What does a day in the life of a senior look like?

I consider each day when I wake up a blessing. An opportunity to live another day. As a senior, I’ve discovered that my life need not be like a speeding train. Instead, it’s like the gentle flow of a river, giving me another chance to notice how lovely the world around me is.

My Life as a Senior

There was a time when I woke up each day, taking it just like the many days in the past. At my age, I take them with a definite purpose. While my senses may be slower than they used to be, my appreciation for the coming of a new day is nothing short of jubilation.

Growing older has taught me that happiness lies not in going places or achieving monumental goals, but in ordinary days, shared conversations with friends, and lonely reflections.

Have you, in your quiet moments, ever wondered what a day in your life as a senior looks like Read on as I share with you mine. You will discover dramatic twists and excitement and the simple pleasures to make your day meaningful.

Start the Day with a Sense of Gratitude

I start my day at 4:30 in the morning. I know it’s too early for most. But I find the early morning hours magical. And it allows me to do all the things I need to do without being stressed.

I like opening my windows and letting in the cool morning breeze to caress my drowsy body. And it is a reminder that every new day is a gift.

Then I spend a few quiet moments reflecting, and a short prayer of gratitude for the gift of a new day. Just a short prayer to help me set a positive tone for everything that follows.

After that, I take a short and simple breakfast consisting of hot chocolate and a loaf of bread coupled with either egg, sausage, or sweet ham. Then I finish it off with a slice of papaya and banana.

Exercise

I exercised when I was young for fun. Now it is a must. At my age, movement is and exercise are a form of medicine.

They may not be vigorous other than a walk around the neighborhood. or gentle stretching. I walk around the parking lot of a grocery store near my home, then do yoga chair exercises and dumb bells when I get home. On Saturdays, I do four laps in a swimming pool.

Sometimes I strike short conversations with my fellow exercisers. These small interactions. can brighten your day more than you can ever realize.

You can have your own exercise routine. and do it consistently. That is the cheapest way to good health.

Enjoying the Freedom of Retirement 

I am 78 years old, retired. One of the best things of my stature is the freedom and control of my time.

Gone are the days of busy schedules and constant deadlines have been replaced with freedom and flexibility.

Of course, I still plan my days to the last minute, but I have the freedom to choose what activities to spend my time on, depending on my mood.

Some days, I spend my time in a coffee shop with my laptop while on others I may choose to watch a good movie through my laptop or do nothing at all.

Learning new things on YouTube is a great help. I love learning new development on content creation or e-commerce. On other days I watch history or stories of great people.

Age may add candles to my cake, but it should not diminish the spark of learning something new and interesting.

Connect with Family and Friends

This is one of the highlights of my day as a senior. I admit it is difficult. The people I grew up with are either dead, sickly, or happy to be with grandkids.

I have two grown up kids. But one is in New Zealand and the other one lives nearby. But as a doctor, she’s also busy with her profession.

I visit her clinic regularly and I have an online weekly conversation with my son and his family in New Zealand.

These conversations, short they may be, remind me of the treasures of getting connected with the people I love so much. The temporarily make me forget my lonely plight as a live-alone senior.

Find Happiness in Everyday Moments

Research shows that older people are happier and have greater life satisfaction that younger people.

No, it is not because they have exciting experiences, expensive vacations, elaborate plans.

They just find happiness in little things in their everyday lives. They relish the sound of birds singing outside their windows, enjoy favorite meal, read an inspiring story, of watch the vibrant colors of a setting sun.

Happiness often hides in plain sight.

As a senior, I’ve become more mindful of these moments. I’ve realized that life is less about racing towards tomorrow, and more about embracing today. If you are mindful, you will realize that every day carries extraordinary blessings.

Even ordinary household chores hold the opportunity to reflect on what life has been and what will be. Folding laundry or preparing dinners gives me time to think, appreciate, and sometimes smile at memories popping up from nowhere.

Keeping Good Health and Well-being

My day as a senior is my way of keeping good health and well-being.

I never miss my regular exercise, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.et enough rest.

Equally important is caring for my mental health and well-being. I do this by being consistent is writing blog posts and contribute articles to LinkedIn. I read online articles about content generation and other relation items. I also watch funny FB videos to lift my spirits up.

elish watching funny FB vides to lift my spirits u

art

Early to Rise

I wake up at 4:30 in the morning.

Rising early allows me to do everything scheduled for the day free from stress. It also allows me to have rest periods in between. Gone are the days when I did them all in one go. Now I need some pit stops to prevent overheating.

When the cobwebs of sleep are swept away, I do a quick toilet stop, wash my face, then set myself for the following program.

Diet Plan

I am a Filipino, hence my diet is essentially Asian, i.e., rice, fish, vegetables and meat.  I am also a live-alone senior and don’t know how to cook so meals, except breakfast, are bought from neighborhood food shops. 

I also eat five times a day, breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks in between. So here’s how it goes:

Breakfast

Asian.i.e., ricelipino, hence my diet I wake up at 4:30 in the morning.

prepare breakfast.

Flex my old muscles and bones

Life at mid-morning

Cook or buy?

~oOo~

The post A Day in My Life as a Senior first appeared on Age With Charm.

To live a full life in old age isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s more like doing an obstacle course in wobbly legs, dimmed eyesight, and creaking joints.

On top of those physical difficulties are psychological and mental issues that can affect our decision and sense of direction.

But must we just stay on the sidelines as plain spectators in the drama of life Can we no longer jam it up with the rest of humanity Or give life one last “GO”?

No way, as far as I am concerned. And you should feel the same way, too. No matter how old you may be, you are never completely out of juice; you can still live life as fully as you want to.

And this is what this article is about – show you some of the secrets in living a full life.

But before diving deep into it, let’s have agree on what “full life” means.

What is a full life?

One time, my younger sister remarked how lucky I was to have children who are taking good care of me

On the surface, she was right. But things are not always rosy between me and my kids. Just like any family, there are bumps I need to steer clear from.

Just like any other live alone senior, I have bouts of bouts of self-[pity, depression, loneliness, and feelings of living a meaningless life. There was a time whe I had meals with my wife and two kids. Now I eae alone and wash the dishes right after – a thing I many never get used to.

These negative thoughts, often get into my nerves and make me want to give up and give in. were I to disregard their potential catastrophic results. But I can’t. So I make lemonade from the sour lemons life has dealt me with. I chose to live a full life.

And this brings us back to what it is…

A “full life” means “being in the moment, awake and alive and enjoying things now, right this minute. It is not worrying about the past, or postponing happines for the future.”

It is the joyful acceptance of one’s lot – regardless of the abundance or scarcity of the material resources at one’s disposal.

It is to cherish each moment of each day, free of the guilts of yesterday or the anxieties of tomorrow. It is having someone or something to love, do things you love doing, and having something to hope for.

Having a full life is not to be free of imperfections but to ride out each one with a grateful and brave heart. It is to have a perfect balance of one’s spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of one’s existence.

And this article willshow you to do that.

DIY Tips in Living Fully

We all want to live a full life, to enjoy enjoy each moment of our remaining days  We want to be free of any worries, cares or apprehensions all too common in our younger days.

We want to try something new and different spices things up. We want to explore we’ve never been to before, lounge on a beach in some tropical island, or go on a safari.

For most, however, these are just wishful thinking. Old-age related issues and illness hamper our desires of stop us all together. .

Most of us are hobbled with issues such as insufficient funds, failing health, estrangement with children or separation from spouse. All these can dampen or desire to live life to the fullest.

But not hopeless. With these DIY tips, you can still a joyful and meaningful life. A life that sweeps all your cares and worries under the rug.

And under these trying situations, these DIY tips are very handy. They are easy to do an don’t cost much or anything.

1. Keep busy

Being busy can help you live your life to the fullest. Puttering around the house, doing some repaires of gardening gives you the satisfaction of having done something insead of moping or wallowing is self-pity

I know it too well as a live-alone senior. I strictly follow a daily routing to survive. Though with trepidation, I do household chores, prepare my own food, wash the dishes, and buy my housefold necessitaties. I don’t like to do them but I must. They keep me busy and productive.

After lunch, I take a short break, then get on with my online writing business well until early evening.

You need not  have as hectic a schedule as mine, but keep moving. Activity keeps your mind off your age-related issues and gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Being busy is good for the body and mind. It is fulfilling to know that you have spent your day doing something worthwhile, interesting, and useful.

2. Eat Well:

Eat well to make you funtion normall every single day. ingle day. Eating well means eating a well-balanced diet so you can maintain a healthy weight, and be energized. Get the right nutrients you need to lower your risk of developing chronic healthconditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Get an expert advise from your physician so you can be guided accordingly.

Go easy on food that can exacerbate arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure if you are suffering from any or all of them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a very informative article about elderly nutrition. Read it instead of getting tips from your friends or barber.

Stay hydrated always. Dehydration is one of the major causes of elderly hospitalization.

3. OBSERVE HOME SAFETY:

In the U.S., an elderly is admitted into emergency rooms every 11 seconds due to falls, and every 19 minutes, one dies from the accident, according to National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Ironically, falls are not age-related but are caused by unsafe conditions at home. When you walk on wobbly legs or dimmed vision, a frayed rug or a loose floor mat is an accident-in-waiting.

To accident-proof your home, have a family member or home-safety engineer go over it to eliminate all potential hazards. Staying in a hospital due to a home accident is hardly living your life fully.

4. have enough sleep

Nothing can ruin your day more than lack of sleep the previous night. It makes you irritable, dizzy, and lazy.

Don’t hang on to the common belief that elderly people need fewer hours of sleep each night. You must have at least 7-8 hours of sleep at night to make you feel energetic and refresh the following morning.

I go by 6-7 hours but I take mid-day naps.

5. Don’t Isolate yourself

Don’t shy away from the world. Get out and mingle. Keep in touch with family and close friends. With the Internet, it can still be done even with the prevailing lockdown due to the Covid19 pandemic.

But do keep a circle of “healthy” friends – those that can help you boost your self-esteem. This kind of friends reduces stress and anxiety. They can improve your overall well-being and may increase your longevity.

6. Mind your physical and mental health

The majority of seniors 65 and above have, at least. one chronic medical condition. But modern science has treatments and interventions to all these that can help you live a happy and productive life.

Do follow your doctor’s instructions and always stay on the safe side. Don’t take unnecessary risks that may result in undesirable consequences.

Exercise your body as well as your mind.

Some studies show that a healthy lifestyle can slow down mental decline. Stimulate your mind by reading, doing crossword puzzles, or watch educational videos. There are tons of it on YouTube.

7. Be grateful

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

It is important because it helps generate more positive emotions and relish good experiences which, in turn, improve your health. It allows you to better deal with adversities and helps nurture strong relationships.

Gratefulness creates happiness – the trademark of a full life. Amy Collette sums it beautifully when she said, “…It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”

I am now on Cloud 9. But getting here wasn’t easy for a worrier like me; one who tends to over-think. I got here after taking a long and serious look inwards and resolutely deciding to get rid of those things that stopped me from enjoying life more fully.

You can do the same, though maybe in a different route. But you must. You owe it to yourself after years of slaving to build a career and supporting a family. Now it is time to soar, to reach for the clouds, and live your life as fully as you can – while you still can.

Note: If you like this post, please subscribe so you will get, oven-fresh, subsequent articles about this subject.

Image: One More Cup of Coffee

~oOo~

The post How to Live a Full Life in the Face of Difficulties first appeared on Age With Charm.

Do you feel angsty when you wake up some mornings?

You feel something is amiss, or about to go wrong. But you don’t know what it is.

It burdens your heart but you can’t express it. What’s worse is you don’t have anybody to express it to,

I do. And my first time got me really scared.

Thoughts of a heart attack danced before my mind.

I felt a slight pressure pushing against my chest, breathing was difficult and painful, and my heart was going boom, boom, boom.

With haste, I immediately drove to the nearest hospital. The results came in after almost an hour of the usual tests. And the verdict was…

My heart was good but my mind was running wild. It was nothing but a severe case of anxiety.

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful events, the elderly are more prone to it because of the various issues that come with aging.

Here are six of the most common:

1.  Mental Health

Mental health is the level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the state of someone who is “functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment”. – Wikipedia

With old age comes a change in lifestyles. While most seniors handle this transition with ease, a few (about 15% of adults aged 60) struggle with it, consequently affecting their mental health.

Among the stressors that can cause mental deterioration among the elderly are:

• Retirement
• Depression
• Dementia
• Change in environment
• Effects of medications
• Loneliness and isolation
• Loss of a loved one
• Physical disability
• Chronic illnesses
• Alcohol or substance abuse

2.  Physical health

If there is a scorecard on physical health, most seniors will fail. According to the National Council on Aging, 92 percent have at least one chronic condition, and 77 percent have at least two.

Physical health issues greatly impair your ability to perform daily tasks and other activities like sports. People with physical health issues can’t get by without taking several medications a day to keep them going. Often, they need someone to help them with ordinary activities like eating or personal hygiene..

A myriad of physical health issues can befall to  people in this age range, including you and me. The most common are:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Respiratory diseases

Most of these can be managed to allow you live happy and productive life.

3.  Health care costs

Politicians and medical practitioners define “health care costs” differently but this article is not going to give you a giant headache. So to cut through the chaff, it’s going to make it simpler.

“Health care costs are out-of-the-pocket expenses or the amount of money you regularly spend to maintain your health and overall well-being.”

For example, I am taking multi-vitamins and an anti-hypertension drug on a daily basis. They represent a portion of my health care costs, not counting tennis club membership and other things to keep me physically fit.

This amount can be huge even if you are covered by Medicare. A study done by the Center for Retirement at Boston College shows that an average retiree spends around $ 4,300.00 on out-of-the-pocket health care costs per year.

4.  Financial security

Financial security refers to the peace of mind you feel when you aren’t worried about money matters; that you have enough money to cover your daily needs and emergencies well into the near future.

As in physical health, a lot of seniors will fail in the financial health category. Over 25 million Americans aged 60 + are living below the Federal Poverty Level ($ 29,425 per year per person).

They have issues on housing and health care bills, inadequate nutrition, access to transportation and diminished savings. And things due to normal rise in cost of living, their difficulties are expected to go from bad to worse.

5.  Elder abuse

Elder abuse is the single or repetitive lack of action in a relationship or trust, and which causes harm or distress to an older person.

It includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation or neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for the care of the elderly. This is a growing menace as most of the victims would rather suffer than report them. In fact, more than half a million reports of elder abuse reach authorities every year.

6.  Loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness is a negative feeling resulting from unmet social needs in terms of quantity and quality, while social isolation is total or very limited social contact; to be cut off from your normal social network.

Social isolation and loneliness are often taken as the same. They are not. On one hand, loneliness is temporary and is often a choice, but social isolation is caused by factors like mobility, health issues, no access to services or community activities, or a total lack of communication with friends, family, and acquaintances.

Both are bad for the elderly. Isolation can result in serious chronic diseases such as lung disease, arthritis, and mobility problems, and loneliness can make some seniors engage in unhealthy habits like overeating, drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Everybody wants to finish well – whatever we are doing. Retirement is no less. We all want to retire in good fashion – healthy, financially independent and with a vibrant social circle.

Things, however, don’t always turn out the way we want them to. No matter how good your plans are, these old-age issues can derail them any time. The above are just a few of them.

If not handled or managed well, your life will be a string of stressful events. It will be like battling one of those Australian brush fires. Instead of enjoying old age, you will wallow in a deep mire of suffering and regret.

Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be. The Internet is full of resources you can use to achieve your retirement dreams. This blog is one of them.

You can spend precious time searching them out or have them delivered to your email on a regular basis if you subscribe to this blog. The choice is yours.

But remember this – you need not walk the lonely path alone.

Image: Lovin’LIfe after 50

~oOo~

The post Six Old-age Issues You Need to Know first appeared on Age With Charm.

How do you enjoy life?

If you surf this question, Google will show you ten articles about the subject on the first page, alone.  It will also show you that no less than 3 billion people are as interested to know the answer.

And you should, too, because, at this point in your life, your primordial concern should be to enjoy life – the more the better.

Here’s why…

Old age is the high time to enjoy life – the more, the better. You have had a fruitful career, you may be grayer, but wiser. You are happy and confident with yourself and the things you’ve accomplished, and the time and freedom to do all you want to do.

Evil Knievel said,

“I decided to fly through the air, and live in the sunlight and enjoy life as much as I could.”

Sadly, enjoying life is not bestowed upon retirement. To bask in the rejuvenating rays of sunlight, you must get out from under a shade – no easy task for seniors with chronic diseases and money problems. Others are so rapt up in the trivialities of life forgetting that a lot of things we worry about are nothing but mists that will disappear at the break of dawn.

I learned this the hard way.

A lot of seniors are in a worse situation than you.

While confiding with my daughter about being depressed over something, she immediately snapped back saying, “You have no reason to be depressed. There are a lot of old people out there in a lot worse situation than you.?

She was right. We could never enjoy life if we are so self-focused; if we think that the world revolves around us.

That experience made me recall all the life lessons I learned through the years the hard way. To enjoy life…

1.  Don’t overthink

Don’t overthink, especially about your problems.

Problems are necessary components of living. We all have them. But people who are enjoying life realize that problems are either real or imagined, serious or light and act on them accordingly.

Overthinking is bad because you are unnecessarily taxing your brain over things without basis, or may never happen at all.

Instead of fussing over an issue, analyze it carefully, act accordingly then move on.

As the saying goes, “Don’t worry, be happy.”

2.  Minimize stress

Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. This response could be physical, mental, emotional in nature. Most of the time it is a combination of all.

It is a normal part of life and could be positive or negative.

Stress is positive if it alerts you to a threat or danger by motivating you to move or avoid it.

But when it becomes constant, even chronic without relief or relaxation, it will overtax your stress response mechanism resulting in the emotional wear and tear of the body.

It becomes harmful if it results in the compulsive use of stress-relieving substances.

When you feel stressed out, remember this – “…There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not,” – Valerie Bertinelli.

3.  Keep busy

If you want to live long, keep busy – that’s what Andre Maurois meant when he said,

“Growing old is no more than a bad habit which is a busy person has no time to form.”

Busy people are happy. They are never bored and their brains are always working. They are productive and, in a much greater sense, they are enjoying life.

4.  Love

Love is a feeling that nurtures positive energy to a tired and lonely soul. Loving someone else or yourself is kind of a well-spring that nourishes your body and mind each day of your life.

It makes you care and share and, if necessary, bear the brunt of the vicissitudes of old age with a smile.

It makes you cherish and enjoy each passing moment of your life. And gives you a ton of health benefits.

5.  Socialize

Having a close-knit of friends is one of the best ways to enjoy life.  Good, supportive friends increase your self-confidence and self-worth. They make you feel secure.

Good friends can boost your physical, mental and emotional health. They are a good hedge against loneliness and isolation. They help reduce stress and can contribute to longevity.

Socializing these days is a lot easier than decades ago when you had to walk a mile to see an old friend. Now, you can reach them any time of the day, wherever they may be. They are just a click away.

6.  Be grateful

Nothing sets your day right better than to say a prayer of gratitude for living another day, of seeing another sunrise, of being with your loved ones.

Being grateful in all things – big and small – gives you more positive emotions, enjoy a good experience, improves your health, builds strong relationships and allows you to deal with adversity.

Expressing gratitude, to give lasting happiness, is not simply saying “Thank you,” but by having a cheerful and grateful disposition.

7.  Have faith

Faith is complete trust or confidence in a person, thing, or concept.

The life of an elderly is not a leisurely drive along the freeway but a roller coaster ride. In some days, you are up, in others, you are down. There are many unexpected twists and turns that can make you lose traction, direction, or purpose.

What evens them out, the equalizer is faith.

You can lose everything or everyone in your life but never lose faith. With faith,  you can withstand the worst storms in life. Without it, a soft breeze will topple you down.

At 71, I am enjoying life to the fullest. But it was not like this a couple of years ago. Arriving at this level of enlightenment can be likened to that of Gautama’s.

A couple or so years back, I used to overthink. That habit usually led to anxiety or bouts of depression. Until one day, my daughter socked it to me straight (mentioned above).

That episode made me sit under my own Bodhi tree and recalled all the life lessons I learned from the past and put them to good use.

You, too, can.

Please share.

~oOo~

,

The post Seven Life Lessons to Help You Enjoy Life More first appeared on Age With Charm.

A real issue faced by people on the verge of retiring is where to retire in – at home (aging in place), or in a care facility Why The euphoria of finally being free from the shackles of work, work, and more work clouds everything out. After years of making a living, now they want to make a lif – a life they never enjoyed before. Like a bird caged too long, they want to “fly” far and wide, to explore, or just sit and do nothing but make the days pass by.

But the hands of time never stop and the ravages of old age exempt no one. What if both conspire against you when you are in the 80s or beyond when you are frosty-old Will you still stand fast, or make a beeline to the nearest nursing home?

This article intends to give you the real score, so stay put and read on.

What is Aging in Place

Aging in place is the term to describe an elderly person’s choice where to live where he is most comfortable in – in his home. It is the preferred choice of most elderly people because of familiarity. In fact, less than 4% of people 65 and above lives in nursing homes and 90% of Americans approaching retirement age plan to stay put.

Not only out of familiarity, but home is full of memories and memorabilia of the past. It echoes the clanging utensils during dinner time, the laughter of your kids, their toys and crayon scribblings underneath the stairwell wall.

It was once your “love nest,” where the kids were born, grew up, went to school, done with college, got married and started families of their own.

At home, you are surrounded by people you have known for the most part of your life; people who can be counted on to help in case of emergencies.

Aging in place is to be free of the strict rules and regulations found in assisted living facilities.

It is freedom – with a price.

Pros and Cons of Aging in Place

I live in a culture where aging in place is a default option for elderly people like me. It’s the familial bond among Asians that make it possible. Being sent away to a care facility is like a betrayal of an implied parent-children relationship.

But I cannot say the same for those on the other side of the cultural divide. If you are in that situation, be aware of the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Home gives you a sense of peace and serenity. You know who lives immediately around you, play golf with your doctor, and is on a first-name basis with your filling station attendant or the check-out girl of the nearest convenience store.
• Retiring at home avoids the trauma and stress that come with change i.e., being surrounded by people you don’t know, follow routines strict and unfamiliar routines, and eat food revolting to your taste like having a hole in the head
• You get away from the emotionally-draining experience of getting rid of things you don’t need – things that have their own stories to tell like your first fishing gear, your kid’s bike, your wife’s priced casserole set, etc.

Con

• Though less expensive than a nursing home stay, aging in place is not entirely free. There are maintenance costs you have to budget for or spend some effort on;
• It can be lonely at times. Even if you are a very private person, there are times you need to mingle with others and your friends, family members or neighbors may not be there when you need them;
• You are highly vulnerable to health and safety risks.

Aging in Place Tips

I’ve been living alone since my wife died almost eleven years ago.  Before that, I did not know how to make the bed the way she did.

As days went by, however, I learned. I learned when to mow the lawn, prune the hedges, clean the house, cook my meals and many other things. When push comes to shove, we learn. And aging in place is a process of constant learning. It’s kind of day school all over again or a boot camp.

Here are a few things I learned over the years.  the way. These are good tips when you encounter some bumps along the way.

1.   Have a game plan

Consider aging in place as an adventure, the success of which depends on how you planned the trip. Plan for:

• Things to do every day. A daily schedule assures that you have something to do each waking moment of your day. Not only is it a good deterrent against loneliness, but also a good exercise;
• Plan your meals to make sure you won’t skip your dietary needs and your ref full of foodstuffs that can keep you strong and healthy;
• Make sure your finances are in order, your payables are current, your will is in order and your executor knows fully well what to do should the need arise;
• Draw a regular schedule of going out with friends or family members. If you lack both, go out still. Sitting in a coffee shop, a park or mall and watch people go by make you feel “connected;”
• Keep within easy reach the telephone numbers of your doctor, ambulance service, the police, your nearest neighbor or kin;
• If your finances allow it, plan for regular vacations or long drives. Getting away from the regular environment of your home is rejuvenating both for body and soul;

2.  Develop a good money attitude

A good money attitude is essential to help you outlive your retirement funds. While your needs may be a lot less now compared than before, but expenses never stop. They just take on another form, like spending more on nutritious foods and medicines. And if you are not careful with your funds, it is possible that it will run out on you.

3.  Be tough

Aging in place is not for sissies. Living alone is freedom, but it is not exactly a day spent in a theme park. There are many situations where melancholy and self-pity will gnaw at your heart as termites do to the pillars of your home.

Particularly trying is eating alone, or doing the dishes or sitting alone in your living room at night can drive less-resolute people nuts. Even now, after so many years of living alone, these things still prick my soul once in a while.

Be tough and brush them aside. These negative thoughts do nothing but undermine your health and sense of well-being.

4.  Always keep on the side of safety

With failing vision and frail balance, you can be prone to home accidents like falls, burning or scalding, and choking or other food-related incidents. Be very careful in everything you do and keep your home as accident-free as possible. Always be on the safe side.

If you live in a two-story house, sleep in a ground floor bedroom. Remove all clutter around your moving space and have it well-lit. Never leave electrical cords or any obstruction around your home unattended. Remove them at once.

Use gloves when handling hot objects, and use serving trays for newly-cooked foods. Turn off the gas stove or unplug the oven when work is done.

In storing food, use containers with big readable labels to prevent mix-ups. Labels should also indicate purchase dates to avoid ingesting spoiled stuff. Set your ref at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to make fruits and veggies last longer.

5.  Eat well and drink lots of water

In the U.S., about one in two elderly is at risk of malnutrition and dehydration is one of the most common causes of emergency room admittance among people 65 and above.

The problem with these two health risks is that they are difficult to detect until it is way too late.

Malnutrition can cause health problems, diabetes, and heart disease while dehydration can result in heatstroke, seizures due to electrolytic loss, kidney failure or you can go into a coma.

6.  Be active

Wake up before sunrise. Seeing the glimmers of a new day is refreshing and rejuvenating. You can feel your body jumping with joy at the caress of early-morning sunshine.

Right after or before breakfast (prefer after because it gives me the energy to do my regular exercises), hit the road for an early jog, play tennis or golf, or go to the gym.

Getting physical at the start of the day primes you up for the other tasks up ahead and raises your appetite for a mid-day snack which is necessary for people your age.

7.  Go out and have fun

Keep certain days of the week to mingle with friends. An hour or so in a coffee is an excellent respite from the familiar scene at home.

If you are up to it, take a long drive or a vacation. Seeing unfamiliar surroundings, meeting new people, eating a different variety of foods can make you feel alive, excited. And the stored memories from trips will draw a smile across your face when clouds of loneliness and despair start creeping in.

Betty Friedan said, “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

And aging in place is the best venue to find both.

If you like this article, please share or subscribe to my mailing list.

Image: Senior Money Saver

~oOo~

The post Things You Need to Know about Aging in Place first appeared on Age With Charm.

Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

Pros

• It saves time – no need to travel far to buy what they want
• It saves transportation expense – this is a corollary to the above
• Online shops are open 24/7
• There’s no waiting line
• They can avoid a jostling crowd

Cons

• There’s a big delay between ordering and delivery
• No touch, smell and feel the experience
• Risk of wrong or defective product is always present and return is almost impossible
• Lack of shopping experience
• The variety of choices make decision-making difficult

Apps for Easy and Convenient Online Shopping

One-stop-online shop

Amazon

Nutritious Foods

1.  Buy Me Pie

2.  Seafood Watch

3.  Veg Ease

Prescription Drugs

1.  Rx Saver

2.  GoodRx

3.  Blink Health Rx

Groceries

1.  GoGo

2.  Out of Milk

3.  AnyList

Video Games

1.  TETRIS

2.  Words with Friends

3.  Hangman

News

1.  Google News

2.  Microsoft News

3.  CNN News

~oOo~

The post Apps to Get the Best from Online Shopping first appeared on Age With Charm.

Many years ago, you did not know what it is to be old.

Oh, you knew someday you will be. But you chose to put it in the backburner; ignored it because it evoked a lot of scary images in your mind. The stories you’ve heard about old people, the movies you saw and the mold society has put old people into were agonizing to dwell on.

And the years went by like a speeding locomotive. And you survived. Now you have arrived – you are old. Or, to make it sound respectable, an elderly.

How does it feel It’s not as bad as you thought, isn’t it It’s pretty much like going to the dentist – full of anguish. But when it is over, you give a short, “Aahhh, what a relief.”

As bizarre it may be to the younger generations, to be old – in one piece and healthy – is a relief. In fact,  old age is worth celebrating.

Oh, the things that scared you before are still there, i.e., society’s perceptions or “myths,” of being old, and the patronizing stories persist. Hollywood still depicts elderly people in an unfavorable light.

But now you know better. Your own experience tells that those are nothing but mirages resulting from society’s compulsion to classify or categorize people.

Now you know that these are nothing but myths.

Here are a few examples:

Myth 1: Elderly people are grumpy

Reality: Grumpiness is not confined to the elderly. People of all ages can be grumpy some days.

Elderly people tend to be relatively content and patient, according to some research. After retirement, some people adopt lifestyle changes that mellow them down a bit.

“Older people tend to be happier than the general population,” says Heidi White, M.D., a professor of medicine in the geriatrics division of Duke University School of Medicine.

Myth 2: They sleep less

Reality: While children and adolescents need more sleep than adults, older people need seven to eight hours of sleep per night to function normally the following day.

Because of age-related problems like chronic illnesses, money and relationship issues, they may have a hard time falling asleep. A study of people aged 65 and above shows that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.

But the study didn’t tell if they take day naps – which they most certainly do.

Science says that sleeping less is not a normal part of aging. Those who have must see a sleep doctor. There may be underlying causes to it, not because they are old.

Myth 3: Exercise is not safe for the elderly

Reality: Nothing is farther than the truth – unless you are into extreme sports.

Exercise is a must for the elderly. Whatever risks there are, which are very minimal, is worth taking compared to the consequences of not exercising at all.

Besides, there exercise routines for the elderly that can be done at home, in a park, or around your safe neighborhood streets. Some malls these days set aside some space for Zumba exercise on certain days of the week. It’s good business and a form of corporate social responsibility.

Exercise reduces the risk of a stroke or heart attack, prevents falls, improves bone density, reduces the risk of developing dementia, and it makes you live longer.

Before, I exercised for fun. Now, it is a must. It’s the cheapest way to keep the doctors away.

Myth 4: Elderly people are sexless

Reality: Truth be told, being sexless is not confined to the elderly. About a quarter of young adults suffer from it too.

But that is not the consoling part, is it?

What is, is that sex has no age limit and modern science has provided some fixes so can have a good dose of sex when the need arises.

There are now over-the-counter and prescription drugs intended to give excitement to a once sexless life. Erectile dysfunction can be treated and testosterone enhancers are under prescription.

All these, however, must be under the supervision of a physician especially for seniors with serious medical conditions that make vigorous cardiovascular activity risky.

Myth 5: Elderly people are lonely

Reality: There are roughly 47 million seniors in the U.S., 28% of them living alone. Many, especially those with advancing age have money problems and health issues. They also express feelings of loneliness and social isolation. But despite their problems, 90% prefer to live alone to maintain their independence.

Do these figures support the perception that elderly people are lonely Not by any measure. In fact, they are as bouncy and full of life as any age group they even go online more often than younger people think as these  infographics show:

What they do online Very much the same thing as younger adults do…

And the things they surf show that they are far from lonely:

Myth 6: Elderly people can’t learn new tricks

Reality: Unless you have a mental health problem, you can still learn new tricks for as long as you care to.

The brain never stops learning. It continuously changes and reshapes to meet your needs. In fact, it is probably the most astonishing organ because it never stops adapting to the realities it is subjected to.

Like a muscle that needs constant flexing to remain supple and strong, the brain needs constant tweaking to keep it running and functioning.

And nobody proves this more than Leo Blass. In 2011 and at the age of 99, he earned an Associates’s Degree from Eastern Oregon University.

There was a rich old man whose hearing was failing. So, without telling his family, he had his doctor install a discreet hearing aid.

When he checked in with his doctor for the required follow-up check, his doctor asked him about his hearing. He told his doctor that it’s quite ok. But since he had his hearing aid installed, he has changed his will six times.

These myths shall stay no matter what you do to prove them wrong. People love myths. So what you can do is to leave them be. They don’t make you lose sleep if you do. Besides, you can use them in a similar way as the deaf, but a rich, old man did.

~oOo~

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The post Myths and Realities of Being an Elderly first appeared on Age With Charm.

Right now, an elderly is being abused.

It could be you but are not aware of it. Even if you do, you prefer to be mum about it for fear of the repercussions. You fear that you won’t be taken seriously, be told that you are imagining things, or be told that you are getting senile.

Elder abuse is very real and it is happening every day. In fact, in 2017 1 in 6 people, aged 60 and above,  was abused in one way of another. What is tragic is that only 1 in 24 reached the authorities.

But what is elder abuse?

What is Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation or trust that causes or creates a risk or harm to an older adult (defined as someone aged 60 and above). – CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Elder abuse comes in many forms, but these are the most common…

1.  Physical 

This is the intentional use of force resulting in physical pain, injury or impairment. Giving inappropriate medications, restraints or confinement falls under this category.

2.  Emotional 

Emotional abuse is the act of emotionally stressing an elderly through yells, threats, ridicule, humiliation and constant blaming for everything.

3.  Psychological 

This type of abuse includes ignoring or isolating an elderly from friends or his social circle. It includes acts affecting the mental health of an elderly like terrorizing or menacing.

4.  Neglect: 

Neglect is the intentional or unintentional withholding or denial of medications, food, proper hygiene or sanitation, and social interaction.

5.  Fraud: 

Fraud is the misuse of an elderly’s financial resources such as checks, credit cards or bank accounts. This also includes stealing money or goods, forging an elderly’s signature with the intent of defrauding its owner.

6.  Scams: 

There are so many type of scams preying on the elderly such as paying out money for a non-existing price, investment schemes, phony charities, etc.

This is the most common type of elderly abuse and is dubbed as “the signature crime of the 21st century,” says Richard Corday, director of the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Scams are heinous because 90% are committed by family members and close friends. The rest are by caregivers and predatory outsiders.

Elder Abuse Risk Factors

An elderly woman worked for a friend as a house helper without pay. All she wanted was free meals and a place to stay.

A single mom in her younger days, she worked her butt off to send her two daughters to college. Unfortunately, shortly after they’ve found work, they left home. For a while they sent her financial support. Over time, her lifeline dried up forcing her to do what she was doing to survive.

Her case is not peculiar – it is one of the risk factors for elder abuse shown below:

• Being financially dependent on others
• Being physically or mentally handicapped
• Living alone
• Suffering from cognitive impairment
• Living with a dysfunctional family
• Suffering from substance abuse

Most of the victims are women, though some men suffer the same fate. They are those who have no family or friends nearby, and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia.

Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse must be addressed before it can do more harm. But spotting it is difficult because most of the victims prefer to suffer in silence rather than bring it into the open. So if you care for an elderly in the family or a neighbor watch out for these signs:

• Non-illness related undernourishment
• Having poor hygiene
• Presence of bedsores
• Unexplained injury that hasn’t been properly treated
• Sunken cheeks or eyes evident in poor blood circulation
• Taking the wrong medication
• Frequent emergency room or doctor visits due to welts, bone breaks, cuts, burns, etc.
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of basic necessities such as water and food and utilities like enough lighting and heating
• Depressive symptoms and/or withdrawal from others
• Hesitant to talk freely or join a social circle

These are but a few but with long-term effects on the health and well-being of an elderly.

Effects of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can affect the victims physically and physically and can take time to heal – if ever. Some of the victims many never learn to live normal lives again.

Physical effects:

• Infection from welts, wounds, broken bones and other injuries
• Persistent physical aches and pains that can affect a victim’s mental health
• Nutrition and hydration problems
• Exacerbation of a pre-existing medical condition
• Increased risk to falls
• Increase risk to premature death

Psychological effects:

Victims of elder abuse experience high levels of distress and depression. They may also suffer from:

• High risk of fear and anxiety reactions
• Learned helplessness
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)
• Sleep deprivation
• Loss of appetite

How to deal with Elder Abuse

Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults, aged 60 and above, are neglected, financially exploited, physically assaulted, or denied their basic needs. Many of the victims are too ashamed or afraid to report their predicament. And these will not stop anytime soon.

But you can help to minimize its occurrence.

Find the time to talk to the victim, and let him/her know what you think; that you think he/or she is being abused.

Get them to talk to you, to open up. Listen with empathy.

Then offer your assistance by letting them know of the various agencies that could provide them the necessary help.

If the situation warrants, don’t hesitate to call 911 or the police.

There is a plethora of venues elder abuse victims can get help from. For example, all communities have a local adult protective agency and many there are many national social service agencies, as well. It is all a matter of reaching out to them for help.

Other than the above, the following government organizations can provide more information on how to deal with elder abuse:

Elderly people may be frail and feeble, forgetful and bump into things at times. Many of them are ridden with medical issues, but they are not a burden. Even if they are, they are a burden worth carrying like you were when you were young.

~oOo~

The post What is Elder Abuse and How to Deal with It first appeared on Age With Charm.

Nothing irritates me more than the phrase, “At your age…” In fact, it is the cause of some of my petty quarrels with my daughter. It always makes me snap back, “At my age, what#8221; 

I won’t deny that I am old. Early this month, I turned 71 – way past the threshold age of 65 when one becomes an “elderly.” My age is etched on my face and hands, on the slowness of my gait, and pains in my knees.

But to be often told, “At your age…,” is irritating and aggravating. As if my age suddenly puts a cap on things I can do or cannot do. It’s kind of being constantly reminded, like a child, to behave.

Because of internal biological changes that come with aging, health and money issues, together with some genetic predisposition, elderly people tend to exhibit sensitivity to a broad range of issues and substances. And to be patronized will not make things any better for them.

So if you are a carer or have elderly people in your home, exercise sensitivity in dealing with them. Words can be misinterpreted or the slightest nuance in your tone can do untold psychological damage.

How to Treat Elderly People

Elderly people have been through a lot in life. Inasmuch as they don’t want to feel “entitled,” they also don’t want to be patronized. So here are a few things you can do to make them feel better…

1.  Treat them as human beings

Old age doesn’t make them less a human being than you or anyone younger. So treat them with the same respect you would a younger person.

They may have some physical handicaps or a little slow in processing thoughts and ideas but their sensitivity to the world around them has not diminished. Yes, they may be a little more patient than before, but they can feel if they are treated any less than they deserve.

2.  Talk to an elderly like you talk to a close friend

Baby-talking to the elderly is condescending. And raising your voice, unless he has hearing problems, can make him sulk and mope or, worse, respond in kind. Either way, you both lose.

So talk to an elderly like you would a close friend – warm, jovial, and amiable. This manner of talking can raise his self-worth and may improve his mental health.

3.  Don’t give a bit of advice unless he/she asks for it

My face always feels smitten each time my daughter advises me on things I have been doing long before she was born, i.e., when to sleep, what to eat, what clothes to wear, how to drive, etc. I think it’s plain ridiculous.

Elderly people have gone through a lot. No matter how highly you think of yourself, you haven’t seen, or done, or experienced the things the elderly in your care or home have.

So keep your opinions to yourself unless asked. Or if it is obviously for their benefit.

But say it nicely.

4.  Listen to what an elderly is saying

It is always impolite to interrupt a person who is talking. It is plain disrespectful to the elderly.

Wait for your turn – even during brief lulls in a conversation. His moments of silence may be due to memory problems or difficulties in his thought processes.

Remember that listening goes both ways. It is only through listening that you can give an appropriate answer.

5.  Speak clearly and distinctly

Enunciate clearly every word you say to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding. Though they may not admit it, hearing loss is a natural consequence of aging.

Speak in a clear and friendly voice. If a hearing-problem is an issue, speak close to an elderly’s ear instead of shouting to avoid being taken as antagonistic.

6.  Be compassionate

Seniors, like me, don’t want to admit the struggles they face each day of their lives

They struggle with health issues, loneliness, nutrition problems, and aches and pains.

Some go on for days without somebody to talk to or remain indoors without feeling the life-giving warmth of the sun, while others have money issues. They inwardly grieve over their handicaps or the inevitability of death.

But for them, to bitch about the inconvenience or handicaps impose on them by age is counter-productive. They don’t diminish their struggles but burden them some more.

They just put a good face, merrily going about their chores despite the turmoil going on inside.

While they may not expect special treatment but would appreciate a bit of compassion, or understanding, or empathy.

7.  Put yourself in their shoes

Someone, younger than me, asked what it feels to be old. I told him, “get old first so you will know.”

Only the elderly knows how it is to be elderly. But in your moments of introspection or enlightenment, put yourself in their shoes, imagine that you are one. And you must. Because someday, you will be an elderly, too.

It would be tragic to ruin your old age by feelings of remorse for the treatment you gave them when you were young and could have made a big difference in their lives.

So even for a few seconds in a given day, imagine that you are them and they are you. That should give you a lot of insights into how it is to be old.

In this millennial-driven world, elderly people are often sidelined. Younger people take them as too slow, too cranky, or too sickly. Their time is passé and their thoughts and ideas are irrelevant in this hi-tech world.

Longer life spans and small birthrates have made the proportion of elderly people around the world go up. In fact, it is estimated that by the year 2050, 22% of the world’s population will be people age 60 and above.

Today 46 million Americans are aged 65 and above. This number is expected to increase to 98 million by 2060.

By then you will be one of them. Would you want to be treated then like how you are treating your elderly now?

Take it from Judi Dench who said, “Anything we can do to improve the lives of the elderly is welcome so far as I am concerned.”

Don’t you think you should do your share as well?

~oOo~

The post How to Treat Elderly People Without Being Patronizing first appeared on Age With Charm.

A close friend is someone you can talk to about everything in confidentiality. He makes you feel comfortable, is not judgmental, and always there for you. He does not sell you out or bring you down for all the wealth in the world.

And they are as important as gold in old age because they get rarer each day due to death or incapacity.

Lest you get off track, all friendships are important especially in your senior years. Even casual friends can improve your social, emotional and physical well-being. And a strong circle of friends can boost heart health, and strengthens the immune system.

But one very close friend can do much more in relieving stress and depression. A close friend provides emotional support and comfort, and a good venue for a two-way communication.

A close friend is someone who remains standing with you when others have fallen or fled.

So if you still don’t have at least one, start working on it now.

How to develop close friendship(s)

It takes a long time of constant and cordial interaction to develop close friendship with someone. Sadly, relocation, infirmity or death often disrupts this life-long bonding leaving a lot of seniors lonely and pining for the “good old days.”

If you are one of them, don’t lose hope. You can start all over again. Be sure, however, to get the right one. Look for someone who…

1.  Can offer emotional support and guidance

A person willing to support you on a consistent basis through your highs and lows will good a good close friend. Someone who withers your emotional storms with you, and offer you guidance and advice when you need it.

2.  Knows when to give and when to take

Good friendships are based on mutuality. Some sort of “what is mine is yours,” in a lot of respect. While some people are natural givers, I know a few, but most are like piggy banks – they get fat on the good graces of others.

Both you should work on a balance of giving and taking. Anything short of that cannot sustain a healthy and long-lasting relationship.

3.  Brings out the best in you

Encourages you to become a better version of yourself.

He is supportive of your plans and helps your achieve your personal goals, and offers sound advice on issues that stump you.

In other words, he is your personal cheering squad.

4.  Are in the same wavelength with you

Being on the same wavelength does not mean agreeing on everything. It means being able to communicate with each other in clear, concise way. And should you disagree with each other, it would not result to a permanent parting of ways.

Even the best of friends can get into nasty fights. Somehow, they always find ways to mend fences and get on with their lives as if nothing happened.

Finding and developing close friendships in old age is difficult. But not impossible.

And if you don’t want to miss out on the importance of close friends in your life, it is best to start working to have one now.

Importance of close friends

We all need friends. From the time we come of age until we are grey and bent with age, we need them. They come and go until, in our seniors years, what’s left can be counted with the fingers – the close friends.

They are important because they…

1.  Complement you

In the U.S., nearly 12 million elderly people live alone according to the American Psychological Association. Away from family, or none at all, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for you to do some of your daily routine without a close friend.

Someone you can go the grocery with, or have a cup of coffee; to call in case or emergencies or to chat with to drive away loneliness.

2.  Help slow down mental health decay

Approximately, over 20% of adults, aged 60 above, suffer from a mental or neurological disorder, i.e., depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, etc.

Close friends can spot if something is right or wrong, provide emotional support and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. They also can help in seeking the right help should it be necessary.

3.  Keep you well-nourished

Studies show that live-along seniors do not prepare full, balanced meals resulting to malnutrition. To make matters worse is the fact that age induces a loss of appetite among a lot of seniors.

Eating is a social activity and having a close friend help prepare your food, or dine with you regularly can solve this problem.

3.  Help keep you in good physical shape

More than 31 million Americans age 50 and above don’t exercise. They keep the medical profession busy treating their heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other medical issues due to lack of exercise.

As a health-buff senior, I keep to my exercise schedule religiously. Others may need to be dragged out of bed to start sweating it out. If you are this type, a close friend will be very handy, indeed.

That may be putting it too harshly, but I know a lot of seniors who brisk walk or jog with a close friend. They talk, they banter, they joke as they go for a few laps. It’s kind of motivating.

4.  They don’t make you feel alone

It’s tough to be live alone. I know because I live alone. Though it is by choice but there are times when I ache for companionship, for somebody to talk to.

Though it is not so bad in my case because my daughter is just a short drive or a phone call away, but nothing beats having someone within reach, someone who is just across the road or over-the-fence away – such as a close friend.

Aging, and the changes it brings, is not for sissies. The lack of regular activities and shrinking social circle can take their toll on elderly people with less grit in their heart. It requires a strong determination to come out a winner each day. And winning is easier if there is a close friend who eggs you on, to motivate you to wake up each day with a smile. They help you live life to the fullest 

~oOo~

The post What are Close Friends and Why are They Important first appeared on Age With Charm.