Mature Living
Find your passion at any age
Age isn’t a barrier to learning new things. In fact, once you retire, you’ll have more time to explore your passions. Here are some tips for how to follow your bliss.
Ask yourself the right questions
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you identify your interests:
• What did you love as a child?
• What do you enjoy talking about with your friends?
• Do you have a secret dream?
• What are you good at?
Now is the time to take up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
Explore the possibilities
Do you want to learn something new or increase your knowledge about a particular subject? If so, you may want to take an online course or go back to school. In addition, taking up a hobby such as swimming, walking, gardening, cooking, painting, writing, pottery, or woodworking can allow you to connect with a newfound interest.
Inspiring people
Here are three inspiring people who found success later in life:
• Colonel Harland Sanders was more than 60 years old when he succeeded in franchising his fried chicken restaurants.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first novel, Little House in the Big Woods, at the age of 65.
• At 77, John Glenn became the oldest person to go into space.
Mature Living
The risks of online gambling
Online gambling became increasingly popular during the pandemic, and many seniors turned to online casinos as a source of entertainment. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for people to become addicted to online gambling. Here are a few things to consider before you place a bet online.
Assess your risk profile
Researchers have identified the following high-risk characteristics that are associated with gambling addictions:
• Low income
• Social isolation
• Mental or physical illness
• Having another addiction (alcohol, drugs, food, etc.)
Know the signs of a gambling addiction
Here are a few signs that you might have a gambling problem:
• You’re preoccupied with gambling
• You try to recoup your losses by betting more money
• You lie to others about how much you gamble
• You steal or commit other crimes to finance your habit
Recognize that online gambling is addictive
Here are a few reasons why gambling online is more addictive than placing bets at a casino:
• It’s more accessible
• It’s anonymous
• It’s easy to forget you’re playing with real money
Responsible gambling is possible only if you’re able to stay in control. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and limit the amount of time you spend gambling online.
Has gambling become a problem for you or someone you love? There are plenty of resources available to help with gambling addictions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or Gamblers Anonymous group in your area.
Mature Living
Selling your home before you move: pros and cons
If you’re planning to move into a seniors’ residence, you may be wondering whether you should sell your home before you make the change. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of doing so that you may want to consider.
Pros
If you sell your home before you move, you’ll save yourself the stress and pressure of trying to complete the transaction quickly once you’re settled into your new abode. In addition, you’ll get the money sooner and can use it to decorate your new place.
In addition, you’ll avoid needing to pay the mortgage and maintenance fees on your old home while also covering the cost of the rent.
Cons
If you sell your home before you move, you may have to live there during any renovations that are needed. In addition, you’ll likely have to adjust your schedule to accommodate showings.
Furthermore, if you find a buyer for your home before the unit in your residence becomes available, you’ll need to either temporarily pay rent to stay in your old place or secure an alternative living arrangement in the interim.
Selling a property involves many steps and a lot of paperwork. To simplify the process, be sure to enlist the help of a real estate agent.
Mature Living
4 benefits of yoga for seniors
Yoga has a multitude of physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. Here are four ways this activity helps seniors:
1. It increases flexibility and mobility. Many yoga movements focus on flexibility and can help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
2. It improves balance. A number of yoga poses focus on balance and stability. Strengthening your core muscles helps reduce the likelihood of a fall.
3. It boosts lung capacity. The breathing exercises practiced during yoga help optimize respiratory function, which can decline with age. This helps lower blood pressure and aids in digestion.
4. It enhances psychological well-being. Practicing yoga helps release tension, improve sleep quality and reduce stress and anxiety.
Don’t wait to take advantage of these benefits. Look for senior-friendly yoga classes in your area.
Mature Living
3 benefits of online dating
As you get older, it can become more challenging to meet new people, and the likelihood of encountering your soul mate in the park or at the grocery store is low. Online dating, however, is a great way to meet someone special. Here are a few of its benefits.
1. You’ll clarify your priorities
Online dating sites allow you to filter potential partners using specific criteria. You can search for people who live near you or have similar hobbies and interests. This is a great way to discover what you’re looking for in a future relationship.
2. It’s easy to break the ice
Online dating allows you to talk over the phone, online, or through a video chat. It’s a great way to break the ice and get a feel for someone before you meet them in person.
3. You can build your confidence slowly
It’s normal to feel a little wary after coming out of a divorce or long-term relationship. Online dating can be less nerve-racking than meeting someone in person. Plus, it can help you rebuild your confidence as you get used to dating again.
Online dating is a convenient and practical way to find romance from the comfort of your home. Grab your computer, smartphone, or tablet and start searching for love today.
Mature Living
6 tips to reduce fatigue among seniors
Have you started to feel increasingly tired as you get older? If so, here are six tips to help you boost your energy level.
1. Get enough sleep. Getting the right amount of rest is the best way to recharge your batteries. Whether you go to bed early or take a nap during the day, making sure you get enough sleep is important.
2. Eat well. Both consuming heavy meals and eating too little can make you feel sluggish. Instead, try to eat light meals and small, protein-packed snacks to keep your energy level raised.
3. Move your body regularly. Doing a bit of light activity every day can help you increase the amount of energy you have available. In addition, if you regularly sit for long periods of time, you should take short, frequent breaks to stretch your muscles.
4. Take nutritional supplements. You may be feeling fatigued because your diet is lacking certain nutrients. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to see if taking supplements or vitamins might help combat your low energy level.
5. Keep busy. Regularly taking on new hobbies and projects can help prevent boredom. Keeping busy can help you increase your energy level.
6. Use light therapy. Sunlight is a natural mood booster that can help rejuvenate you. In addition, light therapy lamps are beneficial for combating fatigue, especially in the winter.
If you’ve tried everything and still feel tired, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Mature Living
Safety tips for seniors living at home
Seniors over the age of 65 account for approximately half of all injury-related hospitalizations, and the majority of these are due to slips and falls. Help a senior in your life maximize their safety and independence at home. Here are a few key tips.
In the bedroom
Make sure there’s a clear path between the bed and the door. Install a nightlight or place a light switch near the bed that can be turned on without getting up. These adjustments will make it easy for your loved ones to move around and see where they’re going if they need to get up at night to use the bathroom.
In the kitchen
Keep small items that are used daily, such as utensils, cups, glasses, and lids, in easy-to-reach locations. Place items that don’t get used very often, such as plastic dishes and stainless-steel bowls, up high. Heavy objects, such as pots, pans, and small appliances, should be stored in cabinets and drawers that are close to the ground.
In the bathroom
Install grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet. A bathing chair can be used to make it easier to wash and help prevent leg fatigue. In addition, a non-slip rubber mat with suction cups will make surfaces less slippery. You can also install a handheld shower, which is easier to handle, as well as a temperature regulator to prevent accidental burns.
In high-traffic areas
Ensure that all hallways, staircases, and entrances are clear of obstacles, clutter, and tripping hazards. If there are throw rugs, make sure they’re properly secured and aren’t wrinkled or bunched up. Furthermore, make sure there’s adequate lighting in these areas and a sturdy handrail along either side of the staircase.
If you want more tips for how to create a safe living environment, arrange an in-home assessment with an occupational therapist.
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