can have peace of mind when you have a home care aide.

There are many reasons to choose aging–in-place during your elderly years. If you are considering this option or have already made the decision, you do not need to do it all alone. The main reason there is such a demand for home care aides is so many seniors are choosing this option.

You can have one of the best home care aides that is a perfect match for you. Whether you need a little help in your everyday life, or simply want to avoid isolation, you have found the ideal solution. There is a wonderful aide ready to meet you and become a part of your life.

Happiness And Aging

There are so many options for today’s seniors that make this the perfect time to enter your golden years. When you make the choices that are right for you and take some time to develop positive attitudes, it can truly be one of the best stages of your life.

You will see happiness is not reserved for young people. When you accept what you cannot change, and change what you can, your senior years will be an exciting time to be alive.

With the obsession that mainstream media has with the green of youth and looks, one would be forgiven for assuming that dating is exclusively a young people’s game. That only young adults are motivated to look for love and relationships. Turns out that the mainstream media are grossly out of touch with reality.

The fact of the matter is that romance doesn’t have a shelf life. And the need for companionship doesn’t wither as one ages — nurturing fulfilling relationships is as important for the elderly as it is for people in early adulthood. Because there’s one thing about human nature that sticks true regardless of age: no one likes to feel lonely.

The Dating Scene for Seniors

There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that people are not only outliving their ancestors but also staying fitter/healthier for longer. At the same time, older adults are increasingly finding themselves single, owing to a divorce or the death of one’s spouse. This means there are more seniors looking for romance than ever before.

That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, really. Today’s crop of senior citizens came of age during the sexual revolution. With so many of them unattached, it’s only natural that they would seek out love and relationships.

Needless to say, though, such endeavors aren’t without their challenges. Seniors re-entering the dating scene often have to battle age-old stereotypes and societal beliefs (more on those later). There’s also the limited opportunity to meet potential dates; a typical senior citizen has a smaller social network than the average millennial.

That being said, the internet has opened up alternative routes for such individuals. Social platforms aside, there are sites dedicated to helping older adults find other singles. Elsewhere, assisted living facilities and retirement homes have provided easy outlets for seniors looking to make connections.

The majority of older daters admit that they look for connections on a much deeper level compared to when they were younger. They also tend to approach the dating scene more cautiously — past disappointments remind that success in the dating game is far from guaranteed. In addition, there are plenty of scammers out there looking to sweet-talk their way into the wallet of an unsuspecting senior.

Redefining The Experience

As highlighted earlier, there are lots of misconceptions about senior citizens and what they want/don’t want in a relationship. So let’s start by setting the records straight:

-Age doesn’t matter much: It’s easy to think that an individual in their wisdom years seeks out similarly-aged colleagues, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, one becomes more flexible in their approach to companionship as they get older.

-Neither does appearance: Older adults are wise enough to know that looks have very little to do with someone’s potential to be a great match.

-Not everybody is looking for a long-term commitment: While the fundamental premise behind dating is to find love and marriage, not everyone shares the same goal. Some seniors look for companionship and nothing more while others want someone to share their favorite hobbies.

In a nutshell, senior citizens approach dating a lot differently from their younger counterparts. With more life experience comes a stronger sense of one’s identity and, more importantly, a good grasp of what one wants from a potential lover. Additionally, seniors have less-constricting schedules compared to millennials, which means they have more time to explore potential partners.

Achieving Common Ground

Dating life for senior couples can take many shapes, depending on each person wants. But as always, success hinges on the ability to find common ground. This in turn boils down to what one wants from a relationship — whether it’s companionship or romance.

That being said, a healthy relationship usually begins with a friendship. So while each of the aforementioned objectives defines the dating experience uniquely, the two can actually co-exist in practice. If both parties just want a companion, they simply keep matters at the friendship level.

Still, it’s not unheard of for seniors to establish ‘friends-with-benefits’ arrangements, as they’re colloquially known. Some even take the more complicated route of seeking out multiple companions at the same time. And this has nothing to do with the lack of morals, as strange as that might sound. Rather, it’s based on the recognition that a single partner might not be the solution for all their needs.

For those who prefer to keep things more conventional, nothing can be as satisfying as finding that special someone with whom they can share their life with. When that happens, it only makes sense for the couple to take things to another level. Although this brings the prospect of tying the knot, it’s also the reason why the elderly make up 25% of all cohabiters today.

A Way Forward

Cohabitation, while often acting as a stepping stone towards marriage, is becoming increasingly popular among senior couples. This applies even when both partners are open to the idea of long-term commitment. Does this mean that marriage has lost its meaning to the elderly?

Well, not exactly. On one hand, attitudes change based on past experiences. There are those who’ve already spent years (or decades) with a significant other, only to be rendered single by divorce. For obvious reasons, such individuals will be more content in a relationship that doesn’t involve the exchange of vows.

On a more optimistic note, cohabitation is often seen as the more practical way of surviving life when one gets old. Couples can take care of each other physically, emotionally and mentally while living together. Married or not, what matters is to have someone ready to devote their time.

For others, the decision to avoid nuptials has more to do with finances. A lady can lose their pension if she remarries before hitting the legal retirement age. On top of that, older adults tend to be submerged deeper in debt — this complicates the whole ‘for better, for worse’ concept.

Considerations For the Elderly Looking to Remarry

Even as the majority of senior couples seem content with cohabiting, a small percentage still want the security of being in wedlock. Remarriage at this stage of life is a pursuit not to be taken lightly, to say the least. Too many seniors have taken the plunge without proper planning only to suffer devastating consequences.

The question, therefore, becomes what elements couples should prioritize as they
prepare:

-Prenups: These serve to protect each party’s interests from misallocation or confusion after their partner’s demise or a divorce. Prenuptial agreements are particularly crucial when one individual has property that’s meant to be passed down to a child.

-Credit histories: It’s common sense that people should review their partner’s spending habits before taking on their financial obligations.

-Taxes: Couples should keep in mind that getting married creates new tax consequences. On one hand, is the likelihood of landing in a higher tax bracket after incomes are combined. Alternatively, a lesser-endowed individual may benefit from better treatment of their tax obligations. Whatever the case, it behooves them to consult a tax professional early on.

-Medical benefits: Tying the knot could mean being ineligible for medical benefits. Kids could also be denied financial assistance on the account of the new spouses’ income. It’s very important that couples put in place workarounds for these limitations in time.

-Estate planning: Life insurance policies and succession documents need to be updated way before vows are recited.

-Relationships: Remarrying couples are often reminded that their relationships will affect more parties besides themselves and their children. Tensions can arise between past and present kin, as well as each individual’s friends from previous relationships. Engaged seniors should therefore evaluate the potential consequences of their union and make them known to the relevant parties.

Sex and Intimacy Have Little to Do With Age

Unlike what some would have you believe, an increase in one’s age doesn’t diminish their sexual appetite. Research from the University of Manchester shows that the majority of people want to continue having an active sex life well into their 70s and 80s. Like everyone else, senior citizens consider this essential to their happiness, well-being, and quality of life in general. Which is a good thing, given the role sex plays in sustaining a healthy relationship.

And it’s not to say that the elderly are too shy to engage in casual sex. If reports from senior living communities are anything to go by, they can be just as adventurous as anyone else. A good number of seniors have admitted to taking advantage of such facilities to hook up with other people.

Shocking as that might sound, there are several factors that motivate such tendencies:

-Convergence of needs: Specifically, women become more assertive and men start to appreciate the emotional connection. This encourages exploration on both sides.

-Less stress: No more dealing with the headaches of building a career and/or raising kids. This basically moves sex up on one’s priority list.

-No nasty surprises: With fears of pregnancy firmly in the rear-view mirror, people feel freer to explore their sex menu.

But let’s not get carried away here: Certain conditions that come with age can (and do) take sex out of the equation. For men, an erection problem can reduce intercourse to nothing but a distant memory. Ladies, on the other hand, may be forced to retire due to the side-effects that come with menopause.

So it’s fair to say that not all seniors are sexually active. Although some have successfully overcome their physical limitations by seeking treatment, it’s not always possible to sail past the psychological scars they leave behind. Additionally, ageist stereotypes can discourage both men and women from bringing health problems to their doctor’s attention.

At the end of the day, how your sex life evolves as you grow older is all up to you. Your body will inevitably change as you grow older. But these changes don’t have to get in the way of expressing intimacy — you just need to adapt accordingly.

STDs are a Concern

It’s the unfortunate but unavoidable part of the sex equation: sexually transmitted diseases. Common sense dictates that if a senior can be as active as someone in their 20s, they’re just as likely to contract an STD as the latter are. Worse still, older isn’t necessarily more informed with respect to prevention: it’s suggested that contraception use is lowest among senior folks.

Sadly, figures from a CDC report released in 2012 have only confirmed this; STI rates among older demographics have tripled in less than 10 years. There are several factors to blame for this:

-Misconceptions: Some seniors don’t think that the idea of safe sex applies to them. Strange as that sounds, it’s worth noting that most STI familiarization campaigns are usually addressed at young folks.

-Still, on the point of familiarization, healthcare providers often overlook the topic of safe sex when attending to seniors. This leads to the precarious scenario where erectile dysfunction drugs and vaginal lubricants are prescribed without offering patients condoms.

-Lack of screening: Both doctors and patients are to blame here; neither party pays attention to sexual history when checkups are being conducted.

Truth be told, however, STI prevalence among seniors hasn’t risen to epidemic levels. The rising number of cases has more to do with an uptick of diagnoses than anything else. Health experts have also pointed out that this age group doesn’t face as many threats as younger generations do.

Obviously, the key to curbing STIs is to enlighten and share. Older folks should feel empowered to talk to their doctors about sex — this would help eradicate preconceptions about what their patients are doing. Likewise, physicians should remind everyone of the need to approach sex responsibly. This, of course, goes hand-in-hand with making condoms readily available.

Senior citizens should also hold the safe sex talk among themselves. It doesn’t matter whether one is still sexually active — sharing experiences and concerns will compel people to take more responsibility. And who’s to say that society couldn’t use a greater understanding of sex in the golden years?

Boca Home Care Services is not a dating agency, but they will match seniors in Broward or Palm Beach counties with a compatible home care aide to make life easier and freer in your pursuit of continued happiness.

There are 46 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. By 2050, about 30 percent of the entire population in this country will be over 60, a staggering rise from the current level of about 20 percent.

Experts at the National Institute of Mental Health point out that about two million seniors today suffer from clinical depression, which is often brought on by discouraging bouts with physical ailments like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

It’s a downward spiral of physical-mental health challenges for millions of seniors, many of whom are not even financially equipped to deal with medical bills that routinely accompany multiple trips to doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals for treatment.

According to the Social Security Administration, people who reach the age of 65 can expect to live until their mid-eighties, but in many cases that just means more physical and mental health problems, not to mention the added financial stress.

The Statistics are Daunting

The raw numbers are frightening: almost 35 percent of all older people who lose a spouse becomes seriously depressed for up to a year after the loss. Among that group, about half of them will remain depressed for the rest of their lives.

Healthcare expenses for older people with depression are more than 45 percent higher than for older citizens who don’t suffer from depression. In addition to problems like depression, elders face an increased chance of contracting physical maladies like cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and dozens of other serious medical conditions.

The sad fact of human nature is that the body begins to wear itself down, even under the best of circumstances, after about five decades of life. Past the mid-sixties, all the statistics get much worse.

Given the plethora of potential problems older Americans face, it’s understandable that many seniors have trouble sleeping, or spend a large amount of their free time worrying about what ill circumstances might befall them in the not-so-distant future.

What are the most common worries, concerns, and fears for a typical senior citizen? The list includes things like dementia, sickness, becoming homeless, loss of independence, loneliness, loss of family members, dying, having to deal with poverty, loss of personal dignity and many more.

Common Fears for Aging Senior Citizens

It’s bad enough to lay awake each night worrying about money, health problems, being alone, losing family or friends, the onset of disease, issues related to physical pain, and an entire universe of financial problems. What’s worse is when many of these fears become reality. Here’s a short list of common reasons senior citizens worry about the future:

Health Care Expenses

A natural result of increased need for health care means greater expenses. With advancing age, people necessarily spend a greater portion of their limited incomes on hospital bills, doctor visits, treatments for all sorts of illnesses and other health-related problems. Compared to every other age demographic, those in the over-65 group rack up more hospital days and doctor visits year after year.

While Medicare, which typically covers about 80 percent of some medical expenses, does help those over 65, many elderly folks are responsible for huge amounts that they can neither afford or plan for. Significantly, Medicare doesn’t pay for some of the biggest medical bills seniors encounter, like mental health treatment, nursing home charges, home care expenses, or prescription drugs.

And when it comes to full-time nursing home care, most seniors can’t afford the quality of service they so desperately need. In the U.S., as in many other countries, nursing homes are notorious for being exceedingly costly and for offering less than ideal levels of care. In fact, some seniors end up getting worse care in nursing homes than anywhere else.

Homes that struggle to maintain skilled staff, which is a common problem, can cause residents to end up in situations of neglect or even abuse. Seniors who know that nursing home care is in their future often suffer from extreme anxiety and depression as the time draws near for moving into a home.

Elder Abuse

No one can say for sure exactly how many older citizens are the victims of elder abuse because law enforcement statistics are sketchy at best. Experts note that the majority of cases go unreported for various reasons. One common estimate is that about one-tenth of all U.S. seniors have been subjected to at least one incident of elder abuse, whether physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional.

Many healthcare professionals believe that elder abuse actually has the ability to shorten a person’s life when the circumstances are severe, as in the loss of savings, medical neglect or mental torment.

Seniors who stay in close contact with friends, family and their medical support teams are able to minimize the chances that they will become abuse victims. Still, older adults often worry about their increasing vulnerability to this type of problem.

Inability to Handle Common Daily Tasks

A common concern, even among people who have not yet reached “senior citizen” status, is the fear of being unable to conduct one’s daily life. Normal tasks like cooking a meal, getting dressed, bathing, doing laundry, walking to the mailbox, remembering to take medicine, making phone calls, using the computer for routine communication, and staying in touch with friends and family often become difficult or impossible with advancing age.

What medical professionals refer to as “activities of daily living” include all those things younger people take for granted but seniors often struggle with.

Mental and Physical Problems

Plenty of seniors never face any serious mental or physical health issues at all until their dying days, after reaching their nineties in many cases. But statistics are against them. As human beings begin to reach their late seventies, a multitude of physical and mental problems can begin to surface.

The brain, bones, muscles, general mobility, hearing, vision, and other bodily systems go into a natural state of decline. In addition, about ten percent of people over 65 suffer from various forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent, and the most devastating.

Among the over-65 population, nearly 65 percent require help with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), like doing laundry, brushing their teeth or making a simple meal.
This natural, and often obvious, loss of function leads millions of elderly people to fear the very real possibility of mental and physical disease.

Losing Their Homes

The prospect of losing one’s home is a very real fear that occupies the minds of many seniors. Currently, about a third of all subsidized living quarters in the U.S. are occupied by seniors, many of whom had to move out of their own homes for physical or mental health reasons.

Loneliness and Grief

There are significant mental health issues related to the fear of being alone. Loneliness, often brought on by the death of a spouse, important family member or friend, can lead to social isolation, depression and sometimes a total withdrawal from society.

Grief is a commonplace challenge for older people whose fears already include so much else. The most common source of grief is the loss of a spouse. Most every senior citizen whose husband or wife gets ill endures the lingering worries that often accompany a serious illness.

What’s more, seniors don’t have as many chances for social activity as younger people do. That’s just a fact of how society is structured, and it’s one reason nursing homes and assisted living facilities make such a concerted effort to get seniors “out and about,” mixing with others in games, shopping trips, hikes and whatever else they are physically able to handle.

As people age, the retire from their regular jobs, their spouses and close friends become ill and die, their children relocate, they sooner or later lose their capability to operate a car, and eventually face illness and death themselves.

Grief is bad enough, say experts, but it’s particularly difficult when someone faces the death of a spouse, around whom their whole life was organized. Grief typically leads to anxiety about “what else might happen” and often lasts long after the loved one passes away.

There’s typically a cascade of effects following a spouse’s death, including grief, depression, anxiety and the very real problem of loneliness. Because about one-third of all people over 65 live by themselves, social isolation and loneliness are two of the most persistently challenging problems that seniors face.

Declining Ability to Live and Independent Life

It’s noteworthy that one of the biggest areas of concern for older adults is neither a physical nor a mental health issue. It is the threat of losing independence as a result of increasing age. Every senior citizen knows the social repercussions of losing a driver’s license, becoming unable to lift any amount of weight, not knowing how to get in touch with medical personnel, and not being able to prepare one’s own meals.

Most people expend great effort throughout their lives learning how to live without help from others. As age advances, we all have to face the prospect of giving up some of those responsibilities. That’s only natural and everyone expects it to happen. But once independence begins to gradually evaporate, seniors often become gripped with fear and anxiety. The most common triggering event is the loss of a driver’s license.

In American culture, that little document represents social, physical, and legal independence. When an older person has to give up the right to drive, whether as the result of memory, vision, hearing or other health problems, the sense of generalized anxiety can be overwhelming.

Accidents: Falls and Injuries

Do seniors lose sleep worrying about accidents and falls? Many not only lose sleep but express these serious concerns to health professionals. Weak bones and decreasing muscle mass means an increased likelihood of falling, breaking bones, head injury, and other common, but often quite serious, injuries.

Financial Instability

When retired people are hit with large medical or other kinds of bills, they often fall into a long-term financial hole. That’s because, unlike their younger counterparts, older folks are usually unable to work at a job that might help them pull through a monetary crisis in their lives.

The average senior citizen lives on a much lower income than younger people, and often on a fixed income. As the cost of living inevitably rises, oldsters find themselves in a money bind, unable to keep up with rising price levels.

In most cases, this typical dilemma results in a lowered standard of living. Many seniors who were used to a certain lifestyle, even a moderate one, are no longer able to maintain it. Alongside this common source of anxiety for older Americans is the additional concern about all sorts of unexpected expenses for healthcare and housing.

The Many Problems Of Growing Older

Even though Social Security benefits often help ease the financial pain faced by the elderly, about 65 percent of seniors who rely exclusively on Social Security find themselves living well below the government’s definition of “poverty.”

Facing a vast array of difficult circumstances facing older adults, not just in the U.S. but all over the world, it’s no wonder that even the healthiest of seniors begin to worry about what dangers might be lurking in the near future.

The entire scenario adds up to a modern world in which senior citizens often lose sleep simply from anxiety over what might happen to them in terms of health problems, financial setbacks, memory loss and other kinds of mental instability.

The good news is that there is help, and plenty of it. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health are just two of the dozens of entities that offer free, easily accessible resources for seniors who need help dealing with anxiety, loss of a loved one, financial insecurity, physical and mental health challenges and more. Most everyone has at least one senior citizen in their lives that could use a helping hand.

Because so many older adults are reluctant to ask for assistance, younger people who pro-actively offer a sympathetic ear or helping hand to their older acquaintances or family members can do a lot to resolve the modern-day dilemma that so many seniors face.

The word “meditation” is used loosely and inaccurately these days, which is why most people are confused about how to practice it. Many people use the word “meditate” when they actually mean that they are contemplating or thinking about something. Others use it as a reference to fantasizing or daydreaming. The truth is that meditation is none of these.

So, what exactly is meditation?

Meditation is a precise and excellent way to relax the mind and body. It allows you to attain a state of consciousness that is completely different from your normal waking state. It is not any type of religion, but rather a science that makes a person inwardly focused, clears the mind and has a calming effect on the body.

While meditating, the person is alert and fully awake, but their mind is not focused on the outside world or on events happening around them.

When meditating, you are required to lie or sit down, relax and ignore the thoughts that float in and out of your mind. In general, it is an activity that slows down the heart rate and breathing, reduces blood pressure, lowers stress levels, improves digestive function and decreases tension in the body.

Meditation is a gentle activity that offers many benefits, both mental and physical, for anyone and highly recommended for senior citizens.

Ways in which seniors benefit from meditation

Studies show that in general, meditation helps to decrease inflammation and blood pressure. There is also data that shows its ability to improve coronary heart disease as well as reducing post-traumatic stress disorder, headaches, and chronic pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, meditation is also known to help with reducing irritable bowel symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

There are a number of areas of research that appear especially beneficial for seniors, including:

Memory– regular meditation is shown to enhance both long-and short-term memory. It helps the senior’s brain maintain the ability to store current memories and as they grow older.

Cognitive decline — it is believed that meditation could help in the preservation of cognitive function in seniors who are beginning to struggle with memory and cognition. It is linked to maintaining function longer than those who do not practice meditation. Meditation is also believed to have a positive effect on memory, executive function, attention, general cognition, and processing speed.

Circulation and digestion — in one study conducted, it was found that those who meditated regularly had improved oxygen and circulation in their blood. This, for the elderly, is especially important, since digestion and circulation issues are common problems that arise during the aging process. The deep breathing exercises associated with meditation improve circulation and blood oxygen by sending help to all the organs, including the intestines and stomach.

Once they start meditating regularly, elderly persons who have digestive problems will notice the significant difference immediately, in their digestive system’s efficiency. In addition to this, the extra boost that meditation gives to their blood oxygen will help to improve their immune system, develop better circulation and heal the lungs.

Stress — practicing meditation is shown to reduce stress and develop a sense of calmness in the elderly. This can help seniors to better organize their thinking and give them a clearer perspective, improve their focus and develop a sharp mind. Long-term stress for seniors can be caused by a number of things, including disability, the loss of a spouse, or chronic illness. End-of-life anxiety and stress, the two major quality of life and aging factors, are reduced significantly once they start meditating.

Loneliness — in a study conducted in 2012 and published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, senior citizens showed a decrease in feelings of loneliness after eight weeks of regular mindfulness meditation.

In other studies, it was also noticed that some elderly patients who meditate regularly, were able to reduce certain medications, like antidepressants and antihypertensives, as their stress, depression and blood pressure levels decreased. It was also found that after meditating, the seniors experienced increased peace, a greater sense of well-being and a better quality of life in general.

Still more reasons why seniors should be introduced to meditation

Research shows that practicing meditation regularly not only reduces blood pressure, but it can also help to boost productivity and increase feelings of happiness as well. It is excellent for seniors in particular, for the following reasons:

• No physical activity is required to meditate. Even the elderly who are inactive can participate since just about every style of meditation can be performed while lying down or sitting in a chair. In short, meditation is ideal for those with limited mobility.

• It reduces confusion and stress levels. If you are caring for someone with dementia or the early stages of Alzheimer’s, meditation will keep them calm and reduce their stress levels and feelings of confusion.

• It keeps the brain healthy. Although the aging process cannot be stopped, the effects of aging can often be slowed down. The development of the early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia in seniors is reduced with regular meditation exercises.

• Feelings of depression are decreased. There is always a risk of depression and loneliness in seniors as their needs change. In these situations, meditating can help them a lot, to accept these changes without becoming withdrawn. Meditation stimulates the pre-frontal cortex (the “feel-good” part of the brain), so those suffering from depression will benefit tremendously by including meditation in their daily lives. By increasing the feelings of happiness in their mind, the elderly will develop a new enthusiasm for life.

• It focuses and sharpens the mind. Meditation can make the senior years equally as rewarding as other phases of life when mental alertness is increased and the person becomes a well-functioning member of society. Quicker wit, better focus and more creativity are just some of the improvements resulting from meditation. It is in fact, considered to be much more effective than doing crossword puzzles.

Best meditation styles for seniors

The wide variety of meditation styles available to choose from can be overwhelming.
Following are those which, according to the experts, are best for seniors. If the one you start off with doesn’t work, then give the others a try. With a little time and effort, you’ll find the one that works best for you.

iRest Yoga Nidra®: Developed by Richard C. Miller Ph.D., to help reduce PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Also known as iRest Mindfulness Meditation, this style of meditation helps to release negative thought patterns and emotions, relaxes the nervous system and develops an incredible ability to cope with any and all circumstances you might face in life. However, it is a style that will benefit anyone, that you can do with your senior either lying down or sitting in a chair.

Transcendental Meditation®: This powerful meditation style was introduced to America by Maharashi Mahesh Yogi. It’s a simple style that requires two 20-minute sessions of meditation per day. It involves focusing on a sound or word (like “om” or “peace”) that is repeated over and over again. If you’re just starting with meditation, then look for a certified meditation teacher in your area to give you advice.

Mantra Meditation: Chanting mantras to meditate is almost the same as counting the beads on a rosary. Most of these chanting meditations activities can be carried out in 30, 10, or even as short a time as 5 minutes. You can find out from your local meditation teacher how long he/she recommends you do this one with your senior, especially if the senior is sound-sensitive.

Breathing meditation: One of the most profound and deepest styles is meditating on the breath, since all that is required is lying or sitting still while breathing in and out deeply. Make sure to count when doing this style, to keep the exhalations and inhalations the same length.

Mindfulness meditation: with this style, you have to concentrate on the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are offshoots of this form of meditation. MBSR helps to reduce stress and MBCT helps to cope with emotional stressors.

Body scan: for this form of meditation, you must concentrate on each part of the body at a time, investigating its sensations, like the feeling where it touches the bed, whether there is tingling or pain and whether it is hot or cold.

Getting started

Anyone can start a meditation program whenever they want to, even without their doctor’s approval.

The great thing about meditation for the elderly, is that they can do it while lying in bed or sitting in a chair. Research shows that meditating while sitting or lying down still provides all the same benefits as it does for those who do it when sitting on the floor.

It is best for those seniors with hearing impairment to sit close to the instructor so they can hear the directions.

Guided meditation is recommended for those with cognitive decline. It involves plenty of queuing, so the patient won’t have to think too hard to get through the meditation instructions.

The one thing to consider is to determine whether or not a meditation style suits the patient’s needs. For instance, if he or she has trouble sleeping, then a style that would help them to relax, like a body scan, is recommended. The body scan can be done while lying in bed. It’s easy for the senior to do and it will help to release stress, calm them down and help them to fall asleep.

How you as caregiver, can also benefit from meditation

Even though being a caregiver is rewarding, it can also be extremely stressful. Fortunately, there is a way – in the form of mindfulness meditation that can help a lot to relieve the anxiety associated with being a caregiver. It will promote a feeling of well-being to enable the caregiver to do their job properly without becoming overwhelmed. Including meditation in your daily activities will benefit you in the following ways:

Reduced feelings of stress — While many people report that meditation leaves them feeling more relaxed, recent studies conducted show that mindfulness meditation actually results in physical changes in the body that reduce stress levels as well. The purpose of the study was to find a link between mindfulness and the production of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Data from this study found that the levels of cortisol had lowered in those participants whose levels of mindfulness had increased.

It is a healthy way to calm your emotions — there is no doubt that being a caregiver can be both mentally and physically exhausting. It is at these times when people sometimes turn to things like alcohol and food to help them feel more relaxed after having an emotionally draining day. While food and alcohol can help for a few hours, they are unhealthy and can be potentially harmful to the body. Mindfulness meditation on the other hand, with practice, can restore emotional balances in a much healthier way than indulging in food and alcohol.

Mindfulness meditation helps to increase compassion — although compassion is an asset to everyone, it is even more important to those who provide care to others. Research has shown that meditation increases the probability that people who practice it regularly, will be compassionate, act virtuously and do good things to and for others.

More specifically, studies show that people who meditate are more eager to do what they can to relieve the suffering in others, than people who do not meditate. There are some people who say that those who take on the role as caregiver for a loved one, or decide to do it as a career, are naturally exceptionally compassionate. Even though this might be true, a person certainly needs more compassion when they are caring for someone who constantly needs help with their normal daily activities.

These are just a few ways that you as a caregiver can benefit from including mindfulness meditation to your daily schedule. Make it a part of your daily routine and not only will your job as a caregiver become more satisfying, but the person to whom you are the caregiver, will benefit from your relaxed and incredibly compassionate and caring nature as well.

Reasons Holiday Seasons Bring Depression to Seniors

Holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful moments of the year. But older people often find their thoughts gravitating towards memories of their youthful days and end up falling into a state of depression. So, the holiday season becomes a source of blues as they think about how quickly time has moved. They may feel alone as they reminisce about the good days they used to spend with family members who have passed on. It also becomes hard to keep up with relatives who have moved far away due to jobs and other life obligations. following such families is not easy due to financial or physical limitations. The results are feelings of alienation and loneliness during a time that is supposed to be filled with exciting activities and family traditions. Even though the feeling of nostalgia is normal, most seniors tend to accept and continue living in their depressed state.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD occurs during specific times of the year and may go away thereafter. It can be accompanied by depression, change in mood, or too much sleep. The symptoms of depression can be critical but they normally remit after the season. This can happen to anyone including the seniors. Many times, the elderly lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They also struggle with sadness and hopelessness. Getting through the days seems harder especially if they live alone.

Symptoms of Holiday Season Depression in the Elderly

While holiday blues are mild and temporary, depression can linger if the right help is not administered. The signs of elderly depression include prolonged sadness, irritable mood, loss of interest in social activities, change in appetite and weight, anxiety, frequent crying, sleeping disorders, restlessness, neglecting personal hygiene, unexplained pain, suicidal thoughts, lack of concentration, fatigue, slow speech, memory issues, alcoholism and drug abuse among others.

Possible Causes of Depressing Among Older People

As people age, significant life changes occur which can trigger anxiety. There are many factors that can lead to this state of mental health. Loss of loved one, poor diet, change in routine, loneliness, and fear are some of the causes. Depression can also result from medical complications such as chronic pain, loss of memory, thyroid disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis and so on. Medical conditions can affect the mental health of an aged person directly or through a psychological reaction to the situation. Painful illnesses are especially life-threatening as they make depressive symptoms more severe.

Depression vs. Dementia

Not so many people understand the difference between these two health issues. The main problem is that they seem to have almost the same symptoms. In medical terms, depression is a state of rapid mental decline. A depressed individual is very much aware of their environment, date, and time. However, their motor skills can slack up and may have impaired memory and concentration.

Dementia, on the other side, is a slow mental decline accompanied by confusion. The patient may not recognize familiar faces and places. Loss of memory is not really a symptom of dementia. But the most impaired functions are motor skills, speech, and writing skills.

Only a physical exam by a qualified practitioner can tell whether a patient is suffering from depression or dementia during a holiday season. Caretakers of elderly persons know when it is time to seek help from a geriatric specialist. This is a medical practitioner who diagnoses the aged with common illnesses such as depression.

Ways to Help a Loved One Cope with Depression During the Holidays

Family members or primary caregivers of a depressed elder must be fully involved in the lives of their loved ones. Generally, old people deny their mental illnesses or any psychological issues they might be undergoing. This makes it more difficult for the people around them to know what is going on. To make an aged parent feel the magic of a festive season, there are a few things that can be done to make them feel loved.

Making Gifts

There are many fun gifts that can be created, for instance, during a Christmas party. Pinterest offers some easy crafts and interesting projects for gifting the aged. The gifts will show how much the old ones are loved and not forgotten.

Baking Holiday Cookies

Cookies are perfect goodies to give to elderly neighbors and friends. Everyone bakes cookies differently. It would be wiser to choose healthier ingredients for old people.

Listening to the Aged

An aged person needs a good ear. This encourages them to pour out their heart and their deepest concerns. It is good to acknowledge their situation and try to get into their shoes. The important thing is to understand how they feel.

How an Elderly Can Cope With Holiday Depression

It is difficult for a depressed elder to motivate themselves every day. In severe cases, they feel worthless and might even contemplate suicide. Nonetheless, there are a few activities that can help put off such thoughts.

Going to a Place of Worship

Religious places are filled with activities, particularly during the festive seasons. Churches, for instance, need volunteers to make Christmas decorations. December is also a perfect time to join Jewish members celebrating Hanukkah in the temple.

Exercising

While most elderly are physically unable to do certain workouts, simple exercises like walking in the neighborhood can help. With time, it becomes easier to do more complicated exercises. The activity is even more enjoyable when an elder is accompanied by a family member or friend.

Traveling

Upon retirement, many parents find themselves alone since their kids have already built their own homes. A holiday season is a perfect time for the aged to visit their children and see different places. It is also great to book a vacation to a new environment or take a long weekend trip to a nearby state. Traveling must not always be extravagant, considering the financial situation after retirement. Even taking a nature walk in a nearby park or beach would be a good idea.

Shopping

Aide helping sick elderly woman to drink in bed..

Shopping during the festive season is so exciting. It can be time-consuming but having a companion makes things easier. Just like traveling, shopping should not be complicated. It can be as simple as buying groceries from the new shopping mall in town.

Self-Love

There are awesome ways a senior can treat themselves such as getting a new haircut. A manicure or pedicure would be a bonus for anyone. Many spas offer massage these days and this is one of the best ways to relax on a weekend.

Crafting

Holiday seasons bring amazing ideas for DIY projects. There is so much to make especially for house decors. There are projects for every season: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Planning Party

The winter season is particularly notorious at increasing the feeling of loneliness when one has to spend most of the time indoors. This is an ideal time for senior citizens to throw social parties. Coordinating a house party during the New Year’s Eve can help to keep off the stress of growing old. Even a simple get-together during Thanksgiving Day helps one to feel more productive.

Participating in a Good Course

It can be fun and humbling to visit the needy such as orphans in children’s homes. As long as the work of charity does not pose danger to the well-being of the elderly, it is always fulfilling since it offers a sense of purpose. Feeding the homeless and visiting the sick are the other good courses.

Conclusion

Too many depressed seniors do not recognize their state of depression. Rather, they hardly take the right steps to find the necessary help. There are various reasons why an elderly person overlooks depression. Sometimes, they assume that feeling low is a part of aging. Others hesitate to talk about how they feel and so they do not seek help.

An important thing that older adults need to know is that depression is not inevitable. Neither is it a character flaw or a weakness. It happens to all people, young or old. It does not matter the type of background or accomplishment one has. While there are many factors that trigger depression, they do not always have to put someone down. There are solutions to happiness and feeling hopeful during the golden years.

Family and friends should watch for changes in the mood and behavior of their elderly persons, particularly during the holidays. It is wrong to ignore any sign of depression in an aging parent. If their situation does not seem to improve, the best thing to do is take them to a doctor. A qualified practitioner will know whether what they are going through is more than just loneliness. Medical treatment can be used to reduce depressive signs. Another regimen is psychotherapy which is offered by a psychologist or psychiatrist. However, for these methods to work, the depressed individual must be willing to speak out their mind and convey their feelings.

It is imperative to give all the support that the senior person deserves so they can manage depression. Human interaction and constant communication with the aged can do wonders. This type of care is very possible with a good home care service in Boca Raton, and neighboring cities in Florida. Hiring a home care aide through Boca Home Cae Services, can not only help with light housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders, basic activities of daily living but above all, companionship.

As the coronavirus or Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc in China and different parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to educate people on the pandemic. This global health emergency requires a proactive approach to minimize the spread of the virus.

Photo by Ali Yahya on Unsplash

It is important to take precautions to prevent transmission. Health experts warn that, although coronavirus has killed fewer people than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), it can still cause pandemonium across the globe.

It comes from a family of viruses capable of triggering different types of illnesses, including common cold, SARS, and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). These viruses typically originate from animals. Health experts state that several types of coronaviruses found in animals are yet to infect humans.

Covid-19 is a novel strain, which had not previously infected humans. The number of fatalities recorded between December 2019 and the end of February 2020 surpasses the fatalities caused by the SARS outbreak (2002 — 2003). Although the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) infected fewer people, it proved more deadly than SARS and Covid-19.

Coronavirus symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the contagious coronavirus triggers respiratory symptoms. These include:

– Severe breathing difficulties
– Coughing
– Fever
– Pneumonia

The severity of symptoms varies from one patient to another depending on factors, such as age and health status. Individuals with compromised immune symptoms typically experience severe symptoms.

Elderly people and patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions may develop pneumonia after contracting Covid-19. As a result, it becomes easier to experience organ failure, which leads to death. However, the majority of people infected by the contagious virus have mild symptoms.

Symptoms of the coronavirus can appear after two to 14 days following the initial exposure. It is important to consult a health practitioner immediately after experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms. The doctor will ask whether you have recently traveled internationally.

How does it spread?

The transmission of the coronavirus from one person to another is easier than other strains of the virus. Mild symptoms also contribute to the wider spread of the virus. Reports show that many infected people transmit the virus before symptoms appear.

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This means that preparation for any potential cases needs to consider this aspect. However, some experts believe that the major driver of new infections is linked to other factors. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is known to become transmissible after the appearance of full-blown symptoms. This made it easier to control.

A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the Covid-19 becomes highly transmissible shortly after an infected person feels sick. At this stage, the infectiousness of the virus is similar to the flu.

Coronavirus precautions

When it comes to taking precautions, you should regularly wash hands using hand sanitizers or soap with water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Unwashed hands must not have any contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes. On the other hand, close contact with an infected individual lasting more than a few minutes is inadvisable.

If you live in a city, town, or village with confirmed cases of the pandemic, avoid public spaces like schools, workplaces, and shopping malls. Health experts also urge people to cover a sneeze or cough using a tissue. It is vital to dispose of the tissue in a trash can.

The guidelines are vital in the preparation for a potential outbreak in your area. Cleaning and disinfect various areas of your home or commercial property is highly recommended. Focus on your attention on touched surfaces and objects. On the other hand, social distancing techniques can provide a viable way to minimize risks of exposure as part of precautions. pandemic.

Wearing a mask is unnecessary if you live in an area with no unconfirmed cases. The use of specialized masks is typically reserved for first responders, high-risk individuals, and healthcare professionals.

Is it safe to travel?

The U.S. Department of State issued travel advisories for countries with confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including South Korea, China, Italy, Japan, and Iran. If trips to affected destinations are unavailable, the CDC recommends consulting with a physician before embarking on the trip.

Elderly people and people with the underlying disease face an elevated risk of contracting the disease. Hence, the need to avoid traveling to countries with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Some of the countries with reported cases outside of China include:

– Italy
– South Korea
– United Kingdom
– Iran
– France
– Nigeria
– Philippines
– Hong Kong
– Japan

Covid-19 and older age groups

When the coronavirus invades the respiratory tract, it multiplies in the cells lining the airway. The infection damages the cells, which triggers a response from the immune system. Immune cells close to the affected area fight against the pathogens causing inflammation. The patient recovers as the immune response slows down.

Elderly people face the risk of developing severe symptoms due to dysfunctional immune systems. The bodies of patients belonging to the older age groups fail to eradicate the pathogens more effectively. The dysfunctional response can lead to the overproduction of immune cells and signaling molecules.

Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash

The body experiences a cytokine storm, which involves the flooding of the lungs by immune cells. As a result, patients exhibit severe symptoms, such as inflammation of the airway, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. Local inflammation can trigger serious complications throughout the body as the virus multiplies faster than immune defenses can respond.

Elderly people should regularly wash hands and disinfect living spaces to prevent infection. Taking these precautions against Covid-19 provides a surefire way to avoid transmission. Health experts also recommend social distancing for people over the age of 60 and pregnant women. This applies to anyone living in areas with known coronavirus transmission.

Are men more vulnerable to the coronavirus than women?

Data released recently shows that more men are succumbing to Covid-19 than women despite similar numbers of infection rates. The death rate for women infected by the coronavirus stood at 1.7 and 2.8 for women. However, experts say that it is too early to determine whether the trend is definitive.

Gender bias can be proven after a closer look into a larger population in several countries. The presence of bias would consistent with observations reported during the SARS and MERS outbreaks. In 2003, epidemiologists noted that approximately 32 percent of males succumbed to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) versus 26 percent of females.

Scientists are convinced that the new coronavirus uses the ACE-2 receptor. The observation dovetails with the fatality rates associated with the virus. Up to seven types of coronaviruses are known to infect humans. Some of the variants trigger common cold symptoms and result in relatively lower fatality rates.

Global response

Pharmaceutical companies are working tirelessly to develop an effective vaccine. However, experts are convinced that mass distribution will most likely begin by 2021. For this reason, it is vital to take precautions by aimed at preventing transmission. Experts urge people to wash hands regularly.

Doing provides a surefire way to minimize the impact of the contagious pandemic. As more cases of the virus emerge in countries around the world, including Nigeria and the United Kingdom, many airlines are canceling flights to China. Some countries like South Africa have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan (the epicenter of the outbreak) and other parts of China.

In the meantime, the Chinese authorities are working tirelessly to identify the exact source of the virus. Some sources state that the virus may originate from a seafood market in Wuhan. Wildlife trade is rife in the city with some traders exchanging stock illegally.

Pangolins found in countries like Zimbabwe are illegally trafficked into Asia. Some researchers say there is a possibility that the virus spread from infected pangolins to humans. These protected animals are in high demand in Asia for medicine and food. Bats and snakes are also listed as potential sources of the virus.

The inquest is taking place as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the contagious pandemic a global emergency. The announcement was made following the confirmation of the first human-to-human cases outside China.

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The health alert enables countries to take the necessary precautions and preparation to combat new transmission of the highly contagious pandemic. Countries are expected to coordinate responses in line with specific efforts outlined by the United Nations health agency.

Coronavirus: What is the definition of cured?

When it comes to infectious diseases, Covid-19 patients are either clinically or pathogen cured. A clinical cured patient stops exhibiting symptoms and feels significantly better.

On the other hand, a pathogen cured patient is free from the virus based on the tests conducted by the physicians. Many patients stop showing symptoms thanks to a successful immune response (clinical cure) as with the influenza virus.

In terms of seasonality, Covid-19 may follow a seasonal pattern, which reaches its peak during the winter. As such, a high number of infections may be recorded in the Northern Hemisphere before the outbreak spreads to the Southern Hemisphere.

Additional considerations

Many people have been asking whether they should stay away from pets and other animals. According to the CDC, there are no reports of animals falling ill with Covid-19 in the United States. Also, there is no evidence showing that companion animals or pets are vulnerable to coronavirus.

However, health experts urge people to wash hands after making contact with animals. If you have contracted the coronavirus, avoid contact with pets and other animals. Scientists are gathering more information about any links between pets and the coronavirus.

If you have recently imported a pet or other animal from China, you need to comply with USDA and CDC requirements fro bring animals into the United States. You should closely observe any imported animals for signs of ill-health.

If the animal shows symptoms of sickness, immediately call a veterinarian before taking it to the clinic. Notify the vet that the animal was recently in China.

Coronavirus terms you should know

Zoonotic

Any disease that is transmissible from animals to humans is zoonotic. The new coronavirus was transmitted to humans from animals. The same applies to SARS and MERS, which emanated from civets and camels, respectively. However, scientists are still trying to identify the animal linked to the new coronavirus. The pangolin found in Zimbabwe is currently the prime suspect.

Covid-19

This term refers to the disease triggered by the coronavirus. It is used interchangeably with the official name, SARS-CoV-2, and coronavirus.

Asymptomatic transmission

This term applies to the transmission of the contagious virus even when an infected person shows no symptoms. Scientists are working tirelessly to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic transmission cases.

Coronavirus

This virus belongs to a category of viruses that trigger SARS, common cold, and MERS. The name is derived from the shape of the virus, which features crown-like spikes.

Isolation

Infected individuals can spread the virus in human-to-human transmission. Hence, the need to isolate and quarantine anyone who is actively sick with Covid-19.

The isolation ends when the individual is free from the virus and no longer poses a health risk to others. The final decision on the length of stay in isolation varies from one person to another. Physicians will assess the infected individual based on various factors, such as the severity of the symptoms and the results of laboratory tests.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific guidelines relating to the release of people from isolation.

The patient should show no signs of fever without administering fever-reducing medications. Individuals must undergo at least two consecutive tests conducted 24 hours apart. The tests involve examining respiratory specimens.

Quarantine

An infected person must be separated from uninfected people even they have no symptoms of the coronavirus. This approach reduces the risk of transmission to others. A patient can stay in quarantine for the duration of the incubation period, which is typically 14 days.

People released from quarantine is not regarded as a threat to public health. Anyone kept in quarantine during the incubation period and does not fall ill is unlikely to become a risk.

As of this writing, COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S. Nursing homes, and senior care facilities are becoming the new dangerous battle centers in the novel coronavirus pandemic war; this is now clear how coronavirus is devastating senior living centers. There is no other word for it — it’s quite a devastating crisis.

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to sweep through senior living centers across the country, putting the seniors, staff, families, and the entire community at risk. With the virus spreading pretty fast, we can only imagine the possible worst-case scenario.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 1.5 million seniors who reside in 15,000 registered nursing facilities in the U.SAs of the first week of April, more than 400 long-term care facilities were affected, with hundreds of seniors testing positive for COVID-19. Media reports indicate the results are likely higher.

Coronavirus Spread in Senior Living Centers

The virus is spreading like wildfire not just in the nursing homes, but also in assisted living facilities and other residential care centers that host and care for older adults; this is clear evidence of how those living in such facilities are vulnerable.

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Coronavirus in a nursing home calls for an emergency reaction, failure to which the effects become traumatizing. The experts explain the danger as a “perfect killing machine for seniors” since it can quickly move from person to person resulting in lethal consequences.
Well, you all can learn how deadly the virus is once it gets in a nursing home from the first outbreak case in the U.S. that occurred at a Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, infecting at least 129 and killing 35 people.

In the U.S, novel coronavirus continuous to infect people with over 1.8 M people across the 185 counties already affected. More so, all the 50 States, including the District of Columbia have reported confirmed cases with New York and New Jersey being the most affected.
Those figures and the intensity of spread shows that the elderly in every State are at high risk, although less than1% of Americans occupy those centers. Although the government and nursing homes management claim to prepare adequately, the recent surge shows there is a need for seriousness.

Let’s have a look at the factors that created a perfect storm that facilitated an outbreak of COVID-19 in nursing, assisted living, and independent living facilities.

Factors Contributing to the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Senior Living Centers

Advocates say that multiple factors resulted in an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in areas that have already confirmed a crisis, and without giving them a quick thought, things get messy, and of course, with casualties.

Due to Close Quarters

Experts argue that seniors’ complexes lack adequate space, with some accommodating more seniors than the capacity can hold. With these, the occupants’ traffic makes it easy to transmit the virus micro-droplets from one person to another. It’s hard to apply the rule of social distancing in various places within the complexes.

Understaffing

Understaffing is a significant problem in many nursing homes, with 75% of these facilities operating without the required staff to occupants’ ratio. Most often, employees have no option other than juggle to attend to as many patients as they can, making it hard to follow the appropriate infection control protocol.

Poorly Paid Staff

With many operating with financial constraints, even paying staff their due becomes a problem. In most centers, it’s not happening because of the novel coronavirus; the fact remains that many of these facilities have been paying their staff poorly, and they don’t even get the sick leave, and end up working when sick; this means danger to the elderly.

Disease Control Deficiencies

Without a doubt, many nursing homes were reluctant about the virus, not until it hit a housing home and left a severe impact in Kirkland, Washington. Still, after that case, more would suffer because some didn’t adhere to rules that authorities have set.
Still, on disease control, many nursing homes are struggling, with workers operating without the personal protective equipment to keep them safe from spreading the virus or even acquiring it from patients. Some facilities preserve the PPEs for special occasions, not knowing the virus is already there.

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These facilities have complained to the administration and government for the lack of adequate test kits and vital equipment. That means not everyone gets tested unless they are symptomatic. In essence, this fails to capture the real data because some might be asymptomatic and transmitting the virus in real-time.

Such risk places require extensive testing and close monitoring of workers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends monitoring workers so that they don’t pose a risk to seniors.

Frequent Visitors

After the realization that visitors could pass or introduce the virus to the nursing homes, CMS recommended that all facilities should not allow visitors. If they have to, then there should be no close contact–a conversation through a transparent window is adequate for the safety of both parties.

Lax Government Regulations and Oversight

CMS and state governments have passed many laws and regulations since cases emerged in the respective state or the neighboring states. To be honest, these regulations have caused mixed reactions from the residents, facility owners, and seniors.For instance, California waived the minimum staffing requirements that nursing homes require. Also, not all states report the specific nursing home with the infection, and this poses more danger. The CMS also stated that nursing homes need to allow readmission of seniors who tested positive for COVID-19, a move, though followed in New York, California, and some other states, worried a majority with some saying its extraordinarily ill-advised.

Close Relations in the Complexes

Long-term care facilities are places where everyone feels they’re at home. The closeness of the relationship between the seniors, construction workers, staff, and cooks contributed a lot to the spread, with those living in the homes as couples being greatly affected.

The Staff, Residents and Senior Living Centers Are at Risk

The virus continues to threaten seniors and staff in the facilities as well as communities and family members. The staff has to do their job and check out of the complexes when done with their duty. An infection to the staff means they’ll risk their family members back at home, and also the community within them. Nobody is safe, and this has resulted in severe consequences. Here are the impacts across the country.

Coronavirus Impacts in Senior Living Centers

The current media reports after data analysis, indicate that at least 2300 facilities in 37 states have reported positive cases of COVID-19. These facilities are experiencing a hard time with having so many responsibilities on board.

Late March, a Maryland facility report one case, and in the next day, 64 people tested positive. Another nursing home in Pennsylvania reported that it’d been overwhelmed, and they’ll now assume everyone is positive without even checking — that’s what it is.
The impacts are apparent everywhere. Each day, companies in the assisted living industry struggle with sick residents, state oversights, limited employees, and financial pressures. The majority are in a crisis they have never been before, and they could soon be filing for bankruptcy.

Impacts on the Senior Living Centers Staff

Employees are already overwhelmed with the work on the ground because the confirmed cases need attention, and in some places, seniors keep checking in. An inspection report in one of the facilities in Georgia showed that it sometimes takes a little longer for workers to respond to residents.

The limited staff has exacerbated the situation, with some quitting due to fear of infection while others are getting infected; this leaves living centers devastated, risking the residents.

The importance of adequate staff is now being felt at assisted living facilities as the need for seniors to age in place at affordable places rises like never before. The reality is that even before COVID-19, the surging economy would not allow senior communities to add more workers.
Reports show that in most facilities, seniors now struggle to pay their bills, and this is what the facility needs to keep running. That results in them going back to the drawing board to face these tough times.

Impacts on the Senior citizens and Families

Senior citizens occupy these facilities and, without a doubt, they’re the most vulnerable of the State’s population. They are the majority with certain pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular problems, and this explains their vulnerability to COVID-19.
Depression seems to get into these facilities than never before. Seniors require a space they’re free to move freely, eat while interacting with their loved ones, exercise, and sleep peacefully. With the pandemic, that’s not possible, and depression slowly gets in.

There is so much panic among the senior citizens in assisted living and independent living facilities, and aging in place is now hard because they fear they might fall victim, the next hour. Special thanks to the attendants because they get some comfort.
Families no longer have adequate time to interact with their loved ones, to keep the virus at bay, and they have to live with that in mind. Limited information about their loved ones is not something easy to live with, but their no other option. Although some are still cautious about the quality of care given, the majority applaud the staff for exceptional work.

Although the CMS has been very aggressive on inspections and ensuring employees follow the guidelines, more facilities have reported infections, and this shows the virus might be beyond control as the coronavirus rages across the nation — surely controlling the spread and protection is a significant problem.

How Senior Living Centers Should Protect Themselves

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted everything that retirement communities and independent living facilities need to do to prepare and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When it comes to preparation, they need to get ready for the management of patients, control the visitations and have all the supplies and resources available. Still, they must have in place the appropriate health care considerations, train their staff, resident and visitors, and expand their work capacity.

To prevent infection, the usual rules of handwashing or sanitization with 60–95% alcohol, cough, and respiratory hygiene, wearing the PPEs, environmental cleaning, disinfection, and social distancing must apply.

The Take-Away

It is now in the public domain that senior living centers are now the hotspots of spreading Covid-19. Although the states, federal government, and the management are working around the clock to find solutions, the interventions in place seem not to offer real solutions. The panic has now positioned families in an absolute worst-case scenario, with many trying to pull their loved ones from these facilities.

On the bright side, home care services, that involves hiring an aide can be a viable alternative for senior living because there is close monitoring at 24 hours a day and guaranteed companionship.

The looming hurricane season has the US in a panic mode, now that the county has reported the highest number of Coronavirus cases in the whole world. The government of Florida together with civilians is getting ready to face the harsh reality of the 2020 hurricane amid the global pandemic of Covid-19. Traditionally, the state emergency teams use a prospective program for natural calamities. However, this year’s hurricane preparations are quite unpredictable given that the outbreak of Coronavirus is a huge menace to Floridians. This unpredictability has got everyone anticipating the worst-case scenario, with the biggest question being whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency is in a position to act as needed.

Hurricane Evacuations Vis-à-vis Coronavirus Social Distancing

The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to commence on the 1st day of June and peak around August or September.  If the global pandemic drags on into this season, then Florida must brace itself for a surge of emergencies.

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Already, a state emergency shelter plan has been publicized.  Thirty-nine counties in Florida are said to enough capacity for shelter but since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging social distancing, these spaces might not be enough.

Hurricane preps for 2020 in Florida are materializing and the state officials are creating plans bearing in mind that the full impact of Covid-19 is still unknown. Hospitals and treatment supplies are already stretched too thin while social distance regulations may extend beyond the months of May and June. The unprecedented situation poses a lot of dilemmas like how to save Covid-19 patients from the hurricane. As far as quarantine facilities are concerned, it is not clear how to use schools to separate the populations.

The biggest concern is where to find shelters that will allow the recommended social distance for mitigating the prevalence of Covid-19. If the shelters are opened well in advance, it might be easier to deal with the severe weather. But the biggest problem is how to move the vulnerable groups especially the senior citizens during these testing times. Floridians living is overpopulated areas are the other susceptible group. Since they have already been told to avoid close contact, it is feared that they might not come to the designated shelters when the hurricane comes.

In the event of a hurricane, power outages in Florida are inevitable and restoration may not be any time soon. This means cleanup taking longer than usual. Moreover, the out-of-state support that Florida receives may not be available this year. For example, the utility trucks and volunteers who stream from other states are unlikely to show up. This will call for requests for equipment and workers from the federal government.

The long-term recovery is also at stake. The supply chains are too pressed to tackle the double-tap of port disruptions not to mention the abrupt rise in demand for commodities from building materials to batteries. By the time the storm hits, leaders throughout Florida are expected to have found appropriate transport and virus-safe lodgings as the coastal refugees head inland.

What the Prediction Say and the Way Forward

The unfortunate scenario has prompted the federal government to issue guidelines on how to conduct evacuations should the storm arise. Warmer waters in the gulf are a sign that a stronger hurricane may fall this year and forecasters have predicted an above-average storm.  According to scientists from Colorado State University, the Coronavirus pandemic could see eight hurricanes with an average of 6.4. Out of the eight, four will turn out to be the major averaging 2.7 and falling under Category 3.

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There is a big possibility for one storm making landfall so there is a need for the nation to get out of the Corona Virus peaks so they don’t coincide with the hurricane peaks. With the worrisome situation projected to extend in summer in Florida and other southern states, hospitalization is likely to extend as well. Apparently, most parks and shopping complexes have closed.

For this matter, the preparedness plan issued on the 8th of April for Broward County is a double-disaster strategy for the hurricane strike. Of course, everyone hopes that the hurricane doesn’t come ashore but it is important to assume that one is underway.

Planning for a big storm has never been an easy task. It requires planning for food, shelter, water, energy, and hurricane cleanup. Now, a worldwide outbreak is derailing the efforts to cope with the impending danger hence there is huge pressure on FEMA. The department forces have been called to take early actions.

Medical institutions should be ready for an increase in demand due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Already, time and resources are limited, making hurricane preparation a complicated endeavor. There is a need for strong and dedicated leadership at all levels.

Hurricane evacuees need a virus-safe environment and shelter planning may be the last resort because it doesn’t account for social distancing. Instead, the hotels should get ready to support coastal refugees fleeing from the tsunami. Testing kits for Covid-19 may be very necessary, in addition to isolation centers.

Is There Hope for Florida?

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, FEMA is gearing up a Crisis Counseling Program that has been approved in 30 states including Florida (where funding is being evaluated). This program will help people suffering from mental and psychological issues to cope with the torture created by Coronavirus. This is good news for senior citizens who are prone to post-traumatic disorders and anxiety. Emotional support will play a major role in their recovery from this disaster. Because of the need to protect everyone’s safety, people will receive crisis counseling via social media and mobile devices.

FEMA’s deputy regional administrator, Robert Samaan told WINK News that the organization is implementing telework that is in charge of enlightening the community on the need for social distancing and masks. Through proper logistics and coordination FEMA is ready for the hurricane. They are ensuring that emergency centers and logistic warehouses are packed with essential commodities: lifesaving supplies, water, and food. They are further urging people living in flood zones to be prepared in terms of finances and flood insurance. In the event of a big storm, FEMA is in a capacity to pool resources and respond as required. The message on emphasis is preparedness.

Possible Tactics to Prevent Further Spread of Corona Virus During the Hurricane

Florida is collaborating with national consulting firms to craft storm/Covid-19 policies that are geared towards preventing infections as Jared Moskowitz, the State Emergency Management Director told ABC Action News.

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The team of experts in charge of these protocols is putting into consideration occurrences that may never come to pass.

Basically, the new problem demands new dynamic solutions. Florida Hurricane Response Hub has put in place rules for the screening of the storm shelters to ensure that they are virus-free. In addition, specific quarantine sites are being set up for Coronavirus patients. Hotel spaces are available to those who will not access federal facilities to shelter in place. Each evacuee needs at least 6ft of space in the rescue areas. The state could use federal resources to hire hotels where the refugees can spread out to their separate rooms. Additional spaces in learning institutions could be of great help during this crisis. The other valid suggestion is transporting the evacuees via rideshare rather than metro transit.

Counties should also focus on temperature checks as well as mask requirements as people enter the federal emergency shelters. Nonetheless, the evacuation zones provided by the government should be the last resort. People have to try and find their own places away from the evacuation areas. For instance, a relative’s or friend’s home with a separate room would be a better idea. It is all about minimizing interactions and crowding. Those in flood zones must be aware of their evacuation zones and shop for essential supplies before the hurricane spike hits.

There’s a need for the federal government to give more generators that must be installed in the warehouses before the hurricane. As noted earlier, the level of volunteering will be very low this year and so Florida should have a way to accommodate the emergency. There will be a need to call for state employees, teachers, and youths that are unemployed to take on emergency jobs or volunteer. Training on social distancing, disinfection, masks, personal protective gear, and emergency supplies are all part of this contingency plan.

A Summary of The Impacts of Covid-19 on Florida’s Hurricane Season

A hurricane by itself is destructive. Almost 3,000 lives were lost during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. (10) If the country has seen such tragedies in the wake of a tsunami without a major health crisis, how about now?

Evacuating households before a storm hits is tough work. Doing it against the Corona Virus pandemic, which doesn’t seem to be ending soon, is even tougher. From the current reports, economic and physical activities are very uncertain. Surviving in a highly contagious disease is perturbing. Adding to the level of agony is the imminent hurricane.

The Coronavirus has a serious impact on the healthcare industry, triggering the question of who are the essential service providers. Front-line healthcare professionals are facing the most gruesome challenges as more patients are being admitted.

Some Floridians may run for safety in their personal cars. But it will be tricky for those who use public transport in this period of social distancing. The reason evacuation measures will be more daunting is that they’ll also involve the hospitals that are already overwhelmed by a daily influx or Corona patients. Hospital evacuation is extremely delicate due to the burden of a contagious virus.

Areas that are historically known to be safe such as New Orleans’ Superdome could turn into epicenters of Coronavirus if refugees are crammed inside during a hurricane. Like in quarantine, these places will need to keep everybody 6 feet apart, something that is a big challenge. No doubt, the disasters might compound on one another.

Again, families that will be turning to hotels and lodging are likely to pay higher costs because most facilities have been closed down thereby creating a high demand.

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

Floridians must be on their toes before the storm comes, that is, they ought to be mobilizing resources if they want to avoid governmental shelters. Unfortunately, not so many people are employed at this time of crisis hence this may not be an option for many.

The worst thing about all this is that Corona Virus is not pausing to allow the storm to pass. The first responders will also risk catching the disease and spreading it further. Whereas, volunteers could give up in the process after realizing the risk is not worth it. With fewer volunteers showing up to the rescue, there will be a much bigger challenge of giving out or even receiving donations.

Providing Care for Senior Citizens

There is a huge concern for individuals who might not make it to leave their homes. These are the senior citizens, the most vulnerable group of the Covid-19 pandemic. They will need a special rescue strategy during and after the hurricane. An aged person cannot just pack their stuff and run. In fact, some can refuse due to the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Having a care plan for older adults is paramount. They need to shelter in place away from congregations and hospitals, particularly in the communities that have been hit hard by Covid-19. Often, older people get acute symptoms which may look like those of Coronavirus. Instead of visiting hospitals, they could be assisted by caregivers to manage such symptoms. It is time for family caregivers to improve their efforts in social distancing for the sake of their parents and grandparents. Many households have taken steps to reach out to home care providers as the virus spreads. The use of technology when interacting with pharmacies, doctors, grocery stores, and banks is of great help during this pandemic.

The recovery process will be hard to coordinate since the workers will be exposed to the Corona Virus. Construction workers will be facing unsafe conditions so the local emergency teams should prepare for these risks. However, these rescue missions are understaffed and underfunded so the current health concerns are too overwhelming.

Due to the unique demands, the emergency management departments could give stay-at-home orders rather than evacuating people from the hurricane path. Should evacuation be needed, Uber and similar services will come in handy. Hotels will be more preferred than official evacuation centers.

Studies have shown that rather than moving in with a relative or relocating to a nursing home or another senior living community, the majority of seniors would like to continue their lives in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes.

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Additionally, being at home provides the senior with more freedom and autonomy. However, as the years go by, a number of these elders start to experience more and more difficulty when carrying out certain everyday activities. These include housekeeping, cooking, shopping, and taking care of their personal hygienic needs. With the real threat of Covid-19 and the effects, it could potentially have on seniors, aging at home with the assistance of an aide is the better option for keeping the elderly safe.

Valid Concerns

Some common concerns or complaints heard by family members are typically along the lines of those highlighted below:

• It is getting harder to climb the stairs.
• Doing the laundry is a lot more challenging than it used to be.
• I no longer feel comfortable when driving to and from the grocery.
• Now that my wife is no longer around, I just eat canned soup for dinner.

Feeling vulnerable, confused or even angry is normal when some seniors have to come to terms with their inability to carry out certain tasks they were once able to do. They may also feel petrified at the prospect of becoming reliant on outsiders to do things they have been doing for themselves for most of their lives. Others might feel uncomfortable with the thought of having “strangers” in their space. By admitting to having these feelings and keeping an open mind to new methods of making life easier, not only will the senior better cope with his or her change in a situation but this could also prolong other areas of independence for a longer time.

It is important for seniors to be encouraged to be patient with themselves. A part of aging comes with losses and this is quite normal. It should be pointed out that losing some of their independence and potentially needing help from an aide is not a sign of weakness. They should also be allowed to feel sad and express their feelings of frustration about changes in their home care situation without beating up on themselves or labeling themselves as a failure.

Being open to new possibilities can greatly enhance the lives of seniors who opt to use home care services. Instead of dismissing suggestions right off the bat, seniors should try to keep an open mind and consider the benefits of the available options. New situations and new experiences can in the discovery of new possibilities and even the development of new friendships.

While a number of friends and family members might be willing to contribute to making life easier for the senior, helping out with just a few simple tasks can end up taking lots of effort and time. For a lot of family caregivers, the initial offer rapidly expands into many hours of help on a weekly basis as the need of their loved one’s increase. Thankfully, there are a number of different home care services for seniors that can be used to minimize the burden of the family caregiver, extend the independence of the elderly, enhance safety and assist them in successfully aging in place.

Assistance for Seniors Who Want to Live at Home

A variety of sources are available that provide seniors with assistance. The list below includes some typical things with which seniors need a helping hand. In addition, it provides suggestions for organizations and businesses that are currently providing those services.

evaluate the amount of time that you spend carrying out housekeeping and laundry chores. If hiring out these tasks allows you to make better use of your time, this may be the way to go. These types of services can be arranged monthly, biweekly, weekly, or any other schedule that is most convenient. Getting a deep clean every month can be quite beneficial so that an elderly loved one will only need to concentrate on lighter tasks daily.

There are also home care companies that can provide light housekeeping services and this will ensure that your loved one is living in an environment that is safe, clean, and well organized. Bear in mind that the job description of an aide includes providing supervision and personal support, not heavy-duty cleaning services such as carpet cleaning or window washing.

• Meal Preparation

If a senior is not consuming the right nutrients, his or her health can be seriously impacted by this. Meal replacement shakes, take-out and frozen dinners can fill the gap in a pinch; however, these options are not ideal as the main sources of nutrition.

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For seniors, Meals on Wheels America is among the most renowned food delivery services. There are slight variations in the programs from place to place; however, the service basically includes delivery of healthy meals to individuals aged 60 and older with limited mobility and those who find it challenging to provide adequate nutrition for themselves. Typically, the meals are supplied for a sliding scale fee, which is based on the ability of a senior to pay.

Even with the availability of the number of prepared meal delivery services across the country, there is nothing quite like a home-cooked meal. A number of home care companies have personal care aides who are skilled at planning, shopping for, and cooking nutritious meals from scratch. They can make the experience even more fulfilling by exploring the recipe with seniors and cooking the meal together. Seniors who live alone will find the social side of sharing meals particularly beneficial. Even if an aide does not visit on a daily or weekly basis, he or she will have the option of preparing large batches of home-made dishes and freezing them for future consumption.

• Shopping Assistance, Running Errands and Transportation

In relatively recent times, a number of businesses have adapted to curbside pick-up, delivery service, and other such conveniences. Additionally, there are countless products that can be ordered online; however, many retail outlets like drug stores, local grocery stores, and dry cleaners are now offering express pick up or same-day delivery of purchased items. In many cases, these types of services can simplify the shopping process and even make it entirely unnecessary to leave the house. This is remarkable for seniors who can no longer drive, become tired easily or are limited in mobility. If transportation to and from the grocery store is the main challenge with running errands, several options are also available for this type of service. These include taxis, public transportation, and ridesharing services.

Companion services are provided by some home care agencies and this could include transporting seniors to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and running other errands.

Not only does a home care aide provide transportation but there is also the added benefit of door-to-door service while assisting with appointments or shopping. If necessary, these professionals can even assume the role of taking notes at appointments. If a client does not want to leave his or her home or is homebound, the aide can take on the shopping duties.

• Management of Medication

Many seniors have chronic medical issues that are managed with medication. A recent study has revealed that approximately 40 percent of seniors aged 65 and older take between five and more prescription medications. When the regimen of a loved one becomes too complex or they start making mistakes, getting help is crucial.

There are automatic dispensers, phone call reminders, pillboxes, and other products designed to assist with managing medication; however, these options typically require the involvement of another person to confirm that the medicine was taken as directed. A home care aide who has a set time to visit each day can personally provide medication reminders and ensure they are taken as directed. There are cases in which Medicare will stand the cost for a home aide to visit the home of a senior to administer medications if intermittent skilled nursing care is required.

• Personal Care Services

Unfortunately, as the mental and physical health of a senior decline, their personal hygiene also goes on the decline. Simple duties like teeth brushing, bathing, shaving, and putting on clean clothes become burdensome and drop lower and lower on the list of priorities. The only solution may be to help your loved one with the bathing process.

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Typically assistance with bathing is only available via home health agencies or home care companies. A specially-trained bath aide will be sent to quickly and discretely assist your loved one in taking a bath, shower or bed bath. Good personal hygiene is instrumental for optimal health and a number of caregivers use bathing services for seniors to assist their loved ones with personal care and prevent the discomfort of having to provide this intimate assistance. Home aides also assist the elderly with continence care and toileting.

• Mobility

For seniors, it can be difficult or even dangerous to get around with limited mobility. A professional home care aide is trained to provide better supervision and can also assist with transfers and mobility. This can go a far way in reducing the likelihood of household accidents like falls. A number of seniors are less anxious and more active when they know help is close by and they are being monitored. Home aides are also happy to go for walks with their clients and are willing to participate in exercises and activities that help in maintaining and promoting mobility.

How to Find Reputable Home Care Services for the Elderly

Have a conversation with your elderly loved one regarding what they believe their needs are and also talk with a doctor or other individuals of his or her care team. When the tasks they are finding challenging have been determined, it will be easier to figure out the services that could be helpful for them. Conduct research on local home care providers with a view of choosing the best one for the particular needs of your loved one. You should endeavor to collect as much information as possible as this will assist you in ultimately making a confident and informed decision.

Friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors can be remarkable sources for referrals. Make inquiries to see if anyone of these individuals has previously used the services of a home care agency and what that experience is or was like. This will assist you in getting a better concept of the ones that might be beneficial to your loved one and the providers that are established and reputable.

Another remarkable source of information on local, state, and federal benefits and services available to the elderly and their caregivers is the local Area Agency on Aging. Providers of healthcare services, local churches, social workers, outreach, and charity offices could offer their own programs or have details on senior services.

For people living in the cities in Palm Beach, or Broward counties, Boca Home Care Services has been matching seniors with qualified, certified, and compassionate home care aides capable of handling all of these duties. since 1998. Calling (561) 989-0611 will provide you with all the information you need.

Expenses are obviously involved in taking care of a senior and as such, it is vital to consider a budget when seeking out providers. A number of the previously-mentioned services are paid for privately; however, there are some that might be provided at no cost, covered by insurance or cost based on the income level of a senior. If your senior loved one continues to be largely capable of independent living, just paying for a few of these services out of pocket will likely postpone placement in senior living and will end up ultimately costing less.

Home health care aides provide a valuable service to the community by looking after seniors in their own homes. As seniors start to age, they find it more and more difficult to perform many of the common daily chores all on their own.

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On the other hand, it is not always possible for family caregivers to devote enough of their time to look after their elderly loved ones. There are work and other obligations that may come in the way and no matter how much they would like to take care of their own parents or other elderly relatives, sometimes it is simply not feasible. This is where hiring a home care aide becomes beneficial for all parties involved.

Now, of course, in the wake of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, some of the things have taken unexpected turns and situations are not as straightforward as before. We would go into a detailed discussion of this in a minute. But before we do that, let’s briefly run through the benefits of having a home care aide and some of the typical duties that home care workers perform to ensure good health and well-being of our seniors.

Some of the Common Difficulties and Challenges Faced by Aging Seniors

Age takes its toll on everybody. Even if a person is not suffering from any ailment (minor or major), with growing age, infirmity still sets in different degrees. This may result in limited mobility and both physical and mental fatigue. The upshot is that many of the common housekeeping tasks (such as doing the laundry, cooking meals, performing light cleaning chores, shopping for groceries, and so on) seem to appear more and more tiresome (and often, irksome as well).

And this directly affects the mental well-being of elderly persons. It is not uncommon for frustration, anxiety, or even anger to set in. And once this happens, it of course serves to further deteriorate the situation. The elders may start to neglect their personal hygiene; they often stop cooking meals altogether and start eating canned food or ordering takeouts; forgetting to take the prescription medications at appointed hours is another common phenomenon. Elders more advanced in age will also often have a hard time climbing the stairs or even moving around the home. They may also need help with bathing and cleaning themselves.

So, of course, home care requirements for a senior vary depending on the situation. Some of the difficulties we’ve mentioned above can be taken care of by the elderly person’s children or relatives if they stay together (or even if the relative(s) stay somewhere close by). But it is just as likely that they may stay thousands of miles apart in which case, of course, external help becomes so much more valuable and almost indispensable.

How Home Care Helps Seniors

Depending on the situation and the requirements thereof, home health aides can help a senior in a variety of manners.

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Normally, personal care aides help elderly people with supervision and personal support. However, if a person is suffering from an injury or needs home care post-discharge from a health care facility, these jobs are handled by licensed nurses and physical or occupational therapists. According to a report published by the National Association for Home-Care and Hospice, currently, over 12 million people in the US depend on the services provided by the home health care agencies.

While licensed health care workers with special training service elderly people with severe disabilities or those suffering from serious illnesses or from after-effects of serious injuries, the vast majority of home health care workers are comprised of personal care aides.

Under normal circumstances (that is, before the unforeseen circumstances we are now made to pass through due to the pandemic), the personal aide workers will help a senior at home by:

– Performing light cleaning and other household chores
– Helping the elderly person with cooking meals
– Doing the groceries or accompanying the senior to the store (if he or she doesn’t feel confident driving)
– Bathing and washing the aging person and taking care of his or her personal hygiene necessities
…and more

The home care workers can be hired monthly, weekly, biweekly, or even daily depending on one’s requirements. Now, it should be pointed out that, due to advancements in technology and services, at least some of these tasks can at present be carried out even without the help of a home care aide. For example, many businesses, such as grocery stores, dry cleaning, drug stores, etc. now provide express same-day pick-up and delivery service. Even for getting around the town, a senior can take a taxi, Uber or public transport.

As for meals, there are a few quality home food delivery services working in many different cities and towns, most notably among them the renowned Meals on Wheels America. However, one thing to understand here is that personal care and assistance is not all about convenience. It is also to ensure safety, security, and above all, the mental well-being of your elderly loved ones. To cite but one example, even if you can get quality food from a home delivery service, this is still different from a home-cooked meal. Often, a personal care assistant will help a senior prepare his or her own meal and will also sometime share the meal with her if so requested. This not only keeps the senior physically and mentally active but also goes a long way in keeping her in a healthy and positive mental state and helps alleviate his or her sense of isolation or loneliness.

Similarly, when it comes to going out, it is better to have someone accompanying the elderly person rather than the person being all on his own. Of course, drugs, groceries, and many everyday necessities can now be availed without setting a foot out of your doorstep. But, this also has the negative effect of making the elderly person even more stuck-in at home. Also, elderly persons often regularly visit community centers, when opened again, and the like to engage in various activities and meet with other people. To have someone to accompany the seniors during these visits not only ensures their safety but will also make their relatives feel more at ease. If required, the caregivers will also accompany their clients during medical appointments, take walks with them, or participate in exercises and other activities meant to promote and maintain mobility.

Basically, when an elderly person knows that there is someone around to take care of them and that the help is close at hand, it helps alleviate their anxiety and make them more active—both physically and mentally. This is especially true for elderly persons living alone.

Covid-19 Pandemic and Home Health Care

Before we go to the pandemic scenario, let us briefly mention that several studies had already established that seniors who get to stay at their own homes enjoy a higher amount of well-being compared to those who are taken care of at nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

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This is understandable since living in familiar surroundings (whether alone or with relatives) cannot fail to provide a sense of security whereas being uprooted can have a serious negative impact at least on a few individuals.

Now to come to the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of attention in recent days has been directed to assisted living and long-term care facilities, especially in the wake of a New York Times report according to which employees and residents of these facilities have accounted for almost 40% of the nation’s deaths. One reason for this could be that a lot of these facilities were overcrowded and understaffed.

However, whatever the reasons, in view of all these deaths in these facilities, many elderly people are now more reluctant than ever to move into a nursing home. Even people with major health conditions are more willing to receive home care than getting admitted to a medical facility. Then there are many elderly people with coronavirus who may not require hospitalization but will still require home care and close supervision. In addition, older adults already hospitalized with the virus will need aftercare once they are discharged.

Needless to tell, all of this has put a lot of pressure on home health care services and their staff. Also, the onset of the virus has all of a sudden made the profession an extremely risky and challenging one for the practitioners. Commonly, a personal care assistant will visit a number of homes daily to stitch together a living. Under present circumstances, however, this has become a risky proposition since higher exposure puts both the home care worker and his/her clients into a more vulnerable position.

Accordingly, the workforce in the industry has dwindled to a considerable degree which in turn has put even more pressure on those workers who are continuing with their job. Some relief has come in the way of family caregivers who are now made to stay at home due to lockdown caused by the pandemic. This has given these people more opportunity to stay close to their elderly loved ones and take care of their needs. However, there are still many older adults who live alone and who cannot do without home care aides.

How Home Care Aides Are Helping Seniors Cope with This Prolonged Pandemic

Apart from the common duties performed by a health care aide (as discussed above), the present pandemic scenario has made it necessary for the care worker to assist the seniors in other ways as well. One of these is to familiarize the seniors with the latest technologies in order to help them stay connected. The older adults cherish visits from family and friends and normally put a lot of stock on them since these help them feel connected and cared for. However, since visits of such kind are not feasible under ongoing circumstances, it is important that the elders do not suffer from feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Making use of video chat technologies through tablets, laptops or smartphones can help seniors feel involved and not isolated. However, not many older adults are accustomed to using these means. Health care workers can help them here. Also, faith communities and houses of worship often play a big part in an elderly person’s social life. However, since at present temples, churches and congregations cannot function in the normal way due to social distancing norms, caregivers can help the seniors access the alternative avenues of online outreach and services for spiritual support and solace.

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Additionally, they can help the older ones with hearing challenges to use apps that provide captions.

More than anything though, the regular visits of the care assistant itself prove to be a great source of support and solace for the seniors, especially those who are living alone. The pandemic has hit the hardest on the older populations and this is apt to cause considerable anxiety to the older adults. The presence of a personal care assistant can help alleviate, at least to some degree, that sense of fear and anxiety.

Choosing the Right Home Care Service During This Pandemic

Although there are many reputable home health care services with good track records, extra caution needs to be taken when hiring a home care aide during this pandemic. Unfortunate as it is, the reality of the situation is that many of these services are not only suffering from a lack of professionals (willing to work under these circumstances), but also from a severe lack of Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. This includes masks, gloves, sanitizers, etc. Understandably, when distributing the equipment, priorities are given to the hospitals and other medical facilities and this has put many home health care services in a compromised situation. The situation, therefore, calls for adequate caution on the part of the relatives hiring a home care aide for their elderly ones. In order to minimize the risk of infection, make sure that the care assistant who will visit your elderly loved one is COVID-free, in possession of all the necessary protection. This is vital not only for the safety of your loved one but also for the health care worker and his family as well as of the other clients he/she will be serving.

Boca Home Care Services has been serving seniors in Broward and Palm Beach counties since 1998. Qualified Caregivers Are Available During This COVID-19 Emergency. Call us today at (561) 989-0611

It wasn’t long after Coronavirus became a global scourge that a disturbing new revelation surfaced: Elderly individuals are at a heightened risk of contracting the illness and succumbing to the same.

As such, governments and health organizations have unequivocally cautioned this segment of the populace to minimize contact with not just younger demographics, but peers as well.

The result is that seniors now find themselves more isolated than ever. As much as it is for the greater good, social isolation has only made life much more difficult for the elderly. It’s left them lonelier and, for those who’re already dealing with other age-related challenges, in potentially unsafe environments.

Does that sound familiar? If you have an older relative — or are a senior citizen yourself — this situation presents quite a tricky dilemma. How can you make life easier and safer for your loved one without putting them at risk? Or how do you ensure your needs are attended to in an age of social distancing? Read on to find out why non-medical in-home care might just be your best bet.

Non-Medical In-Home Care: A Background

Research suggests that 7 out of every 10 individuals who turn 65 will require long-term care of some kind sooner or later. And the reason is simple: As much as we hate to admit it, our bodies deteriorate with age. There’s a certain point past which we can no longer accomplish tasks that once seemed straightforward; not on our own effort, anyway. This is where non-medical in-home care, also known as custodial care/private care/personal care assistance, comes in.

All these terms refer to a set of services designed to help the elderly, victims of disability, and individuals recovering from illness/injury in their daily lives. These services are provided within the confines of the recipient’s abode, rather than an established facility. They’re typically dispensed by caregivers who are not medically trained, but skilled nonetheless — hence the name. These professionals are known as Personal Care Aides (PCAs) or Home Care Aides (HCAs).

In the context of senior living, custodial care has traditionally been sought by individuals who wanted to remain in their own homes (age in place) in spite of physical/cognitive shortcomings; those who needed assistance to sustain one’s daily routine, but who weren’t keen on moving into nursing homes. Here, a caregiver will usually be tasked with a handful of responsibilities depending on the kind of assistance needed:

– General mobility: Offering help with getting in and out of bed, walking, sitting, standing, etc.

– Housekeeping: Cleaning, laundry, gardening, shopping, and any other household chores a senior might need help with. The aide might also manage bills and appointments on the person’s behalf, in addition to running light errands.

– Personal care: Assistance in personal care routines like bathing, grooming, dressing, and exercise.

– Meal preparation

– Healthcare monitoring and supervision: While they’re not qualified to diagnose or treat conditions, home care aides can still supervise prescriptions. They can also check up on the individual to see how they’re responding to treatment, taking note of progress and any anomalies that might develop.

– Companionship and emotional support: Spending a great deal of time with the patient, home care aides offer constant companionship and support in various matters, including the more-personal and sentimental.

Aging in place has been growing popular over the last few years as more senior citizens look to retain their independence. But with COVID-19 wreaking mayhem across communal living facilities, aging in place is emerging as the only sustainable option going forward. And given the necessitated estrangement from family, it’s becoming clear that just about every senior could a home care aide.

No Place Like Home

Prior to the pandemic, the larger majority of family caregivers and decision-makers for elderly citizens preferred to send their loved ones to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. But that all changed once these communities became hotspots for COVID-19. It’s evident that while senior care facilities can offer certain benefits, they cannot be relied upon to properly look after loved ones.

A home care aide showing affection to an elderly man

And of course, no other environment can match the familiar surroundings of your own home, especially once you get into your post-retirement years. Research shows that seniors who age in place fare much better than their counterparts in assisted living facilities. In such a community, your loved one will be surrounded by people whom they don’t know or trust. This makes them feel vulnerable, which is the last thing anyone wants in an era of increasing uncertainty.

Custodial care offers seniors a sense of comfort and safety that no senior living facility can provide. Your loved one, instead of having to uproot their life in order to receive care, will remain in the same environment they’ve known for so long. Caregivers are also crucial in helping seniors maintain a familiar routine; this is crucial for victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. With in-home care, there’s no need to make drastic changes that could upset your loved one’s condition.
Any adjustments that might be necessary to enhance safety will be made in a minimally invasive and carefully thought-out manner.

A Renewed Sense of Independence

Every adult wants to lead an independent life. The desire to continue doing so for as long as possible is a huge concern for seniors. In practice, though, this determination doesn’t always translate into ability. Even if our wits stay sharp, the body might not be as cooperative in supporting our daily routines. Consequently, activities that we might have enjoyed in the past start becoming less and less pleasant, gradually turning into a source of pain.

COVID-19 presents yet another setback for old-timers looking to continue leading normal lives. The containment measures adopted in the immediate wake of the pandemic forced quite a few seniors to quit certain hobbies (sightseeing, going to the movies, shopping, and such). Even as these measures continue to be relaxed in most regions, genarians are still generally advised to “keep sheltering in place.”

This, combined with the inability to partake in the little pleasures of life at home, has left most seniors feeling bleak, deprived, and bitter to a certain extent. After all, it’s this phase of life that offers the best chance to pursue one’s interests — maybe you’d even put lots of effort into keeping your body fit over the years to make that possible. Only for a new virus — a microscopic organism for crying out loud — to come and throw a spanner in the works.

Helpless as you might feel, non-medical home care will go a long way towards improving the state of affairs. It will empower you to pursue your hobbies, and your helper will take over the stuff that drains your energy and enthusiasm. Let’s say, for example, you love baking but have abandoned the hobby because the cleanup process is too taxing; your caregiver will do the dishes so you can enjoy the rest. They could also fetch books from the library on your behalf, allowing you to continue your reading hobby without putting yourself at risk.

It’s safe to say that having this kind of help readily available at hand will re-open doors that previously seemed closed off for good. Who knows, it could even pave way for new pleasures. Your caregiver will introduce you to activities that are related to your interests, but which you hadn’t considered before. These new hobbies will make up for older pastimes that no longer seem suitable to your lifestyle.

While this new sense of personal independence won’t necessarily entail doing everything on your own, that itself will prove a huge relief. Instead of having to sweat out the tiny bits, you’ll be able to focus on the ‘big-picture’ stuff you enjoy.

Reliable Companionship

To say that our old-timers are badly in need of companionship would be an understatement. Just about all of them already felt desolate even before the coronavirus came along — even before the stay-at-home-and-avoid-unnecessary-contact advisories.

There’re lots of factors that can contribute to isolation among seniors. Retiring from the workplace sees you lose a huge part of your social network; the constant companionship provided by your colleagues around you. Couple that with the demise of a spouse, and the prospect of going for days without having someone to talk to suddenly becomes real.

Sounds grim, but it’s all too easy to take for granted the state of isolation that our older generations find themselves trapped in. More so in the current era of social distancing — when family members who previously provided company are urged to keep off. Though crucial in shielding the highly vulnerable demographic, it’s also left them “really lonely,” as one elderly lady reported, adding that, “the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes.”

Multiple studies have shown that loneliness is gravely detrimental to human health. Besides inviting all manner of mental issues, being trapped in a state of loneliness can exact as much damage on the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day would in the long term.

And so, engaging a personal care aide could be one of the best things you ever did for your elderly kin. Don’t take for granted the fact that they’re still able to go about daily activities without help — your loved one(s) still need someone to talk to and keep them company. The caregiver will fill up the void created by not having other family members around; by your inability to visit frequently due to fear of exposing your relatives to the virus.

For that matter, the home care aide’s presence will go a long way in easing the estrangement between the two of you. The caregiver provides assistance in setting up video calls and other communication channels (yes, it’s also easy to forget that old-timers aren’t as conversant with technology as we are). This newfound ability to keep in touch with the family will be extremely beneficial for your loved one’s wellbeing. Whatever worries and concerns about exclusion they might have harbored before will instantly evaporate.

Custodial Care is Personalized

Once again, non-medical in-home care is your best bet if your loved one has health issues that require constant attention or just need a helping hand around the home. The services can be scaled up to ensure the person is looked after in the best way possible, with the assistant handling everything from personal grooming to transportation. You also have the ability to control how support is extended — without having to jump through endless bureaucratic hoops as is the case with assisted living communities.

Home care further allows seniors to live according to their wishes and priorities, instead of having to conform to rigid institutional mechanisms. This is especially important for individuals who have specific dietary needs; a dedicated caregiver will do whatever’s necessary to keep your loved one well-nourished. The constant contact will further make it possible to cultivate a cordial relationship — something that’s seldom possible in a communal setting. With most senior living facilities facing staff shortages as a result of the pandemic, only personalized in-home care can guarantee that your senior relative will be properly looked after.

Assistance in Exercising Safeguards

Experts have repeatedly advised us that our abilities to keep COVID-19 at bay will come down to how well we practice the recommended safeguards. These include:

– Washing our hands frequently with soap and water/hand sanitizer.

– Social distancing: Minimizing close contact with others and avoiding crowds.

– Disinfection: Thoroughly cleaning surfaces that we touch often, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones etc.

For senior citizens, the ability to practice these measures consistently can be the difference between staying healthy and falling victim to a potentially deadly illness. With that in mind, in-home support will play a huge role in keeping your loved ones shielded from the virus. The caregiver will not only keep an eye on them, but they will also assume the more involving tasks like disinfection. Additionally, having a PCA at hand to help with shopping means your loved ones will always be stocked up on commodities of daily need.

Someone to Protect Your Love-One From Scams …

Scams are yet another issue that’s increasingly affecting seniors in the wake of the pandemic. From fake stimulus checks to snake oil merchandise touted to cure COVID-19, seniors are being targeted with all manner of cons. Regrettably, these schemes have succeeded in depriving quite a few individuals of their hard-earned savings.

Now, there’s no denying that scams targeted specifically at the elderly are nothing new. Looking to capitalize on their stable finances, fraudsters have always gone to great lengths to put old-timers in their crosshairs. The pandemic has however worsened what was already an acutely dire situation, sowing uncertainty and confusion across the demographic. Paired with isolation from family members who might’ve offered a skeptical eye, this has made seniors ripe for swindling by a growing cabal of fraudsters.

But what’s particularly worrying about scams is the devastation they cause. Depriving each victim $120,000 on average, they take away a huge chunk of the savings that one had put aside for their golden years. This leaves them highly vulnerable to illness, poverty, and ironically, to more scams down the road.

If you’re concerned that your loved one could be a prime target for scams — which is likely the case if they’re living alone — you might want to bring a personal care aide into the picture. While they won’t exactly have the final say in your relative’s financial affairs, they will greatly help by maintaining a watchful eye.

You can make arrangements for them to notify you of any suspicious schemes that the person suddenly takes an interest in. Caregivers can also assume the job of keeping up with and paying utility bills, something that most seniors have trouble with — and which fraudsters are always keen to take advantage of. Last but not least, companionship provided by the aide will ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation that scammers might be looking to exploit.

…And Offer Respite When You Need it

In-home care isn’t meant only for seniors who are isolated from kin and living alone as a result. Even those who’re receiving support from other family members stand to benefit. A private caregiver can step in when the latter is unavailable or just needs a break.

On that note, it must be highlighted those caregiving experts hefty demands, and even the most dedicated of individuals will reach a point where they start feeling overwhelmed. More so if they have other things to attend to — and probably having to take time off their schedules in order to make themselves available. A PCA will offer some much-needed respite here.

Now, it’s not to say that in-home aides are immune to fatigue. They are, however, better equipped to handle it, being professionally trained for the job. A PCA will save your family caregiver from any feelings of resentment brought about by having to devote a great deal of attention to someone else. This offers the assurance that, at any given point, your elderly loved one will be receiving the care and support they need to weather the pandemic.

Hiring a Non-Medical Home Care Provider: What You Need to Know

That you’ve seen the various ways in which you or your loved one stands to benefit from in-home custodial care is all well and good. But maybe you’re not quite convinced that engaging the right giver is the right move. To that end, we can help you make the right decision by addressing some myths associated with this form of care:

– It is too expensive: Contrary to popular opinion, custodial care won’t cost any more than a communal facility will charge you. If anything, it could be cheaper depending on the kind of services your loved one requires. And as highlighted before, care packages can be adjusted to match specific needs without breaking your budget.

– Caregivers take the place of the family: Once again, personal care aides are supposed to provide respite for family members who might be fulfilling the duty, rather than replace them entirely. Your senior loved one will still be surrounded by familiar faces and voices.

– It’s not suitable for long-term needs: Given the fact that in-home support is often prescribed for convalescents, it’s understandable why some people might view it as a stop-gap solution. But that’s not actually the case —Home care aides are trained to handle the evolving and diverse needs of seniors of all ages. As long as your loved one is satisfied with the arrangement, there’s no need to ever change a thing going forward.

Ultimately, everyone can agree that the transition to one’s golden years shouldn’t be accompanied by a decline in quality of life. Not even in the middle of a pandemic that’s increasingly targeting seniors. Our personal care aides are committed to helping you or your loved one write the next chapter of life in the most comfortable fashion. Get in touch with us at Boca Home Care Services today for a free consultation. (561) 989-0611

The post Living Through The COVID-19 Pandemic- Why Every Senior Citizen Needs A Home Care Aide first appeared on Elder Care Home Health Blog.

Coronavirus vaccinations offer a ray of hope, during a pandemic that has killed more than half a million people in America – and over 2.5 million people worldwide. COVID-19 has affected senior citizens disproportionately, particularly those living in care homes. Their increased susceptibility to the virus – and the greater statistical likelihood of dying from it – has prompted governments to prioritize them, as the vaccine is rolled out in America and other countries.

Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash

At the time of writing, over thirty-nine million Americans have been fully vaccinated, according to statistics provided by the CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control) https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations. Mainly, these are adults who live or work in care homes and healthcare staff, who were given two doses of either vaccine as quickly as possible. Once people have received their second vaccine dose, it takes a minimum of fourteen days for them to develop immunity. Late-stage trials https://www.marketwatch.com/story/modernas-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-achieves-945-efficacy-in-late-stage-trial-sparking-market-rally-2020-11-16 have shown the Moderna vaccine to have ninety-four percent efficacy, and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to have ninety-five percent efficacy. Although the rising numbers of people receiving vaccines is good news, the pandemic is far from over – even for those who have immunity.

When the pandemic was at its peak, lots of care homes banned visits from friends and family, so elderly people missed out on social interactions. Consequently, many seniors have felt isolated during the crisis. This negative impact on their mental health is believed to facilitate the onset of dementia. For this reason, once care home residents have received vaccines, they can be visited by people who have been vaccinated. The beneficial impact of these visits outweighs the slight risk of coronavirus infection. As a precaution, masks should be worn to avoid passing on the virus asymptomatically. The return to normality depends on a speedy vaccine rollout. Health experts think that a seventy to eighty percent vaccination rate will create herd immunity. In this scenario, people who are vaccinated will stop those who are not protected from being infected.

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Recently, the CDC changed its quarantine rules for fully vaccinated people. The vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer both need two doses to offer complete protection. Now, the CDC says that after fourteen days of receiving both jabs, people who have been exposed to COVID-19 do not have to quarantine – providing they have no symptoms https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html. Currently, it is not known how easily vaccinated people can infect others with the virus. However, the justification for the new quarantine rules, according to the CDC, is that the vaccines are highly effective at stopping people from contracting symptomatic coronavirus. This is a key point because those with coronavirus symptoms are thought to be more contagious than asymptomatic people.

When it comes to meeting others in private, there are a few things that senior citizens should know. In all likelihood, smaller gatherings pose little risk to people who are fully vaccinated. However, big or medium-sized gatherings – and gatherings of people from several households who are not vaccinated – could spread SARS-CoV-2. Although the risk of illness might be low for fully vaccinated people, these people could spread the virus if they get infected. This is particularly concerning if they are meeting, or live with, unvaccinated people with a high risk of serious illness from coronavirus. Those who are fully vaccinated should avoid gatherings if they experience coronavirus symptoms, or test positive for coronavirus over the previous ten days. This applies irrespective of whether other attendees at the gathering are vaccinated.

Indoor meetings of people who are fully vaccinated are probably low risk, even if they do not practice social distancing or wear masks. For instance, if you have had both jabs, it should be safe for others who are fully vaccinated to visit your home for a meal. If you are meeting unvaccinated people indoors, who do not practice social distancing, or wear masks, you are probably safe as well — provided you are fully vaccinated.

As a general rule, the amount of precautions you take should be governed by the attributes of those who are not vaccinated against coronavirus. Unvaccinated people from single households, where no one is at risk of serious illness, can have indoor meetings with fully vaccinated people without masks. Such meetings are unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2. For instance, grandparents who are fully vaccinated can meet their healthy unvaccinated son and his healthy children indoors, without social distancing or wearing masks – as long as the unvaccinated relatives are not at risk of serious illness. Shaking hands and hugging the grandchildren would be fine in this situation.

A different approach is needed when vaccinated people visit unvaccinated people from a household where people are at risk of serious illness. In such circumstances, every attendee should practice social distancing, wear a face mask and meet in an area with good ventilation. For instance, if a senior citizen who is fully vaccinated meets an unvaccinated relative who is at risk of serious illness, the meeting should occur outdoors. Both people should maintain a distance of six feet between each other and wear masks.

The same philosophy holds true when vaccinated people visit unvaccinated people from several households simultaneously. When people without vaccines come from several households, it is more likely that they will spread SARS-CoV-2. For this reason, everyone involved should stay six feet or more away from each other. They should also wear a face mask and meet outdoors – or in an area with good ventilation. To refer to the above example, let’s assume that the vaccinated grandparents meet their unvaccinated son and his children, and the son’s unvaccinated friends turn up as well. This meeting should be held outdoors, and the attendees should wear face masks and maintain social distancing (six feet or more). This is because two households that are unvaccinated pose a danger to each other.

Photo by Ekaterina Shakharova on Unsplash

Everyone, whether they have had a vaccine or not, should observe current advice to avoid large or medium-sized gatherings. In addition, they should adhere to any relevant local rules limiting the size of meetings. When attending gatherings of any sort, people who are fully vaccinated should carry on observing preventative measures to limit transmission. This includes washing hands regularly, keeping apart from other people, and wearing a properly fitted face mask.

Many senior citizens want to know whether they can get on an airplane after being vaccinated. On average, domestic round trip flights were twenty-five percent less expensive in 2020 than the year before, based on data from the Hopper travel website https://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-are-already-planning-summer-getaways-and-the-pace-of-the-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-will-likely-affect-airfare-prices-11610383204. However, prices are forecast to increase in 2021, when more people receive vaccinations. If you have had your two jabs, you can still take advantage of the many travel deals that are currently available. Make sure you wait fourteen days after receiving your second jab before traveling. The reason for this, as already stated, is that this is how long it takes your body to develop immunity. Have a viral test done one to three days before your trip. Also, take the paperwork showing your test results with you, in case anyone asks for it. Avoid traveling if you return a positive test, and – prior to your journey – check to see whether there are any travel restrictions.

Eating out at a restaurant is another popular pastime among seniors that they are keen to resume once they have received their jabs. Unfortunately, masks are not usually worn inside restaurants, so it is more likely that you or someone else will be exposed to airborne droplets that can spread COVID-19. Dining outdoors is much safer than dining indoors, according to health experts https://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-jersey-postponed-indoor-dining-as-new-york-makes-decision-on-wednesday-why-is-it-so-dangerous-2020-07-01, because droplets containing the virus have more space to travel. Also, it is often easier to position tables six feet apart from each other outdoors.

Fully vaccinated people should still socially distance themselves and wear face masks in public areas, like movies. theater, supermarkets, and trains/buses. In these settings, there’s a good chance that you will encounter people who are not vaccinated, who you could infect. In addition, if you don’t wear a mask in public areas, it can be stressful for other people, because they are unaware of your vaccination status.

Happily, there is some cause for optimism, because the availability of vaccines is increasing all the time. Infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, recently told NBC that coronavirus vaccinations will be rolled out on a huge scale in the near future. If everything goes to plan, more senior citizens will be allowed to meet safely and enjoy walks with friends and family in the summer. As each month passes, the number of people with immunity to the virus is growing. Once the younger members of your family have had their jabs, you can meet up with them in small groups regularly. That is a nice thought because we have missed seeing our loved ones for over twelve months now. With a bit of luck, this is the beginning of the end of coronavirus and we can reclaim our lives soon.

Boca Home Care Services is here to match seniors with screened and certified home care aides, during and after the pandemic is history. Call us at: (561) 989-0611 for information.

Aging Stereotypes Demystified

If there’s a growth stage that most people are afraid of, then it’s aging. It’s a phase in life where we can use the phrase “change is inevitable.” But the reality is all-natural living creations are bound to age as time passes. Myths or stereotypes exist, but your definition and opinion of getting older and how you accept these changes in your life will determine whether you’ll age gracefully or not.

Phoyto by Damir Bosnjak- on Upsplash

What Is Aging?

Aging is the gradual, constant process of getting older. The beauty is no specified age range denotes you are aged. However, if you experience a decline of your bodily function, notice some physical changes like your hair turning white or grey, or your vision becoming blurry, consider yourself aged. This is the phase where body aches and pains take a toll on most people.

Different cultures have varied perspectives about getting older. While some look up to the aged and consider them full of wisdom, others believe that aging is a syndrome and should be cured. The question is, can aging be eliminated?

The aging population is increasing, and so is their influence on the economy, society, and politics. The input of the aging population in the modern world has played a big role in eliminating stereotypes about aging.

12 Myths Associated with Aging

Are you scared of aging? Often we think about how our lives will be when we get older. We focus on the negative impacts that we forget to cultivate the positive aspects of aging. We need to evaluate our perception of aging. Increasing our knowledge about getting old, defying groundless ideas, and celebrating life as we grow older is the way to go. Let’s explore some common misconceptions about aging?

Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash

Aged Adults Can’t Learn New Skills

The understanding rate and learning style are different in each age group. For instance, you can’t compare a preschooler’s learning rate and style with that of a high school student or use the same measure to gauge a learner’s understanding in grade school to that of a university student. If we don’t consider these learning differences inappropriate, why categorize older adults as unable learners?

Aged people can learn new skills. The question is, what mode of style suits them. It’s true; aging affects the memory, the way we think, but it also comes with positive intellectual capabilities. Older adults have plenty of knowledge and insights equal to their life experiences. They can equally learn various new skills, broaden their memory and do things better.

Giving them the chance to learn new things can boost their reasoning abilities. Older adults who seek to participate in new activities like dancing, piano playing keep their brains active and tend to age less gradually than their inactive counterparts.

Aged Adults Are Prone to Injuries and Should Avoid Exercising

Who is more fragile between a two-year-old and a 65-year-old? Perhaps stereotypes should consider rephrasing this idea more logically. Aging comes with reduced fitness which makes exercising a priority, especially to those with chronic conditions. Besides, being active has more benefits to the body. Exercising and indulging in physical activities improve physical and mental health.

Photo by Lisa Wall on Unsplash

Most aged people doing a few chores are those who participate in some exercises. Even doctors will encourage a young person to exercise when experiencing body functioning limitations due to illness or injuries. Why not an aged adult? Most practitioners managing older adults with chronic illnesses recommend physiotherapy and encourage them to perform some physical activities.

If you want to live an independent, healthy life in your old age, strive to be active. There is a misconception that older adults can easily stumble. That’s not true; taking part in exercises improves their balance and stability, which helps retain their independence and prevent potential falls.

Old Age Is Boring

Aging comes with fewer responsibilities. Retirement hits and no children to take care of. Does not being busy mean boring? After all, this is the perfect time for an aged individual to participate in social gatherings and engage more in community activities.

But do we give them that chance? Older adults look forward to touring the world, especially if they have a spouse to share the serenity with. Others engage more in reading. Some, especially the retired ones, invest in businesses. The goal is to keep themselves active, busy, and entertained by doing things they love.

But it’s not always easy for everyone. Lack of finances at times is a drawback when getting older. And this explains why saving at an early age is important. A stable source of income can spice up life at an older age. If you’ve aged parents or grandparents, take them on a vacation of their choice and attest how exciting life can be at old age.

It’s Normal to Be Depressed and Get Lonely in Old Age

The family and close friends of the elderly determine if the aged person will feel lonely or not. Besides, society has taken up to care for the aged. The perspective that aging persons are abandoned is highly dependent on how we treat them. The good thing is many people choose to be great companions to the older adults in their family and society. In fact, most elderly persons can attest that they’ve received more attention, care, and love in their old age.

Photyo by Tatiana Zanon on Upsplash

Feeling isolated can trigger depression, anxiety, and sadness. But, getting into these emotional states is not normal for the elderly. That’s why older adults need to create and nurture lasting relationships among themselves and family members.

Experts can also prove that depression cases are higher among young adults than older adults. The level of concern given to a depressed young person should be similar to that given to an aging person. Depression is a common disorder among various age groups, and there are effective treatments for various cases.

Alzheimer Disease Is Inheritable at an Older Age

While Alzheimer’s disease tends to be common in families with dementia cases before, it’s not certain that a person will suffer a similar disease as they age. Yes, some genes in the family tree increase the risk of suffering Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s not necessarily that the children of the ailing parents will follow suit.

While these concerns are viable, consult your doctor if you suspect a possibility of having inherited some genes that may expose you to Alzheimer’s disease. An experienced practitioner can advise on various steps to help you live a normal life while getting older.
But remember, various environmental factors can trigger Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, smoking, diet, and exposure to contaminants. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, and it’s never a normal part of old age.

Older Adults Are Alike

The perception that older adults tend to be more alike is common, but it’s a misplaced concept. Their advice and cautiousness in life may appear relevant, but that doesn’t make them alike. Alder adults notice the uniqueness of the young persons around them but tend to

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group them based on their age commonalities.

For instance, they may perceive millennials to be consumed in the digital world. That’s not to mean every millennial is addicted to technology. In a similar case, older adults may share a similar age group with their peers, but each has a distinct approach to life. Their perceptions differ, similar to their cognitive abilities.

They become less alike to their equals, unlike the young people. Their uniqueness can be attributed to the different experiences that each has had in their lifetime and diverse life skills. So they tend to perceive the same things and occurrences differently. Whether spiritually, physically, and emotionally, we age differently. One can be old in their 50s, while others may claim to be young in their 70s.

Older Adults Sleep Fewer Hours

Sufficient sleep is good for the body and brain. People who don’t get enough sleep feel tired throughout the day and experience deterioration in their performance. Lack of sleep or insomnia is a common disorder among all various age groups.

There are higher rates of insomnia among young adults than in older adults. Sleeplessness is manageable. While it may become harder to fall asleep while aging, it does not mean it is normal for the aged to sleep fewer hours. Older adults need the same quality and quantity of sleep as any other adult. Often recommended is 7-9 hours every night.

It helps keep them alert and active during the day, especially when performing chores or activities that help build their muscles. Sleeping enough as you age will boost your overall mental wellness, reduce risks associated with potential falls, among other health benefits. Besides, the body nourishes itself better when we are asleep.

High Blood Pressure Normalizes at Old Age

Most aging adults believe that some chronic conditions like high blood pressure will vanish when they grow older. Some even stop taking medications at an elderly age. On the contrary, conditions like high blood pressure are common health issues among the elderly.
Persons within the age gap 80 -90 years often suffer high blood pressure and can result in severe health problems if not managed through the right medications and diet. If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure at a younger age and succeed in managing it through medication and lifestyle, hold on to that even when getting older.

Breaking from your medication will trigger your blood pressure to rise again, causing other devastating conditions such as stroke or kidney illnesses. You can stop your medication, but not based on your age. Your doctor can advise if you’re stable enough to stop your medication. However, they’ll devise a gradual plan to ensure you safely adapt to these changes.

All Older Persons Are Bound to Suffer Dementia

Aging persons are likely to be forgetful. Some tend to misplace their keys, and others won’t recall an important appointment. It’s normal and common, but that does not characterize them as dementia bearers.

Dementia diminishes one’s memory, making it hard to recollect, think, or make logical decisions. While this impairment of brain function is common among aged persons, it’s not inevitable. Some older adults can live to their 90’s and beyond without showing any signs of dementia.
But in case you notice a decline in your memory and reasoning, you should consult with your doctor. Changes in personality or conduct should also not be ignored. Remember, dementia is treatable and reversible if diagnosed at an early stage.

Once Addicted, You Can’t Let Go at Old Age

Some people become alcoholics and smokers at a young age. Efforts to help them quit can sometimes be fruitless. So, they transition into aging with their addiction. The idea that it’s too late for these individuals to recover from their addiction is a mere misconception.
An aged person can quit smoking or taking alcohol. While adverse effects and deterioration of their lifestyle may compel some to stop, the journey to recover from drug addiction is a personal decision regardless of age.

Photo by Esther Ann on Unsplash

Pneumonia, bronchitis, blood pressure, cancer, and liver problems are common illnesses among many smokers and alcoholics and can be a huge threat while aging. The desire to live a healthy life and age gracefully influences many older adults to quit smoking and drinking. Others want to set a good example for their beloved kids and grandkids, making it easier for them to quit and live a sober life.

Older People Cannot Drive

Most aged persons will be persuaded to hire a personal driver or rely on the young family members to drive them around. Aren’t they more experienced on the road? Why the limitations? It’s vital to keep them safe and ensure safety for other road users.

Therefore, aged persons with impaired memory, vision, or any problems that impede their ability to make proper decisions should not be licensed or allowed to drive. But the question is, at what age should we determine that the old persons in our family or society can’t drive?
Reduced fitness or strength varies from one person to another. You can have an 80-year-old adult who is stronger and mentally fit than a 65-year-old. So, the ability of the aging persons to drive safely should determine if they should stay behind the wheel or take the back–left seat.

Sex Is Not for the Old

It’s ridiculous to think that aging people should not have sexual relations. Unfortunately, even older adults have been meant to believe that they should retire from partaking in sexual activities since it’s a thing for young people.

Some will even feel embarrassed for having sex. This myth can emotionally devastate an aging person, especially the healthy, active, and physically fit with strong muscles. People don’t decline from sexual activities due to age. It’s because of this mere misconception, “sex is not for the aged.”

However, aged persons who have healthy relationships with their partners continue to have sexual relations. People disengage from sexual activities due to overindulgence in feeding, drinking, or lack of interest in their partners. These reasons apply to both young adults and old adults.

The Bottom Line

Now that we’ve debunked the 12 myths associated with aging, you’ll have a different view on aging and seniors, and that’s what matters most. But one more thing: how are you prepared to soldier on through the next phase of your life? You have the choice to either have fun or take your last breath bored.

Embracing a positive attitude towards aging can make your old life blissful. Every phase of life has its challenges. While aging has its unique challenges, your attitude and health will determine if the myths or stereotypes about aging will negatively or positively impact your life.