Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Quality of Life (3)

Many seniors find retirement to be an active and enjoyable time, but some individuals either want or need to continue working. Some find that they’re able to secure a job in the same field their career was in, while others seek a change in order to try something new.  And we all know that boosting senior brain power is important and a full or part time job can help with that. Whatever the need is, there are plenty of opportunities available for people of all ages.

Many jobs offer flexible schedules or even allow you to make your own and work from home. Here are some of the best options available for seniors.

With fall right around the corner, many seniors and their families are on the lookout for new activities that they can all enjoy together. The fall is a great time of year for many seniors, with comfortable weather and the opportunity to enjoy a number of unique activities that you can’t enjoy any other time of year. It is important for seniors to create and maintain an active lifestyle year-round, and with a little planning and the assistance of friends and family, there are a number of fall-friendly activities that seniors can enjoy during this most enjoyable time of year. 

While some seniors are choosing to remain independent longer, there are still many who are faced with the difficult decision of choosing the right type of eldercare. As caregivers, even though you are not making that decision personally, it's helpful to know the differences and advantages of each type of care before you need them. I’ll keep this post short and only talk about the four most common types: residential care, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, and nursing homes.

Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures, but age-related challenges often prevent older adults from enjoying this hobby. One simple, yet significant, solution for caregivers looking to keep the many benefits of books in the lives of their aging loved ones is Audiobooks. And, as it turns out, the benefits of introducing seniors to this popular technology go far beyond entertainment. Let's take a closer look at how audiobooks can improve the quality of life of older adults, along with some tips for caregivers to help get them started.

Did you know that men are 80 percent less likely to seek out routine health care than women? This eye-opening statistic from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is of particular relevance during June's Men's Health Month. This annual observation offers the perfect opportunity for caregivers to check in to ensure that aging male loved ones and patients are getting the care they need to enjoy optimal health in their golden years.

Social media is no longer the exclusive domain of the young and the hip. In fact, seniors are a quickly growing demographic in terms of social media use. While most people think of vacation selfies, "eating and tweeting," and other seemingly superficial interactions when they think of social media, the truth is that social media serves a profound purpose -- especially when it comes to the very real problem of social isolation. The research is in, the percentage of users over 65 is up, and there are benefits to helping seniors connect. While the process of navigating the social world will be daunting for some, caregivers can help.

Did you know that two national observances -- Older Americans Month and Creative Beginnings Month -- converge in May? Combined, they present a unique opportunity for seniors and their caregivers: It's never too late for seniors to adopt new activities and habits aimed at helping them enjoy healthier, fuller lives.

In his Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton Cottage, Thomas Gray coined the phrase "Ignorance is bliss." Thomas Gray did not lead the life of a caregiver. As a caregiver, the job does not end once at home. For a caregiver, concern continues well after leaving and can cause increased stress levels. These increased stress levels can actually affect health and wellbeing even when away from work. Medical Alert Devices can eliminate the unknown for caregivers and family members. Knowing the wearer is safe at home relieves caregiver and family member stress and also improves the quality of life and safety for the elderly.

The liver is by no means the most glamorous organ. The heart gets the glory of pumping blood throughout the body. The brain controls function and thought. The lungs provide oxygen that allows the body to run smoothly. The liver is the waste treatment plant of the body. It removes toxins, it breaks down fats, and it manufactures bile. Its functions help to store nutrients and improve the immune system. While its work is not pretty, the liver keeps our bodies' systems clean and pure. Without it, none of the other organs would be able to perform their jobs.

A Hepatitis C screening helps protect and promote liver health.

From cute and cuddly to friendly and faithful, pets come in all shapes, sizes and personality types. But did you know that pets also offer numerous health and wellness benefits to their owners - particularly in the case of seniors? As it turns out, pet ownership isn't merely good for older people. It can actually be life-changing and, in some cases, life-saving.

A senior's best friend?