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Age-In-Place

Data Shows Susceptible Seniors Living Alone

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Nearly ninety percent of the senior citizens across the U.S. prefer to age in place and grow old at home. Professionals believe that’s the place where people can afford to live over other costly places like nursing homes. But even staying home raises concerns, like the ones that block healthy aging. The most significant are lack of transportation, affordable housing, and isolation.

When adults have little access to shopping and social activity, isolation becomes a high risk factor that plays havoc on their health. Here’s what few seniors from my Facebook group says about aging at home with little support and connection — the comments illustrate the challenges.

“Budget, transportation, and health are the main causes of my isolation. I had to give up driving because of severe glaucoma. Also, having a rare autoimmune disease makes me exhausted most of the time.”

“Loneliness and isolation are a real problem. Our culture is different than most Asian and Latin cultures where no older person has to worry about being alone.”

What’s troubling when studying the U.S. Census, is the high numbers of older residents living alone. Across America, close to 30 percent of the 65 and over, live at home without support, totaling over 11 million, and of these, 71% are female.

That’s a lot of older adults at risk for isolation, a factor of chronic illness. Research examining loneliness says the effects negatively relates to physical activity, mental, and motor function. Strong social connections are central to physical and mental well-being. But it’s a complex issue. When vulnerable older adults have setbacks, they become disconnected and isolated.

Resources

  • Contact the local Area Agency on Aging, you can find them using keyword terms, like “area agency on aging your city.” They offer services and resources of the Area Agency on Aging, Elder Abuse Prevention, Information and Assistance, Legal Services, and Long-term Care Ombudsman. If you want social connection, call your city Parks and Recreation department.
  • ADA (American Disabilities Act) Paratransit provides transportation for those who cannot use the fixed-route public transit system. Each state has it. If you qualify, they will give door to door service in a small bus.
  • Law schools offer free legal assistance to low-income seniors. Or contact you local Area on Aging Department, they can refer you to an elder law attorney.
  • BenefitsCheckUp.org: Quickly find benefit programs that could help you pay for medications, health care, food, and more. All from a reliable and trusted source.
  • Seniorcare.com/directory – has created over 8000 local senior guides that offer healthcare quality ratings, senior housing options and other resources for aging Americans.
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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 woman talking on phone
Seniors & Covid

10+ Ways to Connect and Care During COVID-19

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

As our elders stay inside their homes, their apartments and their residential communities, we search for ways to connect with them as well as to make their lives and their care better. Here are 10+ ways to connect and care for your elders during this unprecedented time.

Some are simple, but simple works right now.

Engage with Them:

  • Send a note or card in the mail. Include a photo, a drawing, or news clipping that you want to share. Elders love getting snail mail.
  • Ask them to write you a story that they’ve never told you before.
  • If your elder has FaceTime or their community has a tablet that they are using for family connections, use this means to have some virtual face-to-face time.
  • Set up a daily or weekly chat time. Stick to it.
  • Send them magazines, puzzles, books, craft supplies. You can order online and have them delivered.
  • Some floral companies are doing contact-free deliveries. Order balloons or flowers to brighten your elder’s day. Springtime is great for blooming plants.
  • Send your elder a box of blank cards and a book of stamps. They can use them to write to loved ones and friends. Send addresses or suggestions so they don’t have to search.
  • Offer to do their spring yard work. You can visit from a distance that way.
  • If you live nearby, order food delivery for them and the same one for you. Then call them while you enjoy the same meal.

Make Sure Your Elders Are Getting Consistently Good Care:

  • Check to see if your elder’s doctor or care provider is offering telehealth visits. Sign your elder up for telehealth instead of their next in-person visit, if appropriate.
  • Set up a Care Conference with your elder’s care providers via video or phone. Ask about physical, cognitive and mental health.
  • If your elder lives in a care community or retirement community, call the Activities Director and ask if you can order or send something for their residents to enjoy. Trivia books to use? Puzzle books? Individual crafts?
  • Now is a great time to set up mail order Rx deliveries for maintenance meds. If your elder is using a retail pharmacy, set up delivery with them (or move to a retail pharmacy that does do delivery).
  • Staff members at retirement and care communities are running ragged right now. Order delivery of meals, snacks or gift cards. Call and ask what they need.
  • Check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see what resources are available at low or no cost to assist your elder right now.

More than anything, find ways to stay connected. Isolation is not a good place for anyone, but especially not elders.

Stay well, friends. Know we’ll work our way through this time and find some very special connections along the way.

By Suzanne Blankenship at TheElderCareNavigator.com

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Old man wearing facemask
Seniors & Covid

How to Help Seniors in the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

COVID-19, coronavirus, plain old ‘corona’ – whatever you want to call it, it’s a pandemic with serious ramifications. However, there is already a lot of misinformation out there – good-natured or otherwise – spanning topics ranging from kitchen remedies to home testing.

As you may have heard, older adults are among the groups most at-risk of both catching the virus, and suffering fatally. That’s why we’ve written this article about the best ways to help them.

With all these suggestions and instructions flying around, it can be hard to get a grip on the best course of action. That’s why we’re giving you a crash course on the best things to do to help older people, or those with otherwise compromised immune systems. These tips have less to do with the disease, and more with the conditions of quarantine.

Clear Living

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Happy senior couple in kitchen
Age-In-Place

Aging in place: Renovating with independence in mind

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Most Americans settle in a home, envisioning a permanent life refuge. Achieving this vision of aging in place, though, means preparing the home now to anticipate future needs. Doing so successfully can allow older adults to remain independent, autonomous and in charge of their home security as they age.

As many as 94% of today’s older adults (defined as ages 65+) wish to stay in their own homes as long as possible. This group, as of 2010, accounted for 13% of the population (40 million people), and that number is projected to increase to 20% of the population by 2030.

Studies show there are numerous benefits to home-based aging, such as increased life satisfaction, quality of life and self-esteem. Maintaining familiar surroundings and connections is also a benefit, allowing older adults to remain close to friends and neighbors, keep the same doctors and visit favorite coffee shops and grocery stores.

The time is now to start planning for down-the-road needs, like modifying your home to accommodate future accessibility needs, home security and even live-in care. It is important to understand the appropriate renovations that may be required and to equip the home with modifications that are right for you and any caretakers providing attention as you age in place.

What you should know about designing a home while aging in place

Studies confirm there are benefits to keeping older adults in their homes longer, such as maintaining more independence and connection to friends and family, as well as avoiding the high costs of institutional care. Luckily, there are many options, services and helpful solutions available to help us stay independent as we age at home.

Basic home renovations

Improve lighting

Improving the lighting in the home is an inexpensive solution that can provide an increased sense of safety and security for older adults — safeguarding against stumbling and falling, as well as break-ins. Consider adding lighting strips to stairways and other dark areas inside the home, as well as installing exterior lights that can be programmed to turn on and off, creating a pattern to deter break-ins. Nightlights are also a recommended addition — great for hallways, bathrooms and on or near steps.

Add easy-use fixtures and safety considerations

These simple home modifications are easy to implement and can have a significant impact on improving security and comfort in the home as we age:

  • Install oversized light switches ($6 to $28)
  • Replace faucet knobs with levers ($22 to $400)
  • Use automated garage door openers ($128 to $250)
  • Purchase larger digital display options for remote controls, phones, and screens ($7 to $545)
  • Add grab bars or rails around the home to prevent falls and improve mobility ($14 to $100)
  • Consider chair and toilet lifts ($18 – $100)
  • Use cord covers to prevent tripping and falling ($10 to $50)
  • Shop Senior.com for all your Fall Prevention Items for every room ($10-$900)

Update your flooring

Falls are prevalent as we age in what should be our safest environment: our home. And flooring is often the biggest culprit. Loose rugs, slip-inducing mats, and curly edges on carpets are among the most common dangers. Many preventive measures are easy, DIY and often relatively inexpensive. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Secure rugs throughout the home: Use double-faced, anti-slip rug tape to secure the edges of all area rugs firmly to the floor. Or consider using an underneath rug pad, with options adhering to vinyl, hardwood and other flooring. In the bathroom, use bathmats with a good, surface-gripping backing.
  2. Install anti-slip flooring throughout the home: Ensuring the type of flooring installed in the home (and especially in the bathroom) isn’t slippery is an important consideration for older adults. Some anti-slip flooring options include vinyl, ceramic tiles, and even bamboo.
  3. Contrast for visibility while moving throughout the home: Consider varying the colors and textures of the flooring used throughout the home to provide better visual guidance, especially in transitional areas in the home, such as a sunken living room.

Advanced home renovations

Sophisticated upgrades to help current and future home healthcare needs not only add protection, they often heighten future selling prices. Keep in mind for some of these more advanced home modification tips, outsourcing to a professional may be necessary.

Assistive renovations

Widen your doorways: Even just carrying packages can make doorways impassable, so imagine providing adequate space for assistive devices like wheelchairs. To meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, doorways should be at least 36 inches wide.

Add a stairlift: Unless you’re enjoying single-story living (or unless you have a downstairs bedroom and bath), many people need to navigate stairs in the home. In these cases, stairlifts are a great tool.

Keeping the home secure

Home security systems are an essential tool for being alerted to dangers you may not sense, like fire, carbon monoxide and break-ins. And these tools become even more critical for older adults. According to the National Fire Protection Association, people ages 65+ are twice as likely to be injured or killed by house fires, compared to the rest of the population.

For outside the home, consider installing security cameras, which can allow loved ones to monitor fall-prone areas around the home.

Assistive technology

There is a lot of assistive technology available today, including devices, software programs and equipment that’s specifically designed to help people work around their challenges — from arthritis-friendly light switches and easier-to-grip drawer pulls, to computer voice recognition programs, entryway ramps and more. Here are a few assistive devices for you to consider when updating your home for current or future assistive needs:

  • Clap-detection lights: Turning on lights with the clap of your hands makes turning lights on/off much easier. Plus, set the device in its “away” mode, and your lights will turn on with the detection of any sound, which can deter break-ins.
  • Smart entryway: Assistive tools like key finders, keyless doors and doorbell cameras make entering the home and monitoring activity at the front door easier. Learning who is at the front door from the safety of your couch reduces the need for unnecessary movement around the home, which can also prevent accidents and falls.
  • Home hub automation: Smart home options are now available to provide a one-stop solution for controlling your digital life at home, from programmable temperature controls and sophisticated home security systems to playing music and helping you keep track of appointments. For example, Amazon’s Alexa allows users to easily keep track of daily activities, call their doctor and even order food. And home hub security systems can offer older adults a greater sense of control over the safety of their home and valuables, all from the leisure of their couch.

Why designing with in-home care in mind is a good idea

Considering the high costs of long term care options in the U.S., it’s not surprising people are turning to alternative solutions. Although costs vary by state, let’s take a look at the average monthly costs of some of the more common long-term care options available:

  • A private nursing home room: $8,364 per month
  • A semi-private nursing home room: $7,362 per month
  • Assisted living facility: $3,862 per month
  • Adult day health care: $1,562 per month

To avoid these costs, and if in-home care is your goal, it’s important to start making plans now — so you’re not managing last-minute renovations and home modifications to accommodate the needs of caretakers at the same time your health takes a turn.

Some of the in-home care services you may need to consider planning for include health care aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other specialists that make home visits. Your in-home caregiver might also be a companion or a loved one. Regardless of who is providing the care, it’s important to ensure your home is ready, so you can more easily adapt should the need arise.

Renovating your home for the future

When renovating your home, it’s important to keep future health challenges in mind, and the possibility of needing in-home care. Understanding your needs — and the needs of others potentially sharing your space — will create a more harmonious and comfortable environment while aging in place.

Creating a bedroom on the main floor of the home is ideal — allowing for easier accessibility throughout the home. In addition to reducing the use of stairs, main floors also provide faster exits to safety in case of emergencies — like injuries, break-ins or fires.

To accommodate live-in care, or for having loved ones stay, a separate bedroom is an essential consideration. Make sure the room has easy access to a bathroom, and even consider installing a small kitchen.

You’ll also want to equip your home for caregiver accessibility, including:

  • Installing smart locks, so people who take care of you always have access to the home.
  • Ensuring caregivers have access to WiFi, so they’re connected in the event of an emergency, or to purchase necessary items online.
  • Providing caregivers access to security systems, so they can help monitor the home in an emergency.
  • Adding more electrical outlets in the home, in case there is medical equipment to set up in the future.
  • Creating wider doorways and entryways for wheelchairs, as well as ramps for wheelchair accessibility.

Financial assistance for home modifications

Paying for Senior Care outlines four sources of assistance available for those needing to make home modifications to accommodate the needs of older adults and of those with disabilities, including financial loans, grants, labor and equipment loans:

Four types of assistance for home modifications

  1. Low-interest loans: Some organizations, mainly governmental, offer low-interest loans for home modifications or guarantee loans so banks are less restrictive with their lending requirements. Since these are loans, they do need to be paid back.
  2. Home improvement grants: These (usually one-time) grants are available for a specific home modification purpose, and do not need to be repaid.
  3. Free labor: Another form of assistance is free labor to make home improvements. This is commonly offered by non-profit organizations or charities. Materials are not covered. The building of a wheelchair ramp is a common example.
  4. Equipment loans: Some organizations make free, long-term loans of home modification materials. As an example, a portable wheelchair ramp that does not need to be returned until the borrower moves from their home or no longer requires the use of it.

Options for financial planning

There are also several programs and other assistance programs available for qualified individuals to take advantage of to help with home modifications for the purpose of keeping older adults at home longer. Some of the most notable options are:

  1. Medicare Advantage: Beginning in 2019, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans now include benefits for home modifications, such as assisting with the addition of grab bars, stairlifts, and wheelchair ramps in the home
  2. Medicaid HCBS Waivers and Home Modifications: Most states have Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, which help qualified individuals stay at home and receive in-home care and assistance with home modifications. Each state offers different programs with different eligibility requirements and benefits.
  3. Veterans Programs for Home Modifications: The Veterans Administration (VA) offers grants, including Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants, Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants and Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) Grants, to help veterans remain in their homes longer.
  4. Non-Medicaid Government Assistance for Home Modification: The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers HUD Home Improvement Loans, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants. Additionally, quite a few states offer various assistance programs that are referred to as “nursing home diversion programs,” and some of these programs offer home modification as a benefit. Review this list of state assistance programs that offer home modification benefits to see if there’s a program available for you.
  5. Non-Profit and Foundation Assistance for Home Modifications: Many non-profits and organizations (such as Rebuilding Together) offer financial aid and volunteer labor to help older adults remain in their homes. Another option is finding local, volunteer community resources and projects that may help assist with home modifications.

Set your sights on home sweet home…forever

People are living longer and the percentage of older adults in the U.S. is on the rise. This means there is an increased demand for long-term care solutions. The good news is remaining independent and autonomous in the home you know and love as you age is possible. With the right planning and assistance, older adults can easily make modifications to the home — such as updating the lighting in the home, taking advantage of assistive technologies and even renovating the home to accommodate live-in care. Make these changes now and create a comfortable and safe space that you can continue to call home…forever.

Submitted by Freshome.com

By Wendy Meyeroff, a plain language expert in B2B and B2C health/tech communications, has helped clients across the U.S. for 20+ years with journalism and marketing materials. Wendy has a specialty: writing for and about boomers, and mentoring outreach to ages 50+.

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senior sportswoman exercising and doing lunges on lawn in park
Exercise & Fitness

Physiotherapy For Elders: 7 Powerful Balance Exercises For Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Increasing balance and developing strength are two things that we should all be concerned about. However, we are many times too busy to consider including these activities into our schedules. As time passes, we realize that we need to be strong to take care of our own bodies and – well, health. To avoid injury, we need to feel confident when walking and be used to working out regularly. This is why we developed a list of seven powerful balance exercises for seniors. Check them out and let’s talk about it!

  1. Walking heel to toe

If you’re wondering how ‘walking heel to toe’ might improve your balance, here’s the answer. It will make your legs stronger and then, your chances are falling won’t be as high anymore. I know you might think that falling is not an option, but in case that happens, you need to be prepared. Here’s how you’ll do it.

Your right foot steps in front of your left foot. When they touch, the heel of your right foot must be touched by the top of your left foot. Then, the opposite thing follows. The heel of your left foot must touch the top of the right foot, and so on. This helps you improve your balance and keeps you in shape. Repeat for at least 15 steps per day.

  1. Rocking the boat

To rock the boat right and help you improve your balance, here’s what you have to do. Stand with both feet looking in the same direction. The space between your feet must be as wide as your hips, don’t forget that. Now level up your head and look up front. Place your entire body weight on the left foot and keep it there for 30 seconds or less. Slowly switch your weight to your right foot and keep it there for 30 seconds or less again. Repeat at least six times per day, recommends assignment help coordinator and former physical therapist, John Butler.

  1. Back or side leg raises

This will give you back the strength you need to start performing even more challenging exercises. Here’s what you have to do. For the back leg raise, use a chair and stand right behind it. Lift your left leg back up without bending or pointing any of your toes. Hold this for about 2-3 seconds and then, switch to your leg. Lift your right leg up, etc. Repeat 10 times per leg. This exercise will strengthen your lower back muscles and bottom.

For your side leg raises, lift your legs sideways instead of backways. Use the chair to help you stay balanced. Repeat at least 15 times per leg. This exercise is mostly for balance, but it might also help you strengthen your side muscles.

  1. Wall sits

Having worked for an assignment help company for so long, my sciatica couldn’t function properly anymore. I sat down way too much completing all the work that I was assigned. This is when I discovered that wall pushups can really strengthen your legs and diminish sciatica pain. Wall sits are the way to go. Get yourself a fitness ball and push it all the way to the wall. Now slowly sit on it. As soon as you touch it, get back up, normal position, feet in hip-width position. Repeat at least 15 times.

  1. Hands and fingers

You must also improve your flexibility! Here’s what follows. You don’t have to stand up; simply pretend that there is a wall right in front of you and start wiggling your fingers. Keep going for 30 seconds. Next, touch your right hand with your left hand behind your back. Stretch for 5-10 seconds, then bring them back to normal position.

  1. Your regular calf stretches

Another good strengthening exercise is the calf stretch. Find a clear wall, face it, and then place both of your hands at eye level. Your right leg goes behind your left leg and your heel stays on the floor. Your left knee bends. Stretch like this for about 15-30 seconds per leg.

  1. Marching in place

Balance is one of the benefits of the marching in place exercise. Stand upright and lift one of your knees high. Then slowly lower it and slowly start lifting the other leg. Lift and lower, lift and lower, lift and lower at least 20-30 times.

Wrapping Up

These exercises will help you stay in shape, take care of your body and overall health. Ensure that you stay strong and going. Good luck, you got this!

Author Bio:

Jennifer Holland is a professional essay writer with 3 years of experience who has been working for SuperiorPapers. While working for the best essay writer service, she writes about education, student life, and career development. She helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.

 

 

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Cheerful seniors exercising on mats at park
Healthy Living

How to Increase Your Self-Motivation

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Motivation occurs under many circumstances, but when you experience natural inspiration as a result of energy from your spirit, that’s when you’ll feel exuberant and eager to willingly devote time to your interests. Self-motivation helps when you’re trying to lose weight, become more invested in a goal for your future, quit an addiction, or even something as simple as getting your chores done.

Boost Your Positive Thinking

When you’re driven by daily goals and routines, motivation can be challenging if it doesn’t come naturally. You need a positive mental outlook. Train yourself to avoid negative thinking. Also, create a list of reasons to pursue your goal.

Did you know that internal self-motivation is best developed in environments where external motivation is decreased? It’s one thing to motivate when someone else is cracking the whip and asking you to perform. It’s another thing to be internally motivated. Then, you are totally in charge of the outcome.

When I need to motivate myself to do something, it’s almost impossible when I am procrastinating or filling my time with long phone conversations or watching movies. Let’s take a look at a couple of hypothetical goals so that you can see how positive or negative self-motivation can assist you in achieving your objectives.

Suggestions for Improving Your Self-Motivation

An important aspect of self-motivation is allowing yourself to dream about your goal. At the beginning of any goal, motivation tends to feel painless. In fact, inspiration often strikes when you decide to do something positive toward reaching your goal. For example, I have always wanted to put a daily routine in place that would allow me to walk for fifteen minutes. That’s all…just fifteen minutes. It doesn’t sound that difficult, does it?

On the first day, I arose thirty minutes earlier than normal. The sun was just beginning to show on the horizon, and there I was, out the door wearing my sweats and a new pair of walking shoes.

On the second day, I was looking forward to my new routine, but about five minutes into my walk, it started raining. I turned around and ran home. I was disgusted and drenched, but content that my self-motivation was still intact. It was then that I decided to come up with an alternate plan in case rain threatened to sabotage my walking goals.

One key factor for increasing your self-motivation is focusing on the now. So, when a challenge meets you face to face, you won’t dwell on the past. You can come up with an alternate plan that will keep you on course. For me, that meant exercising in my home on rainy days. This keeps my daily activity goal intact.

Certainly, there are hundreds of ways to motivate yourself, and each method depends on the goal you’re going after, talking through your goals can help you pave the path to motivation.

 

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selective focus of smiling senior woman typing on laptop at home
Tech Support

Become one of the Tech-Savvy Older Adults in 5 Steps

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Did you know you can become one of the tech-savvy older adults today?

Technology use is growing across people of all ages.

And while the obstacle to computer literacy among older adults has been the assumption that it’s best suited for the younger generation, technology use among adults is soaring.

According to a report by the Pew Internet and American Project, in 2014, only 11% of older adults owned a smartphone.

Today, middle-aged and older adults are embracing technology more than ever.

This is evident by a study that suggests that approximately 70% of seniors are now using the internet.

They use the internet to stay connected with their loved ones, stay informed, etc.

Of course, there is still a percentage of seniors who are yet to embrace the technology.

In this article, you’re going to learn some practical tips for seniors on how to become more tech-savvy.

But before that, let’s learn a few things.

Benefits of Being Tech-Savvy

Given how technology is deployed in all aspects of our lives across generations, there is no reason why seniors shouldn’t be more tech-savvy.

Besides, technology is more than Snapchat and Amazon shopping.

Tech-savvy older adults have an easier time staying connected to their loved ones.

Older adults who are tech-savvy also relieve caregivers of some hustles.

In case you’re wondering why older adults should be tech-savvy, here are the reasons to convince them.

Improved safety

With the advancement in technology, there comes improved safety.

These days, family members don’t need to worry about allowing their loved ones to stay alone at home thanks to the availability of personal monitoring devices.

These devices allow monitoring of the wearer from a distance and can help to detect any danger directed to older adults.

Tech-savvy seniors can seek assistance with just a press of a button.

If your loved one likes to walk around, have them carry a GPS-enabled device or get them a simple tracker to wear.

This way, you can tell where they are at any time and in case they need help.

For older adults who live at home alone, a home alert system could help to improve their safety.

Socialization

The greatest benefit of modern technology is the ability to allow us to communicate and socialize with the most minimal effort and cost-effectively or even free.

These days’ smartphones and tablets are programmed in a way that they can display larger buttons, icons, and brighter screens for older adults with impaired eyesight.

Some high-end devices also offer the option to have texts read out loud by the device instead of straining eyes to read tiny texts manually thanks to AI and machine learning technologies.

There is also an abundance of social media, texting, and video chatting apps that allow seniors to easily stay connected with friends and loved ones without having to travel.

This ability to stay in touch with others helps older adults in combating feelings of isolation and depression which are common problems faced by seniors living alone.

Entertainment

Older adults can download games, hobby apps, high-quality movies, or stream TV services on their smartphones.

There are mountains of games online that can keep older adults busy.

Seniors can also find puzzles and other types of games that stimulate their minds and keep their brains active.

Medication management

As we age, our brainpower starts to decline. We start to forget things easily. For seniors taking certain medications at particular times of the day, it’s easy to skip important medicines. Even caregivers can get busy and forget to give older adults some medicine.

Thankfully, medical experts working around the clock have created medication apps that send alerts when it’s time to take medicine.

Some apps are designed for monitoring general health so your doctor can use this information to administer the right medicine.

Convenience

With modern technology, shopping for groceries or other essential items online is a breeze.

Tech-savvy older adults can use their smartphones or tablets to order items online and have them delivered to their doorstep.

Learning is also a breeze thanks to modern technology.

If there is something new you want to learn more about, just open a browser on your mobile phone and Google it.

Older adults can also join online classes and learn a few things to keep their brains engaged and active.

As you can see, there are many benefits of technology for older adults.

Tips to Become Tech-Savvy

Follow the tips below:

1. Overcome your fear

Exploring something new in life can be intimidating and dreadful. You aren’t sure whether you’ll get things right or wrong.

But there is one thing you should remind yourself of:

If others made it, why not you?

The reality is that there are tens of thousands of older adults out there who became tech-savvy in their older ages.

And the good news is that the starting point is always the difficult one.

Besides, fear is what keeps us from trying something new.

Look at the things you were once afraid of trying that you’re currently good at. See how you conquered fear and apply the same.

2. Be positive

Your attitude determines your altitude. You must have learned or heard of this saying.

In simple terms, having a positive attitude will bring you up higher in life no matter the situation.

So first, begin with an “I can do it” attitude towards learning and embracing the technology.

It’s possible that your close friends have probably demoralized you before and perhaps this is keeping you from thinking you can make it.

Let go of all your friends’ opinions and find out your own.

Who knows, you might find it a lot more exciting than you may have thought.

3. Have a copy of your passwords

As one grows old, forgetfulness becomes a constant habit.

Older adults are known to forget even the most important things like car keys, glasses, etc.

This means that seniors can forget their passwords easily.

For that reason, it’s recommended to have a backup plan.

This includes writing down passwords in your journal (ensure no one but only you can access the journal).

In case you log out of your online accounts and you forget your passwords, you can easily retrieve them from your journal.

4. It takes time

Becoming tech-savvy at an older age is no easy task.

You learn a new concept today and tomorrow you’ve forgotten everything.

It can be frustrating and demoralizing.

But take your time. Explore new topics taking short breaks when you feel exhausted.

Give your brain the right information it can absorb and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Stay true to yourself and know that you cannot grasp everything in a day. After learning a new concept, spend some time practicing it continually so that it can stick in your mind.

5. Be reachable

While it is advisable to power off electronic gadgets we’re not using to save power, you can switch your computer when not in use but keep your mobile phone on so that people can reach you easily.

Join computer clubs

The internet has all sorts of organizations and clubs where older adults can learn almost everything from gardening to cooking, and technology.

The good news is that some of these clubs and organizations are free to join.

Head over to Google; you’ll find thousands of these clubs.

Befriend Google

In case you have no one to ask, Google is your close confidant.

As long as you’re connected to the internet, you can ask Google about anything and the search giant will provide you with exactly what you want.

Go to Google and search “how to type information on Microsoft word” and see the mountains of information you’ll get.

Use how-to online videos

YouTube is a goldmine when it comes to learning a new skill. You can find almost any video tutorial from farming to manufacturing and technology.

The good news is that all the tutorials on YouTube are free.

Just go to YouTube and enter the keywords related to the topic you want to learn with a “how-to” at the end of the keyword.

For instance, you could enter “save a Microsoft word document how-to”.

You can also buy professional video tutorials from Udemy.

Subscribe to tech-savvy publications

This is one of the best ways to get constant updates and knowledge relevant to the topics you want to master for free.

Explore as many websites and publications as you can that can offer you the right information then subscribe to their email list.

This way, you’ll be receiving planned emails with valuable information.

Follow their social media profiles to learn the information they post every day.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Having done all the above, and even during the entire learning process, keep on practicing.

They say practice makes perfect and there is no better place this mantra can be used than when you’re looking to become a tech-savvy older adult.

No matter the mountains of knowledge you learn, it doesn’t make sense if you’re not using it practically.

To get better at something, you have to learn and practice it.

Author Bio:
Nick van Migrot is a professional health expert for seniors. When he is free, he usually enjoys providing assignment help to high school and college students. Besides, he is the author of the best essay writing service review

 

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Seniors & Covid

Vaccines Mean New COVID Scams Targeting Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The promising development of the COVID-19 vaccine being available to Americans has brought with it some very inauspicious new scams targeting seniors.

Fraudsters are selling “cures,” asking for money for the vaccine and to have one’s name added to a “waiting list,” soliciting donations for charities they claim are gathering funds for families affected by the virus, and luring people to open emails with “official” COVID news that actually unleash malware and spyware. Some even pose as professional cleaners, offering to sanitize homes or businesses.

As the laundry list of schemes continues to grow – from robocalls and investment schemes to pigeon drops and grandparent scams – so does the opportunity to be prepared and informed.

Our research team has identified the most common scams targeting seniors. Before we get into those, check out the two videos our team put together on avoiding COVID-19 scams.

How to Avoid COVID-19 Scams:

 

 

 

New Scams Targeting Seniors

It didn’t take scammers long to begin attempting to capitalize on confusion and fear over coronavirus. Federal, state and local officials across the country have alerted consumers, particularly older people, to be aware of several fraud schemes tied to the virus. Here’s a look at the major schemes that have been identified.

  • Charities

Charity scams are common regardless of what’s happening in the news, but fraudsters follow the headlines, and coronavirus is a prime way for them to claim they’re gathering donations for families that have been affected by the virus or the economic fallout.

What you should do: Research any potential charity, and never give donations through cash or gift cards or by wiring money.

  • News

The coronavirus crisis has been – and continues to be – rapidly evolving, and many people are eager to make sure they have the most up-to-date information. But it’s still important to avoid exposing your devices to harm, such as malware and viruses. For instance, an email scam uses the logo of the World Health Organization to lure users into clicking on a button that unleashes malware, and another uses a mimic of the popular Johns Hopkins University coronavirus map to install spyware that can steal passwords, credit card numbers and other data stored within the web browser.

What you should do: Closely analyze any URL that you click on to be sure it’s actually connected to the source; in the case of the fake map, instead of routing to a Johns Hopkins-affiliated site, the fraudsters point to Corona-Virus-Map.com.

  • Services

A tactic similar to the vaccine scam, many fraudsters call or email posing as professional cleaners or similar service providers, offering to sanitize homes or businesses. While there are businesses that specialize in this service, they are not engaged in randomly calling potential customers out of the blue.

What you should know: Reputable businesses don’t engage in hard sells or pressure tactics, particularly if they claim to want to help during this difficult time.

  • Cures

Though not a scam in the same way that fraudsters use email to target people, many businesses have attempted to sell their existing products as treatments or even cures for COVID-19 or coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings against at least seven companies that the agencies say have been misbranding products as treatments or preventives against coronavirus. Products include teas, essential oils and colloidal silver.

What you should do: Consult with your loved ones and personal doctor before buying any type of product or medication online to be extra safe.

Have you been a victim of a scam?

If you think you might be a victim of a scam, reach out to someone you trust such as a close friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone because doing nothing could make the situation worse.

Unfortunately, once money has been wired out, it is more than likely gone. However, that does not mean that there’s nothing left for you to do. Other senior victims are counting on you to report the details so that the scams can be shut down. The AARP breaks down a handy list of resources that are useful to keep readily available. Additionally, keep the phone numbers for your local police station and bank close by.

By Jeff Hoyt, editor-in-chief at SeniorLiving.org

Jeff Hoyt is editor-in-chief at SeniorLiving.org, a comprehensive directory of living options. SeniorLiving’s mission is to help older Americans age with ease.

 

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