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Busy Fingers, Busy Brain: Why Crafting Is Crucial For Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The US Census Bureau has found that Americans currently spend around five to six hours per day on leisure and sports activities, including hobbies such as crafting. It’s certainly time well spent, particularly for older adults. Learning and practicing a new craft as a senior brings many rewards; not only can the creative process boost mental health and self-esteem, it can also improve fine motor skills and provide an opportunity for socializing and making friends, which has been scientifically proven to benefit those with Alzheimer’s. So what are you waiting for? With a broad range of activities to choose from, there’s bound to be one to suit you or someone you are caring for.

Going with the flow

Psychologists have found that the aging brain is very similar in structure to that of a creative brain; with less self-consciousness and more openness to a breadth of ideas and possibilities. Even if you’ve never tried a crafting hobby before, you are likely to be able to take on board the principles and have fun trying a new activity. Better still, as the psychologist Csikszentmihalyi found, people concentrating on a creative activity enter a state of creative flow, in which they are fully immersed in the task at hand. This helps them to forget day to day concerns and gives them a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure on completion. For a senior who might be experiencing anxiety or depression, this escapism is a wonderful way to restore confidence and self-esteem.

Getting hands-on

A recent study of just under 2,000 people aged 45 and up demonstrated the correlation between advancing age and worsening fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are essential for all sorts of daily tasks such as buttoning shirts, taking coins out of a purse or using a key in a door; losing the ability to do these affects both independence and self-esteem. They’re also necessary for typing emails or text messages, without which a person can feel isolated. By taking up a crafting hobby such as sewing, knitting or woodwork, you can practice these skills daily, keeping those motor skills as polished as possible. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either; stock up on the basic tools for your workstation at first, and then you can add to these essentials once you’ve seen how you enjoy it. Friends and family members may also appreciate a clear focus for future gifts!

Finding friendships

A recent survey found that nearly 50% of respondents admitted to feeling lonely or isolated; Americans are facing a crisis of loneliness. Taking up a crafting hobby creates an immediate social circle, a reason to meet regularly, and something to talk about when you do. There is also a huge online community for those who like to share and admire work in that way. Scientists have also found that staying social is hugely beneficial to those with memory-impairing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, which is why programs such as Nexus at Silverado create social clubs, often centered around creative activities.

Whether you see yourself as a creative person or not, taking up a craft-based hobby can be hugely valuable. Whether you enjoy it for the enjoyment and escapism it provides, appreciate the fine motor skills it improves, or cherish the friends you come to make through it, crafting can be crucial in older age. Choose one to try and enjoy the thrill of discovering a new skill.

By Jackie Edwards

Now working as a writer, Jackie started her career in finance and banking, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and she looks after her parents who live close by. Her father is beginning with the early stages of Dementia and Jackie feels it important to research as much as possible into helping seniors live their final years in comfort.

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Senior woman exercising at home
Healthy Living

How to Keep a Productive Mindset During the Whole Day

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Nowadays, everybody is busy. Even little children are busy with their own things. Most adults wake up every morning with tons of activities waiting to be performed. As a father, CEO, essay writer or lawyer, you know what I’m talking about.

The only people who succeed in this world are those who know how to manage their time and productivity effectively. People who can’t manage their time well never get the most important things done and this pulls them down like a sea anchor.

If you’ve been struggling to maintain a productive mindset, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are going to discuss a few great tips that will help you maintain a productive mindset the entire day. Let’s get started!

Put it down on paper

You should write down every activity or project you are expected to work on. Assignment writers Australia agree that writing down things organizes your mind and reduces the amount of energy needed trying to remember the tasks. You should prepare this list preferably at night before you sleep or when you wake in the morning. After creating the list, organize the activities, organize them in order of priority.

Start with the most important task and progress until you are through with the list. Start working on the most important task until you complete it successfully. Then move on to the next task. Never progress to task 2 when task 1 is not complete.

There is no point in starting something and failing to finish. It’s better not to start at all. But if you want to maintain a productive mindset, you have to work hard on your tasks and stick with them to completion.

Start with the difficult task

No one loves working on difficult tasks. However, the most difficult tasks are usually the most rewarding if done efficiently and completed successfully. It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of starting with the easiest task and progressing to harder tasks.

People who do this never complete the most important tasks and that’s why they never succeed. Starting with the hard task boosts your energy and motivation as you progress with the easier tasks. Completing a hard task is a powerful confidence booster.

Eliminate distractions

The number one killer of productivity and effectiveness is distractions. In the past, it used to be either a knock on the door or a phone call. Nowadays, we have distractions around us every time. The tools we use to work with can easily distract us. How many times have you gone into the office to work only to find yourself chatting with your friends or watching videos on YouTube? It’s absolutely amazing how much time is wasted unconsciously.

You have to take back control of your time and life. Say no to distractions. Switch off your phone or keep it away. Turn off the notifications on your computer. Block sites that will waste your time using the right apps. Focusing on your work and completing your tasks will help you achieve your goals easily and quickly.

Take short breaks

No matter how hard you love to work, there is always a limit. Scientists have conducted a series of research and found that concentration levels start declining after 90 minutes of focus. Even if you have a pile of paperwork to work on, you should take short breaks after 90 minutes.

Taking a short break will help your mind and body refresh and recover the energy you need to be more productive. During the short break, you can take a walk, go for a jog, meditate, chat with friends or drink a glass of water.

Eat healthy foods

How does the food you eat affect your productivity and energy levels? In every way. Poor health is mainly caused by eating foods that add no value to your body such as junk food. Have you ever noticed how you felt after eating a vegetable salad vs fries and burgers?

The most productive people eat the right foods to keep themselves fit and energized. It’s important to consult your nutritionist if you are having a hard time knowing the right food to eat.

Exercise regularly

Exercise not only improves your physical health but also your mental health. If you want to have a productive mindset you have to get out and exercise every day.

This does not mean you have to hit the gym every day. You can leave your car or motorbike at home and walk to the office. Getting your heart racing will boost your creativity and moods.

Learn to say no

Why do the majority of people say yes when they should be saying no? You see, saying yes is easy. You don’t have to quarrel or disagree with anyone. However, it’s really costing you in the long run. The most successful people say no to almost everything. And you should too.

You should not let other people dictate how your day is going to be. Saying no will make other people respect you and your plans. Once you learn how to say no, you’ll never complain or explain.

Delegate

You should not be working on everything that appears on your list. Your main goal should be to complete the most important tasks that can only be done by you. If others can do the same work, delegate the task.

As the popular saying goes, two heads are better than one. By delegating tasks, you will have more time to focus on the most important tasks. You’ll also get more work done at the end of the day.

Conclusion

Time management is the foundation of success and achievement. People who don’t know how to manage their time effectively have no chance in our competitive world. You can have a productive mindset the whole day by practicing the tips discussed above as soon as you can. Get started now! You have nothing to lose.

By Isabell Gaylord

Isabell is a writer and a journalist who contributes to Rush Essayand MyAssignmenta lot. She can spend hours with a cup of latte in one hand and an exciting book in another and enjoys spending time with interesting people as she believes they bring her strength and inspiration. Follow Isabell on Twitter.

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modern race car interior
Aging

New Docu-Series Showcases Older Adults Pursuing Their Passions

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

“I’m 57 years old, and I think this is the best year of my life.”

Dean Neuls may be in his fifth decade, but he’s determined to pursue his dreams and wring every last drop of life out of the present moment. So despite a hip replacement and the aches and pains that come with osteoarthritis, Dean is fulfilling his childhood ‘need for speed’.

Two years ago, he took to the racetrack in Porsche’s Racing Experience One. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and the culmination of a lifelong dream…

Now, Dean is sharing his story in a new docu-series called At Any Age, in the hopes that it may ignite a spark of inspiration in his fellow older adults.

Click on the video below to watch episode 1 of At Any Age and experience Dean’s story for yourself:

 

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Hobbies

Learning a Hobby is Good for your Brain

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Recently studies have shown that keeping your brain active all through your lifetime can help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and keep your brain sharp well into your senior years. “If you don’t use it, you lose it” is just as true for your brain as it is for your body. Many people find as they age when they attempt to play a sport that they haven’t played for a while it gets more and more difficult to achieve the level of expertise in the sport that they had when they were younger. The same is true for our brains. Our older brains have difficulty remembering things that were second nature to us when we were young. It is so important to keep our bodies and our brains in great physical shape as we get older. Learning a Hobby is Good for your Brain

Working the Brain

Learning a new skill and forcing ourselves to remember things are both excellent ways to work our brains. In school we memorized the multiplication tables or a poem. How often do we do that as we age? Studies have shown that those that make a point of trying remember new information on a daily basis are sharper in their later years and can show a decreased incidence of dementia. Taking up a second language or a course in personal finance can help you with your brain function because the learning you are doing is cumulative, with a goal. Instead of memorizing useless information you are building a skill that will benefit you. This type of learning is more likely to hold your interest and because it is cumulative learning, that builds gradually, it creates strong neural pathways. Learning a Hobby is Good for your Brain

Creative Outlet

One of the most popular ways for us to learn as we get older is by taking up a new hobby. A hobby that you enjoy challenges you in a creative way. Your brain will benefit the most from a hobby that is entirely new to you and uses different pathways in your brain than you normally use. If you are not handy around the house, take a course in wood working. If you have never used a digital camera, buy one and take a course on how to use it. A hobby in photography can reawaken your creative abilities. A DSLR camera is an intricate piece of technology that offers the new user plenty of challenges. Learning a Hobby is Good for your Brain
But photography is also a hobby that can be enjoyed at any level; you need not become an expert to enjoy using your camera. You could even purchase a camcorder and try your hand at making movies. Gardening is also a great hobby to try. Gardening is challenging for your brain and helps keep your body fit at the same time. The bottom line is we must all take care of our bodies and our brains as we age. The better you look after yourself now and challenge yourself to learn new things, the more productive and healthy you will be later in life.

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Life Lessons

Living Life Above and Beyond

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When adversity strikes, the last thing most people think to do is push the envelope. But living life to its fullest makes life exciting and meaningful. Would a double amputee aspire to run with the president of the United States? Would a mom who had just nurtured her son through a bone marrow transplant for a rare form of leukemia decide to start a nonprofit organization?Living Life Above and Beyond
This is exactly what some of the many extraordinary people recognized by the Energizer ® Keep Going Hall of Fame have done. Now receiving nominations for its third annual Hall of Fame inductee, Energizer established the contest to showcase the inspirational stories of remarkable individuals across America who have overcome the odds, gone beyond the call of duty, made a difference in the lives of others … or all of the above.
In 2006, Energizer inducted its first winner, John O’Leary of St. Louis, Mo., into its Hall of Fame. O’Leary conquered overwhelming odds: When he was just nine years old, he was burned on 98 percent of his body in a fire accident. He had less than half a percent chance of surviving. But, survive he did, and today he operates his own rehab business, is a husband and proud father, and is active as a Big Brother and a chaplain at a local hospital.
Melanie Goldish of Hoffman Estates, Ill., took the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame honors as the 2007 inductee. Goldish was inspired to found SuperSibs! after she saw how hard it was not only for her son who was diagnosed with leukemia, but also for his brother. Her organization reaches out to the brothers and sisters of more than 10,000 children in U.S. and Canada who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Energizer is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Hall of Fame. “We’re looking for people who never quit,” says Betsy Laakko, Director of Marketing for Energizer. “Almost all of us know someone who is determined and has a can-do attitude. We’re asking everyone to help us identify and honor those very energetic and inspirational people.”

Tips for a “Can-Do” Lifestyle. Keep Going

While it might be daunting to imagine achieving the same kinds of results as Energizer®Keep Going® Hall of Fame finalists, it’s within anyone’s reach to make a difference.

Start Small. While many Americans might like to get more involved, it can sometimes be intimidating when you don’t know where to start. Don’t feel like you need to start your own nonprofit group to make a difference; realize that even if you pledge to volunteer one afternoon a week, your contributions count.

Keep It Local. Another great way to get involved is to look around your own community. Read your church newsletter, pay attention at school meetings, browse the local newspaper – chances are, there are multiple organizations that would not only love to have volunteers, but are in real need of help.

Follow Your Interests. Think of your passions and hobbies, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if cats make you nervous, it’s probably safe to say you wouldn’t make a great animal shelter volunteer. But, on the other hand, if you’re good with finances, you’d probably be a natural to keep your preschool’s accounts in order. Chances are, no matter what your skills or interests, there’s a place where they can be utilized – and valued.

Research Online. In today’s ultra-connected world, it’s easier than ever to find the information you need. Volunteering is no exception. With a little research, you can find a wealth of information specific to your needs, interests and location. Volunteermatch.org, volunteer.gov, servenet.org, volunteersolutions.org and 1-800-volunteer.org are just a few of the many sites expressly designed to get people matched up with the causes and organizations that need them most.

Living Life Above and Beyond

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