Smart Senior

Senior to Senior: Simplify Your Life

Seniors often say that they are busier now than when they were working. I’m never quite sure if they are bragging or complaining, but it does seem that time flies by faster than it used to. A certain urgency weighs heavily on all of our minds. Things to do and places to go, but time flies, and it gets harder and harder to fit everything in. What’s the best way to keep from spinning your wheels? When you had small children in the house and you worked full time, you had to be super organized. Forget about the “I’m retired” mindset and learn how to reorganize your life again. If you play your cards right you can still find time to “have it all.” • Accept that you are older. • Accept that you no longer have unlimited energy. • Accept that you need to regroup. Figure out how to save time and eliminate stress. Anything and everything that you can do to save time will buy you more time. Redefine what is important. What was absolutely necessary yesterday may not be so significant today. Let it go. Housework and spring cleaning come to mind. Learn to stop stressing, nobody cares. Keep up the best you can, but stop comparing yourself to others. Use methods like flylady.com, to learn simple ways to cope and move on. Don’t spend hours obsessing when you could be volunteering, painting, writing, studying or traveling. Be willing to delegate; for the price you used to pay for those $5 lattes, you can have a cleaning service come in once or twice a month. Use the dishwasher that has been setting unused in the corner of your kitchen. Take advantage of delivery services, unless shopping is your passion. Time is what we are talking about here; your time. “Your time” is more important than ever. Use it to catch up on correspondence, take a class, volunteer an hour or two of your time, or take your granddaughter out for lunch. Do what you love, get some exercise, and simplify your life. Being “busy” isn’t everything.

Senior to Senior: Sunburns

Last week it was snowing. This week we are dealing with another issue of concern to seniors. Too much sun is not age specific, but seniors seem to be more aware than most. Strained muscles pale in comparison to damage from too much sun. The snow is almost gone and the warmth of spring sunshine feels like a gentle caress, until you come home from your walk with a red face. A sunburn? Surely not, it’s only March. Enjoy the sun but respect its power, whether it is March or July the rays can do a lot of damage. Be aware, especially now, even though it is only March, that surfaces such as snow, sand, concrete and water reflect and intensify sunlight. Obviously, the need for a good sunscreen is not seasonal. Researchers are pretty adamant that we are at risk for skin cancer every time we go outdoors without protection; as if it isn’t bad enough to have dry skin and wrinkles. It isn’t fair. You wait all winter for the day you can lift your face to sun, trade your parka for a sleeveless tee-shirt, and run barefooted through the grass. If you were a cat you would be purring, but be careful. • You can still go outdoors but try to minimize sun exposure by getting up early and taking your walks before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. • Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently every two hours if you must be outdoors. • Wear appropriate clothing. Yes, that means a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirts, and long pants. That shouldn’t be too difficult because like it or not, older arms and legs don’t look that great anyway. Sunscreen may not be enough, but it’s a start; apply liberally to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Pay particular attention to face, hands and arms. Apply in the morning, after swimming, or after perspiring heavily. Prevention is the key. Get used to the idea that the tan we worshiped in our youth doesn’t cut it now. Skin cancer is no joke.

Senior to Senior: Shoveling Snow

Winter is nearly over, but it seems that Mother Nature isn’t ready to call it quits. Having over two feet of snow dumped in our yard last weekend was a real wake-up call. This may not sound like a lot of snow if you live in the Midwest, but in Arizona it is a different story. We were not only housebound but we were tasked with clearing 2 ½ feet of snow from our deck and driveway. As seniors we are all aware that shoveling snow can be hazardous to our health. We read about people having heart attacks all the time, but not much about all of the other ways you can hurt yourself. I am referring to soft tissue injuries, lacerations, fractures, low back pain, strains to shoulders, injuries to arms and hands, as well as slips and fall. Pretty scary, but if you can’t stand being in the house any longer you may find yourself throwing caution to the wind. This is just a reminder to be careful and take a few simple precautions. • Check with your doctor and know if you are healthy enough to be doing this yourself • Dress appropriately • Warm up your muscles before you go out there. • Pace yourself, and take frequent breaks. Take your time and keep your cellphone handy, just in case. When possible push the snow instead of lifting it. Do not throw snow over your shoulder or to the side using a twisting movement. Ouch. I had to use a broom, a squeegee mop with a sharp edge, and a regular (not snow) dig- a-hole kind of shovel. What was I thinking? I’ll be ready next year though, and hope you will be too. I plan on looking for an ergonomic grip that can attach to any long-handled tool. The longer grip means you can stand up straighter to avoid awkward and painful bending. A little bit of care can go a long way. You can enjoy yard work and even snow shoveling if you think about what you are doing.

Senior to Senior: Furniture for Seniors

You are officially “older” when you, or someone near and dear to you, starts having trouble getting into and out of chairs. At home you/they can distract everyone with conversation or laughter, but when you upend a table at a restaurant it is downright embarrassing. You are already doing exercises to strengthen your leg muscles, but that might not be enough. A few pieces of carefully selected furniture could make a difference. Don’t panic, but don’t wait too long. You may not be ready for a recliner-lift chair yet, but you need to explore some options. Think about it. You can fall down just reaching for a newspaper. You can slide off the edge of a slippery couch or a soft mattress. You can fall the next time you grab a rickety table to steady yourself, or you can hurt yourself bumping against an end table that has sharp edges. There are dozens of hazards right there in your own home. Changes to your home should be the next logical step. Safety and comfort are essential and well worth the effort. Shop with family or friends. Do not order on-line and do not ask others to shop for you; you need to go along to give each considered item a “test drive.” Grab bars and raised toilet seats are important, but today we are looking at furniture. The biggies, of course, are chairs, couches and a bed that you can easily get into and out of. Your feet must reach the floor when sitting and you have to be able to get in and out/ or on and off unassisted. You are officially past the age of beanbag chairs and overstuffed cushions. You want well-constructed furniture that will meet your physical and medical needs. No slippery vinyl and no more plastic slipcovers. You can buy fabrics that are both attractive and easy to clean. You may be attached to grandpa’s horsehair sofa, but this is not the time to let fond memories sabotage your quest for independent living.

Senior Living: Kindness and Longevity

Diet, exercise and socialization pave the way to a long and healthy life, but researchers are now saying that “happiness” plays an equally important role, and it is a lot more fun. Last week we touched on the importance of goal setting; why people are happiest when they have a reason to get up every morning, but is that enough? Keeping busy (having a goal) is important, but you aren’t off the hook yet. Your assignment for this week is to practice being kind, both to yourself and to others. Being kind isn’t all that hard, but you may need to give it a little thought. Don’t be intimidated. You don’t have to be faster than a speeding bullet or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound to show that you care. What does this have to do with longevity? Researchers assure us that engaging in little acts of kindness actually make you “feel good,” and all without costing you a thing. If “feeling good” isn’t scientific enough for you we can talk about how the body releases dopamine, a natural mood elevator, and endorphins, which contribute to a natural sense of well-being. With dopamine and endorphins on board you are ready to focus on the rest of your life. Squelch feelings such as fear, anxiety, sadness, depression, anger and hostility and do something nice. An act of kindness can go so far as to reduce stresses, lift emotions, and decreases negative feelings. Simple acts of kindness: • Let someone go ahead of you in line • Hold the door for someone, and smile. • Let a car merge ahead. • Pick up trash at a park or playground. • Send a card or e-mail just to say hello. • Volunteer time or goods to local charities. Yes, the verdict is in; being kind is good for everyone involved. Extending the holiday spirit throughout the year may well be the easiest way to improve your health. Living a long and happy life is indeed a bonus.

Senior Living: Happiness and Longevity

Longevity is in the news again, but what does it all mean. You’ve probably discovered by now that old age is catching up with you, even if you have played by all the rules. A healthy diet, exercise, plenty of rest, and social engagements have stood you in good stead, but researchers now tell us that it is not enough. The real key to longevity, they say, is “happiness.” That sounds easy enough, but is it? What if you are not a “feel good” happy kind of person. Does that mean that you can’t have a few more good years? Is it possible to learn how to be happy? Psychologist say that the odds are in our favor. Odds sounds a lot like math, but then numbers are something that we can all understand. Researchers suggest that 50% of our ability to be happy is genetically determined, 10% is governed by what is going on in our lives, and the rest is up to us. We are gifted with a 40% chance of making significant changes in our lives. Happy people enjoy the company of others and they enjoy setting “happiness goals.” Happiness is thought to encompass one’s ability to be grateful, forgiving, kind, optimistic and resilient. Big words that sound a lot like work, but we have time. Start by setting some goals. Think of goal setting as making a big to-do list. Goal setting, after all, is the best way to come up with a plan. A plan for today, a plan for the week, for the month, for the year and for a lifetime. You may think that you are too old to have goals, but give it some thought: • Goals setting is a sign that you have control over your life. • Goal setting gives structure and meaning to your life. • Goal setting stimulates your mind. Having goals serves as a reminder that you can still learn, contribute, and share. It is never too late to be a better and a happier person. Consider it a plus if it helps you live longer.

Senior Living: Smile

Electronic gadgets have made it easier to communicate, but they have robbed us of what I like to call the “human touch.” Somewhere along the line we have lost the ability to make contact with real flesh and blood people. When was the last time you smiled at a stranger? We can’t blame seniors for this, but they aren’t as helpful as they could be. Seniors are hardly ever portrayed as happy smiling individuals, which could be the reason why movies like Grumpy Old Men are so popular. When did people start losing touch? Did it happen all at once or did it happen gradually? When did being self-absorbed and aloof become the norm? Is it that people are too busy or too preoccupied to make the effort, or are they afraid that their smile won’t be returned? It could just be that they are just shy, or that a rebuff might remind them of what they have lost; small-town friendliness. Think of a smile as paying your good cheer forward. Put a smile on your face when you wake up, and keep on smiling throughout the day. Think about it; you might make a new friend or cheer up a sad soul. Experiment a little. Smile at the first 10 people you meet today and see what happens. It doesn’t have to be a big toothy smile, just a little upward curve of your lips will do. Don’t be afraid. What’s the worst that could happen? If they don’t smile back or if they give you a weird look, that’s their problem not yours. Why anyone want to walk around with an unpleasant negative frown when, with a little bit of effort, they could look pleasant and approachable. Who is the weird one now? A smile is universal. It costs nothing and it takes only a few minutes. Say hello to people that you pass on the street, in the hall at work, or to the neighbor working in his yard. Be a role model; teach your grandkids the importance of a smile.

Senior Living: Celebrate Winter

The holidays are over. The company has gone home, the tree is out at the curb, and the decorations have put away; you may be feeling a little lonely. Know that you are not alone. The long drab days of winter give most of us the heebie-jeebies. Researchers tell us that the winter blues aren’t as prevalent as once feared, but it is fine if you beg to differ. Winter can be, should be, a time to indulge your “inner child” and carve out time for yourself. Make your own sunshine. Decorating for the holidays was great fun but don’t stop there. Instead of dreading winter, decide to celebrate it. Winter is the time for homemade apple pie, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon rolls made from scratch. The kitchen is a friendly place; try some new recipes. Do something different. Beat the “winter blues” by re-decorating your house; create a “feel good” zone. Rearrange your furniture to showcase the fireplace or the picture window in the living room. Go shopping; buy pretty table runners, tons of pillows, a new bedspread, pictures, flowers, and anything you can think of to lighten up and brighten up your home. Connect with friends. Catch up on e-mails, letter writing and phone calls. If you are stuck at home and feeling lonely, chances are your friends are too. Stop listening to the news and play soothing music instead. Make yourself a cup of tea and settle into a routine. Keep busy. Now is the time to accomplish tasks you have been putting off, or start on new or to be continued hobbies. Sign up for classes if you feel a need to get out of the house. Now is the time to take care of yourself. Exercise and make appointments for routine physical and dental examinations. Give each season its due. Winter is the time to renew your body and your spirit.

Senior Living: A Healthy Holiday

Health! The last thing you want to think about right now is your health. You are more likely dreaming of sugar plums, cookies, sweet potato casseroles, and cups of eggnog than about things that are good for you. Still, the last thing you want to do is to get sick when you have so much to do. Other than staying home and being accused of being a scrooge, what are you supposed to do? I know what you are thinking. You will be surrounded by family and friends; what could possibly go wrong? Think about it, when they say shop till you drop, they aren’t kidding. Be sure to take rest breaks and wear comfortable shoes. If your feet hurt, you hurt all over. Be careful. Falls are more common during the holidays than you might think. Icy parking lots, wobbly ladders, faulty wiring and dried out trees are all waiting to trip you up. Close contact with people at holidays gatherings increases the likelihood of being nailed by germs, germs and more germ. Get your flu shot, wash your hands often, and try to avoid people who are sick. Refrain from overindulging in food and drink, no matter how tempting. Say no to seconds or thirds to avoid heartburn, bloating, hangovers, regrets and sleepless nights. Allergies kicking up? Allergists tell us that it is probably not the tree but the ornaments that are giving you grief. Itchy eyes, sneezing and hives can be caused by mold and dust found on ornaments that have been stored in dusty attics or damp basements. Dust off those pretty little bulbs and lights and remember to wash your hands after handling them. Take care of your back. Toting heavy bags, dragging a heavy tree into the house, lifting boxes of ornaments from high shelve, and reaching high to decorate the tree can all be hard on your back. As you can see, quite a lot can go wrong, but even more can go right. With a little bit of care and a lot of good cheer, you can have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Senior Living: Dealing With Holiday Blues

If binge-watching warm fuzzy movies doesn’t do the trick, you might need to think of other “feel good” pursuits to help you navigate the holidays. You are not alone if you have mixed feeling about the holidays, but at least give yourself a chance. People smile more, give more, and interact with others more often during the holidays, and we all need that. Don’t let the holiday doldrums keep you from spreading a little joy. It’s true, family activities and community expectations can be overwhelming, but take a deep breath and take it all in. Decide if it worse to feel pressured because you have “too much” to do, or to be depressed because you are all alone and don’t have enough to do? You too can get through the holidays with your sanity intact: • Plan ahead. Be realistic about what you want to accomplish before the holidays arrive. Those hit the hardest are the classic last-minute shoppers and those who volunteer to do too much. • Take care of yourself. It isn’t good to isolate yourself but don’t shop or party until you drop either. Indulge yourself. Treat yourself to a massage or have one of those delicious hot steamed apple cider drinks only available this time of year. • Don’t over extend yourself. Parcel out your moments when it comes to how much time you can spend on decorating, shopping, baking, PTA responsibilities, sending cards or attending or hosting parties. • Take advantage of social opportunities even if you don’t feel like it. If partying isn’t your cup of tea, and it isn’t everyone’s, invite others to come to you. If you live alone volunteer to help out at your church or community center. Recognize that it may be time to let some holiday responsibilities go. You want to stay in the loop, but be realistic about what you can or cannot do. Give yourself time to smile more, give more and interact with others more.