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Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors
Healthy Living

Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Entertainment is a priority for me, but spending money on it isn’t. So, I’m on a mission to find low-cost ways to enjoy my free time, spend time with friends, and socialize. For seniors, its important for our health to get out of the house and make connections. Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors

Some people invite me out but it’s to dinner, drinks, theater, concerts, in other words, spend a lot of cash. Once in a while, that’s fine but every weekend? Instead of spending a lot, ask what is the purpose of going out? It’s to catch up with friends, find entertainment, get out of the house and meet new people. All of this done on a budget. Here are several ideas for things to do with little or no money.

Public Library – I’m hooked on it. They have book clubs, coloring nights, concerts, free classes, book signings, computers, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and an unlimited number of books to read. The local library recently sponsored a viewing of the eclipse and occasionally, star-gazing with telescopes.

City Parks and trails – nature trails run abundantly in cities large and small for hiking and nature enjoyment. Some parks have rivers where kayaking and canoeing are available. During the summer catch movies, live plays, and music concerts.

Potluck dinners – staying in and invite friends to share dinner and a streaming movie. Don’t worry about doing all the cooking, tell everyone to bring a dish to share. To be thorough, make a list of what each should contribute.

Local art museums have discounted ticket days – it’s a fun way to enjoy the arts. In Dallas, the arts district has block parties that bring the crowds to the street for a free community extravaganza.

For the musically inclined, have a get together for a music session. My neighbor sings in a jazz band and invited friends to her home for a jazz bash. They shared their music while guests brought the food and drinks. We listened and joined in the signing.

Volunteer, usher, or man the concessions for area live theatres and see the shows for free. Try acting in a production, it’s work but folks tell me it’s fun!

Board game evenings – invite friends to play Pictionary, poker, Mahjong, or Charades. Try homemade games like Name that tune, Who is it, or Name that year.

Start a book club – Check with your local library, many offer a book club service where you choose from an extensive list of books, put in your order and borrow enough books for everyone in the club.

With so many choices, you’ll save a lot of money. Start now, select one from each category so you’ll always find an event on the calendar.

Making Friends Later in Life
Dealing with Loneliness

Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors

Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors Low Cost Entertainment for Seniors

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Happy senior woman smiling and using laptop computer in coffee shop
Tech Support

Best Events and Websites for Self-Improvement of Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

You might have chosen the right senior facility for you. Needing long-term care is something normal when aging, as your body weakens. And some senior facilities might organize social and outdoor events to meet your needs.

If you are a senior, it does not mean that the self-improvement process has ended. Instead, one must always aim at improving its skills and abilities. This gives you a unique perspective that will make you more open and wiser.

But where to start? Nowadays lots and lots of startups are being set up every day. So, it might be hard to make the best choice of self-improvement for seniors when you have so many options. To help you choose the best events and websites that meet your wishes for improvement, we have outlined a list of events and websites to choose from.

Websites

You might look for something to read about History. Or just something funny to make you relax a bit. We have compiled a list of websites presenting topics from health to finance and technology.

  1. 1. Senior.com

Senior.com is your one-stop-shop for seniors. They have everything you need to age well and remain in your own home. Specialists in fall prevention and mobility products, their customer service can help you find exactly the right product for you. Just call them at 949-713-1400 or visit Senior.com.

2. AARP

Aarp.org is a website that offers a lot of articles for seniors. They talk about sensitive topics like sex life or Alzheimer’s disease and the latest studies in the health domain. If you choose to become a member, you also have discounts and benefits for healthcare, wellness, travel, and entertainment. Even though you are not looking for something specific, you will surely find something interesting to read. AARP is one of the most comprehensible websites.

  1. 3. Love to Know – Seniors

Love to know is a website devoted exclusively to seniors and their caregivers. They offer a lot of advice on financial planning and health. When it comes to fashion and hair, Love to Know is the perfect place to go to. It presents different senior hairstyles you can choose from. You can also find gift ideas, poems and activities ideas.

  1. 4. Road Scholar

If you are into traveling and exploring new places, then Road Scholar is for you. It is the best website for seniors that want to explore the world. They have studied over the years what makes a trip unforgettable and extraordinary. They have found that every human has its own way of seeing the world and of traveling. They have compiled a blog with trips with different structures and itineraries. So, you have plenty of resources to read. And maybe you will decide to travel and enrich your experience and view of the world.

  1. 5. Evergreen Club

Evergreen is a traveling website that aims at facilitating the process of traveling for seniors. You always stress that you have to book a room and to choose what to visit. Evergreen comes in help and establishes a network of friendly accommodation across North America. If you become a member of their club, you have access to more than 2000 friendly accommodation. And the prices are incredible! You will pay 20$ for two per night, with breakfast included.

The great thing is that this network is established especially for seniors. So, you can be one of the seniors that have a free room and wants to help other senior travelers. You can add your room to this network and welcome friendly seniors that are visiting your city. And you can visit them too!

  1. 6. The Senior’s Guide to Computers

Technology is in the constant evolvement and you might feel overwhelmed by these ever-changing changes. The Senior’s Guide to Computers wants to help seniors keep up with technology by offering video lessons and articles to read. You can find videos about emails, internet, security, and the basics of computer use.

  1. 7. WebMD
  3. When it comes to medicine and health problems, webmd.com is the perfect option. No matter the health topic you are interested in, WebMD surely has some articles about that. You can read about physical problems like arthritis, cancer or allergies. But they also have articles on mental health problems, like depression, ADHD or sleep problems. WebMD also has a section about living healthy. You can find a lot of articles about beauty, food, sex, and exercise.

WebMD is one of the best websites because all their articles are written by doctors and are easy to understand by everyone.

  1. 8. Investopedia

Investopedia.com is a must-read for every senior that wants to invest his money. Investopedia offers a wide variety of online courses held by experts. You can do the courses at your own pace. You can choose from courses like investing and trading for beginners, financial modeling or technical analysis. The great thing about Investopedia is that they have an online simulator where you can compete risk-free with virtual money. They always share the latest news in the domain, so you will be constantly updated.

Events

Maintaining a social life is important for your mental health because they are so important for our wellbeing. Playing and socializing can have enormous benefits on your mental sharpness and emotional wellbeing. There are events organized especially for seniors. But what events should you take into consideration? Which ones are suited for you?

1. Active Games Events

You might think that you might not have the physical condition to play sports with fellow seniors. It is true, you might be slower than a few years ago. But do not let this thought prevent you from exercising and having fun with friends. Playing sports is good for your health and helps you stay fit. It also improves your hand-eye coordination. And playing with friends or funnily competing against them has good benefits on your well being too. You can choose from a lot of sports, like golf, tennis, frisbee tossing, badminton or volleyball.

2. Board Games Events

More static than sports, board games offer you the opportunity of doing some exercises for your mind. You can compete with other seniors in a public event or organize a board game night at your house. This way, you keep your mind busy with finding new strategies and improving the existing ones. You have plenty of board games to choose from. Try Uno, Chess, Monopoly, Canasta or Backgammon.

  1. 3. Outdoor Events

These activities might not be so physically demanding like playing sports. Instead, they come with mood benefits. Spending time in nature has always been recommended by doctors. Connecting with something greater than you gives you the astronaut effect and you can become happier and aware of your surroundings. By starting gardening, you will improve your knowledge of how plants grow and what nutrients they need. You can also try nature photography and choose from a wide variety of photography pieces of training. Start exploring and spending more time in nature!

  1. 4. Crafting Events

More and more seniors choose to attend crafting events because they have a lot of fun. Why won’t you try it also? Crafting events are a lot of fun and also help you improve your creativity. You can choose from activities like water coloring, oil painting or pastel drawing.

Some events challenge you more, with activities like wood crafting, papercraft or even jewelry making.

  1. 5. Active Learning Events

You are never too old to learn something new. So, why don’t you choose to attend an event that encourages active learning? There are specially designed for seniors, so you will make friends too. You can make learning fun by choosing to do something for your own sake. And you can also improve your skills. You can learn to play a musical instrument. Or write stories. Or cook exotic dishes. Either choice you will make, for sure you will improve your skills.

Conclusion

“There are a lot of websites and events to choose from when you are looking for self-improvement. Even though you might think that age prevents you from learning something new, this is false. You can keep your mind and body active by staying informed, reading and being part of outdoor events.” said John.

Choose to travel the world and become part of a traveling community. Learn how to better use the computer and your email. Read about health discoveries and future plans.

Keep your body fit by choosing sports with friends. Golf and volleyball have never been such fun unless you competed against your friends. You can also choose to attend crafting events and board games nights. Try something new and learn how to play a musical instrument or to craft wood. There are plenty of options and ideas. You only have to try them!

Shop Senior.com

By Eric H. Anderson

Eric H. Anderson is an editor and journalist at AustralianWritings. I like traveling and I have visited more than 100 countries around the world. You can find me Facebook and Linkedin

 

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Senior couple using a city map for location in the town
Destinations

Why Seniors Are the Best Age for Studying and Discovering the World

by Susan Saurel
written by Susan Saurel

Transitioning from the 50s to the 60s and 70s is one of the most beautiful and important time periods or our life. That’s because this is when we take the time to look within and discover what’s been lying there, undiscovered, for such a long time. Our hectic daily lives can distract us from understanding what truly matters, so we might not be able to enjoy ourselves, have alone, quiet time, or pursue our passion until this transition. While this is quite sad, most people would agree it’s true. Indeed, starting to do all the above from a young age should be something normal, but there are just so many duties and responsibilities we cannot escape that making time for our souls can be challenging.

As older adults, we can now focus on ourselves, our inner passions, our studies, and our own world-discovery pathways. Here are some facts about senior life; I hope you find our advice useful as well.

  1. This Is When You Make Time to Rediscover Yourself

As Seniors, we are tempted to rediscover ourselves and our inner balance, one way or the other. It’s funny how the life cycle unfolds – as children, we are taught to respect rules; as teenagers, we try to break those rules that we’ve just learned, while during adulthood, we reconnect to these constructs and learn how to play the life game. During the Senior years, however, we have time to rediscover our true selves and look within to find the real key to this puzzle called life. Thus, following the next criteria is important for anyone, but especially for those above 50, if you wish to ‘know thyself’ the right way:

  • Enjoy the quietness – observing your feelings without identifying yourself with them is the first step towards living a better life. Ask yourself, who am I? What is my calling in life? Why am I here?
  • Make sure you understand the difference between who you are and who you want to be. During our lifetime, we tend to be concerned with becoming more, and accepting less. Now it’s the time to say ‘stop’ and reevaluate your inherent self or being. Can you accept yourself?
  • Do you know what you are good at, and what skills you could improve? And if so, do you want to take responsibility to evolve in those areas you are not positive that you’ve succeeded?

“Find the answers to these questions and start changing your life now. No matter how old you are right now, there will always be more time for positive change, especially when it comes from within,” writes resume writing services coordinator, Jo Ann Bowley.

  1. How Consistency and Determination Can Add Huge Value to Your Life

While many of us believe that reinventing ourselves after 60 means striving for huge goals, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If you try too hard to reach a set objective, you might end up disappointed and sad, quite nervous about your Senior years, and definitely not happy. In the end, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. If you felt like your whole life was a continuous race for success, now it’s time to make peace with yourself.

Accepting yourself is the first step towards developing a healthier mindset; next, think about the small goals that, if achieved, would make your life much happier and livelier than it is. Find small actions that you can take to make this world a better place, and yourself a better person. See how this mindset will shape your character in the long term. Here’s an example: if your main focus is your health, set aside 10 minutes every day to stretch and just breathe. Make it a habit and see how you feel! Consistency and determination play a big role during this time of our life.

  1. Friends, Coffee, and Cards

Drinking tasty coffee and playing witty card games sounds like a small piece of Paradise to some; for others, taking long walks and watching the sunset might be more uplifting. Regardless of what your favorite activities are, you need friends alongside! While rediscovering yourself is a lonely road, enjoying daily routines should not be – in the end, everything feels better when you have (a) dear person/people by your side. Your partners in crime will support you, encourage you, and help you become a better… you! And you will do the same for them. Friendship is beautiful and magic!

If you cannot think of anyone who’d share life stories with you, that’s alright – just think of people who share the same passions and start making new connections!

  1. Starting a New Life Towards Enlightenment

The first step you should take towards discovering the world is discovering the self, as I mentioned before. Thus, start with decluttering and rearranging your room the way you like it. Don’t be conventional, think outside the box! If you want a hammock in your room, buy one! If you need a huge armchair to rest in, get one! Don’t think twice – you must be comfortable in your daily setting. Here are some things you should also consider:

  • Start meditating. Studies have shown that meditation helps with senior health – it not only enhances memory and sharpens focus, but it also improves the digestive system and melts away the stress! Besides that, you will enjoy it a whole lot!
  • Start practicing daily asanas to keep your health strong and yourself going. I know it sounds like a lot, but I promise – once you start to get into it, your life will dramatically change (for the better). Here are just a few of the asanas that could help you a lot: Tadasana or the Mountain Pose, Baddha Konasana or the Butterfly Pose, Balasana or Child’s Pose, Trikonasana or the Triangle Pose, Shavasana or the Corpse Pose.
  • Next, take an inventory of people you’d like to apologize to, or simply discuss issues. Make sure you reach out and become at peace with yourself and themselves. When we are reaching towards Enlightenment, it’s important to become forgiving and loving towards the others.
  1. Discover Your World and Your Passions

During our lifetime, we might make decisions we don’t want to make and take the wrong actions towards our real goals – this might be the influence of other people, the influence of the society, our parents, or maybe our own false selves. Take this time of your life to discover your true passions and come to see the world through your own eyes. One of the best ways to do so is by overcoming fears of the past or challenges you’d never thought you’d be able to face. Traveling could be one of them.

According to studies supported by the National Institutes of Health, men who engage in annual vacations are 32% less likely to die from heart disease. At the same time, women who take vacations twice a year are less likely to become prone to depression or anxiety. So, discover the world, travel, engage, stay active!

  1. Study What Matters to You

Now that you’ve arrived at this point in your life – where responsibilities start to decline, and you can finally experience freedom – take time to study what really matters to you. If you’ve always been interested in Psychology but never had time to read articles, papers, or even books, get started on that! If, on the other hand, you’ve never made time to study Economics, sign up for a Finance newspaper and start reading! The great thing is that now you have time to do what you please, without worrying about money, kids, or other household duties.

Conclusion

While teenage and adult years are beautifully shaped for personal, successful evolution on the societal scale, older adult years are meant for self-discovery, finding inner peace, and accepting ourselves as we truly are. Be loved, be peaceful, be liberated!

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Housing Tips

Benefits of Living in an Active Adult Community

by Jagger Esch
written by Jagger Esch

Today’s seniors could discover an active adult community is exactly what they’ve been missing. Offering an ideal environment for retirees seeking a low-maintenance, but still active lifestyle. Many senior communities have resort-like advantages for residents.

As retirement nears closer, many people wonder what benefits come from leaving their pre-retirement home. Exploring an active adult community is a great start.

The number of seniors looking for an adult community across the country is on the rise. This could be the cause for the more recent increase in such communities.

Sometimes a retiree prefers to live in a more comfortable climate or needs to downsize for financial reasons. Other times it’s a matter of wanting to live closer to their loved ones.

Benefit from Living in an Active Adult Community

Neighborhoods specific to a 55 and older community are retirement homes or active adult communities. These neighborhoods aim to accommodate the lifestyle of a retiree.

Today, more individuals are moving into adult communities before retirement. State and federal rules regulate these communities. Each neighborhood has its own rules and regulations. Some require ALL residents be at least 55 or older; however, others may only require 80% of residents to be 55 or older.

Congress initiated an 80% rule to allow younger adults to stay in their home should their 55+ spouse pass. However, children under the age of 18 may not live in an active adult community full-time. Most associations allow 30-60 days each year for minors to visit.

Although, rules and regulations may vary depending on the community guidelines. Additional regulations may include the retiree’s income, financial situation or criminal background.

There are many reasons a person may decide to move into an active adult community.

Older Adults Benefit from a More Active Lifestyle

One of the most beneficial aspects of moving to an adult community is the active lifestyle that comes with it. Many communities have various activities to choose from; all of which are fun and easy enough for everyone.

From fitness centers, recreation rooms, and different exercises to keep you healthy. No matter what pace you need to go, activities accommodate all residents.

Some of these fun lifestyle activities range from cooking, painting, shuffleboard, picnics, barbecues and much more!

A Social Community is Important with Age

The quality of life can change drastically with or without a sense of community, especially as we age. Living in an active adult community can provide residents with that community-like environment.

The goal of creating long-lasting memories and knowing their neighbor is a common benefit among residents. For those that don’t live close to their relatives, this can be a great way to stay social.

Getting older doesn’t have to mean loneliness. Many individuals find great friendships and a sense of belonging within the social community of an active adult organization.

Maintenance-Free Living

We’re not talking about just snow plowing, leaf blowing, and basic lawn services. Maintenance-free means all exterior building services including streets, roofs, driveways, and sidewalks.

Adult community staff generally handles even interior repairs, replaces hard-to-reach lightbulbs and other things. Sometimes, having loved ones living close by makes these tasks less difficult.

However, not all people have the help of their family members. For some, the idea of a maintenance-free life is exactly what they need.

Support Services Available

Living independently is something we all strive for, especially as we get older. Although, many of us will experience illness or accidents that prevent us from living without any help.

Fortunately, communities for 55 and older, have multiple services available for residents. Some places require additional costs for using certain support services.

Typical services such as housekeeping, meal prepping, light errands, and pet care. Personal support services like physical rehab, daily living assistance for those in need, and medication reminders.

Convenient Locations

When looking for an active adult community, location is one of the biggest things to consider. Some individuals prefer walking or taking public transportation over driving. For these adults, the location should be near certain places.

Completing tasks like shopping at the mall or attending church events may be difficult if living in certain areas. Moving to a community near hospitals, churches or shopping malls may be ideal for those unable to drive themselves.

Living near grocery stores, theaters, restaurants, and other community facilities make life convenient. Many adult communities are located close to these venues to provide residents with a better quality of life.

Feel Safe & Secure

Many active adult communities have strict security policies in place, allowing only approved residents and guests on the property. Additional security staff is on-site to ensure the safety of all residents. Perks include well-lit parking lots, common walkways, sidewalks, and streets.

Other safety features include working fire alarms and smoke detectors. Also, emergency maps displayed for evacuation purposes and exit doors clearly visible.

As we age, it can become easier to get confused or lost. Having well-lit and clearly marked can help a senior greatly in emergency situations.

Don’t Wait Until Retirement

Active adult communities are “retirement communities”. However, there’s no need to leave your employer to live here.

Although, restrictions for the residents usually include age and income. A common misconception is that members must be retirees to live in a 55+ park. However, that’s not always true.

Members of the community can travel freely or enjoy an active lifestyle without the responsibilities of owning a home. Living in one of these communities can free up more time for retirement activities or just a more relaxed lifestyle.

Be Happy in an Active Adult Community

The baby boomers are moving into retirement. The right residency may offer an active social life, recreation, and activities, privacy, and security, but most of all relaxation.

Most community designs keep the resident’s needs in mind. Offering a socially, physically and mentally active lifestyle for all within the community.

Also, members may meet new people and make new friends. Doing so is easy while taking part in some of the different activities the community offers.

 

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Senior woman typing on laptop
Aging

How Technology is Disrupting Aging

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

A report by the Consumer Technology Association says the active aging industry which includes safety and smart-living technologies, health and remote care, and wellness and fitness technologies will triple over the next few years. It confirms that health and remote care lead the way.

As boomers grow older, they gravitate to more activity, independence, and technology as the big disruptor allowing these goals. If you’re an entrepreneur with tech development skills, here’s your opportunity.

Medicare Advantage Plan companies continue to sink revenue into technology as a big part of the puzzle of how they provide health care services that the older adults demand. They believe a health care system focused on preventing disease could mean work & income need not pivot around saving for future health & long-term care costs.

The Study

Some key findings from the Consumer Technology Association study say seniors have concerns about the cost and learning new technologies. But caregivers have less concern over those issues. Both caregivers and seniors show high levels of concern over potential emergencies, and the caretakers are more concerned than seniors over every day safe living.

A few things consumers look for when buying technology or any device that helps them age in place:

  • Recommendation from a doctor and health care provider, especially if the device collects health data.
  • Available tech support for any product or service to ensure proper installation and they know how to use it.
  • Installation and management services to ease concerns when implementing new technology.
  • Ease of use – need the product or service to have an easy-to-use app that both seniors and caretakers can use.
  • Reassurance – the family or paid caregivers need reassurance that the product will keep the care recipient safe and well.
  • Rely on testimonials, case studies and referral programs to see and hear from others who have used the product successfully.
  • Manage day-to-day care is as critical as solutions for emergencies. This is an important ingredient for caregivers.

 

About eighty percent of seniors own a smart phone and one-third of caregivers own a smart speaker, so digital assistants, like Alexa and Google Home, with voice control will play a greater role in active aging. Use this tech in your product if you can.

The Consumer Technology Association survey is an online panel of seniors. Thus, some of the data such as technology ownership is amplified because this sample is already comfortable with technology.

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Healthy Living

Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay

by Silverado
written by Silverado

For years science has been building and ever-expanding body of evidence that staying social has benefits to those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairing diseases. Along with exercise (and sometimes incorporated directly with it), social interactions may be one of the best and easiest ways to help individuals facing the challenges with dementia. Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay
Released by The Lancet Neurology in 2006, a study titled “The effect of social networks on the relation between Alzheimer’s disease pathology and level of cognitive function” showed a relation between social network size and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Public Health titled ”Social network, cognitive function, and dementia incidence among elderly women” showed evidence that larger social networks have a protective influence on cognitive function in elderly women.
So what does this mean in a practical sense?
Individuals in the early stages of dementia should be encouraged to engage with others in a social setting as much as possible. As a part of the Nexus at Silverado® program, this is put into practice through resident engagements like social clubs (cooking, crafts, etc.) and volunteer events to help people (and animals!) in need.
Often times these engaging activities are combined with physical activities such as walking groups or Tai Chi, layering on the benefits of exercise and stress reduction (also science-based Nexus activities). The underlying benefit to all of these activities is staving off the isolation and depression that often come with dementia, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
Community centers, churches and civic organizations are all great places to find activities for your loved one and yourself, offering meet-ups, day trips, crafts and other great ways to stay social. There aren’t many better ways to have fun and do something beneficial!
For information on brain-health studies, click here.

Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay

Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at BayStaying Social to keep Dementia at Bay

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Making theater tickets accessible
Hobbies

Making theater tickets accessible

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

It’s always a pleasure to see a show at the local theater, especially when there is so much choice available. There are over 2,500 regional theaters across the USA, hosting a huge variety of shows every year including major tours like Jersey Boys, to classic ballets like Swan Lake. Making theater tickets accessible
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for seniors to book their tickets for these productions. If you are a wheelchair user or otherwise restricted in your movement, you may have noticed that there is very little accessibility information available online when booking tickets. In fact, only 2 in 10 live entertainment venues offer online booking for access customers. Making theater tickets accessible
Most of the time, patrons with access requirements will have to pay to call up theaters just to find out whether or not they will be able to see the show. Should customers have to field these costs just to find out if they can go to a theatre? Making theater tickets accessible
If you’ve found yourself struggling to buy tickets for a show or an event, you’re not alone. This matter was recently raised in the UK, and in December 2016 the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers met for the first time about online accessibility requirements. Led by Nimbus Disability, attendees shared their understanding of accessible requirements in ticketing and outlined what steps need to be taken to improve the online experience for disabled and elderly ticket-buyers.
The workshop concluded that lots more needs to be done to both improve the quality and quantity of access content available online, and also to allow customers to book online free of charge. Sadly, many customers still aren’t aware of the access facilities available to them at venues, which is preventing them from booking.
Fortunately some organisations are leading the way in providing accessible information to theater-goers. Ticketmaster have introduced online ticketing for access customers, whilst start-up companies like SeatPlan are providing detailed accessibility guides online like this one.
If you’re finding you cannot get the information you need online to buy your tickets, be sure to let venues know about it. You can also enquire about concession or access discounts over the phone or via email, as these are not always well advertised online. This should enable you to see shows for less, whilst encouraging venues to make changes that will help you in future.
By Cameron Lund, SeatPlan
 

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Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy Living

Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Today’s baby boomers are growing older gracefully. And although more than 10,000 boomers each day will turn 65, most are not letting their age stop them from maintaining active and healthy lifestyles. Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy LifestyleHere are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay healthy, active and safe:

Maintain regular health screenings and immunizations

While it is important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor, it’s equally important to monitor vitals more frequently. Luckily, most local pharmacies offer free blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as seasonal flu shots.

Fight against falls

Falls are the most common cause of hospital visits for those older than 65, according to the Home Safety Council. To help prevent falls in the bathroom – while maintaining stylish decor in your home – add new Grab Bars from Senior.com.

Travel safety

Once you’ve updated your own bathroom with safety features, be sure that you are surrounded with these safety devices when you’re visiting others or on vacation. Products such as the Suction Balance Assist Bar from Moen Home Care offer a suction design that easily attaches directly to smooth, flat surfaces for a firm, secure grip in danger zones – and easily unlocks from the wall for convenient transport when traveling.

Ensure help is a call away

Cell phones are not just for social uses, they are a valuable emergency response tool – and they don’t have to come with a pricey monthly bill. In fact, plans are available for as low as $10 per month without a contract to AARP members .

Cease bad habits

Smokers will die 14 years sooner than non-smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matter if you’ve been smoking for years or decades, your body will be better off if you kick the habit.

Instill healthy habits

Being healthy doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle changes. For example, swap high-fat or high-calorie versions of your favorite foods with lower-fat, lower-calorie versions. Or, stock your fridge with healthy fruits and vegetables for snacks. These small diet changes can make big differences in your overall health.

Boost your activity levels

This doesn’t mean running a marathon – but it does mean getting your body moving. Walking, playing golf or any other enjoyable activity that boosts your heart rate is a step in the right direction.

Keep your mind moving

Cognitive performance levels drop earlier in countries that have younger retirement age, according to a study published by the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the University of Michigan. But if you’re no longer in the workforce – don’t fear. Just be sure to keep your brain busy by engaging in activities that combine social, physical and intellectual stimulation.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure the golden years will be happy, healthy and safe.

Provided by: ARA Content
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