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6 Benefits of Senior Centers for Seniors

aadmin — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:21:48 +0000

Whether you are enjoying retirement or still working, senior centers are fast becoming the “it” places to go for seniors. A senior center is a non-profit or for-profit community center where individuals who are 50 years or older can go to enjoy many things including wellness programs. Although you may consider the major benefit of senior centers is getting away from the social media- and text-obsessed younger generation, there are some other benefits as well.

1. Staying Social

Whether you are living alone or with family, senior centers allow you to stay socially active. Even when you’re living with someone, it is easy to isolate yourself away from people. Senior centers are definitely a way to enjoy much of what life has to offer. You will meet new people and participate in community events. There are plenty of educational and arts programs to participate in:

Volunteer opportunities.
Recreational activities.
Programs that offer information and assistance.
Civic engagement opportunities.
Exercise classes.
Art classes.
Social club meetings.

Don’t worry. If your kids are begging to join you at your senior center, there are some intergenerational programs they can attend.

2. Communication

Going to a senior center is a way to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in your area. This can be a big help during election time when you want to know more than what the local media is saying about a candidate. In addition, you can just go there to talk and socialize with other people whether they are other senior members or staff.

3. Financial Advantage

This benefit is probably not discussed a lot because people don't usually discuss their finances unless they have to. If you are on a tight budget due to paying for your medication or other bills, you don’t have to choose medicine over food. Senior centers are usually open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or later. This means you can stop by during breakfast, lunch or dinner for a low cost or sometimes even free meal.

4. Services

Services offered depends on the specific senior center. However, a majority of the centers offer services like:

Public benefits counseling.
Transportation services.
Employment assistance.
Nutrition programs.
Meal programs.

5. Improved Emotional Health

Sometimes when you’re at home without anything to do, you start thinking about the past or feeling useless. What can make things worse is your family’s good intentions. Maybe your children nag you about getting out of the house. Maybe they think you should move into an assisted living community. Their good intentions can make you feel even worse. With so much to do at your local social center, you will experience a vast improvement in your emotional health.

6. Staying Healthy

Why pay for a fitness center or gym when you can have a more affordable and enjoyable time at a senior center? Senior centers offer a great way to stay healthy because of the wide range of fitness and exercise programs they offer. Each program is tailored to meet your fitness level and abilities.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), research shows that older adults who go to senior centers learn to delay and manage the development of chronic disease. In addition, they experience an improvement in their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social and economic wellbeing. So join your peers and enjoy what senior centers have to offer. You’ll definitely find more benefits than listed here.

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Do you want to live to 109?

aadmin — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:00:31 +0000

A few weeks ago my grandfather, Sam Baker, passed away at the age of 109. He spent most of his life toiling in the prairies of Western Canada as described in this Winnipeg Free Press article. I and other family members, believe that he was much older (my estimate 113) but the official record is 109. So how did he do it? What was it like to be a alive during the last century?

Here’s a sample list of accomplishments that my grandfather witnessed:

Creation of Commercial Air flight
Introduction of Household appliances – refrigerator, electric stove/oven, can opener, microwave, etc.
Invention of the automobile and the development of the Interstate Highway
Adoption of Indoor Plumbing
Eradication of Polio, Measles and Smallpox
Prohibition
The Great Depression
World War I and II
Construction of the Indoor Mall
Onset of Computers and the Internet

After surviving the “dirty-30s” as a farm equipment dealer in Hamiota, Manitoba, (population of less than 1,000), he bought and successfully operated a chain of women’s clothing stores in and around Brandon, Manitoba. He married late in life (36 – the same age I was when I married), settled into a modest house in Brandon, and raised two daughters and a son.

At 85, he retired from the store, and travelled extensively with my grandmother (who predeceased him 11 years ago). After her death, he spent the balance of his life reading the newspaper in Winnipeg and frequenting the Winnipeg Senior scene.

My uncle stated at the funeral, he was what actuaries call the “Omega Man”, the last of his generation. A man of quiet dignity, he wore a jacket and tie every day, and walked almost 3 miles daily (to the bank and to the coffee shop) well into his 100s. An infrequent speaker, he was prepared to offer his opinion on a variety of matters when provoked. I spent a few days each year with my grandfather at his office in Brandon, cottage at Clear Lake or home in Winnipeg. On most of these family visits, I acted like a rambunctious toddler or teenager, unappreciative of his experiences.

In the last few years I listened intently and asked him questions about his life. On my last visit, several weeks before his death, all there was to say was “I Love You.” We had said it all. We knew the end was near, so I hugged him one last time. My daughter Orli kissed him and we left.

So what does it take to live to 109?

Based on my decades of discussions with my grandfather here’s what I know:

Speak only when you have something important to say
Treat your family better than your friends
Stay away from gossip and idle talk
Never argue with your wife, she’s always right
Lead by example, not with words
Enjoy the simple pleasures in life

Speak when you have something important to say

There is too much chatter in today’s Twitter society. My grandfather engaged in friendly conversation on a regular basis and loved interacting with people, but he rarely spoke in public. When he did speak, he did so with meaning and purpose. He hardly spoke at family gatherings, but when he did, people stopped their idle talking and listened. Later in my life, his personal conversations with me were so packed with value, it required that I decompress and ponder for a few days. These most private conversations possessed important messages he imparted to me.

Treat your family better than your friends

Sadly, most people treat their friends better than their family. As the youngest son in a family of five brothers and two (younger) sisters, my grandfather ensured that the family stayed together. Throughout his life, even when his brothers and their children lived far apart from each other, he made sure that disagreements amongst individual family members were dealt with and not left to fester.

Stay away from gossip

My grandfather enjoyed the routine banter of life, but he was not one to engage in gossip or act in a mean spirited way with his words. On occasion, he did not disclose things that he wanted to say to other people. My grandfather never told my uncle that he appreciated the care and assistance he had provided to him in the last decade of his life, but he confided this information to me several times. After my grandfather’s death I realized how much this “omission” had affected my uncle.

Never argue with your wife

As a person who’s been married for over eight years, it’s easy to say this, much harder to live it. My grandparents had a special relationship, sharing many hardships and heartaches. Given their circumstances, they were able to live their lives to the fullest. My grandparents never argued in front of me. There was never any tension in their home. My grandfather took it upon himself to be the peacemaker in the relationship. I can only hope that my relationship with my wife survives their 60+ years.

Lead by example

My grandfather lived a modest life and made sure that we understood the difference between right and wrong. He didn’t tell us what to do, he lived it. He took care of his possessions, ensuring his 1985 Lincoln was tuned and cleaned after each lengthy road trip or 5,000 km (whichever came first). He treated friends, family and associates with dignity and compassion. While he was a tough negotiator, he respected those with whom he worked.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life

My grandfather was not tremendously wealthy, but he took advantage of opportunities when they arose. Without fail, he would have a cocktail shortly before dinner (usually scotch & water, but also white rum and Sprite). He loved spending time with his grandchildren (at least initially) and his friends, and going for long walks along Winnipeg‘s Wellington Crescent and the River Heights area.

Lessons from my grandfather

In modern day business language, we ask: what are the key take-aways that we can learn from Sam Baker. However, I prefer to look at his life lessons to be lived every day.

Treat people with respect. He had his own version of the “golden rule”. He didn’t like everyone, but he treated them with respect. I’m going to ensure that that I’m respectful of those that I interact with on a regular basis.

Show appreciation. My grandfather grew up in a time when fathers were hard on their children and some of that rubbed off on him. Later in his life he used to tell me that he loved me. He appreciated my uncle’s efforts as primary caregiver, though he rarely said anything. I’m going to tell and show people that I appreciate them and their effort s more than before.

Watch your tongue. I’m a bit of an introvert and so I don’t really like mixing in large crowds of people. When I do talk to people, I’m going to be more conscious of what and how I say things.

Communicate more. Because of my introverted nature, this one is going to be hard for me. I don’t really like to talk, so it means that when I speak, I’ll make my comments more meaningful and less superfluous. Also, I will be writing a lot more than in the past.

Enjoy life with all it has to offer. My wife constantly reminds me about how to stop and appreciate what we have been given (four amazing daughters, and her, an amazing wife), and I am forever reminding her to slow down. Somewhere we’ll find a happy medium, but I’ll be sure to have a glass of whisky or beer after 5 pm in my grandfather’s honor almost every day.

I will miss the visits with my grandfather (including the famous cocktail hours) but I'm certain that these lessons he inculcated in me will stay with me and my children forever.

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Seniors and Social Media are on the Rise for all the Right Reasons

aadmin — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:09:44 +0000

Pew Internet’s release, finding 60% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 employing social networks, unites with its other major statistic – 43% of adults over 65 hitting the social media trail.

Reading the Tea Leaves

Previous Pew Internet reports displayed that the 50 + demographic had become more in touch with online tools – computers, tablets, cell phones – to utilize social media [Tablet Ownership 2013, June 10, 2013]

Lynn Strickland, Director of Social Media and Outreach for Interactivity Marketing, perceives a growing online market between older adults and Internet businesses.

“Social media is reaching out to older adults,” said Strickland. “Ads on Facebook can drill down to age groups based on their interests.” More seniors, especially with discretionary income, see the value of Facebook’s reviews and promotional discounts.

Seniors In an Age of Yelp

Strickland points to the popularity of review sites like Yelp.com, TripAdvisor.com and Foursquare – actually an app – as contributing to the online flow of older adults sporting smartphones and tablets.

Older adults trust social media because it connects real faces with real names. They can read authentic testimonials about products and services with less reliance on letter writing, phone calls, or personal visits to businesses.

Social Media – The New Employment Path for Older Adults

Networking is an effective way to find a job, especially with the growth of the long-term unemployed and a tight job market for older adults.

The average duration of unemployment for older workers is nearly 50 weeks, far above the 37-week average for the broader workforce, wrote the Huffington Post on April 17, 2013.

Author and Social Media Consultant, Don Power believes that social media offers a possible solution to 55+ unemployment. “It broadens their small circle of friends and introduces them to a new community.”

Twitter for Older Job Searchers

The recent Pew Internet research showed the 50 to 64 year old age bracket climbing from 6% to 13%, from November, 2010 to May 2013. Employment seekers could form a meaningful part of that statistic.

“Twitter provides an avenue to break out of Facebook’s customary loop and to meet new people,” said Power. “It’s Facebook pared-down.” With a 140 character maximum, it’s designed like a social network appealing to seniors’ natural congeniality.

The Twitter Employment Network

Through Twitter, older adults can find workers, owners, and managers of companies. They gravitate towards employment opportunities to find internal people. It’s non-solicitation, an informal introduction.

Employers get to know older adults and when opportunities arise, the familiarity has been established. Older adults create their personal brand awareness to match Twitter job boards.

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Pew Internet has offered statistical confirmation for older adults and businesses to continue to reach out to each other through social media.

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5 Helping Tips for Caregivers

aadmin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:54:45 +0000

According to a recent article in The Huffington Post, between 80 to 90 % of elderly people choose to live in their homes instead of opting for residential retirement care.

Here are five key points to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone:

1. Home Delivery

Healthy eating is a key ingredient to safeguard overall fitness. Caretakers can take advantage of online grocery shopping to lessen the strain of waiting at stores. Daily drop-offs from a free food delivery service like Meals on Wheels are also available.

2. Safeguard the Home

The kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are high-risk home areas. Bathroom railings help with support. Lower kitchen shelves and wardrobe areas create greater accessibility. Add more lighting and remove floor hazards. For safety, tablets or smartphones can provide video footage of key areas in near real-time.

3. Maintain Health Care

Caretakers can stay in contact with doctors, pharmacists and nurses of a elderly parent. Assist in implementing a low-intensity exercise program.

4. Have Emergency Care in Place

Personal emergency response systems (PERS), permit users to call for help with the push of a button. PERS can help relieve worries should a parent fall or come into trouble. PERS can provide a GPS capability, which could help locate an elderly parent in the event of an accident.

5. Take Care of Social Needs

Isolation affects the elderly and increases the risk of premature death. Social contact plays a big role in creating happiness for aging parents. Technology can bridge the gap. Seventy percent of seniors own chat enabled mobile phones that help adult children and other people keep in touch.

Visits to local community centers can provide seniors with computer or aerobics classes. Fitness is a key area to senior health.

Many of these principles hold true for Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences.

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Portland Retirement Residence Goes Green

aadmin — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:26:27 +0000

Mirabella Portland Oregon is a youthful community at heart. Environmental concerns are a major driving force behind this the urban community.

It's LEED certification means it has achieved 'green' status. The U.S. Green Building Council certifies that a senior living community has made a commitment to become environmentally- conscience and verifies governmental standards.

The cutting edge community has gained a reputation of one of America's best assisted living communities. Comforts and conveniences like kayak parking, golf gear storage and a woodworking bench might seem unlikely to outsiders, but not to residents.

Mirabella is expensive. Entrance fees range from $260,000 up to $700,000, and monthly fees of $3,500 to $4,200, plus $854 for a second person. Still, the occupancy rate is 95, reports Associated Press.

Cutting edge, it houses 220 apartments of participatory retirement residents who create novel projects, sit on committees and plan their own events. The bonhomie of the residents is palpable, described by a resident to AP "as people traveling the road of life.”

A Portland State University gerontologist told the AP, "Certainly older people can be seen as stewards.” For more information on eco-friendly retirement residences, read: Can you tell this retirement home is ‘eco-friendly?’

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Optimistic seniors live longer than their peers: study

aadmin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:13:42 +0000

Do you consider yourself a pessimist? If so, changing your outlook on life could cut down on illness and help prolong your lifespan, according to a recent article in the Huffington Post.

A study from the Yale School of Public Health has found that older people who have a generally positive view about aging are more likely to recuperate from a serious illness than those who were more pessimistic about the idea of aging.

“This result suggests that how the old view their aging process could have an effect on how they experience it,” Becca Levy of Yale University said in an official press release.

According to the study, respondents classified as pessimistic were less likely to perform certain actions after an illness, including dressing, bathing, walking, and getting up from a chair.

Ten years ago, Levy conducted a similar study, and found that those with positive views of aging were likely to have longer life expectancies by nearly eight years.

Researchers say one of the reasons optimistic attitudes about aging tends to correlate with better recuperation from injuries, and longer life expectancies, is because they frequently make healthier lifestyle choices, including exercise and nutrition. After all, staying healthy in retirement is one of the best ways to live longer.

What kind of thinker are you? Are you optimistic or pessimistic about your own aging?

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20 tips for traveling during the holidays

aadmin — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:49:31 +0000

There are many celebrations this season and millions of people will travel to enjoy them with loved ones. Unfortunately, holiday travel means more people taking to the roads, rails and skies. Higher prices, crowds and bad weather await travelers this hectic season.

Want to make your journey a little smoother? Try these tips to dial down those travel headaches:

Book early. Stop procrastinating or hoping prices will drop. Those last minute deals only work when you can be flexible with time and destination. Also, because there’s high demand, providers won’t be forthcoming with discounts or be willing to negotiate. Experts warn that your best bet to get the transportation and accommodations you want is to book as soon as possible.

Avoid the busiest days. If possible, steer clear of peak travel days like Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day. That’s when airports, bus terminals and train stations are at their busiest. They’re also the days when many people are on the road, meaning traffic slowdowns and an increased risk for accidents.

Travel early. It pays to be a morning person. Early flights are less like to face delays — especially if you’re travelling via an airport in a bad weather zone. If you do run into trouble, there’s more opportunity to hop on a later flight rather than waiting until the next day.

Be careful with connections. The more connections you have to make, the greater the chance of delays and missed flights. Experts recommend looking for non-stop or direct flights, and allowing plenty of time between connections if you do have to transfer.

Read up on policies and restrictions. You can avoid many mishaps by visiting your airline and airport’s websites well in advance of your trip.

Book ahead as much as possible. Need a parking spot or a car rental? Tickets to a popular show? Expect everything to fill up quickly during the holiday season, so book ahead to make sure you get what you need. As always, shop around for the best price and be sure to read the fine print.

Give yourself plenty of time. Remember winter weather? Don’t pack that itinerary too tightly or you might risk missing your flight or that big event. Allow extra time to get to your destination, whether it’s the airport or a loved one’s home.

Skip the line-ups. During peak travel times, airlines recommend using their online or mobile check-in services and printing up your boarding pass at home, at an airport kiosk or downloading it to your mobile device. You can even tag your own bags at a self-serve kiosk if available.

Avoid the bump. Many companies overbook anticipating that not all passengers will show up — and as a result, you can get bumped from your plane, train or bus. The American Society of Travel Agents says you can avoid this issue by arriving early, getting an advance seat assignment and checking in online.

Stay informed. One of the benefits of living in the information age is that we get plenty of warning when something could affect our travels — like a major accident, travel advisory or severe weather.

Pack light. Lots of travelers, bulky winter attire, sports equipment, and presents… all of this can add up to a lot of baggage. Save yourself some trouble by keeping luggage to a minimum. Leave the luxury items at home, and aim for neutral clothing items that work well together, for example.

Pack a phone list. Don’t leave home without your essential numbers! In case something happens, you may need to call emergency services, your doctor, insurance company, travel providers, travel agent and loved ones at home and at your destination.

Wrap gifts when you get there. While you won’t have your arsenal of wrappings and ribbons, you’ll avoid damage and hassles when heading through security. Another option is to order online and let the retailer send the packages instead. Many companies offer free shipping promotions this time of year — just keep an eye out for the “order by” deadlines.

Get plenty of rest. Yes, it’s hard to do during the holidays, but travelling when you’re not alert and aware can pose many hazards. You’re more likely to make mistakes, get into a car accident or even get taken advantage of by a crook.

Look after your health. Food poisoning, colds and flu, stress and exhaustion are common health issues this time of year. Keep your hands clean, stick to your regular exercise routine and diet and take steps to avoid illnesses.

Take extra safety precautions. Unfortunately, holiday season is also a busy time for crooks so take extra precautions with your luggage, cash and important documents. Be especially careful at transportation hubs, on public transit and in places where large numbers of people gather.

Pack emergency supplies. Winter driving can be hazardous, and you’ll want to be ready if you get stuck somewhere. An emergency kit with a shovel, windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, blankets, candles, extra clothing and footwear and a first-aid kit can help you cope with an emergency.

Pack some entertainment and snacks. Delays are inevitable, but boredom hunger can make them seem endless. Depending on what’s permitted, load up on some healthy snacks and some things to do while you wait — like music, games and a DVD player.

Consider insurance. A lot can happen while you’re away. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help you recoup the costs if you need to cancel or rebook.

Be patient and polite. You might not feel very merry, but being polite and courteous to transportation providers and your fellow travelers will help smooth the way — even if they don’t reciprocate. You’re more likely to get better service if you keep your temper.

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Beans proven to prevent heart disease for independent living seniors

aadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

Beans have long been thought of as a great source of vitamins, but it looks like the nutritous food may have more benefits than originally thought. The food has recently been proven to lower cholesterol and boost cardiac health.

Independent living seniors who are concerned about their heart may consider eating the flavorful legume at least once a day.

"Like all foods that contain a lot of soluble fiber, beans help bind cholesterol and keep it from being absorbed in the gut," Philip Ades, author of the EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook says.

Although many Americans choose to skip their daily dose of beans, active living seniors should remember that they can easily be added to any meal. Individuals can try throwing them on their salad, using them as a side dish or even making sure they have a hot cup of chili once in a while.

Heart health is vital to one's overall wellbeing. More than half of patients hospitalized for heart attacks had high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels that were considered poor by the national guidelines.

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Active living seniors who use coupons could experience big savings

aadmin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

As the old saying goes, "watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

For many active living seniors, it's a point of pride that they are able to do all of things that they want while sticking to a modest budget.

Many people scoff at clipping coupons. It's sometimes seen as a passé waste of time and money.

But a report published in the Consumer Reports Money Advisor suggests that for those who take the time to check for relevant coupons, the savings may add up pretty quickly.

Here are a few tips that the report offered to interested shoppers:

1) Check online. If you search through the paper and don't find a coupon for a product that you buy on a regular basis, look online for deals.

2) Use social networking sites. Becoming a fan of your favorite brands or products on Facebook or Twitter may lead to savings down the road.

3) Keep your coupons organized! It's hard to find what you need if you keep your clippings in a giant pile. Find a system that will make them easy to access.

According to Consumerist, the most likely person to use a coupon is an affluent consumer with a household income of over $70,000 a year.

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New bikes built specifically for active living seniors

aadmin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:04:09 +0000

Many baby boomers have fond memories of cruising down the streets of their neighborhood on their first bike, but some likely thought that their cycling days were behind them.

Happily, active living seniors who have a lust for the open road can now hop on a pedal-assisted bike designed specifically for them.

There are now a variety of bike companies making bikes with features like added shock absorbers, gender-specific gel seats, ergonomic handgrips, and tweaks in the bike's basic engineering that reduce knee or back strain, according to AARP.org.

"The number of baby boomers and older [bike] riders is skyrocketing," Loren Snyder, spokesperson for the bike company Cannondale USA, told the news source. She added that number of riders over 50, as a category, moved from 7 percent up to 21 percent as of 2008.

In addition to providing active living seniors with a fun way to exercise and travel, bikes are an environmentally friendly way to get around. Those who seek to live an eco-friendly lifestyle are sure to appreciate the low carbon-footprint that a bike boasts.

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