Meditation for the Older Mind

Meditation isn’t something that many seniors realize can truly benefit them. But it’s an ideal activity, because it’s one that doesn’t require any particular physical skill, and the benefits are to the mind as well as to the body. Seniors don’t need to know how to meditate properly, it’s not a cultural thing or anything else – it’s about making the most of the benefits and relaxing to reap the following benefits:

• Meditation increases longevity; cognitive, perceptual, and behavioral flexibility; and learning ability in older adults

• Meditation creates an outflow from the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to slow the heart. This allows the mind to declutter and focus as the body relaxes

• Meditation doesn’t have to mean the classic form, there is no specific chant that people need to use in order to get into a state of meditation. It can be counting, repeating one particular phrase, using the sound “ohm” or virtually any repetitive word or sound to establish a constant breathing pattern. Focus on relaxation, and if your mind wanders, bring it back; you don’t need to focus on meditating perfectly, just get the benefits you need from it!

Via: AARP

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Increase of Senior Women in Direct Care Positions

More direct care positions are filled by women over the age of 55. In fact, more than 30% of direct care workers are older women. Despite the low pay scale and the tremendous workload, older women are taking these jobs to help other seniors who need services. Below is a list of information regarding older women in direct care positions.

1. In 2018, it is believed that more that 1.2 million women over 55 will be direct-care workers.

2. This increase is mainly due to the growing work force. Fewer seniors are retiring early and many senior women stay employed as long as possible.

3. Older women will make up the majority of employees that are providing services and support to other seniors with illnesses and disabilities.

4. Direct-care jobs are typically funded with public money. The government is trying to ensure that these jobs attract a stable group of employees.

5. Direct-care positions are very important in society. Without these jobs, many seniors would not receive the care they need on a daily basis.

6. One major concern is the low pay scale. People who provide direct-care earn much less than the average worker. This could cause potential problems in the future by driving older women away to look for a better paying job.

Source: PHI National

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Facts about Senior Life Expectancy

With each passing year, seniors are living longer lives. This increase in life expectancy has been on the rise for over a century. This is largely due to the fact that more seniors are maintaining their health. Public awareness about senior health issues has also risen. The list provided below contains some life expectancy facts.

1. Medical intervention and awareness are responsible for a large portion of the reason seniors are living longer.

2. Over the past 170 years, life expectancy has increased at a rate of 2.5 years each decade. This is equal to gaining 6 hours of life each day!

3. Most individuals who were born in 2000 or later will reach the age of 100.

4. Since people are living longer, it may be time to make some changes to lifestyles. A proposal would be to have younger people work fewer hours. This would allow them to work longer as they age instead of entering retirement and then living for another 30 or 40 years.

5. Seniors are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should include a well-rounded diet, daily exercise and social involvement.

Source: Duke News

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Seniors Exercise by Walking

Seniors who take walks during the day have reported experiencing less tension and stress. It has been shown that stress is actually relieved by taking brisk walks. This walking time allows a senior to clear their thoughts while getting necessary exercise. This is further discussed below. There are many benefits to walking and stress reduction is only one of them.

1. Walking can reduce stress and tension. Short walks can have positive effects on the mind and body.

2. If you feel stress building, try taking a short, but brisk walk. If you cannot fit in a walk, do some simple stretches to move your body around. This will also help to reduce stress.

3. Do not look at walking as though it is an exercise. Take it as time to be alone and clear your mind while reaping the benefits of a physical exercise.

4. Focus on the surrounding and breathe calmly. Sights, sounds and smells can make seniors relax and reduce tension.

5. Bring along a friend for the walk. This is a great way to socialize while getting some exercise. Walking partners can make the walk seem very short and enjoyable. The same goes for pets. Take the dog for a walk each day. The pet will benefit, and so will you!

Source: AARP

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Walking for Heart

Walking won’t only lift the spirits of seniors, it can also improve heart health substantially as an aerobic exercise. Walking is a great low-impact exercise, and seniors can do it at their own pace in any environment that makes them feel comfortable, so there’s no excuse not to; especially not with these tips to get you started!

1. Don’t push yourself too hard – as an older adult, you do need to be conscious that you don’t push yourself too hard. When you start walking, keep the distances short at first until you work up your endurance. Walk for 5-10 minutes at a slower pace, then slowly increase your pace and time spent.

2. Focus on good posture – proper posture will bring greater benefit to your body overall. Lift your head high, tuck in your stomach, and fall into a comfortable stride with your legs and arms

3. Focus on your breathing – as you begin your new exercise program, focus on breathing while you walk. This may prevent you from being able to hold a conversation if walking with friends or family, but it will bring the most benefit. If you find your breath is quickening rapidly, adjust your breathing or slow your pace

Seniors should speak to their doctors before beginning any new exercise program.

Via: American Heart Association

Home Care Bakersfieldprovides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

End of Life Decisions

Terminally ill seniors battle their illness each and every day. This can be very exhausting and stressful, leading to many seniors wishing they would not live through their treatment. The right to die is a touchy issue, supported by some and opposed by many. Seniors should inform doctors and loved ones of their wishes, even if they are not supported. The list below provides seniors with some information associated with end of life decisions.

1. 84% of Americans believe seniors should have a choice whether they live or die when they have a terminal illness.

2. 22% of nurses and doctors feel that everything should be done in order to keep the senior alive, despite their wishes.

3. Seniors should put their wishes in writing. This is one way to make sure that doctors are aware of what the senior wants if they are unable to make decisions at any time during treatment.

4. Many Americans believe family members should have a say in the end of life decisions that pertain to a loved one.

5. In most cases, older women are more apt to discuss these wishes with family members. It is important for all seniors to express their desire about what should happen to them during the course of treatment for a terminal illness.

Source: Pew Social Trends

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Combining Generations in One Household

Whether you’re a senior yourself or have an older adult in your life, you’ve likely considered joining forces to live together under one household. You may have different reasons for thinking about this, but you’ll find the same benefits of bringing all family members together.

1. The state of the economy – the economy has hit many people hard and families have to rely on each other for support. This has often been one factor that has influenced families in brining seniors into their homes to provide physical care as well as financial assistance across the board

2. There is a growing senior population – 16% of the American population lives in a multi-generational household. Numbers are increasing as there are more seniors living to older adulthood who may require care and support, or find it important to be surrounded by family

3. People are marrying later – younger generations on average aren’t starting families until their mid to late 20’s, so many people in their early 20’s remain at home which puts more adult generations under one roof

4. Focus upon independence – seniors and their families are no longer focused upon aging in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, so living with a family member can create a care option focused upon independence

Via: Pew Research Center

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

No matter what your relationship to your mother, you have a respect and appreciation for her for giving you life.

Especially if you are an adult child who is involved in the care of your aging mother, you play such a big role in her life and her in yours. You may know all this, but putting it into words can sometimes be easier said than done.

However, you don’t need to use your own words to express the love of your mother. A number of books written with Mother’s Day in mind can help you to get the message across. These are just a few of the popular choices:

1. The Adventures of Mighty Mom by Gwendolyn Mitchell Diaz: this book focuses upon a mother’s devotion for her child

2. Mothers are like that by Carol Carrick: Mothers and their children don’t all have the same relationships and this book focuses upon the differences but how all show support for one another in their own way.

3. Dear Mom: Thank You for Everything by Bradley Trevor Greive: A child’s thoughts and feelings about a mother accompanied by pictures that all mothers and children will relate to.

4. Love Lessons from My Mom by Kelly Corbet:  This is a quote from the book which really represents the focus of the book “A love lesson can come dressed as a baggage handler or a bag lady, from a family counselor or a drive-you-nuts member of your family A love lesson might even come in the shape of a flower growing in your backyard. It’s all in the invitation. So if you’re open to life, there’s no telling what great joys you’ll have over for tea or meet in a parking lot.”

5. All That Matters: A Mother’s Memories by Janis Hogan: A focus upon the special moments in life and how that impacts the relationship between mothers and children.

Mother’s Day Celebration

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For The Love of Your Heart: Foods Every Senior Citizen Shouldn’t Eat

The elderly often forget about good nutrition. A healthy diet rich in nutrients can turn an unhappy, unhealthy heart into quite the opposite. Seniors can be more aware of foods to avoid when going out to eat or shopping at the grocery store that do not always love their hearts.

• At The Restaurant—Sometimes when seniors go out to eat, those heart healthy diets fly out the window. Seniors should avoid restaurants with all you can eat buffets, as you are more likely to eat more food, which leads to more calories. Seniors should also resist ordering appetizers, cocktails, and sides with cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Asking for dressings and sauces on the side is a great way to control the quantity you consume.

• At The Drive In Window—Fast food can be easy and quick for seniors, but it is not always healthy. Avoid the unhealthy sides of fries and go with healthier options like fruit. Also seniors should pass on any value or super size.

• At The Supermarket—Seniors should stay away from fruit juices as they do not provide the fiber of whole fruit. In the dairy case, do not grab butter, ice cream and cream as they tend to have more saturated fats than whole milk. Seniors should also be weary of baked goods and desserts loaded with saturated and hydrogenated fats. The same goes for snacks. Fried chips should be replaced with vegetables or baked alternatives.

Source: American Heart Organization

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.