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Aging

5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

For many years, researchers have been studying the phenomenon of “use it or lose it.” The phrase refers to the aging process in that if you don’t use your mind, it will start to become more difficult to use it. Some studies have found that this may not be the case, and it’s more accurate to say that it just takes longer for older people to learn new information. It could also be that when you use your mind more, it’s easier to learn than if you did not. Whether “use it or lose it” is correct or not, no one can deny the benefits of exercising the mind – learning new information and improved mental health. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

What You Can Do

With just a few minutes each day, you can slow down cognitive decline as you age. Consider adding these activities into your days. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

Read

Reading the newspaper, online articles, or books are all good ways to keep your mind active. Be sure to use good reading glasses if you have trouble seeing, so you don’t experience headaches. If you’re unable to read for long, just do it for five minutes or so each time.

Volunteer

One reason older individuals suffer from cognitive decline is because they’ve retired, so their minds aren’t challenged as much. Volunteering can replace some of the cognitive benefits you received from your job. You don’t have to volunteer full-time, but there’s scientific evidence that 15 or more hours a week is most effective.

Brain Games

Puzzles and other brain games such as what Luminosity offers can help slow down cognitive decline. The reasoning is the same as when you were working full time – when you challenge your brain, it causes new neuron connections, which helps your mind stay just as sharp as it was when you were employed.

Exercise

Exercise isn’t only good for your body, but for your mind as well. Your brain helps you move your body because it tells your joints what to do to move. This is why exercising helps. It’s best to try new exercises each day, so it makes your mind work harder to learn the new maneuvers.

Visit the Doctor

Cognitive decline is a side effect of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It’s important to be assessed for these conditions and get treated for them, so your mind doesn’t become affected by them. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline
It can be difficult to feel motivated to exercise your mind and body, but it’s vitally important as you age. If you need help, consider contacting Kendall Van Blarcom – personal consultant.
A personal consultant can help you slow down the cognitive effects of aging by finding out why you’re not motivated to incorporated some of these tips into your days. He can also coach you along to help you achieve your goals when it comes to keeping your mind active and healthy. Call Kendall today to learn more about personal consulting and how it can help you.

5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

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#AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues
Aging

#AgingVoices Building Awareness on Local Senior Issues

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Recently, I launched a campaign called #AgingVoices. It started from discussions in a Facebook group for folks who age at home alone with little support from family. I started the group a year ago thinking there’s got to be others in my predicament–over 55, without adult children and a spouse or partner. I hit a jackpot because people joined in droves. #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues
Every day a new set of concerns and worries become the hot topic/s for the group. And for solo agers, it’s comforting to know there are others like us. So, the group is a comfort for many. Some common worries are affordable housing, transportation, health care costs, work and isolation. Of course there are other worries that individuals share like, “I fear I’ll die alone and no one will notice.” That one is horrific but very real. #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues
Overall, we mostly worry about getting around, staying fit and healthy, and paying our bills.
That’s why I launched a campaign to fight for our aging concerns and needs, and I’m calling it #AgingVoices. The plan is to interview city and state officials and even business leaders asking for their ideas, thoughts and action plans for the “near term” on helping older residents live better. Here are the specific questions: #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues
Housing – What are city planners doing to increase easy to find housing for seniors and to make that HOUSING MORE AFFORDABLE?
Transportation – Seniors need to get around. What are they doing to address this?
Financial – What type of jobs does the area have for seniors, what new ideas/opportunities do older adults have to work?
Social/Activities – What social activities, organizations, etc. are available for seniors to help deal with isolation, become more involved and offer value to the community?
Healthcare – What health care assistance/accessibility plans making it easier for aging in place strategies?
However, if you stop to think about it, these are the same worries every American has no matter the age. It’s the reason so many came out and voted this year. They’re worried sick about keeping a job, paying bills, affording health care, staying healthy, etc. But for older adults, the worries hit home harder. But as the aging population doubles over the next decades, the problems will multiply.
I think we need to take a stand and let our voices be heard — especially about the worrisome issues we face because one day each one of us will be old and probably worried about finding a ride to the doctor’s office.
If you’re game, I’d like to hear from you. What does your #AgingVoices declare? What are the greatest concerns you face? Here’s mine: “I worry that I’ll get old and stuck having little support and access to social connections in the suburbs.” Yes, it’s called isolation and the biggest reason for depression and chronic illnesses.
If this is important to you, please follow #AgingVoices, @Seniorcarequest @Carebuzz, and like us on Facebook. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel — the place to watch interviews. Remember, it’s all about making America a better place to age for all, especially the older family members we love and cherish. #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues

#AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues

#AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues #AgingVoices building awareness on local senior issues

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When You Feel Lonely
Aging

When You Feel Lonely

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

What to Do When You Catch Yourself Saying “I Am So Lonely”

Loneliness is a hard feeling to deal with at any age, especially during retirement. Throughout your life, there were probably times when you wanted some peace. You may have had so many people around you that you yearned for time to yourself. At that time, loneliness would have been a welcomed retreat from life. When You Feel Lonely

Now, loneliness is something very different. It feels wrong and uncomfortable. You want to be fine with it, but you cannot and that is unnerving. What can you do when you find yourself saying, “I am so lonely?” Keep reading. When You Feel Lonely

What to Do About Loneliness

A certain amount of loneliness is good for you. It should help you collect your thoughts and plan for the days ahead. It should allow you time to dream, which can make you feel great about yourself and life. Loneliness becomes a problem when you start feeling despair. Despair means you want to be around people, but there is no one around you. In addition, you do not know what to do to bring people in your life or you do not think you can. This can make you feel defeated.
The following tips can help you fight the loneliness you feel.

  • It is time to expand your social circle. Meeting new people can be difficult when you get older. There are not as many opportunities to do that as there were when you were younger, but that does not mean there are no possibilities. The best way to find new people to spend time with is to engage in activities you enjoy. For example, if you enjoy bowling, you should see about joining a league. If you enjoy playing golf, see if there are groups or clubs at a local golf course. Since you already enjoy doing those activities, you are already half way to not feeling lonely.
  • Find new activities to enjoy. You have probably been doing the same things for years. It may be time to find new activities to spark your enthusiasm. Search the Internet for crafts, projects, etc. that you believe would be fun. Depending on your personality, you may want to find little things to do or projects that take more time that you can work on for days or weeks. Find what works for you and if it takes you a few tries of different crafts and hobbies to find what you love, that is okay.
  • Come up with a schedule. Loneliness comes from boredom. To prevent feeling bored, come up with a schedule to follow each day. Start with when you wake up and plan something to do throughout the day. If you cannot think of enough things to do, start adding things such as the crafts, hobbies, and social time.
  • Become more active. Taking walks is an excellent way to keep yourself healthy AND use up some of that time that you are feeling lonely. Check with local gyms and senior centers to find out if there are any walking groups. If there are, join one. If there are none, go ahead and see if you can start one.

As you know, when you are presented with a situation you do not like, it is important to do something about it. If you do nothing, you will continue to feel the same way.
If you need additional help for your loneliness, contact Kendall Van Blarcom. He is a personal consultant who works with senior citizens and their caregivers. He can help you find out why you feel this way, and how you can keep yourself from feeling that way in the future.
When You Feel Lonely When You Feel Lonely When You Feel Lonely When You Feel Lonely When You Feel Lonely

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When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
Aging

When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Come a certain age, retirees are bound to face the question of whether or not to downsize. After all, a three- or four-bedroom home is an essential investment when you’re raising a young family, but when once the kids have graduated college, the extra space is just that — extra space. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
There are a number of reasons to consider downsizing. For one, it makes taking care of your home much more manageable. For another, when the kids have moved out, a smaller home can feel more comfortable and cozy. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
But one of the most compelling reasons to downsize — and downsize early — is the financial benefits that come with a move to a smaller home. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

Making the Most of Your Nest Egg

It’s everyone’s goal to make the most of their retirement savings. But not everyone considers how much further a nest egg can go with a downsize to a smaller home, or even a rental unit or condo.
As the Wall Street Journal noted in 2014, downsizing to an apartment with a higher monthly rent than your mortgage and property taxes can, in some cases, actually save you money in the long run. That’s because the costs of owning a home are often hidden, tied up in constant maintenance projects that you’re on the hook for.
While it takes some number crunching, it’s worth looking into how much you can save by making the switch from a family-sized house to a smaller home. One striking thing you may find is how quickly the yearly savings add up, giving you plenty of bumper space for your retirement savings.

Moving While You’re Able

Another reason to move earlier rather than later in retirement is the physical demands that come with owning a home. A larger space is often tougher on your body than a smaller one, especially when it comes to cleaning and day-to-day tasks. While you can get help with these activities of daily living, services like home care or professional cleaning are an added cost that you should factor into your financial plans.
But it’s not just the way your home makes demands on your body that you need to be concerned about. As physically taxing as a large home may be, it pales in comparison to the challenge of a big move. By putting off downsizing, you risk delaying your move until a time when its far more difficult than it needs to be.
That’s why some surveys indicate that the right time for downsizing is right around retirement age, a time when many adults first report having difficulty living in a bigger space, but when they still have the physical and emotional energy to handle a move.
Visiting Angels home care assists seniors with tasks of daily living in the comfort of home — big or small. For a no cost estimate and care consultation, call your local Visiting Angels home care agency.

When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

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Tips for those grieving and those who wish to help
Aging

When Incapacity Happens in Your Family

by Barbara Bates Sedoric
written by Barbara Bates Sedoric

What does Dad want? Have you asked? How about Mom? Does anyone know what her wishes are? Has anyone asked her? And is anyone really listening to what they are saying? When Incapacity Happens in Your Family

Life can turn on a dime. Incapacity happens. Wouldn’t it be better to take some time now to get prepared? There is no time like the present to ask questions and get some answers. It’s never too late until it really is too late!
Engaging in conversations about what to do in the event of incapacity or death and formulating a plan ahead of any crisis situation is a winning combination. Talking about the “what if’s” now will help diffuse and negate the possibility of a terrible outcome during a difficult situation. When Incapacity Happens in Your Family
In case you have been busy enjoying the summer and not taken time to be up with the news, there’s a movement afoot. It will change the current absence of meaningful and necessary conversations. End-of-life conversations will soon become an integral part of exchanges between doctors, patients, caregivers and family members when it matters most. Why the changing tide? Medicare will reimburse physicians for their time spent having these important discussions with their patients and family members. One’s end-of-life wishes will soon become an integral part of the conversation when you visit your doctor for an annual check up or if you end up in a hospital in a crisis situation.
There will be no more excuses for ignoring the pleas from patients and families to be “heard” when end-of-life decisions are first and foremost on their minds. We’ve all heard stories about family conflicts and family tragedies – so isn’t it better to have these conversations well in advance of a crisis?
The ending of Bobby Kristina Brown’s life exemplifies a worse case scenario – the losing combination of a lack of prior conversations, the lack of any clear planning, the added complications of a blended family, and no person “in charge” of handling the life changing event.
Time is often of the essence. Asking Mom and Dad to communicate their wishes is a priceless gift to you. Telling them your wishes is your gift to them too! Bobby Kristina Brown’s situation reminds us that these kinds of events can and do happen at any age.
Think about it. Talk to your parents, your spouse, your physician, and your adult children and make some of these difficult decisions now. Knowing your loved ones wishes and expressing you own will help alleviate the fear and the chaos of “what to do” when incapacity or death happens.

When Incapacity Happens in Your Family

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Help with Senior Hoarding
Aging

Help with Senior Hoarding

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Senior Hoarding Issues: When They Can’t Let Go

All too often, adult children of hoarding seniors enter their parents’ home to find loads of dirty laundry on the floor, stacks of mail, expired food, and many other unusable items. The rooms have lost their usefulness because they are packed with unneeded items—often in stacks several feet tall. From your shocked point of view, it seems illogical that someone would want to live in all the clutter. Help with Senior Hoarding
Before beginning the struggle of helping them part with the junk, take a moment to look at it from their perspective. Understanding where they are coming from is half the battle. Let’s examine a few reasons many seniors can’t or won’t let go of the junk. Help with Senior Hoarding

It’s Overwhelming

Think about this, as people go through life, they obtain items through shopping, presents, or they might pick up something (like flyers or pamphlets) while they’re out and about. Then you have mail, garbage, recycling, dishes, and other neglected household chores or items that collect on a daily basis. Eventually, this leads to stacks of stuff sitting around gathering dust and taking up space. Something that used to be a small hurdle suddenly becomes an unsurpassed mountain.
Such a large undertaking may overwhelm and exhaust seniors who may be struggling with larger issues. If there have been recent changes in their health, then they may feel incapable of doing it alone. Others may not know where to start, so putting it off or ignoring the problem is an easy way of avoiding the headache of handling it. Tip: Offer to help them. Start by breaking up the tasks into smaller ones and only in one room at a time.

Sentimental Attachment

Many seniors associate a memory with each item they keep. However for a hoarder, every item that comes into their possession has sentimental value—even something as simple as a stack of magazines. If you suggest that they clean and get rid of some of their items, they might become defensive over the reason they have it in the first place. Tip: Suggest they keep small scraps to create scrapbooks to keep the memories alive and cut down on the clutter.

Guilt or Fear

Guilt is a common feeling seniors have when confronted with the realization that they need to get rid of some of their things. Perhaps if they get rid of a gift that was given to them, they will offend the gift giver. This goes along with their fear of the unknown. Sometimes seniors wonder what is going to happen if they get rid of their things. It’s almost as though they are parting with a little bit of themselves. It can be frightening to let go. Tip: Suggest sending their unneeded items to someone who could use them. If they feel that their items are going to help others, then that might help ease their fears and guilt.

Loneliness

It’s common for seniors not to receive many visitors. For numerous seniors, their social life tends to dwindle at different points in their lives. To make up for the lack of company, they start to collect items to replace people. Unfortunately, this can transform into obsession and more clutter is needed. Tip: Suggest that they become more active at a local senior center or maybe send a personal caregiver to visit every day if you can’t be there.
If you need additional help with someone who is struggling with hoarding, contact Kendall Van Blarcom today for personal consulting services. He understands what it’s like to help someone with hoarding because he has worked with many seniors who are dealing with it. Help with Senior Hoarding
Get the help you need, so you can help the senior in your life. Help with Senior Hoarding

Help with Senior Hoarding

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Personal Consulting for Seniors
Aging

Personal Consulting for Seniors

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Who Best Understands Seniors?

If you’re a caregiver or a senior, you may ask yourself, “Who best understands seniors?” This question is an important one to ask because it can greatly help improve the life of those who are in this stage of life. Personal Consulting for Seniors
The senior stage of life isn’t like any other stage. You can equate it to infancy, toddlerhood, adolescence, young adulthood, or adulthood. Just like all of those stages are unique, the senior stage is also different. Personal Consulting for Seniors
Seniors often have a difficult time relating to others because they don’t feel as though anyone understands them. The only time they feel as though someone understands is when they speak to other seniors, especially those who have been through similar life experiences. Even when they haven’t, seniors just seem to relate better to others who are of the same age.
This makes sense.
Children play with children. Young adults hang out with young adults. Adults prefer the company of other adults. Seniors want to talk with other seniors. It’s something that is typical of every stage, but it’s the senior stage that people have a hard time understanding, especially caregivers and family members.
At every stage of life, you wanted to connect with people who were around your age because they knew what you were going through during that stage of life. No one understand what it’s like to be a certain age until they are that age.

What does this all mean?

If you’re a senior, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone and meet other seniors if you don’t have many close friends. This may not be comfortable for you because you haven’t done it for so long, but it’s something you’ve done many times before. Just remember, other seniors are feeling just as you are….they will understand you.
If you’re a caregiver, understand why your older loved one is feeling isolative and depressed. They are likely missing that connection to other seniors. Bringing that connection back will help them come out of the darkness of their lonely mind.
But what do you do when your older loved one refuses to leave the house to meet people? Well, there is a solution.
Kendall Van Blarcom is a solution. He is a personal consultant who is a senior. He is a senior helping seniors, and he offers his services to help people just like you or your older loved ones. Through the telephone he connects with seniors to give that that conversation they crave. He listens with a patient ear, and he understand what they are talking about because he is also experiencing the senior stage.

Personal Consulting for Seniors

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How to Be a Health Advocate for Your Aging Parent
Aging

Help Adult Children face Your End of Life

by Barbara Bates Sedoric
written by Barbara Bates Sedoric

There are many reasons adult children might struggle to face their parents mortality. Let’s face it, no one wants to think about death and dying much less talk about it. Yet, it’s inevitable and deserves setting aside time to have a very important conversation while you are able to. Help Adult Children face Your End of Life

Help Adult Children face Your End of Life

As you grow older and end-of-life preparations are considered, there comes a time when you will need, and want, people to join in and help you as you go through the process of getting your affairs in order. At the very least, you’d like your adult children to acknowledge that the road does not go on forever and you’d like to be prepared for your sake as well as for theirs.

Specifically, we’re talking about having face-to-face, open and honest conversations with your adult children. As much as we might wish it were different, things will not go on as they are today, at this very moment, or perhaps even next month or this year. Hopefully, you will not have to undertake these preparations and discussions alone.

Do you have children who will engage in conversations that are sensitive? Will your spouse be open to and able to lend a hand in making some decisions with you? Should you consider having conversations with the care manager at the retirement commmunity or health facility where you live and have been cared for? Can your trusted advisor help guide these conversations between you and the next generation?

What your adult child might really be struggling with as you near your end of life is their own mortality. After all, if you’re getting older, they (your children) are too…and they may feel like they are not that far behind you and therefore choose to avoid the topic at hand.

To get started, you can encourage and allow your child to express whatever feelings they may have about end-of-life. Ask them some open ended questions such as “what worries you the most?” If you’re able to, it might help to arrange a specific time to talk with your adult children together with an advisor – someone they respect and trust – or perhaps even engage the services of a professional therapist.

You might suggest that as your end-of-life approaches, getting your affairs in order is not only important to you, it will also help them in the end and save them time and reduce family pressures that often arise when the inevitable happens. Additionally, you might wish to alert them about, or even include them in, the planning process so they can learn about what matters most to you. Perhaps you will consider telling them about an item that is meaningful to you that you have chosen as a special keepsake, just for them.

One of the greatest gifts of all that you can give your adult children is access to information when they will need it most after a life-changing event, such as incapacity or death, occurs. LastingMatters provides an easy, affordable, and comprehensive way to compile, document and organize your personal wishes and intentions related to end-of-life planning and planning for death, helping to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Help Adult Children face Your End of Life

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Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents
Aging

Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

by Barbara Bates Sedoric
written by Barbara Bates Sedoric

Whether you plan ahead or you’re thrown into a situation due to a sudden health crisis, end-of-life conversations are never easy. Couple that with trying to initiate these conversations with your aging parents. End-of-Life talks can be excruciatingly delicate and sometimes difficult. One must simultaneously tread lightly, yet boldly. Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

Here are some basic guidelines to help prepare for these very important and personal discussions. Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

Start now Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

If you think it’s difficult to find the time today, it could be much harder. Imagine what it will be like trying to discuss end-of-life matters with your mom when she is gravely ill, incapacitated, or worse. Imagine what would happen if she were no longer here to have these conversations. In other words, don’t wait. Your parents are likely the healthiest they will be today.

Pick a comfortable spot, both mentally and physically

Do not bring your mother (or father) to the local Applebee’s to have this type of conversation. She does not want to discuss her personal matters while enjoying a meal in a restaurant. We suggest initiating this talk at your parents’ home, where they are most comfortable and it’s private.

Do your homework Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

Before initiating this meeting, prepare a list of questions to help your parent. We suggest referring to one of the many checklists in The LastingMatters Organizer. You may think of the basics (ie. whether they prefer a traditional graveyard burial or they wish to be cremated). However, you may be overlooking dozens of other considerations that you haven’t thought about.

Be straight and be clear

Ease into the conversations by first letting your parent(s) know that you honestly don’t want to broach end-of-life subjects. However, it is best for everyone involved to be prepared in advance for any kind of future life-changing event – incapacity, dementia or death. Remind them that a feeling of accomplishment comes from the knowledge that their affairs are in order. With their wishes articulated, affirm that their intentions will be honored. Help your parent(s) understand that these conversations are tough for all involved, but these conversations are also the right thing to do. Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with Parents

Give yourself, and your parents, a break

When discussing end-of-life matters with a loved one, often the biggest concern is how to make your parent(s) most comfortable in tackling these important decisions. This is not going to be a one time conversation and will take time for your parents to consider and organize their wishes. Take breaks from these discussions, but be sure to revisit topics. Continue to gather the information that will be needed, and wanted, when something happens. Easier said than done, right?

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but it will help you ignite a conversation.

Initiating End-Of-Life Conversations with ParentsWhile you, and/or your parents, may have your own checklists, referring to The LastingMatters Organizer as a comprehensive tool and resource will make the task and the conversations easier.

If for any reason your parents choose not to engage in these conversations with you, you can simply ask them to quietly fill out the Organizer. The information they can provide you will be a gift to you in the future – when it matters most.

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