Each of us gets one life — and you decide how you want to live it. As you age, an elder care attorney can help ensure your wishes are carried out, even when you can no longer speak for yourself.
An elder care attorney exists to advise, prepare documents, and otherwise guide you through various legal issues later in life. A lawyer within this particular practice area ensures that decisions about your life are always your own — even under the most unfortunate of circumstances.
Here, we explain what an elder care attorney does, and why you should hire one.
We must confess: The subject matter is equally difficult to discuss as it is important. When — not if — you become disabled or can no longer communicate your wants and needs, an elder care attorney (and the legal documents prepared for you) will speak for you.
In that way, you will always be in control of your own life — even when you pass on.
Sometimes, flipping through channels and scrolling through social media can get repetitive. But when you're craving social interaction, mental stimulation, and an hour of fun, playing games checks all three boxes. Below, we share our favorite games for seniors so you can piece together your own game night.
Playing games offers a number of benefits (no wonder why 58% of Snug’s community report playing video games in the past week). Not only is it an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, but studies show that playing video games, putting together puzzles, or doing the occasional crossword helps stimulate the cerebellum and hippocampus, which play crucial roles in short- and long-term memory, motor control, and balance.
In addition, since many games are available online, playing games is a safe, enjoyable activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we offer a number of in-person and online games for seniors.
Please note: When playing games online, never give out personal information — even if it seems harmless at first.
As we get older, many of us struggle to get the same sleep quality we did when we were younger. While we have more time to relax and unwind, medical conditions, mental health disorders, and other factors can decrease how well we sleep as we age. Fortunately, there are easy solutions you can take to help promote a good night’s rest. One option is to use a weighted blanket, as there are many benefits of a weighted blanket.
These cozy comforters can help soothe the mind while creating a comfy space to peacefully drift off to sleep. Here, we’ll go over a few of the reasons why sleep becomes elusive for seniors. Plus, we’ll highlight the benefits of a weighted blanket, how it can improve your sleep quality, and what to look for when you shop for one.
Technology has made the world easier to navigate than ever. Gone are the days when we penned letters and waited weeks for a reply. Faxes, corded landlines, and boxy televisions that only received a few local stations are all a thing of the past. We can now make video calls to loved ones on the other end of the country, set up virtual doctor appointments, and find our favorite books in minutes without leaving the house.
As technology rapidly evolves, there’s an increased ability for seniors to maintain their independence. Amazon’s Alexa is one such tool that makes living alone and aging in place easier than ever before.
Read on to learn more about the basics and benefits of Alexa for seniors. Plus, you’ll find the top eight ways you can use Alexa, from making phone calls and tracking to-do lists to simplifying your smart home functionality.
Enjoying time with friends is one of life's greatest treasures. Whether you're looking to reconnect with old friends or meet someone new, participating in fun activities for seniors is a great way to start. Plus, picking up a new hobby offers physical and mental stimulation — which becomes increasingly important as you age.
Below, we share a few fun activities for seniors. From group fitness classes, starting your own book club, and creative art projects, you're sure to find fun ways to stay connected — both in-person and online.
Many of us need a little extra help navigating life as we age. Fortunately, caregivers step in and fill that role like the true heroes they are. They can help us take care of daily activities as we live in a live-in care facility or enable us to stay comfortably in our own homes. No matter the situation, caregivers play a huge role in improving our lives.
Since caregivers work so hard to make a difference, it’s natural that we want to show our appreciation with a gift every now and then. Whether you are looking for a holiday gift, birthday gift, or simply want to say thanks, you’ll find a meaningful gift for caregivers in this gift guide.
Check out this list of the top gifts for caregivers next time you want to show a caregiver how much they mean to you.
Access to transportation services is vital to helping seniors maintain their independence. Transportation not only helps you meet your basic needs — shopping for healthy food, attending doctor's appointments, and running errands — but allows you to maintain a social life, which is critical to your mental health.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 78% of caregivers either provide or arrange transportation for their loved ones. Safe and reliable transportation for seniors can be the difference between aging in place, and moving to a long-term care facility. As long as you can safely get where you need to go — whether it be your weekly grocery trip or Wednesday morning yoga class — you can continue to live in your own home.
Below, we dive into several options for transportation for seniors. You'll find public and private options, and those covered by Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, we share several reliable resources to make finding transportation for seniors even easier.
Please note: During COVID-19, practice safety precautions when taking shared rides or public transportation. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and limit unnecessary ride-sharing wherever possible.
Various activities for dementia patients have been shown to slow memory loss and improve one's quality of life. Various activities including household chores, reminiscence therapy, or fun games and puzzles provide intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and a physical challenge.
The key to selecting the right activities for dementia patients is to pair the activity with their cognitive and physical abilities. These activities should be as failure-proof as you can manage so they provide your loved one with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Suffering from a serious, life-limiting illness — or knowing a loved one who is going through it — is one of the most difficult things to experience in life. Out of the many concerns you’ll deal with at this time, getting proper care is one of the most important. Palliative care and hospice care are two modes of healthcare that can help individuals in this position.
Whether you're shopping for a friend, neighbor, or family member, purchasing gifts for seniors can leave you stumped. After all, what do you buy for the person who has seen, and done it all?
While buying the perfect present can send even expert gift-givers on a drawn-out Google chase, we happen to have a few ideas. Below, we share a dozen gift ideas for seniors — from the practical, sentimental, and just-for-fun.
No matter if you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, these gifts for seniors are sure to bring a smile. Now, let's unwrap a few of our best ideas.
Stretching is one of the best ways to improve range of motion, soothe stiff joints, and prevent injury so you can do the things you love. Whether you want to be able to throw your pooch’s favorite ball, hit the links with your friends, or dance with your grandchildren, stretching can help you stay active and feel great as you enjoy your golden years. In addition, stretching can help keep your muscles limber so you can perform daily activities that ensure your independence.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best stretching exercises for seniors. You’ll find simple and gentle moves for all skill levels, including options for stretching while sitting in a chair. Plus, you’ll discover tips to help you get the most out of your stretching, whether you want to loosen up after sitting at your desk job or simply want to start a daily stretching routine.
Technology can make life easier for seniors. That’s why it’s a good idea for seniors to learn how to use a computer. By learning to harness the power of technology and apps like Snug, Facetime, and Skype, you’ll be able to stay connected with just the click of a few buttons. That means socializing is easier than ever, especially if you have a medical condition that makes travel difficult. Plus, you can access games and puzzles that can provide entertainment. Computers help seniors stay active and can reduce feelings of isolation.
Computers also make daily tasks like grocery shopping and paying bills even easier. Instead of leaving your house or having to deal with mailing forms, you can simply take care of these tasks online using a home computer.
In addition, computers can make it easier for seniors to attend to medical needs. Instead of arranging medical transportation to see a doctor, you can simply schedule a virtual visit with a healthcare provider so you don’t have to leave your home.
You can't enjoy the open road without the right set of wheels.
Before you navigate the road ahead, we'll help you navigate shopping for the right car. The best cars for seniors are easy to get in and out of, offer a number of safety options, and come at a budget-friendly price point.
Exercise is important at any age. But staying physically active as an older adult has a number of benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health — some of which you may not know.
Regular exercise for seniors decreases your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. In addition, seniors who take part in a daily exercise routine are less likely to suffer from memory loss, bone density loss, or fractures, weight gain, or even falls.
While physical activity is essential to your quality of life, some exercises you enjoyed in your 20s or 30s may not be safe for adults in their sixties and seventies. Below, we explain which exercises are best for seniors and how to implement a safe, effective workout routine.
Please note: This post is meant for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Before beginning any new workout regimen, speak to your physician or physical therapist.
With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it’s easier than ever for seniors to stay in touch with friends and family. Smartphones and tablets are among the most popular devices for staying connected and engaged as we enter our golden years. These handy tools let us video chat with friends, partake in virtual events and fundraisers, and stay entertained with games, puzzles, and other interactive apps.
Here, we’ve created a guide to help you find the best tablet for seniors. Whether you’d like something simple to operate or a device with the latest and greatest technology, you’ll find something that fits your needs.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about two-thirds of people aged 65 and older have high blood pressure. If you're wondering how to lower blood pressure fast, keep reading — we’re about to show you how to do just that.
High blood pressure — or hypertension — is one of the most common conditions among older adults. In fact, even if you don't have high blood pressure at age 55, there's a 90% chance you will develop high blood pressure at some point in your lifetime.
To maintain your independence and live comfortably at home, you know it’s important to stay active and exercise your body. But studies show it’s just as important to exercise your brain. And here’s a piece of good news: Brain exercises are the most fun “workout” you’ll do this week.
Give your mind a daily workout by performing brain exercises for seniors. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, board games, and other brain games for seniors are not only fun — they can keep your mind sharp as you age.
Finding a furry friend who can be by your side as you enjoy your golden years can be a rewarding experience. There’s nothing quite like visiting shelters and rescues and seeing puppy eyes gaze up at you. But finding the best dog breeds also involves research and an assessment of your needs and caring capabilities.
Whether you’re a senior looking for a furry best friend, or you are trying to help an older adult find some companionship, we’ve made this guide to help. You’ll find tips on what to think about when choosing a dog breed. Plus, we’ve made a list of the 21 best dogs for seniors.
If you find yourself unsteady on your feet or lacking the strength you once head, sarcopenia could be to blame. On average, sarcopenia impacts between 5–13% of the population aged 60–70 years. If you're over the age of 80, those percentages could rise to about 50%.
But what is sarcopenia, and what are the symptoms? Below, we dive into what sarcopenia is and how to treat it as you age.
As we age, our bodies produce less stomach acid and other compounds that help to absorb B vitamins. Here, we’ll show you the benefits of the vitamin for seniors and discuss what happens if you’re deficient. Plus, we’ll show you the recommended vitamin B12 dosage for seniors and give you tips to stay well in your golden years.
Learning how to monitor your own health can help you age in place.
If you are an older adult with high blood pressure, learning how to take blood pressure readings at home can help preserve your independence. To prepare, purchase an at-home blood pressure monitor and know how to take an accurate blood pressure reading.
Below, we walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to take blood pressure readings at home. We'll also review the differences between manual and digital devices. Lastly, we'll review how you can stay independent when living at home with high blood pressure.
Please note: This post is meant for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have chronically high blood pressure or are at risk of developing heart disease, please speak with your healthcare provider about developing a plan that's right for you.
As our golden years roll around, we have time to enjoy the finer things in life. From exercise classes to catching up with friends, there are more opportunities to do what we love and try new things. We also get to focus more on our health.
Chair yoga for seniors is a great way to boost mobility and improve overall well being. While yoga may seem challenging, there are modifications you can make so that you can enjoy the benefits of stretching even if you’re a beginner. Here, we’ll show you the benefits of yoga for seniors and offer some of the best poses to get you started.
If you're thinking of hiring a caregiver, you may wonder, "But what do caregivers do, exactly?"
Simple answer: Almost anything.
A caregiver is there to offer assistance to older adults and relief to their loved ones. Caregivers help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as meal preparation, running errands, medication management, bathing, and other daily tasks. Many older adults form close-knit bonds with their caregivers, which offers companionship.
In the beginning stages of a caregiver relationship, you may feel strange or awkward assigning them tasks — don't be! These individuals are there to help and are happy to take on regular caregiver responsibilities. If there is something you or your aging loved one needs assistance with, don't hesitate to ask your caregiver for help.
Creating a list of regular caregiver responsibilities can make the entire relationship run more smoothly. Below, you'll find a list of daily activities and tasks to add to your care plan.
Staying in touch has never been easier. With the advent of cell phones and then smartphones, it’s become simpler to call up old friends and chat with loved ones. Cell phones also help us stay connected to a wider network with things like social media, email, and virtual group chats.
It’s no surprise, then, that cell phones are particularly useful for people entering their golden years. If you’re looking for cell phones for seniors, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll learn more about what to consider when buying a cell phone and discover the 9 best options when it comes to cell phones for seniors.
As you age, you may consider moving to a long-term care facility. However, many older adults are understandably concerned about the cost of assisted living and nursing home care. These housing options can be double — or even triple — the cost of a monthly rent or mortgage payment.
As you age, certain daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands may become more of a challenge. During these times, you may consider moving to assisted living. However, before you make any major life decisions, it’s important to note there are other, more affordable options to get the help you need while living at home. We’ll dive into these options later.
How much does assisted living cost? Who pays for assisted living facilities? Are there more affordable alternatives to assisted living? Below, we'll answer each of these common questions. In addition, we'll share alternative options to assisted living facilities and show you how to pay for the monthly fee.
Aging is a natural process that can’t be avoided. The years go by and we slowly get older and transition into new phases of life. As adult children, we take on new responsibilities like chasing a fulfilling career, raising a family, enjoying adventures with furry friends, and eventually, caring for our aging parents.
For some people, providing care simply means doing occasional minor chores like cleaning the gutters or hanging Christmas lights. For other adult children, care involves medical appointments and discussions of the best living arrangements for parents who aren’t self-sufficient anymore.
Regardless of your situation, caring for aging parents requires knowing your options and recognizing what your parents need from you. In this guide, we’ll offer tips on how to care for aging parents. You’ll find useful resources and learn how to create a care plan that addresses your needs and the needs and desires of your parents.
A new hip can help you enjoy the things you once loved. From walking around your neighborhood to attending a yoga class or gardening in your yard, hip replacement surgery can increase your daily activity and overall quality of life.
While every hip surgery is different, many individuals find they can walk without assistance the first day after (and sometimes, even the day of) their surgery. Full recovery can happen in a few short months to one year following your procedure.
It's completely understandable if you're nervous about an upcoming hip replacement. However, take comfort knowing technology has come a long way, and the vast majority of patients are thrilled with their new hip.
To make your procedure a success, you should think about hip replacement surgery recovery before you return home from the hospital. We'll share how to put a plan in place and begin your road to recovery.
Please note: This post is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Please work directly with your physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon to devise a hip replacement surgery recovery plan that works best for you.
When you’re young and spritely, the concept of balance isn’t something that occupies your thoughts. In fact, most of us probably took balance for granted when we were younger. We may only have thought of it briefly when we slipped on ice or tripped over something.
As we age, our bodies start to lose their ability to maintain balance. This is exacerbated by muscle loss if we’re not getting as much exercise as we used to. People also experience reduced balance after surgeries or when taking certain medications. That can lead to an increase in falls and a reduced feeling of stability.
Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we can’t still maintain great balance and do the things we love. Using targeted exercises can help your body build muscle that improves and supports balance. Getting better balance means understanding how balance works. Here, we’ll show you the different systems involved in balance and give you a list of the best balance exercises for seniors.
A walker is a cost-effective, safe solution to help you maintain your independence. If you struggle with mobility issues, a walker allows you to continue to enjoy the things you love — attending events, visiting neighbors, moving freely about your house, and more.
When it comes to finding the best walkers for seniors, you'll want to assess your needs, activity level, strength, and balance. While many walkers can be purchased on Amazon, you might want to shop for a walker in person so you can see which models fit you best and feel most comfortable.
Below, we'll help you decide which walker is best for you and recommend a few popular models. However, please note that this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Before purchasing a walker, we recommend speaking with your physical or occupational therapist to find the one that's right for you.