Flowers on the Bus

By: Jean Hendrichson

We were a very motley crowd of people who took the bus every day that summer 33 years ago. During the early morning ride from the suburb, we sat drowsily with our collars up to our ears, a cheerless and taciturn bunch.

One of the passengers was a small grey man who took the bus to the centre for senior citizens every morning. He walked with a stoop and a sad look on his face when he, with some difficulty, boarded the bus and sat down alone behind the driver. No one ever paid very much attention to him.

Then one July morning he said good morning to the driver and smiled short-sightedly down through the bus before he sat down. The driver nodded guardedly. The rest of us were silent.

The next day, the old man boarded the bus energetically, smiled and said in a loud voice: "And a very good morning to you all!" Some of us looked up, amazed, and murmured "Good morning," in reply.

The following weeks we were more alert. Our friend was now dressed in a nice old suit and a wide out-of-date tie. The thin hair had been carefully combed. He said good morning to us every day and we gradually began to nod and talk to each other.

One morning he had a bunch of wild flowers in his hand. They were already dangling a little because of the heat. The driver turned around smilingly and asked: "Have you got yourself a girlfriend, Charlie?" We never got to know if his name really was "Charlie", but he nodded shyly and said yes.

The other passengers whistled and clapped at him. Charlie bowed and waved the flowers before he sat down on his seat.

Every morning after that Charlie always brought a flower. Some of the regular passengers began bringing him flowers for his bouquet, gently nudged him and said shyly: "Here." Everyone smiled. The men started to jest about it, talk to each other, and share the newspaper.

The summer went by, and autumn was closing in, when one morning Charlie wasn't waiting at his usual stop. When he wasn't there the next day and the day after that, we started wondering if he was sick or -- hopefully -- on holiday somewhere.

When we came nearer to the centre for senior citizens, one of the passengers asked the driver to wait. We all held our breaths when she went to the door.

Yes, the staff said, they knew who we were talking about. The elderly gentleman was fine, but he hadn't been coming to the centre that week. One of his very close friends had died at the weekend. They expected him back on Monday. How silent we were the rest of the way to work.

The next Monday Charlie was waiting at the stop, stooping a bit more, a little bit more grey, and without a tie. He seemed to have shrinked again. Inside the bus was a silence akin to that in a church. Even though no one had talked about it, all those of us, who he had made such an impression on that summer, sat with our eyes filled with tears and a bunch of wild flowers in our hands.

Read More

Senior Citizen Jokes

By: Cynthia Trowbridge

My sister-in-law sent me several good senior citizen jokes. Thought I would share three of them.

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.

On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

**
Three old guys are out walking.
First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?'
Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!'
Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer..'

**
Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.

A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.

A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'

Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.''

The doctor said, 'I didn't say that.. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'

Read More

Health Risks of Caffeine for Seniors

By: Carefect Blog Team

In our last article we discussed the health benefits of caffeine for seniors, but seniors should be aware that there are risks associated with caffeine consumption as well. Ignoring the risks associated with caffeine can be very problematic so it is important for seniors to know the negative side effects that they might experience after consuming too much caffeine. In this article we would like to offer some information about the health risks of caffeine for seniors.

The first thing that seniors should consider is whether or not they fall into an “at risk” group. At risk groups include seniors with gastritis or ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis and seniors taking certain types of medication. The effects of caffeine on seniors with any of these conditions can be very harmful and will be discussed further in this article. A quick example of the effects of caffeine on “at risk” groups is those with gastritis or ulcers drinking coffee on a regular basis. Coffee is very acidic which is very bad for those experiencing those conditions because the acid can worsen the symptoms of gastritis and make treatment more difficult.

The next major concern for seniors is dehydration. Caffeine is a known diuretic which means that it promotes the production of urine which in turn can cause dehydration. Seniors are more sensitive to fluctuations in the amount of fluid in their body so becoming dehydrated can lead to lightheadedness and falls in the elderly. Seniors who regularly drink high amounts of caffeine should make sure that they are also taking in plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Caffeine can also be dangerous if it is continuously consumed because of its long term effects on the body. Consuming caffeine stimulates the adrenal hormones and activates the sympathetic nervous system which causes the parasympathetic nervous system to become inactive. The parasympathetic nervous system is important to our body because it regulates hormone levels, body temperature, digestion and nutrient absorption. Having too much caffeine in the body causes the sympathetic nervous system to remain active which in turn causes the hormones to become out of balance since they are not being regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system like they normally would be.

Hormonal imbalances can lead to osteoporosis which is very important for seniors to avoid because as we age our bones begin to lose density and osteoporosis makes this process occur much faster. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men are so women should keep this fact in mind before consuming caffeine. Minerals are often the most difficult things for our body to absorb and caffeine can make the process even harder by decreasing the absorption of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Seniors need to take in as much calcium as they can for bone health so it is important for them to avoid consuming too much caffeine and decreasing their calcium absorption.

Caffeine can also boost blood glucose levels which means that seniors with diabetes and seniors at risk for diabetes should limit their caffeine intake to avoid elevations in their blood sugar. Managing blood sugar levels is very important for seniors with diabetes because it keeps symptoms under control and allows seniors to maintain a healthier body. There are also a number of other negative side effects associated with caffeine consumption that can affect people of all ages such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability, upset stomach, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors. These symptoms are usually associated with higher daily consumption values, usually around 500-600 mg a day, and are not seen as often when caffeine is consumed in moderation so this is important to keep in mind during the day.

Medications such as theophylline, Echinacea and some antibiotics can react with caffeine so seniors should consult their doctor before consuming caffeine with any of these medications. All of these medications produce negative effects when taken with caffeine and seniors are more susceptible to the negative effects of caffeine so it is extremely important that seniors do not take these medications with caffeine. Seniors taking antibiotics can ask their doctor if their antibiotics are safe to take with caffeine or not.

Seniors who fall into an at risk group such as those with osteoporosis, diabetes, gastritis or ulcers should always consult their doctor before consuming caffeine, but it is also a good idea for seniors without any of those conditions to consult their regular doctor as well. Some people are less tolerable to caffeine and should consume less, and doctors will be able to assess seniors on an individual basis. Family caregivers can help their loved ones avoid the negative side effects of caffeine by providing caffeine free drinks or helping their loved ones keep track of how much caffeine they are consuming.

Read More

The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

By: Carefect Blog Team

Gardening is a favorite activity of many seniors during the spring and summer time.  Besides being enjoyable, it provides numerous health benefits.  If you have an older parent, you should encourage them to remain active in a hobby like gardening.

How Gardening Can Keep You Healthy

Gardening has many benefits for overall physical and mental health.  Here is a list of reasons to continue in this activity if it is a favorite.

• It provides exercise and improves mobility and flexibility.  For seniors who don’t have appointments or schedules to keep, it can be easy to become inactive.  Gardening is a fun activity that stimulates the body’s systems without seeming like exercise.
• It incorporates multiple areas of the body with bending, stooping, and reaching to provide overall fitness and improvement of motor skills.
• It improves endurance if you spend a lot of time in the garden.  It also improves strength as you pull weeds and dig in the dirt.
• It can reduce stress levels and allow the person to relax, which promotes better sleep for improved health.
• It can help prevent or reduce problems with diseases like osteoporosis, which benefit from exercise.
• It helps improve mental awareness due to the fresh air and can help the senior maintain the ability to focus and concentrate.
• It provides social interaction with neighbors or people walking by.
• It provides a sense of accomplishment that the senior can still do something even if their body is failing in other areas.
• Growing your own vegetables in the garden can provide healthy food with nutritional value.
• Considerations

Although there are many benefits you can gain from gardening, there are also things to consider.  For instance, a senior’s skin is much thinner and more fragile than a younger person and they can get calluses’ or cuts on their hands.  They can also get sunburned quicker and should reapply sunscreen often.

Other concerns include:

• Falls.  If the ground is uneven, a senior is more likely to fall and break a bone.  The area needs to be free from sticks, rocks, and other hazards. It can also be beneficial for them to use a cane or a walker even if they don’t need one indoors.
• Overheating. Older people may not be able to regulate their body temperatures as efficiently as someone twenty or thirty years younger.  It is important that they stay inside during hot times of the day and drink plenty of liquids when they are out in the garden.
• Poor vision. If a person cannot see well, it can be more dangerous for them to      be outside in an unfamiliar area than in their house where they walk every day.
• Forgetfulness. A person with dementia may become disoriented when they are away from the familiarity of their home. This is true even if it is their backyard; they can wander off and become lost.

How to Make Gardening Safe

Seniors do not need to give up their gardening as they age.  Many things can be modified to allow them to continue to participate in an activity they enjoy.

• Use patio plants in pots that can be placed at waist level.
• Create raised beds to prevent back strain.
• Buy lightweight tools and plastic buckets that are easier to handle.
• Make sure there is a shaded area near the garden for the senior to get out of the sun for awhile.
• Have a comfortable outdoor chair near so they can rest.
• Many homecare services will allow the caregivers to assist the senior with gardening.  They can be there with them in case they would get sick or need help.

As a family caregiver, you may worry about your parent when they are outside.  You can have them buy a mobile phone to keep with them when they are outdoors.  This way, you can reach them and they can contact you if they don’t feel well.

Make sure any cuts or insect bites are cleaned and treated immediately.  If the person is unsteady, you may suggest that they don’t use power tools or put them away to prevent serious injury.  Encourage them to wear sturdy shoes and protective gear such as gloves when working in the garden.

If you are concerned about your parent spending time in the garden alone, you can utilize homecare services to assist them.  At Carefect Homecare Services, we encourage seniors to be active by providing caregivers as a safe resource for them to enjoy an active lifestyle. Our caregivers can remind the senior to drink plenty of water and check on them to make sure they don’t stay out in the heat too long. We can help make gardening a safe activity for your parents or loved ones to continue and enjoy.

Read More

Video Games Help Seniors Stay Healthier, Happier

By: Chris Morris

Want to keep grandma happy? Hand her a Wiimote!
A study out of North Carolina State has found a link between elderly people who play video games and not only improved happiness, but better overall health.

"The research published here suggests that there a link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning," Dr. Jason Allaire, lead author of a paper describing the study and an associate professor of psychology at NC State, said in a press release. "We are currently planning studies to determine whether playing digital games actually improves mental health in older adults."

Researchers asked 140 seniors (63 and up) how often they played video games, if at all. Over 60 percent of them did so at least occasionally, and 35 percent said they played at least once per week.

After assessing their emotional and social well-being, researchers found that participants who played video games, including those who only played occasionally, reported higher levels of well-being. Those who did not play video games reported more negative emotions and a tendency toward higher levels of depression.

The study is not conclusive due to the small sampling size, but it's hardly the first time science has linked games to and improved quality of life in the golden years. Last year, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that select video games may have positive mental benefits for older adults and could help stave off dementia. They've also been shown to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

Games that encourage players to get off the couch and move have been tied to improved health -- especially in the elderly.

As people get older, they tend to move less. Researchers found that only 14 percent of adults over the age of 65 exercise regularly. Once they cross the age of 70, that number slips to 7 percent. Adding a gaming element takes the drudgery out of working out and boosts the overall health of the player.

Not to mention that they're just flat out fun. Just ask the amazing gaming grandpa. So awesome.

Read More

Five Reasons Why Seniors Should Blog!

By: A Brewster Smythe

Seniors blogging. Sounds almost like a paradox when it is considered that the world of the blog seems to be owned by the MySpace generation.
But, it ain't necessarily so!

Let's face the facts. Americans are living longer, and are healthier as they age now. This means that these older, feisty folks are not the elderly, fragile people of yesterday. It follows, therefore, that blogging would be the perfect match for a population of people who are still active, full of zest, and want to keep in touch with the world.

Here are the five best reasons why seniors should blog.

1) Seniors own a wealth of experience: Seniors have so much to share with the world. A recent survey stated that a good amount of those under 25 - can only remember Bill Clinton's presidency. Irregardless of political affiliation, it has to be admitted -that is pretty sad. That's why it's important for seniors to share their contextual perspective. They can do this through writing and owning their own historical blogs, political blogs, and social commentary blogs. Seniors can also participate by their active involvement in others blogs. Comment and comment strongly.

2) Community: Seniors often seem to withdraw from the world. After all, retirement partially means to withdraw. But, that can all change through the vehicle of the blog. Becoming a part of the blogosphere enables seniors to actively engage in a wider group of people who have similar interests, though not always the same viewpoint.

3) Common Interests (niche): Common interests are predominant on the web. There are so many blogs, and bloggers - that it has become a necessity to carve out a smaller niche so that each participant can find their own special area of interest easily. Seniors, simply because they have had so many years to develop crafts, hobbies, interests, and opinions - can share this experience with ease.

4) Closing the gap between the generations: Seniors have experience - the young have technical skill and the language of the internet. The potential for sharing these two gold mines is mind-boggling. Actually, none of us can do well, in this world, without the other. If the senior population became fully engaged in the world of blogging and in a broader sense, the World Wide Web - our global mentoring system could develop and explode.

5) Income: There is always a possibility of income streams through blogging. Google Adsense, and affiliate programs, like Amazon, are vehicles that bloggers often use to create an income - the possibility for seniors is good because of their niche experience and knowledge.

These are five reasons why seniors should blog. But, the most crucial reason is not included in this listing because I wanted to save it for last. Seniors should blog because it is just so much fun! Blogging allows people the opportunity to create through text and photos -and video, an online presence that can be shared with the broader world. After awhile, a community develops around blogging and friends appear that add even more fun and spice to your life. A senior deserves to still seek out new experiences and new friends. We can never have enough of either one of these. More than this, we can never have too much dang fun!

Read More

A Banking Alternative for Seniors

By David McMillin

If you're worried about your grandma or grandpa falling for a financial scam, one company is hoping to help calm those fears with a prepaid card. California-based True Link offers an alternative banking product designed to help seniors maintain financial independence while preventing them from falling into traps by identity thieves and other online financial scams.

Here's a quick look at how the card works. A caretaker or family member can order the card for their loved one and customize the card with maximum charge amounts, blocked merchants and the ability to disable ATM withdrawals.

True Link also keeps a running list of known online scams and problematic merchants that have been known to prey on unsuspecting seniors. The card will automatically prevent certain purchases, and it will also immediately alert the caretaker of suspicious approved purchases via text message or email.

Kai Stinchcombe, the company's founder, says that the card was inspired by his own efforts to monitor his grandmother's personal finances and sort through deals such as hearing-aid scams, magazine subscriptions, fake charity donations and "free" trial programs from TV offers.

The card does come with a price tag. After the first year, True Link has an annual $20 fee. That is certainly much higher than other banking alternatives, but standard services such as loading cash on the card, making purchases and contacting customer service do not cost extra.

There's evidence that the fee might be well worth it, too. A study conducted by MetLife in June 2011 indicated that victims of elder financial abuse collectively lose an average of $2.9 billion each year. While no one wants to pay an annual fee for their money management, no one wants to untangle a mess of personal finances after a financial scam, either. Reversing fraudulent charges and opting out of subscription-based services and products can be very challenging.

What do you think of the prepaid card? Do you think it's worth $20 each year?

Read More