Guest Blog: How To Transition to a Healthier Path in Your Retirement Years
If you feel stuck in a rut from years of bad habits that leave you feeling sluggish and overweight, it’s never too late to change your course to a healthy and happier lifestyle. First, you have to commit to leaving your old ways in the dust and forging a new path with habits that benefit your health instead of harming it. If you’re ready to start this new journey, Senior Care Central presents the following roadmap you can follow.
Eat Whole Foods
If you own a sports car and put the wrong kind of fuel in its tank, it won’t run very well. The same is true for your body. Eating calorie-heavy processed foods full of saturated fat may taste good, but it slows your digestion and worsens some health conditions, like IBD. You can alleviate the symptoms of IBD (which include fatigue and abdominal cramping) by seeing your doctor for medication and a course of antibiotics. In addition, you can prevent future flare-ups by taking peppermint oil supplements when symptoms start and committing to eating fiber-rich whole foods.
Whole foods give you the nutrition you need for optimal energy and to keep your body running smoothly. Following this meal plan is simple. Eat food that nature made instead of processed food made in laboratories. Fill your plate with organic fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, wild-caught seafood, meat from pasture-raised animals and natural dairy products. Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice and buckwheat pancakes. A quick online search can give you plenty of recipes to try out at home.
Get Moving Every Day
Your sports car won’t run as designed if it sits unused in your garage for months at a time. Likewise, your body functions best when you get moving with some exercise every day. Studies show regular exercise improves your balance and decreases your chances of falling by 23%. It also fills you with endorphins that leave you feeling energetic and lively! Commit to 30 minutes a day of activities that won’t cause overexertion but get your heart pumping and your breath flowing. Ideas include:
- Brisk walks
- Strength training
- Yoga
- Water aerobics
- Pilates
- Swimming
Avoid exercises that could cause injury, like running, bench presses, rock climbing and high-intensity interval activities.
Stay Social
That sports car of yours loves being seen out in public. Research shows that staying socially active in your retirement years leads to an overall positive mood and increases self-confidence. It can also decrease your risk of developing dementia and help ward off cardiovascular disease when compared to seniors who isolate themselves. To meet others, volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, start a new hobby, join a church or synagogue, or take up a social sport, such as golf or tennis.
Sleep Soundly
You may have noticed you get sleepy earlier in the evening and tend to rise before the sun comes up. These changes are normal and won’t harm you as long as you get the recommended seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night. Your body needs the rest to recharge you mentally and physically. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, consult with your doctor to find a solution.
You can make the most of your retirement years by ditching your old bad habits for a healthier path. These proactive changes can leave you feeling energized and ready to take a friend out on the road for a spin in your sporty car.
Tips for Nursing Students: The Successful Interview
The National League for Nursing and the National Students Nurses’ Association (NSNA)(2012) stated that “although there is a shortage of registered nurses, the economic recession has flooded the RN market with experienced nurses who were retired, planning to retire, or went from part-time to full-time employment. The need for RNs has declined due to low hospital census”. Nursing students graduating today face a competitive employment market. Much of your success at getting the position you want will depend on how well you interview for the job. Follow these steps to be better prepared and increase your chances for a successful interview.
Be prepared
Submit your resume and application in advance, but do not assume that the person interviewing you has read them carefully. Before the interview, think about how you can highlight important aspects of your experience or education. Do some background research on the organization or place to which you are applying.
Familiarize yourself with the key people in authority, especially focusing on the person who will interview you. During the interview you can use this information to establish some common ground. Consider some key areas such as: How large is the organization and/or the unit where you are applying? What population and geographic area do they serve? What expertise do you have to offer that might be valuable to them? For example, if you are applying for a job on an inpatient rehabilitation unit, did you have a course in rehabilitation or do clinical rotations in rehab? If so, be sure to mention this during the interview.
Look professional
Paul Walden, writing on the NSNA website, stated, “appearance and attitude are everything. Dress in professional attire and smile. Make sure you arrive promptly”. Although professional attire may be more casual than it has been in years past, employers still expect an interviewee to look his/her best. This means no blue jeans, shorts, cut-offs, flip-flops, low-cut blouses, miniskirts, overbearing jewelry, or other extremes in attire. Business casual is usually acceptable, but when in doubt, err on the side of dressing more formally in business attire than casual.
Start with a good beginning
Introduce yourself and offer to shake hands with the interviewer while making direct eye contact. Do not sit down until directed to do so. The interviewer controls the interview. Express enthusiasm for the interviewer taking time to speak with you and make a positive comment about the surroundings or reputation of the facility. Smile and convey friendliness, approachability, and confidence. Most nurse managers are looking for a “good fit” in a new employee with their existing staff and unit milieu. Your personality may be as important to the manager as your skill set. Listen for comments made by the interviewer that suggest he/she is seeking someone who will be a team player and then be sure to share ways in which you have successfully blended with similar groups in the past.
Ask thoughtful questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. For example: How does the open position fit within the organizational chart? Is there opportunity for gaining additional education? What type of orientation or mentoring do they provide for new nurses? Are there opportunities for advancement? These types of questions show that you are interested in a long-term relationship with the organization and are willing to learn and increase your professional skills. Asking deliberate questions can also help you assess whether or not this job is the right one for you.
Be memorable
You want the person conducting the interview to remember you in a positive light. What sets you apart from others who might be applying for this job? Answering that question in advance will point you in the direction where you need to shine. This might be your engaging personality, strong evaluations from clinical professors, your flexibility or willingness to learn, your experience in another country with service-learning projects, or your good academic performance.
End the interview well
If you were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the unit or facility, be sure to take advantage of any opportunities to greet or interact with staff or patients. The interviewer may be watching to see if you display positive interpersonal skills. Before you leave the interview, be sure that you know how you will be notified if they wish to hire you. Thank the interviewer and shake hands again (if appropriate), expressing your enthusiasm for this wonderful opportunity. If possible, send a follow-up email or thank you note to the interviewer for his/her time and attention. Be sure to continue to display warmth and cordiality as you leave the facility. You never know who may be watching.
Guest Blog:The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Seniors
Everyone wants to look young forever, but it’s not always possible. After all, time can be cruel. But, you don’t have to spend your days feeling old and decrepit. There are a few things that you can do to fight the signs of aging on your skin while avoiding surgery or other invasive treatments. Here are some of the best anti-aging skincare routines for seniors:
Moisturize
You should use a moisturizer every day so that your skin doesn’t become dry and cracked. Look for products with sunscreen protection if you live in an area where sunlight is abundant.
Exfoliate
It’s important to exfoliate regularly so that new cells will grow. Exfoliating can also help you to get rid of dead skin cells, which makes your complexion look more vibrant and healthy. That’s why you should moisturize every day so that your skin doesn’t become dry and cracked.
Avoid the sun
If possible, avoid spending time in direct sunlight for extended periods. Because it’s damaging to your skin unless you’re wearing sunscreen with a high level of protection. Finally, be sure that you wear sunglasses when outside so that ultraviolet light doesn’t do any damage on its own.
Exercise regularly
It’s important for everyone over 50 years old to exercise. Make it at least six times per week to stay fit and maintain their weight (or lose extra pounds). The best part is that exercising has a lot of benefits for your skin, so it’s good for more than your body.
Avoid smoking
Smoking not only causes lung cancer but also leads to premature aging. If you have trouble quitting the habit, consider seeing a doctor about some programs that can help. Try adding anti-aging products into your routine until you’re able to break this nasty addiction.
Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water to keep yourself from becoming ill or dehydrated. This is especially important if you live with other people who might be sick because they’ll make you sick too. It will protect them as well since most germs are spread by close contact with someone else who has them already anyway. You don’t want to spend your golden years sick, do you?
Avoid stress
This is another major skincare issue for seniors. If you want a clear complexion and fewer wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, try not to let yourself get too stressed out about anything. Stress leads to lots of different skin problems including acne breakouts and psoriasis flare-ups. Don’t sweat it if something goes wrong because there’s always tomorrow. It will make a huge difference in how you look. You’ll feel better as well from all that relaxation time. This means that everyone wins when you don’t worry too much about things outside of your control. Remember: life happens but it doesn’t have to happen to you.
Use of serums
These are fantastic all-natural anti-aging skincare products. This is where all the magic happens from a skincare standpoint. There’s been tons of research done on this all-natural ingredient. Which has been shown time and time again to be effective for brightening up sun-damaged skin. Then protecting against future UV damage by neutralizing free radicals in the body before they even have a chance to do any harm.
You can also use a fantastic all-natural antioxidant serum that will protect your skin from free radical damage. Also other harmful environmental toxins like smog and cigarette smoke. These all natural products should be applied every morning right after you wash your face. This will give your skin all day protection against UV exposure as well as pollution.
Closing Thoughts
Maintaining a good skincare routine can be very helpful for seniors because it helps to keep them looking young. You don’t need surgery or invasive treatments if you’re willing to try some simple things out first. Take care of yourself and your skin will reward you with a youthful appearance that won’t age as quickly as the rest of your body. Don’t neglect these tips for anti-aging skincare routines unless you want everyone seeing right through how old you are. These tips will help anyone over 50 years old who wants to look younger. Without having any dangerous side effects from traditional surgical methods.
7 Simple and Effective At-Home Workouts for Older Adults
Exercise and nutrition are important aspects of a healthy lifestyle and should be the focus of our everyday life. As we age, our body slows down, muscles become weak, and metabolism takes a hit. Simple activities like playing with grandkids, taking the stairs without getting winded or getting off the couch with little or no grunting can be challenging. Therefore, it’s important for the elderly to be physically active and make exercise a regular routine because it has some serious health benefits. For effective and easy home workout sessions buying a few home fitness equipment’s would be smart move.
Health Benefits of Exercise in Older Adults
Older adults have different reasons to stay in shape than the younger generation. Physical fitness is important for them to live a healthier, longer and more joyous life. The health benefits of exercise in seniors include:
- Independence
Exercise is one of the best ways to remain independent for older adults. Regular exercise keeps them active and helps with walking, cooking, eating, dressing, and using the restroom on their own.
- Improves balance
Regular exercise helps improve balance, so the older adults can do the activities they enjoy without straining or risking a fall.
- More energy
Exercise promotes the release of endorphins. These essential neurotransmitters are associated with pain mitigation and a sense of well-being. They help in combating stress hormones, promoting healthy sleep, and making them feel more lively and energetic.
- Prevents diseases
Old age makes them vulnerable to diseases such as osteoporosis, heart diseases, depression and diabetes. When they adopt a healthy and more active lifestyle, they can prevent these diseases or reduce the severity of the symptoms.
- Improves brain function and mental health
Seniors leading an active lifestyle is known to have improved cognitive health. A study from the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation revealed that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia by nearly 50%.
At-Home Exercises for Older Adults
The best part of at-home exercises is that they are all about function; they are not very different from everyday movements, and yet you can get to make the most out of them. These exercises can be done with basic equipment like dumbells and resistance bands or with objects around the house. However, we recommend you to use a yoga mat for padding and also to reduce your chance of slipping. If you are not confident, ask someone to supervise you and provide support when needed.
- Walking
Walking is one of the most accessible and least stressful forms of exercise. Generally, 10,000 steps per day are recommended for a healthy lifestyle. But if you have difficulty walking or pain in the joints, settle down for a smaller number. Walking strengthens your muscles, lowers your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer.
- Dumbbell strength training
Strength training is known to reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis, diabetes, back pain, and depression. It also helps you manage your weight, contributing to higher metabolism and better glucose management. Regular workout and strength training helps you in maintaining balance and stamina.
Some of the best dumbbell strength training exercises for improved balance and flexibility include:
- Tricep extension
- Bent-over row
- Overhead press
- Bicep curl
- Front raise
- Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises help relieve some types of chronic pain. These exercises also increase flexibility. However, be mindful of your hip and knees while doing stretching exercises.
- Leg & Arm Raises
Leg and arm raises are simple yet effective ways to incorporate workouts for seniors at home. They not only improve strength but also help with balance. You can use a chair for support when doing leg raises. And if you want to increase the difficulty level of arm/leg raises, add a resistance band to your workouts.
- Resistance band workouts
Resistance bands are stretchy rubber strips used to add resistance to workouts. They are affordable, user-friendly, and hence are a great at-home workout for seniors. These resistance band exercises strengthen the core, improve mobility, posture, and balance.
Some resistance band workouts for seniors include:
- Triceps press
- Bicep curl
- Leg press
- Lateral raise
- Band pull apart
- Weight Training
Lightweight training helps prevent osteoporosis and increase muscle strength. Simple exercises such as wall push-ups can improve muscle mass, increase endurance and strength.
- Chair Yoga
This low-impact form of exercise is great for improving muscle strength, mobility, balance and flexibility. Chair yoga is less stressful on muscles, joints, and bones and hence a better option than conventional forms of yoga.
Chair yoga has been shown to improve mental health in seniors while improving sleep quality, lowering instances of depression, and helping seniors experience a general sense of well-being. Some popular chair yoga exercises for seniors include:
- Seated cow stretch
- Overhead stretch
- Seated cat stretch
- Seated twist
- Seated mountain pose
To lead a better quality of life, it’s important that you stay active. One way to do it is through regular exercise. Try the above at-home exercises for seniors and develop an exercise routine that works best for your health needs and capabilities.
Author Bio:
Sancket Kamdar, a certified weightlifting coach, and a successful entrepreneur founded
SF HealthTech with a single goal in mind – to bring high quality, international standard exercise equipment to help fitness enthusiasts and athletes reach the next level of fitness. When he’s not working on new equipment ideas and designs, he loves to create educational content about health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He also writes to help budding entrepreneurs on running and growing a business, based on his experience.
Navigating the Financial Decisions Seniors Face After Becoming Widowed – And How Caregivers Can Help
Experiencing the loss of a spouse is a major change for anyone to deal with, but for seniors who have shared their life with one person for years, losing a spouse often brings about unexpected consequences. Besides dealing with grief, there are also financial issues to confront.
Seniors who are going through this loss often feel overwhelmed by the decisions they need to make and how those decisions will impact their future. This is where adult children or other caregivers can make a big difference by helping your loved one make sense of it all, so they can move forward with a solid financial plan.
Read on for some more thoughts from International Rehabilitation Consultants.
Knowing When and How to Help
As a caregiver of someone in this position, one thing you may be concerned about is whether your senior loved one should continue managing their own finances. Next Avenue points out that it’s important to address this concern openly before making any decisions. If you both feel like it’s a good idea for you to help, you will want to have your loved one sign a durable power of attorney, which will give you legal authority to access and manage accounts.
In some cases, your loved one may be able to manage their own accounts with a little assistance. Tech-savvy seniors should look into online banking, or as Bankrate recommends, consider trying apps that help, such as SilverBills or Ready, Set, Bank.
If your loved one wants to set up a nonprofit in their spouse’s memory and honor, you can help walk them through the process. Visit Zenbusiness to learn about legal requirements you need to tend to set up a nonprofit.
Health and Safety Concerns
Besides helping with the mundane financial tasks, you can also help by looking over your loved one’s financial statements to make sure their health needs are being met. This is especially important if your loved one is living alone because health and safety could become a concern.
One specific area to discuss is healthcare coverage. You can start by asking what kind of Medicare plan they have or if they get insurance through retirement benefits, either their own or through their spouse. This is a crucial question, as the death of a spouse may change your loved one’s eligibility for employer retirement benefits.
If your loved one has Medicare, you may want to look into whether a Medicare Advantage plan would be right for their financial situation. These plans are sold through popular companies like Aetna, and many seniors like the expanded benefits they provide, such as dental and vision care and prescription drug coverage.
Taking the Next Steps
Once you’ve looked at your loved one’s overall financial outlook, the next major question is “Where do we go from here?” Depending on your loved one’s income and savings, they may not need to make major changes. However, some seniors who become widowed are dealt a financial blow as a result of losing their spouse’s income.
In this case, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a financial advisor so that you don’t rush into decisions that could prove detrimental in the long term. For example, there are some tax implications of becoming widowed, including the decision to make early withdrawals from retirement savings. Doing this may seem like a good option for replacing a spouse’s lost income, but your loved one may lose out by having to pay additional taxes and penalties.
Another major consideration is whether your loved one will continue living at home. This is a personal decision, and finances are only part of the equation. If your loved one decides to sell their home, this is another issue where you want to do your research and consult with an expert, such as an attorney, who can guide you in the legal aspects of selling as a widow or widower.