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The Quest to Be Happy
Aging

The Quest to Be Happy

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

People put a lot of energy into being happy and joyful. I for one seem to obsess about the emotion. In my Facebook group, members express concerns about finding happiness and many seem to discover it. In general, people want financial stability, good health, money in the bank, food on the table, good friends, an interesting hobby or two, and satisfying activities. That’s not a lot to ask for, right? The Quest to Be Happy

So, why do so many struggle to find it? Over the years, I’ve learned that the word, happy, can deceive us. If I judge my happiness based on a perception of others’ success will sabotage I ever achieve it.
What I’ve found is that some truly believe that happiness is like a gene and whether you’re born with it or not, depends on your birth status, and heritage. That’s very far from the truth.
While others embrace a mindset of positive thinking, I favor this strategy over any other. However, those who suffer from mental illnesses like depression will argue, rightfully so. For them, the brain cannot work correctly and create happy feelings due to a chemical imbalance. It is a disability. And please don’t think that an unhappy depressed person is just not doing enough. Unless you’ve ever experienced depression, it’s hard to grasp.
If you want to find consistent joy and happiness, or contentment, here are a few skills that I’ve learned to apply.

  • Be grateful for what I have and not focus on what I don’t have. The biggest lesson for me is to be thankful. Each day I take a few minutes to list a few things I’m grateful for in life.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others. A very deceiving influence. A savvy therapist once told me, “A situation is never as it seems. If you’d walk in their shoes, you’d see an entirely different side.”
  • Give to others. People are self-absorbed and crave for attention and connection. So, my favorite is to greet a person with a smile no matter where I am; out on a walk, shopping, or
  • Do the things you enjoy or learn how to do the things you want to do. Go back to school or take a class if it requires a skill. For me, it was writing. It’s taken a couple of years and a few classes but I’m doing it.
  • Change your life if you can. For years, I’ve yearned to live in a walkable community. After much deliberation and forethought, I live in a place that fits me and how I want to live.
  • Forgive those who have hurt you or tries to control you. And more importantly, forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made. Ask those you have hurt to forgive you. Then, let it go.
    Aging: Finding Joy in Your Life Again Quest to Be Happy
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Aging

How Older Baby Boomers Want to Live

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

We’ve all read that the aging boomers want to stay at home as long as possible, and that stills hold true. However, LeadingAge, a non-profit global organization whose mission is to be the trusted voice for aging adults, has found some interesting data about the segment and where they would like to be when and if a physical or cognitive disability should occur.

LeadingAge, through NORC, conducted a survey of older baby boomers to gather insights into how they think about their quality of life if they become physically disabled or cognitively impaired and need long-term services and supports. LTSS includes services that help a person get through a normal day, things like getting out of bed, bathing, eating, toileting, moving around, etc.

They surveyed older boomers to imagine they had a physical or cognitive impairment and needed help. Then we posed questions like: What would be important to them? Where would they want to live? Who would they be comfortable receiving help from?

Asked what would be important if they were in a position of needing help with daily activities, being safe was ranked the most important consideration, higher even than being around family or friends.

The study found that 40% said they would want to live somewhere other than their current home or apartment if they had a physical disability that required them to need help with daily activities. Most earlier studies and surveys report that the majority (76% or more) of adults say they want to stay in their own home. These earlier studies do not target older baby boomers and they do not ask for separate responses depending on whether the impairment is physical or cognitive.

Survey Responses

If help with basic daily living activities is needed, on a scale of 1-10 (10 is most important), how important is it to do the following:

  • Be safe – 9.5
  • Be around family – 8.9
  • Have access to the outdoors – 8.8
  • Be around friends – 8.7
  • Be physically active – 8.6
  • Live in your own home – 8.5
  • Get out on a daily basis – 7.9
  • Have meaningful social activities – 7.8
  • Live in your current community – 7.7
  • Practice my religion – 7.5
  • Make a difference – 6.9
  • Travel – 6.6
  • Work – 5.1

 

The findings touch lightly on the differences among the older boomers who responded based on income, sex, and age. In the coming months, LeadingAge will be reporting on the findings in more detail and further analyzing their implications for this important aspect of being ready for an aging America.

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Mid section of senior man with folded hands at nursing home
Aging

How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

After a certain age, some level of decline should be expected year after year. In our forties and fifties, this decline is incremental. It happens slowly, and while it can affect our physical and mental performance, most of us are still able to live our lives comfortably. But in our sixties and beyond, decline begins to speed up. Eventually, seniors reach a point of functional decline. This is the point where elderly care is required for seniors to live comfortably and safely.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to spot functional decline. While decline accelerates in seniors, it still happens gradually enough that functional decline can go unnoticed. As a result, seniors who require elderly care in some form — either from family caregivers, in-home elderly care professionals, or facility living — end up without the support they need. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

So how can you spot signs of functional decline in elderly adults?

Learn the Signs of Functional Decline

To determine whether or not your loved one may need elderly care or another senior service, you need to know the signs of functional decline. Keep in mind that functional decline relates to physical and cognitive function, so you need to be aware of the signs of decline for both.

Signs of Physical Decline

  • Limited mobility
  • Change in posture/gait
  • Frailty/lack of strength
  • Poor coordination
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Limited stamina
  • Exhaustion
  • Poor balance
  • Pain/soreness
  • Signs of injury

Signs of Cognitive Decline

  • Memory problems
  • Mixed-up words
  • Confusion
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Inexplicable behavior
  • Poor self-care
  • Poor housekeeping
  • Change in financial habits

Monitor Your Loved One for Signs

People sometimes miss signs of decline because they don’t know what to look for. But more often, people miss them because they aren’t really looking. Decline happens gradually enough that family members fail to recognize the point where elderly care may be necessary. To help prevent this from happening, family members should be making a conscious effort to monitor their elderly loved ones and track changes in their functional abilities. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors
One strategy is to take stock of the things your loved one has difficulty with over the course of a typical week or month. You can do this mentally, or you might consider taking private notes. This will allow you to compare how your loved one is functioning now compared to the past. Gradual changes become much more stark if you can compare how well they’re doing now to six months or a year ago.

You may also wish to have conversations with family members. Sometimes, individual family members each notice different signs of decline, but nobody notices all of them. Conversations with your loved one will also give you a better sense of the areas where they feel they’re having the most trouble. These conversations can also give insight into signs of decline that occur in private.

Should you determine that your loved one is suffering from functional decline, you may wish to explore elderly care options. If you are considering in-home elderly care, we invite you to contact your local Visiting Angels. Th care coordinators at our local offices will be happy to provide guidance about coping with decline, speak with you about your care options, and schedule your loved one for a free, in-home elderly care assessment. How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

How to Notice Signs of Functional Decline in Seniors

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Aging

Benefit of Social Media for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook, seniors are flocking to social media like never before. And it’s not just Facebook that’s seeing an influx of the older generation. More and more over-65’s are also joining Instagram and Twitter.

Not only do people use social media to catch up with family and friends, and share their lives with people they don’t necessarily see every day, but it’s also increasingly becoming how people view and keep up with news and current affairs. The same goes for the senior demographic.

Seniors on social in numbers

In Australia, 89% of online consumers use social media. This is up from 79% in 2017. While not the largest group on social media platforms, seniors are still signing up in hoards. Of the above number, 30% of people aged between 50 and 64, and 24% of people over the age of 65 access social media sites at least once a day.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population is now sitting above 25 million people. And according to the Yellow Social Media Report, there are 15 million Australians using the platform. That’s 60% of the Australian population.

While the majority of those users are between the ages of 25 and 55, the 55-plus age group still represents a decent 2.8 million users, with 4 in 5 of those surveyed by Australian Seniors reporting that they use social media platforms.

The benefits of using social media

Various studies have shown that the internet, and indeed, social media, has become an important tool in reducing isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in those who use it, including seniors. If that’s not a large enough benefit, here are some others.

Keep in touch

Social media is a wonderful way to keep in touch with people around the world. Whether it’s sharing pictures, sharing stories or sharing news, millions of people log on to social media platforms every day just to see what’s going on in their network of family, friends and even acquaintances. For seniors, it’s also a great way to find people they may have lost touch with over the years and to keep in touch with their grandchildren. Social media really has revolutionized the way people connect.

Stay up to date

For many social media users, it’s not just about staying in touch with family and friends, it’s also about staying in touch with global news and current events. Today’s generation of seniors follows news sites, sports teams and even people of interests on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. For many around the world, regardless of age, social media is where we get our news and often, it’s where news breaks the fastest.

Interaction and entertainment

There’s something delightfully charming about all of those cat videos and why should the grandparents of the world miss out? Whether it’s following an entertainer they love on social media or watching clips from comedians, anyone can be entertained on social media. Plus, there are communities out there based on absolutely anything. Love to bake? Find a baking group and join in on the conversation–they’re happening on Facebook and Twitter.

Be wary

There’s no denying that the benefits of social media far outweigh the benefits of not being on there. Even if it’s just creating an account on Instagram to follow the people you care about, you’re still engaging with those around you. Just remember to never overshare information, especially personal details, always ask before you post a picture of someone, invite and accept friend requests wisely and try to avoid courting controversial topics.

Luke Fitzpatrick

Luke Fitzpatrick is a Forbes contributor and a guest lecturer at Sydney University—in his past, he worked for startups in both South Korea and Australia.

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Aging

How Friends Keeps Us Young at Heart

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Staying socially active enriches our lives, and creating intergenerational friends keeps us young at heart and mind. But, how does an older person create a mutually beneficial relationship with someone a decade or so younger without making them feel like they’re being groomed to be the absent child?

I’ve always had older and younger friends. I’ve been lucky that way and now that I’m older, and have no children, I don’t worry that a younger friend will ever feel like I treat her or expect her to take the role of my (absent) child, nor would I want to be her surrogate mom. On the other hand, I would never treat an older friend as my mother/father or aunt/uncle. The trick is not to make defensive jokes or remarks about how old I am nor do I force my wisdom and experience on them. I see each person (older or younger) as whole and complete.

Most of us make friends with people because we like them. We have interests or experiences in common. They make us laugh. They make us feel special. And we should do the same for them. There’s always room for more friends in our lives. So why allow a random factor like an age to stand in the way?

And most understand that having friends is important, but they have no idea how important it really is. Scientists are starting to discover that having friends who care about us is really a vital part of living. And it’s a very good predictor of good health, success, and happiness.

Why Friends Matter

A study by Gallup showed if you hang around people having a nutritious and healthy mindset, you are more than five times as likely to have a very healthy diet yourself.

  • Scientists have found that being lonely is more dangerous than air pollution, obesity, or excessive drinking.
  • Individuals who are not lonely have as many problems as lonely people. But when you’re lonely, the problems faced stress you more and for a longer time. People with active social groups are able to move past stress faster. It’s believed that their friends make that possible.
  • When an individual stresses, their friends remind them of their value, giving the person the ability to quickly move out of feeling negative.
  • Friendship is the leading factor of happiness.
  • We learn to make friends accidentally. No one, even our parents, teach us how to do it.

 

Friendships can’t be looked at as either black or white; either we are best friends forever, or not at all. Holding a hard and fast rule about friendships will hurt you. Try to focus on ranges of friendships from acquaintances, to very casual, to very close. Having a broad and interesting social circle is key to happiness. With casual friends, your investment of time and energy is just smaller, and you share less intimate information.

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How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?
Aging

Making your Own Decision About End of Life

by Barbara Bates Sedoric
written by Barbara Bates Sedoric

Hope is Not a Plan, But Planning Will Generate Hope

It’s here. Some call it the “silver tsunami” while others reference it as “the greying of America”. Nearly half of the “sandwich“ generation have a parent over age 65 and are raising young children or supporting grown children. Making your Own Decision about End of Life

Alarmingly, thousands of critically important end-of-life and after death decisions are currently being made without the benefit of advanced planning. While “hope” is not a plan, planning realizes hope.
Have you ever considered all the decisions that will need to be made when someone, including yourself, dies?

Are you leaving it up to “let’s hope my spouse or kids will know what to do” or “let’s hope someone will find what they need” or “let’s hope they will remember my wishes”?

Death is inevitable. The topic of planning for death is a hard one to face and discuss with people you care about. It is difficult to think about all the things that you need to get done in order to “get your affairs in order”. But the result of not having a clear plan in the end is that those that you care about are left to only “hope” to do their best to piece together any conversations or verbal instructions that might have occurred in the past.

Unfortunately, relying on memories and hope alone tends to be problematic.
During my career in estates and trusts, I witnessed many chaotic family scenes at widows’ homes while helping search for vital information during an emotionally challenging time. I observed the heartache and enormous stress families endured as they navigated the decision-making process and the many tasks that confronted them after the death of a loved one. Making your Own Decision about End of Life

Several years ago, my mother died suddenly. We spent countless hours searching for documents, double checking facts, and gathering the personal details about her life so we could write an obituary. We did not know what her wishes were, so we relied on hoping we knew what she would have liked to have happened. We were left without a set of clear directions to make myriad decisions and necessary arrangements. We could only hope for the best.

Those experiences taught me that “winging it” is not a good plan and “hoping for the best” does not necessarily bring about the peaceful outcome that everyone is looking for when death happens. No one wants to die, but no one has ever escaped it. Planning ahead however, brings peace of mind.
LastingMatters was launched to help any adult, at any age, prepare for what happens after death using a comprehensive and easy-to-use planning guide. The LastingMatters Organizer was created to prepare anyone for life’s biggest event by compiling, organizing, and documenting one’s wishes, intentions and important personal information all together in one location. Making your

Own Decision about End of Life
The LastingMatters Organizer is a straightforward guide that walks you through everything from what to do with your belongings to how you want your life celebrated. Below are easy to understand prompts you can use to help your loved ones be prepared to carry out your wishes:

• Who should be notified when you die?
• What kind of service would you like?
• Do you wish to be cremated or buried?
• What would you like to have included in your obituary?
• Where are your passwords listed?
• Who should take care of your pets?
• Where are your bank accounts?
• Which family traditions would you like to pass on?
• What happens to all of your “treasures”?

Whether your death is sudden or expected, your loved ones will be dealing with a lot of emotion in the period right after your passing. Unfortunately, this is a time when family and friends will need to take immediate and critical decisions.

Being hopeful means having the faith and confidence that someone will take care of what matters most to you. Planning ahead creates positive feelings for you and for those left behind wrapping up and honoring your life. Hope is achieved when everything turns out as you planned.

Making a clear plan for life’s greatest transition means that you care about your family and friends. The gift of information will save time, money, stress, and the family pressures often associated with death.
In the end, it’s better to be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best. Making your Own Decision about End of Life

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Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
Aging

Importance of Seniors and Social Connections

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

A social friendship builds inclusion and connection.

One of the paths to healthy aging includes connecting with peers and building friendships. It’s a known fact, and the effects of isolation are depression and loneliness. And their harm puts an individual at a higher risk for falls (especially the elderly,) chronic diseases, and even early death. Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
One of the paths to healthy aging includes connecting with peers and building friendships. It’s a known fact, and the effects of isolation are depression and loneliness. And their harm puts an individual at a higher risk for falls (especially the elderly,) chronic diseases, and even early death. Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
However, psychologists suggest that loneliness is not the same as being alone; nor does being with other people protect you from feelings of isolation. But psychologist, John Cacioppo, believes the emotion can inflict havoc on the body and brain. Another philosophy insists that loneliness is a failure of social networks. The lonely get sicker than the non-lonely because they don’t have others to take care of them; no social support exists for them.

Social isolation and loneliness are the two biggest risk factors for older adults living alone. Being tucked away in suburbia with minimal access to public transportation is the reason the elderly remain secluded. They can’t drive anywhere; they can’t walk anywhere, and they can’t get any place on their own. They have problems coping with being tucked away and managing their life gets harder when alone.

I hear if frequently when visiting the elder orphan Facebook group. Some members feel very lonely and have difficulty making social connections. The most painful stories to read are the ones that members have after a surgery upon discharge; they have no one to care for them at home. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months that very issue revealed its thorny head for a member because there have been quite a few.

The graying of America and the suburban population is an echo of the demographic shifts in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, the over-65 population will grow two and a half times, to more than 70 million people, and older adults will add up to 20 percent of the population, up from 12.6 percent. Take a look at the frequency that a boomer turns 65 by watching the real-time, digital counter.
The growing numbers of the elderly population in suburbia corresponds with a rising desire among many older adults who want to age at home instead of moving to an institution. As a result, older people live alone and remain stranded in ill-equipped communities to deliver the services they need.

Unfortunately, the elderly are stuck because they never planned for the later years when they bought two-story homes with expansive yards. The distance between them and the neighbors, an area that was once a treasured solitude, now keeps them disjointed from neighborly connections.

However, if we could convince local city leaders and entrepreneurs to shift a little attention away from the young to the old, then maybe the burden of living alone for the elderly could lighten. The numbers are in—they prove the market validity. In three major cities, Dallas, Portland, and Richmond, the percentage of the population 65 and over living alone ranks from 30 to 37. And since boomers turn 65 every 11 seconds or so, get prepared for more.

I don’t have solutions; however, I do know what it will take for people like me, aging alone, to do it safely and independently with the caring support of peers. We need better public transportation or living options that give us more access to the services we require.

However, psychologists suggest that loneliness is not the same as being alone; nor does being with other people protect you from feelings of isolation. But psychologist, John Cacioppo, believes the emotion can inflict havoc on the body and brain. Another philosophy insists that loneliness is a failure of social networks. The lonely get sicker than the non-lonely because they don’t have others to take care of them; no social support exists for them.

Social isolation and loneliness are the two biggest risk factors for older adults living alone. Being tucked away in suburbia with minimal access to public transportation is the reason the elderly remain secluded. They can’t drive anywhere; they can’t walk anywhere, and they can’t get any place on their own. They have problems coping with being tucked away and managing their life gets harder when alone.

I hear if frequently when visiting the elder orphan Facebook group. Some members feel very lonely and have difficulty making social connections. The most painful stories to read are the ones that members have after a surgery upon discharge; they have no one to care for them at home. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months that very issue revealed its thorny head for a member because there have been quite a few.

The graying of America and the suburban population is an echo of the demographic shifts in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, the over-65 population will grow two and a half times, to more than 70 million people, and older adults will add up to 20 percent of the population, up from 12.6 percent. Take a look at the frequency that a boomer turns 65 by watching the real-time, digital counter.
The growing numbers of the elderly population in suburbia corresponds with a rising desire among many older adults who want to age at home instead of moving to an institution. As a result, older people live alone and remain stranded in ill-equipped communities to deliver the services they need.

Unfortunately, the elderly are stuck because they never planned for the later years when they bought two-story homes with expansive yards. The distance between them and the neighbors, an area that was once a treasured solitude, now keeps them disjointed from neighborly connections.

However, if we could convince local city leaders and entrepreneurs to shift a little attention away from the young to the old, then maybe the burden of living alone for the elderly could lighten. The numbers are in—they prove the market validity. In three major cities, Dallas, Portland, and Richmond, the percentage of the population 65 and over living alone ranks from 30 to 37. And since boomers turn 65 every 11 seconds or so, get prepared for more.

I don’t have solutions; however, I do know what it will take for people like me, aging alone, to do it safely and independently with the caring support of peers. We need better public transportation or living options that give us more access to the services we require.

Importance of Seniors and Social Connections

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Senior director
Aging

5 Self-Care Activities for Seniors to Stay Active

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll always be stressed regardless of the activities you indulge in. Meditation won’t be effective if you aren’t getting enough sleep. In fact, you might doze off while trying to meditate because you aren’t taking care of the needs of your body. Also, hitting the gym once in a while won’t help you relieve stress if you are always consuming junk food. You need to take care of yourself to improve on different aspects of your life. In this post, we are going to focus on seniors and the activities that will help them stay active.

What is Self-care?

Self-care is defined as what individuals do to boost health to prevent illnesses. This view of self-care factors in hygiene, nutrition, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Here are five activities for seniors that support their physical and mental wellbeing. Let’s get started!

1. Connecting and socializing

Most senior Americans live alone. According to the Community Living Administration, an average of 28 percent of the elderly live alone. A financial investments firm did a study to distinguish between feeling lonely and being alone. The study showed that the majority of seniors are resilient and self-sufficient. And this makes them feel less lonely despite being isolated socially. This has been heightened by the forced quarantine and isolation during the pandemic. Here are some of the best ways for seniors to stay connected in the comfort of their home:

  • Call a loved one: Not every connection has to be high-tech. Use your phone to connect with family, grandkids, and friends you haven’t been in touch with for some time.
  • Chat with neighbors: You can make sure that the people who live close to you are doing well. While chatting, remember to keep your distance to avoid getting infected with the dangerous virus. Also, ask if they need assistance.
  • Exercise regularly: You need to exercise regularly but safely. You can go out with a friend while ensuring that you keep a safe distance. You can also join an online exercise program to stay in shape. Exercising doesn’t mean lifting heavy weights or sprinting. A short walk around the neighborhood is just as effective.
  • Join clubs and groups: Book clubs and discussion groups are now meeting online thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. You can also chat on Livestream that discusses subjects of interest. If you have to go out, always follow COVID-19 protocols.
  • Spend time out: As you relax outside, you can interact with delivery guys or your neighbors. Keep your distance and encourage others to share their exciting stories with you.
  • Use technology: Websites and apps can help in connecting people for various activities, conversations, movies, or even dinner. There are lots of sites and apps that will help you connect with family and friends.

2. Gratitude

Lots of studies have linked gratitude to a host of benefits. A research study conducted by Good Science Center found that these benefits include improved psychological and physical health, life satisfaction, greater happiness, less negativity, and high self-esteem. There are lots of simple tips that you can use to build your sense of gratitude. They include:

  • Starting by giving thanks each day: Being thankful for shelter, good health, family, and friends is important. You should take time to savor the gratitude feeling.
  • Give back: You can volunteer to chat with a community group or donate to charity. This will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment as you connect with others.
  • Keep a journal: You can write down anything from resting in the afternoon to having the opportunity to meet your loved ones. The key is identifying the things that you are grateful for.
  • Practice mindfulness: Slowing down to appreciate all the small amazing things around you is key. It could be the voice of a loved one, the weather, or your favorite track. Mindfulness will bring comfort, clarity, and peace.
  • Thank everyone: Smiling at strangers, opening a door for someone, or simply saying “thank you” can build a sense of gratitude.
  • Sharing thankful messages: Writing letters or sending gifts to family and friends will enrich your life. Take a couple of minutes to express to them how you feel.

3. Practice relaxation and mindfulness

In recent years, most Americans are practicing mindfulness which has been traced back to the Buddhists. According to a study conducted by Mayo Clinic, mindfulness involves being aware of your senses, being in the moment, free from judgment and interpretation. This form of meditation involves breathing, guided imagery, and other methods to relax the body and mind thus relieving stress. Mindfulness and meditation have been linked to a wide range of benefits for seniors. Here are a few tips that will help you practice mindfulness every day:

  • Go for a walk: Seeing, smelling, and hearing new things outside can relieve stress and help you relax.
  • Listen to relaxing sounds and music: Calm piano music, gentle rain or a babbling water stream can greatly relieve you.
  • Meditate: Finding a comfy chair in a quiet place or doing yoga can help you feel calm
  • Practice controlled breathing: Deep breaths can slow your heart rate, enhance self-awareness, and lower blood pressure.
  • Look at your surroundings: Seeing things that you’ve never absorbed before and appreciating how remarkable you are will boost your self-esteem.
  • Turn off the TV and computer: Putting your electronic gadgets away will help you step away from stress-inducing circumstances and allow you to experience the timeless.
  • Use apps: There are a lot of phone and computer apps that will guide you as you meditate. Some of the most popular apps include Calm, Breath, The Mindfulness App, and Headspace.

4. Prayer

Prayer and meditation are similar to each other in some way. However, there are a few key differences. Meditation focuses on clearing an individual’s mind through a solitary journey while prayer involves using your thoughts and circumstances while building a relationship with high powers. Several articles and studies have reinforced the benefits of prayer and religious faith:

According to a study conducted by Gallup, most of the people who experienced positive mental changes were those who attended services at their places of worship.

An article written by CNN reported that prayer can reduce feelings of anxiety, fear, isolation, and stress. The article noted that prayer is linked to feelings of encouragement, peace, and social support. There are lots of ways that you can pray since different faiths require different methods such as using schedules and specific texts. Some common ways to pray include:

  • Pray at a particular time: A morning prayer sets the tone of the day and allows you to look forward to the upcoming challenges. An evening prayer helps in giving gratitude for the day.
  • Journal praying: This involves summing up your daily thoughts and turning them into prayer.
  • Praying informally: This can be at a quiet time during the day or while taking a short walk. You should express your thoughts and emotions without using religious language.
  • Silent prayer: Prayer is not just about communicating with the Almighty but about hearing too. Use this time to listen attentively.
  • Pray with friends: Teaming up with friends will help you become accountable and encourage you to ask for your teammates’ prayers. You’ll also be blessed for praying for other people.
  • Your heart: What is troubling you? What are you fighting against? What are you thinking about? This is a great place to start when you pray.

5. Read a book

Reading has been linked to decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and a reduction in stress by the University of Sussex. You only need to read for six minutes to reduce stress by close to 68 percent. Reading can help you learn new things or escape to a different world. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few sites that offer the most interesting books according to your tastes and preferences:

  • Bookish: This site has articles with lists of books that you should read together with recommendations
  • Goodreads: You can list the books that you’ve read, what you want to read, and connect to other people to find out what they are reading. You’ll also receive recommendations according to your tastes and preferences.
  • LibraryThing: This is another popular list builder that will help you stay on track of your owned books and those on your wish list. Upon sign up, you should fill in your preferences to get a list of recommendations.
  • Which book: The site can search for the books you want depending on your location, mood, or characters in the book. If you want to save money, there are lots of free sites such as Open Culture, Free E-books, Project Gutenberg, Book Bub, and Open Library. If you love listening to audiobooks, you can find some at LibriVox, Audible, and Open Culture.

Conclusion

This is the best time for seniors to schedule a time to focus on their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Even when you have lots of things to do, squeezing some time for self-care will pay off in spades.

Author Bio:

Nick van Migrot is a professional content writer and a member of several writing clubs in Los Angeles, California. He also provides at essay help and assignment help as a part of his hobby. Nick is interested in topics such as business, hospitality, finance, and marketing. He is the father of a lovely toddler and a passionate long-distance runner. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter.

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Mid section of disabled senior woman walking with walker in garden on a sunny day
Aging

10 Enjoyable Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The majority of seniors lose mobility due to conditions like serious joint pain, stroke, or injuries from falls. At the point when this occurs, leisure activities and exercises that they used to appreciate may become troublesome. Loss of mobility for seniors doesn’t always equate to the completion of fun occasions. There are several great ways to have fun without having to move around. In this article, we have compiled ten enjoyable activities for seniors with limited mobility. You’ll probably discover something that suits you after reading this article. Let’s get started!

1. Read

Reading is one of the best activities for seniors. It a great way to spend time while keeping the mind engaged. It can reduce stress, improve memory, delay cognitive decline and improve the quality of sleep. Whether you like reading magazines, non-fictional books, e-books, or listening to audiobooks, immersing yourself in a story or learning about an interesting topic is a great way to spend your time. You can also consider organizing a book club among your acquaintances to socialize while reading.

2. Explore other hobbies

Hobbies are good for seniors with limited mobility. Hobbies that don’t require lots of movement include baking, cooking, crotchet, indoor gardening, knitting, playing a musical instrument, birdwatching, and becoming an essay writer to name a few. Limited mobility will allow you to learn something new and try out things you’ve never done before. Learning is one of the best ways to keep your mind active and avoid boredom.

3. Exercise

Even if you cannot move much, there are several exercises that you can do to keep your body moving. Whether it’s standing, or sitting, you can still enjoy the health benefits linked to exercising. Yoga routines and chair exercises can boost your health and wellbeing.

4. Sharpen your creativity

Getting in touch with your creative side is another great way for seniors with limited mobility to spend their time. Coloring, drawing, sculpture, and painting are some of the best ways to be creative. Fun projects include organizing photo albums, creating scrapbooks, and making a family recipe book. Being creative promotes your health. Research studies have found that creative activities play an integral role in people suffering from chronic illnesses, negative emotions, and stress.

5. Spend time outside

Getting out from time to time during the day will help you relax and boost your mood. Even if your mobility is limited, you can consider sitting next to a window or porch on your veranda to get some fresh air while viewing the beautiful scenery.

6. Invite people

Asking friends and family members with pets and children to stop by for a visit is one of the best ways to keep yourself engaged. Most people lighten up in the presence of a young child. Playing with pets is another great way to reduce stress and bring cheer.

7. Brain games

Another great way to spend your time is by playing exciting brain games. You can play by yourself, with a friend or a family member. Try out a crossword, brain teaser, or Sudoku. Spending a few hours every day on such games will help you keep your brain sharp. When you are not mobile, it’s easy to sit around and watch TV for hours. And this might not give your mind the kind of stimulation that it requires. Playing brain games will improve your mental health.

8. Watch TV shows and listen to music

Watching TV all day long is not one of the best ways to spend your time. However, watching a few TV shows will allow you to enjoy your day. Watching TV can go hand in hand with a hobby. For instance, you can watch a documentary on a topic that you are passionate about. Travel and Food channels can also inspire you to travel and try out new recipes.

9. Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to spend your time. Scientific studies have shown that music has the power to reduce, anxiety, stress, and pain. It also improves sleep and immune function while boosting memory.

10. Volunteer

Even if you are an immobile senior, there are several great ways to give back to the community. It a great way to stay engaged and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. You should consider contacting local hospitals, charity organizations, and religious institutions to find out if there are projects that you can contribute to. This could mean crocheting hats, knitting, creating blankets, or assembling packages.

Conclusion

As we get older, our mobility starts to suffer. You may start noticing pains, aches, and fatigue affecting you in different ways. Recovery time can get longer. However, getting old doesn’t mean that you have to confine yourself to your home. As you have seen, there are lots of exciting activities that you can indulge in to improve your physical and mental health.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Holland is a professional writer at Assignment Masters, essay writing service and best essay writers with 3 years of experience who has been writing about education, student life and career development for several years. She helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.

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