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Should a senior consider adopting a pet? And if so, what kind of pet? Studies have shown that pet owners live longer. As loneliness is a major challenge for older people, adopting a pet makes good sense. Not only will a pet be a loving companion, but it will also help with exercise and boredom. You just have to be careful to adopt the right pet, as some pets are better for older people than others. Here are some thinks to consider: Continue reading
If you’re planning on traveling out of the country, getting your plane tickets and packing your suitcase may not be enough.Travel medicine experts strongly recommend that you don’t leave home without also taking the proper health precautions. Continue reading
Having a pet at a senior’s home may be just what the doctor ordered. A three-year study at 
the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia showed that pet owners were healthier than non-owners. This finding could not be explained by such personal differences as cigarette smoking, diet, weight, or socioeconomic profile.
Pet owners were found to have significantly lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as lower systolic blood pressure readings than non-pet owners. When examining the results, researchers could not find any other factors other than pet ownership that influenced the outcome. Pet owners reported they were more active, but they also drank more alcohol and ate more take-out food.
Lola pictured above, our 7 year old Havanese, is Pet therapy certified and available to visit our senior clients at no extra cost.
Nutrition and proper eating becomes more important as we age. As a result, menu planning becomes an important consideration. Here are some things to consider:
Easy to chew and swallow: Digestive processes changes with age and seniors tend to produce 30% less saliva then they did while younger. Foods that are dry can be difficult to chew and swallow. Many senior citizens wear dentures, so tough meats and raw vegetables can be difficult to chew. When planning a meal, select softer foods that are easy to eat.
Lower in salt: Most seniors have salt restrictions to reduce the risk of water retention and high blood pressure. Cooking with low or no salt is best, while processed foods and salted meats should also be avoided.
Make it tasty: Prescription medications can affect the flavor of foods and as we age our sense of smell and taste also changes. Foods that once were tasty may suddenly taste bland. When preparing a meal for a senior adding savory (but not spicy) seasonings will make a meal taste more flavorful.
Use recipes with lots of nutrition: Most seniors tend to have smaller appetites which can contribute to weight loss. Instead of preparing light & lean meals, meals that are high in nutrition and calories can help a senior maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining close relationships with young grandchildren or great-grandchildren is important for the emotional health and well being of seniors. Here are some things to consider whether you live close or far away:
Play dress-up. Go through your closet and set aside unused clothes for pretend play – the more vintage and outlandish, the better. Add shoes, handbags and costume jewelry, too. Let your grandchild choose clothes for both of you to wear.
Do a puzzle. Pick out a jigsaw puzzle together at the store, and when it’s done, use puzzle glue to create a keepsake the child can hang on his or her bedroom wall.
Make portraits of each other. Use crayons or paints to tap into your inner artists. Display your grandchild’s artwork at your house, and let him or her take home your masterpiece.
Cook or bake together. Even very young children can follow simple directions and help mix batter or shape dough. Keep track of what you make together in a blank journal. This is a great way to pass on heirloom family recipes.
Share a special hobby. Whether you knit, collect coins, go fishing or play cards, involve your grandchild in these activities. They are a wonderful opportunity for learning.
If you aren’t close enough for in-person bonding, try these easy high-tech ways to stay close to grand kids:
Try video chat. Get help setting up a webcam so you can have live video conferences with your grandchildren. It’s a fun way to connect in a more personal way instead of using the phone.
Send a DVD bedtime story. Record yourself reading your grandchild’s favorite book. They can watch it at home and read along before bed.
Start a photo scavenger hunt. Pick a theme each week, like animals, food or even a certain shape or color. You and your grandchild can take pictures (film or digital) of things relating to that theme. Then, share the images via e-mail or regular mail and collect them in a photo album. Bring the albums when you do get together so you can talk about the pictures.
