Help Seniors Overcome Holiday Loneliness

December 19, 2023

The Christmas holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and gratitude for many people. However, the holidays may also be a stressful, depressing, and lonely time for some seniors, particularly those who live alone or have few social connections. If you have a senior loved one who may be feeling isolated or depressed during this festive season, Just Like Family Home Care can help.

Just Like Family Home Care is a service that provides in-home care for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities, such as personal care, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship. Our caregivers are trained, compassionate, and reliable, and they can make a positive difference in the lives of seniors and their families.

Here are some of the ways that Just Like Family Home Care can help seniors during the Christmas holidays:

  • Provide emotional support and social interaction. Our caregivers can visit seniors regularly and offer them a listening ear, a friendly conversation, and a warm smile. They can also engage seniors in meaningful activities, such as playing games, reading books, listening to music, or watching movies. These interactions can help seniors feel less lonely and more connected to others.
  • Help seniors connect with their family and friends. Our caregivers can assist seniors with using technology, such as phone calls, video chats, or online platforms, to stay in touch with their loved ones. They can also help seniors send and receive cards, gifts, or photos, and share their holiday memories and wishes. These connections can help seniors feel more loved and appreciated.
  • Assist seniors with participating in holiday traditions. Our caregivers can help seniors celebrate the holidays in ways that are meaningful to them. They can help seniors decorate their homes, bake cookies, wrap presents, or attend religious services. They can also accompany seniors to family gatherings or community events, and ensure their safety and comfort. These traditions can help seniors feel more festive and joyful.
  • Help seniors access community resources and activities. Our caregivers can help seniors find and join local programs and services that can enhance their well-being, such as senior centers, places of faith, volunteer opportunities, or support groups. They can also help seniors enjoy the holiday spirit in their neighborhoods, such as visiting light displays, listening to carolers, or shopping at local markets. These resources and activities can help seniors feel more engaged and fulfilled.

Just Like Family Home Care can tailor its services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each senior, and ensure they receive quality care and attention during the holiday season and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about how Just Like Family Home Care can help your senior loved one, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Healthy Fall Charcuterie Board

October 25, 2023

A healthy fall charcuterie board is a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavors and produce, while also catering to the needs and preferences of seniors. Here are some tips and ideas on how to make a healthy fall charcuterie board that elderly can make:

  1. Choose whole-grain breads and crackers that are high in fiber, B vitamins and protein. These can help with digestion, energy and blood sugar levels. You can also make your own cauliflower chips for a low-carb alternative.
  2. Add nuts, such as almonds, pecans or walnuts, to your board. Nuts are a healthy snack that provide plant-based protein and healthy fats. You can also roast or spice them for extra flavor.
  3. Load up on fruits and veggies that are in season, such as apples, pears, grapes, kumquats, figs, brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Fruits and veggies add color, nutrients and antioxidants to your board. You can also roast some of the veggies for a warm and cozy touch.
  4. Choose the right meats and cheeses for your board. Avoid cold cuts that are high in sodium and saturated fat, which are not good for heart health. Instead, opt for thinner sliced meats and choose lower-fat cheese options.
  5. Add one or two dips to your board, such as hummus, spinach dip or a sweet dip made with yogurt and honey. Dips can add moisture and flavor to your board, as well as provide some calcium and protein.
  6. Don’t forget some fun treats to finish off your board. You can add some dark chocolate, dried fruit or mini pumpkin pies for a festive touch. Just be mindful of the portion size and sugar content of these treats.

    Just Like Family Home Care hopes these tips and ideas help seniors create a healthy fall charcuterie board that they can make and enjoy!

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Happy Mother’s Day

May 11, 2023

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and thank our mothers for their love, care, and support throughout our lives. Just Like Family Home Care can help during Mother’s Day by providing various services and support to mothers who need assistance with their daily living or health care needs. Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have a senior mother in your life, you can make this day special and memorable by following some of these ideas:

  1. Enjoy a family meal. One of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day as a senior is to gather your family for a meal together. Just Like Family Home Care can help with preparing meals and doing light housekeeping for the mother, such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, doing laundry and dishes. The most important thing is to spend quality time with your loved ones and share stories and memories.
  2. Make or decorate cards. Making or decorating cards is a simple and meaningful activity that seniors can do. You can use paper, cardstock, or recycled materials such as magazines, newspapers, or cereal boxes. You can cut out shapes such as hearts, flowers, or butterflies and glue them on the cards.
  3. Attend a service or event. For many seniors, Mother’s Day is also a religious or cultural occasion that commemorates the role of mothers in society.  Attending a service or event can help them reconnect with their faith and community. Just Like Family Home Care can help senior mother with mobility and transportation, such as getting in and out of bed, wheelchair or car and taking mother to her church or find a nearby church that offers a Mother’s Day service. We can also look for local events such as concerts, festivals, or workshops that celebrate mothers and women.
  4. Plant some flowers or herbs. Planting some flowers or herbs can help seniors enjoy the beauty of nature and feel hopeful about the future. Seniors can water and care for their plants and watch them grow and flourish.
  5. Play some games. Playing some games is a fun and festive way to celebrate Mother’s Day as a senior. Just Like Family Home Care can offer companionship and emotional support to the mother by playing various games such as bingo, trivia, charades, or board games. You can also make some prizes such as chocolates, candles, or books for the winners. Playing games can help seniors exercise their brains, improve their mood, and bond with others.

These are some of the ways that Just Like Family Home Care can help during Mother’s Day. We can make your mother feel comfortable, cared for and appreciated on this special day.

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Senior Activities for Summer 2022

May 31, 2022

As you grow older, paying extra attention to your daily activities is an essential part of aging well. Seniors who go outside, cultivate new hobbies, develop new skills, and keep moving in retirement may actually live longer and healthier lives. Remaining socially and physically active also lowers the risk of depression and anxiety. Having every-day interactions, engaging in a new hobby, and attending fun events improves mental health and prevents loneliness.

Even just an outdoor walk can help reduce blood pressure, lower blood glucose, and slash your risk of heart disease. Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, which can help fight osteoporosis, anxiety and depression. Vitamin D also boosts the immune system and improves brain health. Older adults are more prone to heat stress, so you should be exceedingly careful with activities in the heat.

Below is a list of outdoor and indoor activities to consider during the summer:

Relax and watch the sunset or spend the morning at the beach

Getting some fresh air is great for older adults, but seniors might need some extra care and preparation beforehand to make sure it’s safe. When picking a beach, keep factors in mind like local weather, nearby healthcare services, and other things that can affect your day. Take your beach trip early in the morning or later in the day, and consider wearing beach-ready shoes and mobility aids. Remember to stay hydrated and have fun! We recommend bringing a book or an audio-book. Learn more about senior beach safety here.

Visit a national park or community park

Southwest Florida has beautiful state parks. Knowing where to find a great outdoor park near your neighborhood is essential. With so many gardens and natural areas to explore, it’s always easy to enjoy a book outside, or gather with friends and family for a picnic. Consider visiting a Botanical Garden or going on a nature walk.

Fishing

Fishing is a relaxing activity that can help lower stress and anxiety and it involves light physical activity that can be beneficial for seniors. Fishing is something all ages can enjoy, and it’s an excellent activity to share with grandchildren. To avoid scorching temperatures, go in the early hours of the morning or in the evening. Don’t forget to pack snacks, water, and sunscreen. Bonus: Florida residents age 65 or older do not need a recreational hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license.

Golfing

Golf is a timeless and ageless game with multiple benefits. Florida is one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world. Golfing works all muscles in your body, including your brain, and many golf courses have lounges where you can socialize and form new relationships. Learn more about public golf courses in Naples FL here.

Spend the day at a local Museum:

Immerse yourself in culture while escaping from high temperatures! Museums constantly “keep their cool” for conservation and preservation measures. This means you can count on art and history museums for some of the coolest escapes from the hot days of summer.

Stroll the Farmers Markets

Check the community events section in your local newspaper or news broadcasting. The summer season means farmers markets are in full bloom all over Southwest Florida. Farmers markets are a great way to stay active, have genuine conversations with your community, and enjoy local produce or refreshments.

Enjoy the Theater, Opera, or Live Music

Live music and outdoor events have gained popularity in many communities. Some places offer concerts, while others feature live plays or opera events. Matinees are a great way to escape the summer heat or the rain. Outdoor events often take place in the evenings when temperatures are cooler.

If you or your loved one need help or companionship to enjoy these activities and adopt healthier lifestyle choices, contact us today to find the right care for you.

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Boost Immune System Health in Elderly Seniors

November 1, 2021

As we age, our immune response capability becomes reduced, making us prone to more infections and life-threatening diseases. Respiratory infections, including, influenza, COVID-19 and pneumonia are a leading cause of death in people over 65. It is extremely important, now more than ever, to protect and boost our immune system by choosing a healthy lifestyle. Schedule a yearly checkup and speak to your doctor about different supplements and habits to keep a strong immune system. Every part of our body, including our immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and strengthen by healthy-living habits.

We’ve put together a few habitual tips to help us naturally keep our immune system working properly:

1. Be active every day

Physical activity is an immune system booster. The more you move, the more your body is able to fight inflammation and infections. Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way, put on your shoes and head out for a walk. At-home workouts are effective too. Read our blog post about effective at-home workouts to learn more.

2. Eat a well-balanced diet

There appears to be a connection between nutrition and immunity in the elderly. Seniors tend to eat less and often have less variety in their diets. Eating essential vitamins and trace minerals boosts our immune system. Brightly colored foods are full of antioxidants that improve health and keep our system strong. Consuming foods that contain probiotic bacteria such as yogurt, certain milks and cheeses, are reported to enhance the immune system as well. 

3. Get adequate sleep

Not only can sleep reduce our stress levels, but sleep is how our body repairs itself. When we are running on a little or no sleep our systems tend to weaken, impacting our overall health. Sleep is also important as we get older because it can improve memory and concentration. Aim for at least seven and a half to nine hours of sleep per night.

4. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress increases our body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can disrupt different functions in your body, weakening our system with time. To reduce stress, increase physical and social activities, get plenty of sleep, explore relaxing and meditating. Learn more about senior anxiety and stress here.

5. Take steps to avoid infection

Wash your hands frequently and cook meats thoroughly. The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, open windows to improve ventilation, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, and consider getting vaccinated.

If you are ready to incorporate these habits and will love some support, Just Like Family Home Care’s recommended services in Lee County and Collier County will help you stay engaged and healthy. Allow caregivers to accompany and drive you or your loved one to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, go for a walk, or a social event. Caregivers can also engage with clients through mentally stimulating board games, cards, or puzzles. Learn more about our services here.

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Should Seniors Consider Getting a Pet? Everything to Know

September 3, 2021

Are you looking for ways to keep your elderly loved ones busy as they transition into their next stage of life? Do you want to make sure they have a companion to hang out with and take care of? If so, then you need to learn about the benefits of getting a pet for your senior. 

There are many benefits of having a pet as a senior. These benefits include improving their social life, improving their mood, creating a routine, health benefits, helping them cope with stress, and more.

Read below for an in-depth guide on getting a pet for a senior and why it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

1. Improves Their Activity Levels

One of the biggest struggles that you will have is ensuring that your elderly loved ones stay active. As they age and start to suffer from aches and pains, they have less motivation to get out and walk around. 

However, the benefits of high activity levels in older adults are too good to pass up. It can help reduce the probability that they’ll fall, reduces their blood pressure, helps reduce chronic pain, and can ensure that your loved one is able to live independently. 

Now the problem becomes helping them find the motivation to do so. As it turns out, furry friends might be the best solution for this issue. Pets (specifically dogs) can encourage more activity with their elderly compadres. Your loved one will find more purpose in going for walks outside, and working out in moderation to be able to keep up with their pup. 

Pets will also keep your loved ones busy inside their living space as well. Between getting up to let them outside, feeding them, giving them water, and petting them, they’ll have no choice but to remain active!

2. Lifts Their Mood

Unfortunately, recent research has shown that elderly people are starting to experience more and more symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, it’s believed that 7 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from anxiety or depression, especially while living in constant fear of current events.

This has become somewhat of a vicious cycle. As elderly people lose the motivation to exercise, their body starts to produce less feel-good hormones, which will welcome in higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Fortunately, pets have been shown to elevate a human’s mood substantially. Dogs have been credited with easing the loneliness of others thanks to the constant feeling of companionship that they give you. This is especially helpful for those that have lost a loved one.

In fact, petting a dog has proven to release oxytocin in your brain, which is one of the feel-good hormones that we mentioned earlier. It helps you to feel calm and relaxed. Pair that with the higher levels of dopamine that their brain will produce from the uptick in exercise, and you can thank your new companion for putting in all the hard work!

3. Constant Companionship

There’s nothing better than walking into your home and seeing your dog explode with excitement. it makes you feel appreciated and as if you’re the only thing in the world that matters.

Elderly people need companionship. However, as they age, they start to lose interest in keeping up with their social lives. They might even start to feel lonely if they’re trapped in their house by themselves.

You want to be there for them as much as possible, but you have your own life to keep up with as well. You want to make sure your loved one has someone to love on them whenever you’re not around.

Just Life Family will refer you to the caregiver for your loved one’s needs. These companion services can even help out with your loved one’s pet. Caregivers are happy to engage with clients through mentally stimulating board games, cards, or puzzles, taking the dog for a walk, or assist with household chores.

4. Creates a Routine

The secret isn’t just to get your loved one to engage in physical activity or social events every once in a while, they need to commit to a routine of it to see the best results.

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of seniors adopting a pet. To care for them, your loved one will form a consistent routine and stick to it.

Should seniors adopt a pet? Going on walks and having a stable routine is worth the investment.

5. Staying Social

Walking with a dog results in a significantly higher number of chance conversations with complete strangers than walking alone. A caregiver referred by Just Like Family can also drive your loved ones to the dog park, the pet store, or grab lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant. A dog is a great conversation starter!

We all have a tendency to get concerned when your elderly loved one seemingly has nothing to talk about on the phone. The conversation can grow stale. With a pet to keep them on their toes, you’ll start to notice that your loved one will come back to life.

Talk to Your Loved Ones

Consider talking to your loved ones about getting a dog or a cat. They might be hesitant at first, but these key points might help. Be sure to read this article for more restorative strategies you can try if your elderly loved one has senior anxiety. Be sure to call us toll-free at 877-434-5530 for more information regarding our caregiver referrals and services.

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8 Activities to Do After Getting Vaccinated in Florida

May 1, 2021

The COVID-19 availability of vaccines will substantially reduce the risks of serious side effects associated with the virus.

According to the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Outdoor events and activities are still safer than indoor activities, but fully vaccinated people can safely participate in some indoor activities. When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.

Do you need help finding the perfect nurse or caregiver to help you with new activities? We can connect you to a variety of caregivers. Whether you need home health aids or live in-person care, you can visit our services page to see how we can help you.

We’ve put together eight activities to do after getting vaccinated in Florida. 

1. Host a Family Game Night Indoors or Outdoors

Invite your family members over for game night! You can get creative with your time together. You can host a casino night, ask everyone to bring their favorite board game, or have a classic trivia night, putting family members into teams and asking a range of questions. 

You can also take the games outdoors, make your favorite snacks or drinks. Frisbee or cornhole is a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time! Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing small bags of corn kernels at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These are available to purchase online.

2. Have an Outdoors Barbecue 

There’s nothing more comforting than a typical Barbecue with the family. Hot dogs, burgers, or vegetables on a grill. If you want to get creative, there are thousands of recipes online to try out. Don’t forget the corn-on-the-cob for a classic summer meal. 

Consider sampling dishes from all over the world. You can marinate meat in spice mixes like za’atar and Chinese five-spice. Don’t forget to make some classic summer beverages like Arnold Palmers or lemonade. 

3. Go Out for a Walk 

Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way. Put on your shoes and head out for a walk. 

You can go to a park. The state of Florida has eleven separate national parks you can visit for free. See natural wonders like the Big Cypress Swamp and historical monuments like the Castillo de San Marcos. 

If you’re near a beach, head out and walk along the water. Bringing a basket with snacks might be a great way for a spontaneous picnic!

4. Go to a Museum 

When was the last time you visited a history museum or an art museum? Museums are now open. Many are asking for reservations to keep their crowd sizes down.

Nearly all museums are asking patrons to wear masks inside and maintain social distancing. There may be exterior sections where you can take your mask off, but prepare to keep one on throughout your visit. 

Museums may not be handing out audio guides or printed materials. Printing out a map might be helpful. 

5. Visit a Nature Reserve 

Nature reserves are great locations to bring the whole family. Children can play sports while adults can relax or hike. Adults and kids can join together to look at wildflowers or exotic animals. 

You can find reserves by the water, or you can head inland. As with museums, you should check to see if you need to make reservations. 

Some reserves offer special events. Organizations like the Sierra Club schedule walks and environmental programs in many locations. Check their website before heading out. 

6. Engage in Active Learning

If you’re looking for senior activities, you can pursue active learning. Community centers offer plenty of free or cheap classes for a range of subjects. You can learn how to sing, speak another language, or program computers. 

Many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness. Classes provide a great opportunity to socialize and work together on projects. 

The whole family can take a class together. Arts and crafts classes allow young and old people alike to learn how to paint, sew, and make sculptures. You can then take the art home. 

7. Dine at a Restaurant

Many restaurants offer outdoor and indoor dining options. If you want to look out at the sky or natural environment, find a restaurant that provides outdoor seating.

Consider a restaurant that gets local ingredients from the community. Eating outdoors while looking at fields where plants were gathered adds an authentic touch to the meal. 

8. Consider Companion Care

Are you ready to return to the activities you did before the pandemic, but don’t want to do it alone? Staying social but feeling safe at the same time might feel difficult at first.

Just Like Family Home Care’s services in Lee and Collier Counties can help seniors return to their favorite activities. Caregivers will accompany and drive you or your loved ones to community social events, the beach, the park, museums, or appointments. Caregivers can also engage with clients through mentally stimulating board games, cards, or puzzles.

Learn more about our Companion Care services here.

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Effective At-home Workout for Seniors

February 11, 2021

Home is the safest place for senior citizens to be during the Covid-19. But the pandemic has further reduced the activity levels of senior citizens as they must stay indoors and observe social distancing. This lack of activity can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Working out can help keep your weight down, reduce stress and depression, increase physical fitness. Getting exercise is particularly important for senior citizens. It reduces diseases such as strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Our at-home workouts for seniors are low impact so there is little chance of injury.

Even a small amount of exercise can go a long way towards improving your health. Ten minutes of yoga or walking has significant benefits. Also, seek medical advice before starting any exercise regimen as some activities may be unsafe for you to take part in. 

Along with your workouts, ensure that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night and eat a healthy diet. Senior citizens need to eat nutrient-dense foods to keep their immunity up. So do your best to cut processed foods, sugar, and trans fats from your diet.

But how can you stay healthy when you must avoid the gym due to Covid-19 restrictions? Keep reading for the best at-home workout for seniors that will help you stay physically and mentally fit. 

Walking 

Walking around your house is one of the best at-home workouts for seniors. Wear a pedometer and aim to at least 5000 steps a day of walking. If you have stairs at your home, you can do an effective step up step down on the bottom step of the staircase.

If your community allows it, take walks outside the home too for at least half an hour each day. Going out to get some sun and fresh air will keep you fit and also help boost your happy hormones.

Double up on the benefits of your walking workout by listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast. This can reduce your stress levels and help stimulate your brain. 

Balancing Exercises

We tend to lose our mobility as we grow older which makes us vulnerable to slips and falls. For senior citizens, a nasty fall can lead to major health problems and even result in a fatality. Some at-home exercises can help with balance and mobility for seniors. 

The first exercise you can do is a single leg stand. Hold on to the back of a chair and stand on one leg. Folding your other leg at the knee.

Stand like this for a count of ten and then switch legs. The second exercise is the opposite arm and leg balance. Stand on your left leg with your other leg folded at the knee.

Stretch out your right hand ahead of you and count to 10 before switching to your other hand and leg. You can hold on to a chair with your free hand to keep your balance. 

The third balancing exercise you can do at home is the heel to toe walk. This is a similar exercise to the sobriety test conducted by police officers. Basically, walk in a straight line making sure that the toe of your rear leg touches the heel of the leading leg. 

Stretching

To prevent injury, fitness advisors recommend stretching before and after any physical activity. Daily stretching has many benefits such as increasing blood flow to our joints and muscles. It also helps reduce stress and post work out soreness and improving our posture.

Stretching keeps our muscles flexible and increases our joints’ range of motion. Seniors that don’t stretch tend to have shorter, tighter muscles. This can make it hard to do certain activities like bending or reaching for items. 

Stretch your upper body by raising your arms straight over your head and interlacing your fingers. Lean as far as you can to the left and hold for 20 seconds. Then lean to the right and do the same. You can do this stretch while sitting or standing.

You can also stretch your lower body through knee to chest stretches. Lie flat on your back then bring one knee to your chest and hold it down by the thigh for 20 seconds. Switch legs and repeat the stretch.

There are several other stretches you can do for all your major body parts or muscles such as arms, back, hamstrings, and calves.

Weight Training

Another important exercise all seniors should have as part of their fitness routine is weight training. Resistance exercises and lifting weights help you build muscle. This can ward off weight gain and improves your strength and mobility.

As you walk around the house carry two dumbbells or improvise by using water bottles or canned food. You can also get a resistance band and work out with it for a few minutes every day. 

Meditation

Meditation is an ancient practice whose health benefits are now scientifically proven. The practice reduces anxiety by 60% and cuts the risk of being hospitalized for heart disease by 87%. This is because it helps to reduce the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes weight gain as well as mental illnesses. 

Mediation naturally reduces cortisol levels in the body leading to improved physical and mental health. Meditating for at least 15 minutes daily also helps you sleep better while lowering blood pressure and reducing depression. This is why you should make meditation a part of your daily routine. 

Mental Exercises

At-home workouts for seniors shouldn’t be limited to physical exercises. It is just as important to take care of your mental fitness. Get some memory games on your smartphone and play them for a few minutes each day.

You can also get a puzzle book with crosswords, sudoku, and brain teasers. These help keep your brain working for a few minutes every day. Exercising your brain can prevent memory loss and increase brain functionality. 

Looking for assistance?

Home Health Aides or Certified Nurse Assistants referred by Just Like Family are experts in assisting with daily exercises in addition to all of the other services listed HERE.

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2021 Resolutions for Seniors

January 4, 2021

Have you considered what your 2021 New Year’s resolutions are going to be? Do you want to be healthier and more active? Do you want to find new ways to communicate with others? Would you like to be more engaged with your community?

For seniors, prioritizing health becomes more important with every passing year. Top resolutions for seniors often include age-appropriate lifestyle changes that focus on improving health, engaging more with others, and focusing on a more active and happier lifestyle.  Southwest Florida offers a huge range of opportunities for seniors to find a new passion, hobby, or goal.

Here are some of the best New Year’s Resolutions for seniors, 2021 edition!

Top New Year’s Resolutions and goals

Any New Year’s resolution for seniors should include positive ways to boost health and overall quality of life. They should be attainable and reasonable goals.

Eat Healthier 

With age comes weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Some of them can be managed through our nutrition. We need fewer calories but more nutrients.

Look to add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Pick seafood and poultry more often than red meat. Include whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Cook with healthier fats like olive and avocado oil.

Use more spices to reduce the amount of salt you consume. Look to alternatives like fruit and dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth while reducing sugar from your diet.

Exercise Every Day

Staying active is the key to healthy aging. Older adults should focus on four types of activity: aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance. 

Just a little bit goes a long way. Start by adding 10 minutes of activity to your day. Increase it slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes of activity a day. You don’t have to do it all at once. Even 10 minutes three times a day will have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Consider exercises like walking and swimming for your aerobic activity. Yoga is a great way to incorporate strength, flexibility, and balance in one exercise! 

Exercise Your Brain Too

Try to learn something new every day. Lifelong learning is important to keep your brain resilient and help you deal with stress. Keeping your cognitive skills sharp reduces the chance of memory loss.

Take a class through your community or local university. Join a book club, learn a new language, or find a photography group. Find a game you enjoy – like sudoku or crossword puzzles – and increase the difficulty level to keep challenging your brain to adapt and work harder.

Find a New Hobby

Find ways to engage in activities you enjoy. Creative activities like painting, writing, and playing a musical instrument can improve your mood and challenge your brain. Or pick something more meditative and relaxing like fishing, crocheting, or gardening.

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know that volunteering can reduce stress and depression? It might even help you live longer. Regular volunteer work keeps you mentally, physically, and socially active. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to your community.

People who volunteer report increased self-confidence and fulfillment in their lives. It’s a great way to meet other people to stave off loneliness and isolation. And, it helps you appreciate what is good in your life.

Become a Social Butterfly 

Whether you’re an introvert or the life of the party, all older adults benefit from a little social activity. It’s linked to increased cognitive skills, lower depression, and improved health overall.

Find new friends through volunteering activities, book clubs, or community classes. Consider the social advantages of a senior community. You’ll always find someone with a similar interest to play cards or go for a walk with you.

Use technology to help you keep in touch with family and friends. Use email, social media platforms, and video chats to connect with others. And, don’t forget the classics – telephone calls and letter writing still work just as well, too.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Many people downplay the importance of having a positive outlook. It doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.

It means focusing on what you can change and not stressing about what you can’t. 

It’s been linked to a lot of health benefits. People with a positive outlook have a lower risk of memory loss and chronic disease and decreased feelings of loneliness. They feel less isolated and recover from injuries and illnesses faster.

Try to incorporate positive thinking exercises into your day. Keep a journal or make a gratitude list to remind you of your positive intentions.

Prioritize Your Overall Health

Every 2021 Seniors New Year Resolutions should include being more proactive about your health. Keep up with your annual check-ups. They’re important for preventative care and catching potential issues early. Review your insurance and Medicare benefits every year to make sure your coverage is still right for you.

Use technology to stay on top of medications and monitor your heart rate. Use apps to track your exercise routines or help you quit smoking. Take advantage of telehealth to consult with your doctor from the comfort of your home.

If you need help, ask for it. Whether you need help with household chores, grocery shopping, transportation, or just someone to talk to. There are resources available to help with all of these things and more.

If you need more than just a little help around your home, that’s available too. Places like Just Life Family Agency can offer caregiver referrals to help you when you need it. 

Senior New Year’s Resolutions

Use these New Year’s resolutions to guide you into a joyful and happy 2021. Be intentional with your goals to stay active and healthy in the coming year.

Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about quality home care and if it’s right for you. 

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Video Chat for Seniors

July 23, 2019

In our last posting, “Seniors and Technology,” we encouraged our readers to consider using FaceTime or similar technologies to connect with family or friends.  FaceTime and similar phone applications (app) allow the callers to see each other, in real-time, during the call. As we mentioned, using a FaceTime app allows a senior to see how the grandkids have grown, while the other party can check on the condition of the grand-parent and their surroundings.  

To help those uncomfortable with some of the newer technologies, we were asked to provide instructions on how to get started with these applications.

Setting up FaceTime on iPhone

The FaceTime app ‘button’ is probably already on the front screen of your phone.  Look for a bright green button with a white logo that looks a bit like an old movie camera. If you don’t see that, go to the Apple “App Store” (a sky-blue button with a stylized “A” in white.)  Type facetime in the search bar and the app will open. Click the “OPEN” button, and you should go to FaceTime.  

To register for FaceTime, open your ‘settings’ button (looks like a grey sprocket). Scroll down to FaceTime, and click that. On that page, the very top line will have an “on/off/ button to the right.  If it isn’t green, click it once and it will turn green and turn on FaceTime. If you are on an iPhone, your phone number should be automatically registered on the first line, but enter it if not. In the next line, enter your Apple ID (unless it is already there). The next lines simply tell the system how you want to be accessed. Your phone number should be or can be, listed for each and be checked. You can add email addresses too. Once complete, close that page, and click on the green FaceTime button on your home page.

Making a FaceTime Call

To make a FaceTime call, in the app, type the person’s phone number or email address at the + sign.  Tap what you just typed, and then choose either “Audio” (sound only) or “Video” (live video between you and the person you called.) Even easier, when you open your list of contacts, find the person you want to call and tap that line. The person’s contact information will open, and if they have a FaceTime account, you will see a button at the top that says “FaceTime.”  Just tap that button and when you call, you will be live with video.  

For those without an iPhone, there are options. The most popular is an app that works on a computer and on the phone, Skype or Skype Mobile. Open your phone or computer’s web browser, and enter Skype. When the site opens, scroll down and click on “Skype for Mobile.”  The app for your phone should pop up. Click the ‘install’ button, and follow the directions. Note that you will likely need a Google Account to make this work, and there is a link to login or create one on that page. Google Accounts are free, and safe to have. The person you want to communicate with will also need a Skype account. 

Staying on Screen

Now that you have the application, make that call to a friend or family member via the FaceTime or Skype. The system will automatically turn on your camera, so when they answer, they will see and hear you ‘live’ just as you see them live. If you have the phone on speaker and walk away from the phone, they will see what the camera is pointed at… so, if you lay it down on the counter, for example, they are going to either see the ceiling or a black screen, if facing down.  

Be creative with your new application though. For example, you can walk around the kitchen and show them what you are cooking, or how you rearrange your pictures.  You can ask them to let you say hello to the grand-kids, or others in their room. Most people who use these apps find that they get the ‘hang of it’ very quickly, but if it takes you a little longer, don’t get discouraged. Keep trying. The joy of seeing, in addition to hearing, family and friends is worth the effort. 

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