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Guest Blog:Tips For Moving Senior Citizens

Moving from one home to another is seldom easy — in fact, it’s considered one of the most stressful life events people experience. However, the process can be especially tough for senior citizens. Whether you’re an older adult about to leave your long-term home or you’re the child of a senior getting ready to help a parent leave his/her home, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Acknowledge Emotions. Anytime you’re talking about leaving a long-term home, you’re talking about more than changing addresses. Saying goodbye is hard. Instead of ignoring the sadness that accompanies such a move, process it. Remember, it’s normal to feel some sadness, whether you’re moving into an assisted-living facility, in with relatives or simply to a smaller place.
Pare Down Possessions. When it comes down to the physical moving process, the less you have to move, the easier the transition. Rather than packing every worldly possession and forcing yourself to organize later, take the time now to downsize. Go through all your furniture, knick-knacks, mementos, gadgets and so on, and determine whether you’ll truly need those items in the new place. Separate everything into “keep,” “give away” and “trash” piles. If you don’t want to hand down or donate certain items, plan a garage sale to get a little extra cash in the process.

Hire Professional Movers. Don’t endure unnecessary stress by managing the moving process alone — hire movers. Find a company that specializes in assisting with smooth transitions, and enlist its help to transport furniture and boxes to their intended destinations. If some things are going to a new home and others are going to friends and family, communicate to your moving company which items go where.

Pack an Overnight Bag. Set aside a few changes of clothes, important toiletries, towels and sheets to have with you for that first night or few nights in your new home. Instead of rifling through boxes and feeling overwhelmed with all there is to unpack, there will be a little normalcy — even when you’re still getting settled. Other good items to bring are a first-aid kit and flashlight.

Moving as a senior citizen isn’t easy, but it can be a smoother, more pleasant experience with a little planning. Use the tips above to aid your upcoming move.

Chris Crompton is a marketing manager for TSI, a leader in the shipping and freight industry since 1989. TSI offers low rates and professional service on long distance small moves and shipments.

By Dan Easton|2024-02-01T14:36:19-05:00April 5th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Types of Best Exercises for Senior Citizens

As we age, it’s natural to feel a bit more sluggish or out of shape. That’s why it’s important for seniors to stay active and practice healthy habits. Exercise is an excellent way to keep your body and mind in good shape, and there are several types of exercises that are perfect for seniors.

From low-impact activities like yoga and Tai Chi to more intensive activities like strength training and aerobic exercise, there are a variety of exercises that seniors can do to stay fit and healthy. Whether you’re looking to stay active and maintain your current fitness level or improve your strength, balance, and flexibility, there are exercises for every senior. In this article, we’ll discuss types of exercises for senior citizens to stay fit and healthy.

What are the Benefits of Exercise for Senior Citizens?

There are many benefits of exercise for senior citizens. First, exercise will help you manage your weight and stay fit. Exercise can even help you lose weight if you’re not currently trying to lose weight. Exercise will also lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Regular exercise can also help improve your mood, memory and mental function, and sleep quality. Exercise can also benefit your joints and bones by increasing flexibility and preventing injury. Exercise is a great way to stay connected to others and cultivate new friendships.

If you’re currently not exercising, you could be putting your health in danger. Some of the benefits that exercise can provide include improved energy levels, stronger muscles, increased flexibility, stronger bones, improved cardiovascular health, increased self-confidence, reduced stress levels, and improved overall mental health.

Low-Impact Exercises

Low-impact exercises are great for seniors who are out of shape or have joint issues. Many online exercise programs are available for different needs. Low-impact exercises are gentle on the body, making them appropriate for seniors who are new to exercising. Low-impact exercises often use a chair or a mat, and can be done either indoors or outdoors.

Low-impact exercises include chair yoga, tai chi, aquatic exercises, gentle stretching, and walking. Many low-impact exercises are also social and can be done with a group of people. This can be a great way to meet new friends and make connections.

If you’re new to exercising, low-impact exercises are a great place to start. These exercises don’t place as much stress on your muscles, joints, or bones. This makes them appropriate for seniors who are just getting back into exercise.

Endurance Exercises

Endurance exercises are designed to increase your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular health. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors, but are best done outside in the fresh air. Endurance exercises include walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, swimming, rowing, and stair climbing.

These exercises can be done with a group of people, or you can do them by yourself. Outdoor endurance exercises are a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful weather. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your heart rate up, then endurance exercises is the way to go.

These exercises use large muscle groups, which mean that you’ll get a lot of benefits from just one workout. You’ll increase your heart rate, strengthen your muscles, and improve your overall health.

Strength Training Exercises

Strength training exercises target specific muscle groups to increase muscle strength and tone. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors and are an excellent way to improve your overall health. Strength training exercises include squats, lunges, overhead presses, and leg curls.

These exercises can be done with free weights or resistance bands. Strength training exercises are great for strengthening your muscles and improving overall fitness. Strength training exercises can also help prevent injury. If you’re already exercising, adding in some strength training exercises each week can enhance your fitness level. Strength training exercises are a great way to keep your muscles strong and healthy as you get older.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises are designed to improve your balance, stability, and coordination. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors, and can be done with a group of people or by yourself. Balance exercises include standing on one foot, walking on a balance board, yoga poses, and tai chi movements.

These exercises are easy to do and can be done by seniors of all abilities. Balance exercises are a great way to keep your body and mind healthy as you age. These exercises can also benefit people who suffer from various health issues.

If you have trouble with your balance, you may have poor proprioception. Proprioception refers to your body’s ability to sense its position in space. Improving your proprioception can help you to avoid falls, trips, and injuries.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises are often done at the end of a workout or before bed. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors and can be done either with a group of people or by yourself. Stretching exercises can include simple yoga poses, tai chi movements, and gentle stretching exercises.

Yoga poses are particularly useful for seniors, as many yoga poses are designed to be done while seated. Stretching exercises are a great way to improve your flexibility and reduce muscle tension after exercising. Stretching exercises can also help improve your posture.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility exercises are designed to increase your flexibility and improve your range of motion. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors, and can be done with a group of people or by yourself.

Flexibility exercises include yoga poses, seated stretching, and tai chi movements. These exercises can be done with very little equipment, making them easy to do. Flexibility exercises are a great way to loosen your muscles and improve your flexibility. If you’re currently not exercising, you could be putting your health in danger.

Some of the benefits that exercise can provide include improved energy levels, stronger muscles, increased flexibility, stronger bones, improved cardiovascular health, increased self-confidence, reduced stress levels, and improved overall mental health.

Core Exercises

Core exercises are designed to strengthen your core muscles. These exercises can be done indoors or outdoors and can be done with a group of people or by yourself. Core exercises include planks, crunches, and leg lifts. These exercises can be done with very little equipment, making them easy to do. Core exercises are a great way to strengthen your core muscles.

Conclusion

Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. It can improve your physical and mental health, help you maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. And don’t worry if you’re not currently exercising.

You can start at any time, no matter how old you are or what shape you’re in. There are plenty of exercises that are easy to do and safe for seniors, which means that anyone can get started today. So don’t let another day pass without exercising. Pick one of these exercises and get moving!. And remember, it’s never too late to start exercising.

By Jim|2022-12-29T12:42:29-05:00December 29th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 5 Reasons It Is Important for Senior Citizens to Have a Medicare Plan

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to have a solid healthcare plan in place. Medicare is one of the most popular healthcare plans available for senior citizens, and there are many reasons why it is important to have coverage through this program. For instance, Medicare can help to cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, and even prescription medications. Another reason Medicare is so important is that it can help fill in the gaps left by other types of insurance coverage. For example, if you have private health insurance, some services may not be covered by your plan. Medicare can help to cover those costs so that you don’t have to worry about them. Here is a look at five reasons senior citizens need a Medicare plan.

1. Cover the Costs of Hospital Stays

Senior citizens are prone to a variety of health issues that can require hospitalization. These issues include strokes and heart attacks, broken bones, and pneumonia. Medicare can help to cover the costs of these hospital stays, which can be very expensive. If you go without coverage, you may have a large hospital bill you will be responsible for paying. In cases where a senior citizen is sent to a nursing home after a hospital stay, Medicare can also help cover the stay’s costs.

2. Cover the Costs of Doctor Visits

As we age, we tend to see the doctor more often. This is due to various health issues that can come up as we get older. For instance, we may need to see the doctor for routine checkups and more serious problems. Medicare can help cover the costs of these doctor visits, saving senior citizens a lot of money. In addition, Medicare can also help to cover the costs of preventive care, such as mammograms and screenings for colon cancer. You don’t want to go without this coverage, as it could cost you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Cover the Costs of Prescription Medications

Another important reason senior citizens need to have a Medicare plan is that it can help cover the costs of prescription medications. As we age, we tend to take more prescription medications than we did when we were younger. This is due to various health issues that can come up as we get older. Medicare can help cover the costs of these medications, saving senior citizens a lot of money. Medicare can also help cover the costs of generic medications, which can be even cheaper than brand-name medications. However, it is important to note that Medicare covers not all drugs. You will need to check with your specific plan to see what is and is not covered.

4. Cover the Costs of Vision and Dental Care

Another important reason senior citizens need to have a Medicare plan is that it can help cover the costs of vision and dental care. Senior citizens need to see the dentist more often than they did younger. This is due to various health issues that can come up as we get older. Additionally, senior citizens often need glasses or contact lenses as they age. Medicare can help cover the costs of these vision and dental care services, saving senior citizens a lot of money.

5. Cover the Costs of Hospice and Home Health Care

Finally, another important reason senior citizens need to have a Medicare plan is that it can help cover the costs of hospice and home health care. Omaha Insurance solutions understand that the end of life can be difficult for individuals and their families and they make it easier to pick a medicare plan that will help with any cost there might be. Insurance companies offer hospice and home healthcare coverage through different medicare plans. Hospice care can help to provide comfort and support for those nearing the end of their life. Home health care can help provide care for those unable to care for themselves. This coverage can be very beneficial for the individual and their family.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why senior citizens need to have a Medicare plan. If you or someone you know is a senior citizen, it is important to ensure that you have a plan. Omaha Insurance can help you to find the right Medicare plan for your needs.

By Jim|2022-10-31T12:52:57-05:00October 31st, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

8 Fun Activities for Seniors with Mobility Issues

Do mobility issues have your aging parent down in the dumps? Losing the ability to get around independently can definitely strike a blow to confidence and wellbeing levels. Mobility issues don’t need to stifle a senior’s sense of purpose or enjoyment of life though. Don’t miss these 8 fun activity ideas for seniors with mobility issues:

Board games – bring on the board games and give your loved one a cognitive boost. Everything from cards to Scrabble to Monopoly, Dominos, and Checkers is a great place to start. Stock up on gently used board games from local re-stores like Goodwill and invite friends and family to join in on the fun.

Puzzles – putting puzzles together stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as engages spatial awareness and concentration. Don’t reserve your fun to jigsaw puzzles either; games like Sudoku and Jenga have similar brain-boosting effects too!

Cooking – maybe standing at the stove to stir a big pot isn’t feasible, but mixing a green salad at a lower table is. Or helping scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet. Cooking with your aging parent not only gives them something fun to do but helps them feel like a productive contributor in the home too.

Chair exercises – routine workouts are critical for all older adults, even people who are limited to canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Physical fitness helps prevent unwanted weight gain and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Guides to chair exercises and exercises for those recovering from injuries like fractured hips can be found online.

Art project – get the creative juices flowing and find an art project geared towards your loved one’s interests. Perhaps it is painting on a canvas, collaging, knitting, coloring, making jewelry, or even simply framing family photos – the act of creating something can is truly invigorating.

Planting – potting plants is easy and accessible when your loved one can sit in a chair at a table. Mixing soil, placing plants inside pots, and even snipping dead leaves or picking herbs are monthly activities that your loved one can do with minor assistance.

Reading – Nothing beats a good book. If your loved one is unable to hold a book or see words on a page, audiobooks are a great alternative (and can be borrowed for free at your local library).

Video chatting – for seniors with mobility limitations, social isolation is a very prevalent and dangerous reality. Technology makes it easy, however, to connect with friends and family near and far via free services like Skype, Google Hangouts or Facetime. You simply need a smartphone or webcam with speakers for your computer.

By Jim|2022-09-29T15:17:19-05:00October 19th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Inexpensive, Fun Activities For Seniors

Whether you’ve recently retired, are planning to retire soon or are facing an unknown future where retirement seems virtually impossible, when you’re living on a fixed or tight income, you’re always looking for ways to save money. Plus, since one of the first areas to get cut when the budget is tight is entertainment, you may wonder how can you still have fun, without spending a fortune. To answer that question, here’s a list of inexpensive activities that could be perfect for you!

Attend Free Events. From free nights at the museum to local art gallery showings in town, keep your radar on for free activities in the area that you might enjoy. Most cities will host free lectures, concerts, movie nights and other activities from time to time.

Start a Club or Discussion Group.

Take Advantage of Community Centers and Libraries. Rent movies or check out books at the library, and go for walks at the local community center track. Within your specific city or town, find what other amenities are available to you and decide to make the most of them, either on your own or with a friend.

Volunteer in the Community. Volunteering not only makes you feel good about helping others, but it also connects you with people in the community and often qualifies you for some cool, cash-saving perks. Whether it’s free food when you’re volunteering at the local school district or a place to socialize when you’re serving as a greeter at the hospital, volunteering helps you reach outside yourself and have fun in the process.

Host Potlucks. Rather than always going out to eat with friends, try hosting potlucks where everyone brings a dish to pass. You’ll only need to make one dish, still have the fun of socializing with friends or loved ones, and save a bundle in the process.

Enjoy the Outdoors. Go to the park, take walks on trails at the forest preserve, plan a picnic or watch a local Little League game. Getting outside is not only good for your spirits, it’s usually inexpensive too!

Mark Westerman is the Chief Marketing Officer for CareOne, Inc., a provider of debt relief services nationwide.

By Kristen Mauk|2022-05-12T11:05:22-05:00May 16th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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