Smart Senior

Senior to Senior: Boredom

People have likely been suffering from boredom since they stopped having to worry about wooly mammoths knocking at their doors. Fight or flight is less of an issue today, but stress, even though it manifests itself differently, is ever present. Boredom is a form of stress. Today it is recognized as a major problem for people of all ages. It may manifest as bad behavior in the young, as a midlife crisis in adults, and as depression in the elderly. Boredom is ageless. Lack of a challenge, lack of feeling, and lack of purpose often result in self-destructive behaviors. Researchers have gone so far as to call it a “silent killer,” especially at our age. Don’t let feelings of malaise, ennui or the blahs spiral into full blown depression. Think about boredom as a “gentle signal” that that you need to shake things up a bit. You no longer have to deal with humdrum jobs or stressful schedules at home; the big issue now is dealing with too much free time. If you are feeling bored it is time to regroup, before that “silent killer” makes you a statistic. When we were kids and complained of being bored our mothers sent us outside to explore the world, or she threatened to give us more chores to do. We forgot about being bored then, and we can forget about being bored now. • Try something new • Get out of the house; exercise, join a group, or volunteer • Redecorate your house • Vow to do something nice for someone every day Don’t give up because you feel past your prime. • Pursue activities that don’t require super physical prowess. • Reconnect with friends and relatives even if just by mail • Travel, but make it more interesting by joining adult education tours Recognize boredom for what it is; a symptom that can only lead to no good. Talk to your Doctor and seek counseling if you need help getting out of your funk. Sometimes your just need someone to talk too, but don’t bore your friends to death as they undoubtedly have their own issues to deal with.

Senior to Senior: Creativity

Creativity is innate. I read somewhere that everyone is born with a certain amount of creativity, but most either don’t recognize it, or they have had to put it aside until later, much later. The shame of it all is that somewhere along the line thoughts of “not being good enough” creeps in, and creativity dies. Try to remember that you do indeed have a creative side. Understand that creativity does not just relate to music, art, dance, or writing. Anything that piques your interest is fair game. As child you were passionate about everything, the sky was the limit. What happened? Allow your creative side to flourish again. Revisit arts, crafts, or hobbies that piqued your interest long ago. If you truly enjoy yourself you will find that creativity reduces stress, combats depression, and alleviate loneliness (conditions often associated with older people). People are living longer; many of them are looking for ways to make their extra years more fulfilling. Now is the time to reactivate your hidden talents; the time is right. So, what if forty or fifty years have gone by; you can knit something besides a potholder, you can pick up a paint brush again, learn a foreign language, explore your ancestry or write something fun and memorable. Stop dithering. You now have time. The kids have left home and a pension has allowed you to retire. You are free to do what you want and you don’t have to worry about what others think. Be more creative: • Pick something that you like to do whether it writing your memoirs. knitting or playing an instrument. • Do not compare your work to others. • Immerse yourself in what you are doing; enjoy the process. As adults we need more fun and creativity in our lives. Your art will give you something fun and productive to do while keeping your mind off from pain and the other stresses associated with aging. Creativity knows no age limit.

Senior to Senior: Winter Makeovers

Christmas decorations are an important rite of passage. Seniors everywhere continue to feel compelled to bring the spirit of the holidays into their homes. For some a small artificial tree or wreath on the door will suffice, but others can’t resist being drawn into friendly neighborhood competitions that light up the whole street. No matter how you look at it, it is fun to get into the spirit of things. When the holidays are over and it is time to dismantle the tree, put your collection of Santa pillows away, and box up the nutcracker until next year, you may feel a certain amount of loss. The trick is to keep the holiday spirit alive during the rest of the year. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Make an early new year resolution to spend January sprucing up your home, a winter makeover so to speak. If you thought of it early enough you might have put new towels, sheets and pillows on your Christmas list. It isnt too late; last minute shoppers and overnight delivery companies won’t mind last-minute hints at all. If all else fails take advantage of the white sales that start in January, and do it all yourself. • Older houses are notorious for small windows and heavy drapery, not to mentioned slipcovered couches. You may not be able to do a full-scale remodel but blinds and filmy window dressing will let in some light. • Add color. Spring for a pretty comforter, replace lampshades, or get new throw pillows for the couch. Sometimes painting one wall white or yellow can change the whole room. • Add light. Replace 60-watt bulbs with the highest wattage possible, or go crazy buying nightlights, undercounter lights, and special reading lamps. • Bring nature into the house. Cut flowers, plants, and a tiny herb garden on the kitchen windowsill will bring your rooms alive. Brighten your life, inside and out. Focus on the here and now. Find ways to enjoy each moment. Brighten up your room, your apartment, or your whole house.

Senior to Senior: Reading-Exercise Your Brain

Exercise your brain by reading a novel or two or three. If you are a reader or love your book clubs you will understand. Reading for the brain is like exercise for the body. You can exercise your brain by playing an instrument, learning a new language or taking up a new hobby but reading is more fun and books are everywhere. Reading is good for you. Just 6 minutes of reading had been shown to reduce the heart rate and ease muscle tension; that’s called relaxation. From preschool to old age, it never changes. One of the best ways to grow and stimulate you brain is to read often. If you don’t always have time to curl up with a good book, you might explore the world of audio books. At first your brain will cringe as you force it to concentrate on something new, but the brain is resilient. Soon you will be able to listen as you walk, as you do housework, or while counting repetitions at the gym. Start by listening to a book that you have already read; as with any other form of multi-tasking, it takes a while but the brain soon adjusts to doing more than one thing at a time. You really can walk and chew gum at the same time, so don’t limit yourself. I prefer light fiction during walks and road trips. The main thing to remember is that narrator’s matter, a good narrator is everything. You have a choice of venues; old fashioned cassettes, CDs and Downloads. If you drive long distances to work or walk for exercise, whether on treadmill of around the neighborhood, you will find listening to audio’s an excellent way to alleviate boredom and learn something at the same time. You can find everything in audio form; books on the best seller list, self-help books, learn a language books, fiction, non-fiction…read whatever you are passionate about. What a fun way to exercise your brain and give you a topic to discuss at your next club meeting.

Senior to Senior: Winter Blues

Baby it’s cold outside. Leaves are falling, days are shorter, and the sky is a dreary shade of gray. Sometimes I think hibernating bears have got the right idea, but then I remember how quickly time passes and I don’t want to do that either. Winter wasn’t always dreary. Remember how special it was when we were kids. We loved snow. A day off from school, sledding with friends, snowmen, snowball fights and cups of hot chocolate. It didn’t get any better than that. Winter can still be fun. There are many things that you can do to make yourself feel better. No more winter blues or seasonal affect disorders, especially now that we are older. People today tend to isolate themselves on purpose. Researchers call it isolation by design. We work from home, get groceries or meals delivered, and communicate with text messages. Therapists say we need to communicate more and isolate less. Start by talking to others in the same boat; a close friend, family member, doctor, therapist, pastor or even an on-line chat room. You need not be alone. Embrace the holidays. Instead of dwelling on what used to be, make a plan and figure how you can enjoy winter again. Focus on the “feel-good” aspects of the season. • Visit lonely seniors, help out at a food bank, or serve meals at a homeless shelter. • Dress in bright colors; bring out decorative pillows and afghans to brighten up your home. • Visit a yarn shop; take a class or buy skeins of soft colorful yarns and make something. • Do something you have always wanted to do. Try scrapbooking, writing your memoir, research family history, paint a picture or try a new recipe. Write letters to tuck in Christmas cards. Last but not least; take care of yourself. Fresh air, exercise, nourishing soups and stews and a good night’s sleep. Think warm, colorful, cat in your lap cozy. Read a book or watch a movie. Do something nice today, and make this winter the bet one ever.

Senior to Senior: Late Bloomers

Maybe you weren’t a child prodigy, most of us weren’t, but just because we struggled learning our times tables or couldn’t “get” algebra or geometry, doesn’t mean that we were destined to be failures. Some of us were “late bloomers” and even more of us are still waiting, but all that means is that the best is yet to come. It may be time to decide what your “best” is going to be. People are living longer and with an extra ten, twenty or even thirty years to play with, the pressure is off. There is still time to figure out who you want to be when you grow up; time for you to “bloom.” Nowadays, late life can be thought of as an opportunity instead of a burden. Let your past experiences guide you into learning new things, into exploring new places, and into developing talents you didn’t know you had. Advancing age actually sets the stage. The kids leave home, social security and a pension means you can quit your day job, and you don’t have to worry about what others think of you. You are ready to be who you were always meant to be. Talents can emerge slowly. Of course, genes play a huge role but now researchers are saying that even genes have lives of their own, and that they can spring into action at different times. It’s not an all or nothing at all deal. Think passion. If you can muster up the passion; you can still develop your abilities. Ask yourself; if you could do anything you wanted to with your time, what would it be? Think about it, make a plan, and go for it. Instead of worrying about the outcome, try to enjoy the process. We all know that mental fitness is wrapped around diet and exercise but that isn’t enough. Challenges, novelty and love are as important now as they were when you were a child. It’s impossible to predict when each person will eventually blossom, but if you believe in your own potential it could still happen.

Senior to Senior: Older Pets for Older People

We’ve had pets in our house for as long as I remember. Fifty-three years ago, a young man rescued my cat from a tree; he has been rescuing all of us ever since. We’ve always had two pets at a time because pets need company too, so never a dull moment. We’ve reached the age when bringing a youngster into our home is out of the question. Adoption agencies are pretty fussy these days, if you know what I mean; we are now considered “at risk” parents. Sad but true. Does this mean we have to resign ourselves to being pet less for the rest of our lives? Not necessarily. Researchers all agree that seniors who have pets tend to remain independent longer, cope with stress better, and are less likely to experience loneliness and depression. What do you do to assure your pet won’t outlive you? Well you can’t, but you can lower the odds by adopting a slightly “used” pet of a less active breed. The needs of an older dog are different; instead of chew toys and long walks, you need to think about senior proofing your house, just like you are doing for yourself. A slippery floor can be dangerous; think about adding area rugs or runners with skid proof pads if you or your senior pet are having mobility issues. Fido will appreciate an orthopedic bed, and if you want a couch buddy or a bed partner you will want to buy a padded stair step. Your senior pets still need stimulation and exercise so you won’t be off the hook, but a senior pet will be happy with just a walk around the block. I knew a lady who walked her cat on a leash, and another who walked around the neighborhood with her gray parrot on her shoulder. Your veterinarian will answer questions about diet, immunizations, medications and other issues to resolve. There are volunteer organizations for pet sitting, pet walking, or providing transportation for veterinary visits. Contract with family or friends to provide care if you should become incapacitated, and do remember Fido in your will.

Senior to Senior: Loneliness

Alone or lonely. When does the state of singleness become worrisome or even pathological? Families worry when they notice that an elderly parent is spending too much time alone. Seniors are especially vulnerable to loneliness. Studies reveal that loneliness often leads to depression, and depression is indeed something to worry about. Like it or not, human contact is essential for optimal health and well-being. Easier said than done, especially if you are an introvert, and many of us are; we actually prefer our own company. The idea is to find some sort of balance. Suggestions by the experts: • Reach out and establish contact with friends and relatives (introverts may not be phone people but a note, e-mail, even a tiny text message is a good way to start). • Say yes; accept an invitation to join someone for lunch or to go to an exercise class once in a while. • Volunteer; if you aren’t a people person you can volunteer at an animal shelter. • Take a risk; smile more, introduce yourself to a neighbor, initiate a conversation; It doesn’t have to be a lengthy dissertation, just a word or two. • Adopt a pet. Seniors may have to work harder to make friends but it can be done and is worth the effort. • Begin small; don’t try to reinvent yourself all at once. • Find a level of interaction that you are most comfortable with; a book club or a fitness program. • Think quality rather than quantity when it comes to relationships. It isn’t easy if you are a true introvert. If you find people a little scary or a little too noisy, make a date with nature. Studies prove that everyday interactions with green and blue places can be very motivating. It also helps establish a routine and gets you out of the house. There are many introverts out there; you aren’t alone. The idea is to put yourself out there enough that other people know you are just quiet, and not the neighborhood curmudgeon. It’s okay to enjoy solitary pursuits but don’t forget to reach out once in a while. Start small; smile at one person today.

Senior to Senior: Age Is Just a Number

Age is just a number, or so they say, but isn’t that just another way of side-stepping the question of how old we really are. Life is measured in terms of milestones and each milestone is associated with a number, so why not now? Remembering milestones is easy; your first day of school, entering your teen years, learning how to drive, graduating from high school and of course turning twenty-one. Monumental occasions, each and every one of them. After twenty-one time slowed down, although in retrospect it seemed to speed up, and before we knew it we were thinking in terms of “down-hill” or “over the hill.” Milestones, while more interesting, were not nearly as exciting as they used to be. Age has never been “just a number,” age has always been “the number,” until now. When is it that we officially become old? I wrote to a friend the other day, complaining that I had inadvertently gone to the grocery store on “senior discount” day. Horror of horrors, the place was packed with “old” people; the aisles were jammed with browsers moving at a snail’s pace, carts laden with portable oxygen tanks, and so many scooters that I feared for my life when I reached the end of each aisle. Well, I muscled through but vowed I wouldn’t go back on the middle Wednesday of the month ever again. When did I start separating myself out from the rest of the pack? I certainly qualify, age-wise, but it made me wonder why I wasn’t willing to accept that I am one of “them.” We are lucky that today age is defined by degrees of health and well-being rather than being assigned a random number. I find this quite empowering; we are more than justified if we don’t want to play the numbers game. So, what about that number? If we can learn to deal with the physical challenges associated with getting older we can do anything. It is nice that we no longer have to define ourselves by how old we are, but rather by what we are doing.

Senior to Senior: Reading

Reading Are you reading as much as you used to? It’s a fair question. When we were kids “book worms” ruled. A trip to the library was the highlight of the week. Yes, I am talking about the years before television, before cell phones, and before Saturday matinees became mainstream. Reading for pleasure is still one of life’s greatest gifts. Whether you have been a lifelong reader or just someone who thought “maybe someday” you would have time to catch up. Now you have a new reason; researchers say that we need to do something to challenge our brains. Unfortunately, poor health or physical disabilities may stand in your way. Decreased vision, hand issues, medication side effects, pain, and even lack of sleep may make curling up with a good book difficult. Don’t give up. A good book can still be your best friend. Books engage your mind. If you are sad and need to laugh, you can read a book on humor. If you feel your life has gone stale, a book with new ideas or challenges can inspire you to do great things. So, what do you do when age related issues make it difficult to indulge in your favorite pastime? • Talk to your doctor if you feel that medications, sleeplessness or other physical issues make it hard for you to concentrate. • See your eye doctor regularly. Your problems may be explained away with a new pair of glasses. • Prop heavy books on a pillow or use a book holder. • Electronic readers are lightweight, have backlights, and you can turn the page or enlarge print with the tap of a finger. Trouble concentrating? A special quiet reading nook, reading out loud, listening to an audio while following along in a book, or use a bookmark to hold your place as you move down the page. Read for pleasure, read to learn, or read to exercise your brain. Find a book that inspires you, appeals to your sense of adventure, or just gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.