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Seniors Learn To Clear Clutter And Downsize The Easy Way

Are you thinking about downsizing to move to a smaller home? You can downsize even if you don’t plan on moving. Reducing the amount of possessions on a regular basis will help avoid the physical exertion and emotional trauma of doing it all at once.

Are you living in a home that has become too large for you and it is harder to go up and down the stairs? Are you afraid of getting rid of things because you are afraid you’ll be getting rid of your memories?

Clearing the clutter from a house you’ve lived in for years can seem like an impossible or overwhelming task.

Sometimes it is our adult children that interfere with our moving plans as they don’t want us to leave the home where they have fond memories of growing up. Or it could be that they want us to move but are afraid of suggesting it to us.

Emma was concerned about her elderly parents staying alone in their family home as they were getting older and she worried about them. Her father would forget to take his medications and when encouraged to take them he would become angry and accuse her mother of treating him like a child.

They had been taken advantage of by a man who had come to their home and telling them their roof needed repairing. Being trusting people they gave him several thousand dollars for repairs and never saw him again.

Her mother didn’t see as well as she used to and when she spilt some water on the floor she slipped and fell. She bruised her leg and was sore for several days.

The laundry room is in the basement and it is hard for her parents to go up and down the stairs to do their laundry. Her mother never complained but to wore her out to do the laundry.

Her mother drove her father to his doctor’s appointments but this made Emma uneasy as she was worried that her mother might cause an accident as her reflexes weren’t as good as they used to be.

Emma could see that socially they were isolated as their friends and family had moved away from the neighborhood. They would talk about how they wanted to go out and have fun doing activities but didn’t have anyone to go with and her mother couldn’t drive at night.

Emma thought it would be hard for her parents to leave the home they had lived in for 30 years. She was also concerned about clearing the clutter accumulated over a lifetime. She decided to talk to them about downsizing and preparing for a move to a retirement home. She expected resistance when she talked to her parents about moving and she was prepared to let the idea of downsizing and moving to a smaller home sit with them for a while to get used to the idea.

She was surprised when they were eager to move to a smaller place. They wanted a place with less up keep and where they could be around others their own age.  They also wanted a house that was all on one level.

They had actually wanted to move for some time but were afraid Emma and their other children would not want them to leave this house where they had been reared.

If any of this sounds familiar and you do want to clear clutter whether you are moving or staying in your home here are six easy to follow tips to make downsizing easier.

· Evaluate each room one at a time and decide what you plan to keep and what you want to give away.

· Discuss with your family that you are clearing clutter to prepare for a move. Have them come to your home and give them colored stickers. Tell them to walk around and put a sticker on items they want. If there are duplicates on an item they can negotiate as to who gets it.

· Make a plan to get rid of what you don’t use, love or that you no longer want to keep.

· Take photos of things you want to get rid of but are having a hard time parting with and put them in a photo album.

· If you are storing your adult children’s possessions give them a date they need to have them removed. If they don’t come and get their things donate them.

·Remember what you put in storage is just delaying making a decision.

Consider the wonderful opportunities that will be opening up to you such as easier and better living after moving from a house that has out grown you.

There are comfortable condominiums, gated communities, retirement centers, assisted care centers or perhaps a “mother-in-law apartment” that would better meet your needs. When moving it is easier to clear the clutter that somehow has accumulated over the years. And it gives you such a sense of freedom and a lot fewer things to have to dust.

Marilyn, a professional organizer and author is passionate about organizing for women and seniors in clearing clutter from their lives. Her book “Go Organize!” is now in major bookstores. Visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com

Isolation “TV”: Diversion or dangerous pastime for seniors?

Right out of the gate, I need to emphasize THIS IS NOT AN ARTICLE ON MY POLITICAL VIEWPOINT!

It’s simply my attempt at describing a personal observation of how a senior isolating them self in their bedroom in front of the “tube” 24/7 and how it can not only cause negative behavior, but it can change your personality.  Such a dilemma caused by isolation and non-involvement place seniors at special risk.

My father-in-law, 84 years old, who lives with his wife in Desert Hot Springs in a mobile home park for people over 55, is one such victim. He was throughout his entire adult life, a gregarious, fun-loving, adventurous kind of guy, reflective and atypically open-minded in later years.

The community where they live is well groomed, and offers a multitude of options for activities such as swimming pools, natural hot spring tubs, a golf course, playing card and other social clubs along with regularly scheduled events.

Unfortunately, like so many seniors who reach a certain age or point in their life when physical ailments and limitations can cause lack of interest, unwillingness to try new things, fear and depression, my father-in-law fell prey to “Isolation TV.”

He watches only the news and political talk shows and fell head-over-heels obsessed with those channels espousing a rather one-sided, radical, right wing viewpoint. This wouldn’t have seemed so absurd except for the fact that his political views have always been that of a liberal Democrat. I’m not sure if he even still votes in national elections, but what I do know is that he is now frequently angry, delusional and gullible in accepting outlandish claims as truth without verification of accuracy. For me, most personally sad, is his newfound unwillingness to respect, discuss and consider differing viewpoints.

For my family member and others who have, for one reason or another, become inactive and isolated in the years of their declining health and realization of their immortality, assisted living facilities may be a good option.

 

 

Viva Las Vegas – Seniors Soak Up the Desert Sun

Las Vegas has long been famous for its graft and sin, but now with the fastest growing seniors population in the country, it’s getting attention for being a retirement mecca. Though Florida still holds the crown, Nevada is tempting retirees with its low cost of living, lack of state income tax and hurricane-free fair weather.

MORE LIVING, LESS RETIREMENT

When Grandma retires to live Nevada, expect less retirement and more living. World class shopping, entertainment and the constant action in the city of Las Vegas are all part of the attraction. Add this to the beauty of the desert hill country and abundance of wide open space and you have a winner.

Today’s seniors are not like they were 30 to 50 years ago. They are living longer and living better. More active and involved than ever before, today’s retirees are demanding choice when it comes to lifestyle. In Las Vegas, builders have responded to that demand by developing a wide range of retirement communities that revolve around activity and healthy living. A far cry from the hospital setting of the old fashioned nursing home, these communities are just that – communities. Often age-restricted to keep the riff raff out, modern retirement communities give residents access to the kinds of services and recreation they want. Some of the most popular of these are built around one of America’s favorite games – golf.

BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GOLF IN THE SNOW

What better place to practice the perfect shot than the leisure capital of the world? With beautifully manicured greens, it’s easy to see that Las Vegas golf communities are here for the love of the game. Great surroundings and great neighbors make them popular choices. And for golf lovers who have had to spend their working lives in more wintery climates, the Nevada climate is a perfect reward. Annual inches of snowfall for this state? Zero. When you live on a golf course, anytime is tee time.

Senior living – An Ideal Place for Retired Seniors

Everyone wants to live in peace and happiness even in old age, and senior living options are available for these people. In such a fast-paced world, children usually don’t have time to take care of their ageing parents. If they look for some retirement options, however, things could be easier. For all retired people, retirement communities are a great place to spend their lives in happiness and contentment. For most seniors, independence comes with a lot of difficulties, but for those who find it tough to accomplish their daily chores there are assisted living homes. When people get older and their children are unable to take care of them, there are a variety of senior living options.

Most seniors resist frequent change, so selecting a retirement community has to be done with great care. Most of the assisted living homes are set up so that the residents of the facility can have a better quality of life than they would experience in their traditional homes. It has often being observed that when it comes to elder care, the most important thing is to get exercise and have activities that enhance their lives and promote longevity. Improving the quality of life through senior living is a very real possibility, and this is the top goal of the assisted living homes. These facilities are there for all senior citizens, whether they are retired or not and whether they need assistance or not. After retirement, a lot of people tend to stop taking care of themselves as well and try to keep living on their own, but this stage of life ought to be the most enjoyable one. If you want to enjoy your life, then check into the best retirement community.

For retired people, there are a number of senior living options that can be chosen depending on the needs of the individual. The two main choices after retirement are living with family or moving to a retirement community. The choice of these senior homes depends on the overall health, independence, and mobility. If the aged person does not like going very far, then assisted living homes that are located near shopping areas would be best. As we get older, we try to find activities that will keep us engaged and happy. A lot of senior living facilities organize events for elderly people to share their thoughts.

Active seniors who are independent in their daily lives can opt for a regular retirement community which serves their individual needs. Senior citizens need to understand that staying in senior living is not a social stigma, but is a way to enjoy retired life to the fullest without being dependent on anyone. The ideal place for retired people among all the senior living options is the retirement community because it really caters to the needs of retired people.

Healthy Living For Active Seniors : Senior Living Tips for Healthy Water

Learn about drinking healthy water and how best to do so as a healthy senior with expert health and fitness tips from an experienced personal trainer in this free baby boomer health video clip. Expert: Edward Williams Bio: Edward Williams has been a professional health & fitness coach for 20 years. He was a competitive bodybuilder, participating in the Caribbean Games. He is now a personal trainer at Bally’s gym. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

Depression and Seniors

Senior depression has proved especially devastating among older adults because the disease has been so misunderstood in that population. Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on health. But if you learn to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years

Signs of Depression change as we grow older. The difficult changes that are a part of the ageing process—such as the death of a spouse or medical problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.

Senior Depression is not a result of normal aging. Loss is painful—whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression. For the elderly, depression is a common problem, with only a small percentage getting the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults is so often overlooked: Some assume seniors have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging. Elderly adults are often isolated, with few around to notice their distress. Physicians are more likely to ignore depression in older patients, concentrating instead on physical complaints. Finally, many depressed seniors are reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help. That lack of understanding is just one of several reasons why older adults may not seek and receive the treatment they need, with sometimes tragic results: the growing problem of geriatric suicide.

What triggers Senior Depression? Coaches often find seniors living alone; their opportunities for going out and friends to go out with are getting smaller due to deaths or relocation. It has gotten increasingly difficult to go out due to illness or loss of driving privileges. Of major importance is a loss of feeling of useful. They believe they have nothing to contribute or having retired, feel a loss of identity that was connected too their career. Illness and disability will often be a source of depression. Experiencing chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease can take a toll on the psyche. Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression. Seniors are often over medicated. Fear is very prevalent as an underlying factor. Many have an unnatural fear of death or dying; fear of falling, or financial problems. Depression can also be brought on during the grief process. The loss of friends, family members, and pets, is a reminder that their time will come. The loss of a long term spouse or partner, is often times a precursor to their own death.

Seniors don’t always fit the typical picture of depression. Many depressed seniors don’t claim to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or headaches that have gotten worse, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.

Older adults with depression are also more likely to show symptoms of anxiety or irritability. They may constantly wring their hands, pace around the room, or fret obsessively about money, their health, or the state of the world.

Recovery Coaches look for these clues in senior depression. Older adults who deny feeling sad or depressed may still have major depression. Here are the clues to look for: Oddly, a senior will exhibit anxiety and worry, rather than typical depression. One must take the time to really observe the senior to see where the anxiety stems from, and if it could be depression. Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains, Hopelessness, Helplessness, Memory problems Loss of feeling of pleasure, Slowed movement, Irritability, Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)

Older Adults Less Likely to Seek Treatment for Depression. Family can hinder the process of detecting depression and getting treatment for those experiencing symptoms. Often times they still consider them the adult and themselves as the children. They do not know how to help mom or dads, who have always been so strong and independent. Or as many people, including Medical Professionals, have the misconception that senior depression is simply part of growing old.

The stigma of seeking mental health treatment is a bigger factor among seniors, many of whom grew up at a time when having a mental health problem was often considered synonymous with being “crazy” or incompetent. Recovery Coaching is a gentle bridge that helps the individual much as your best friend would convince you to seek treatment.

Increase Suicide Risk among Older Adults. Adults age 65 and over comprise only 13 percent of the US population, they account for 20 percent of all suicide deaths. Suicidal elders often select a means of suicide (efficient and lethal) that does not permit intervention. That means we need to know how to recognize the behavior in time to intervene. Well over 75% of older people who completed suicide had recent contact with a physician.

When a senior has severe depression, they need appropriate treatment. As with most depressed individuals, they cannot see a way out. If you know someone who is dealing with depression, get professional help.

Seniors Rejoice at New Anti Agism Law

Good news for all those senior baby boomers out there or anyone else of seniority living in the UK. You may or may not be aware, but on Sunday 1st October 2006 an important change in UK employment law come into effect. The new legislation will offer hope to anybody who has felt they’ve been discriminated against in belief that they are too old to continue working. It is hoped that this new law will promote ageism to be as serious and as unacceptable as racism or sexism.

So what does this all mean? Well, one of the biggest changes to be implemented is employers will no longer be able to force compulsory retirement before an employee reaches 65. Before October 1st it was quite common for employers to set there basic retirement age at 60, but not anymore… However, it’s unclear as yet whether the compulsory retirement age of 65 will remain or perhaps be scrapped altogether. Unfortunately, we won’t find this out until 2011 when a formal review will take place.

Due to the ever lightly pension crisis facing many people living in the UK, the ability to work until 65 now offers some rest bite at least. That’s not to say working that long is a good thing, as given the choice I’m sure most people would like to take earlier retirement, but at least seniors can no longer be discriminated against for working longer if they so choose.

While it’s commonly thought the new ageism legislation will make a difference, it’s a shame more wasn’t done by removing the compulsory retirement age of 65 altogether.

Special Vitamin Needs For Seniors – Do Seniors Have Different Nutritional Needs?

It is often assumed that as one grows older one naturally grows wiser and is therefore more aware of the importance of eating a nutritionally well balanced meal.

However, in reality most seniors do not make the right food choices and are unable to get the required amounts of vitamins and minerals their bodies need in order to delay the onset of various debilitating conditions that include the signs of aging.

As one grows older , the body’s capacity to effectively use nutrients slows down. To add to it most elderly people suffer from numerous illnesses due to which they need to take constant medication that adversely affect the way the body breaks down the nutrients from food.

Even in today’s highly developed and advanced society there are surprisingly many seniors who continue to remain undernourished. This is because most seniors living alone don’t feel the need to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and also don’t bother to exercise daily. These are the very reasons why they are so susceptible to various vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

The most common deficiency among seniors is that of Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential not only for children but also for adults because it helps the body in absorbing calcium that keep the bones and teeth healthy. Insufficient amounts of vitamin D lead to bones becoming brittle, soft and eventually causes Osteoporosis.

Another condition most seniors are prone to suffering from is that of oxidation damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable particles that, when left on their own, run throughout the body and destroy the healthy cells. The process of oxidation is the same that causes rust to form on cars.

The process of Oxidation can be prevented by consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. This is because they are the best sources of antioxidants that help in neutralizing the disruptive free radicals and inhibit the damage they cause in the body. They also contain beta-carotene’s and a number of important vitamins including Vitamin A, C and E. It is indeed surprising that very few seniors consume the required amounts of fruits and vegetables.

As healthy cells become damaged, seniors increase their chances of developing heart diseases,arthritis, certain kinds of cancers, cataracts, Parkinson’s disease amongst others. Antioxidants help to keep the immune system functioning properly. As the healthy skin cells break down , skin loses its elasticity, begins to sag,wrinkle and look older.

Alzheimer’s disease is also quite commonly found among seniors. This disease has been found to be linked to the deficiency of Vitamin K in the body. Consuming adequate quantities of this vitamin is important because it helps the body’s blood clotting mechanism function properly.

The list of ailments caused due to vitamin deficiencies is endless. Therefore, it is important that everyone regardless of their age realize the importance of providing their bodies with all the right nutrients in order to keep fit and stay healthy.

Families Urged to Keep Alert for Signs Seniors Need Help

April, 2009 – Watching your once active parents or other relative decline into someone who needs constant care is heartbreaking and overwhelming.

But with 36 million seniors living in the U.S. and the population projected to double, caring for an elderly loved one is a reality most people will face. That’s why Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in home senior care, advises learning the signs your senior relative needs assistance.

“It’s much better to arrange for help for an elderly family member while they can still be part of the process rather than during a crisis because it gives everyone time to make thoughtful decisions,” says Peter Ross, CEO and Co-Founder of Senior Helpers, the nation’s fastest growing franchisor of in-home senior care. “Seniors often believe getting help means being moved out of their house and that’s where the resistance comes in. But many times in home care is a better option.”

Senior Helpers’ elderly care experts remind people to respect a senior family member’s pride and dignity when discussing the need for assistance. Approach the topic with respect and understanding and express concern for the family members’ safety. The warning signs could be indications of many issues. If there is a concern it’s important to contact a doctor.

10 WARNING SIGNS A SENIOR RELATIVE NEEDS ASSISTANCE.

The house is cold, the telephone is cut off.
Losing track in a conversation, forgetting the names of children, grandchildren, the day of the week, etc.
The death of a spouse.
The refrigerator and cupboards are half empty even though you know the relative can still get out.
Personal hygiene is poor.
Constantly making excuses when asked to go somewhere or do something, or wanting to be alone.
Sudden weight loss.
Never cleaning or delaying home repairs.
Failure to take prescribed medications.
Behavior changes.

“The best way to keep track of a senior family members situation is to keep in touch with them and this is one time where being nosy is justified,” says Ross. “Visit or call often and use one of the warning signs as a way to approach the topic if needed.”

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/

 

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