There is a smorgasbord of ALFs to choose from these days, each with their own buffet of services, accommodation options, meals, and activities from which to choose. Many may also offer Independent Living options, with an adjoining ALF just a few steps away, should the need for a change arise. One thing is for certain, you can be as active or serene as you wish. The best part about both is that someone else takes care of organizing the activities offered, and planning events. Moving forward in years doesn’t have to mean moving backward in fun. Activities are an essential part of life in the ALF for many reasons, including:
Healthy Activity. Getting up and moving is good for your health. Period. Whether it’s a walk in the park, taking an exercise class, a dip in the pool, or a shopping trip, you’re moving.
Isolation & Depression. Being social keeps your brain active, your heart pumping, and your smile muscles working. The bonus is, you’ll end up with a slew of new friends who share the same lifestyle and interests. Get high on those natural endorphins your body produces with exercise and watch your moods improve!

Grey Cells. It is well known that being socially engaged, as well as physically moving, keeps the brain active and the neurons firing.
So, what’s on the menu at an Assisted Living Facility? While each ALF will have its own roster of activities, these are just a taste of what may be available:
Entertainment. Movie nights, group TV, dog shows and canine visits, musicians, concerts, plays, shall I go on?

Dances. If you feel like getting ‘jiggy with it’, there’s bound to organized dances or classes offered from Line, Swing, Ballroom, Square to belly dancing. Some ALFs even host ‘Senior’ Proms!

Fitness. Apart from dance, there might be yoga or chair yoga classes, Tai Chi or chair aerobics, Zumba, swimming, aquacise, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce, walking trails, or even a nearby fishing hole. And if you’re digitally inclined, Wii sports are great fun from bowling to tennis to yes, even fishing.

Games. Cards, board games, chess, checkers, trivia nights, and more. Nothing beats a spirited Bingo game, too!

Music. If you dare, grab the mike on karaoke night or be entertained by visiting musicians, choirs, soloists, chamber ensembles, Sinatra or Elvis impersonator, or maybe even a talented resident or two.

Arts & Crafts. Both classes and studio time let you express yourself with painting, sketching, clay, flower pressing or arranging, woodworking, holiday crafts, and other creative outlets to learn new skills or enjoy practiced ones.
Events. The holidays always illicit parties and activities until you drop. There might even be a themed night like Hawaiian luaus or Tex-Mex with entertainers and menus to match. Enjoy Happy Hours with friends. And let’s not forget celebrating the most important day of the year, your birthday. There’s always a party in that!

Field Trips. Concerts, shopping trips, park visits and nature trails, museums, dining, sports events, movie theaters, Farmers Markets and supermarkets, play golf, the list goes on and on. Some ALFs even plan road trips and international excursions!
Clubs and Classes. Residents often form interest groups themselves, such as book clubs, birdwatchers, or even Bible studies. Classes might include learning a new language or computers, photography, or art.

As the saying goes, these are just the tip of the iceberg. There is something for everyone, and if you don’t see your favorite, ask. If it conforms to safety and cost standards, and enough interest is shown, it will be considered. The important thing is, when choosing an ALF, accommodations and services are undoubtedly necessary to investigate thoroughly. However, be sure also to get the rundown on all the activities offered. Then choose your new home and get this next phase of your life started – actively!

What Makes Gift Giving for Seniors Special

As seniors, your loved ones may have special needs—and in this time of their life, everything takes on an added significance. They have worked hard their whole lives and deserve something special when possible. Gifts for senior citizens from family or friends take on a whole new meaning. When you are elderly, even the smallest things can be very important to you. Even the simplest gifts can improve mood and even health, as they feel better about themselves simply because of your care and love.

The Top 10 Gifts for Seniors

In order to give you a better idea of the gifts that are available, this list of the top 10 gifts for seniors will show you some choices that you can make when it comes to gift-giving time. We looked around carefully all over the internet and scoured different sources to find the best available gifts. All of these gifts are relatively inexpensive and within reach for most people with a modest budget. Let’s take a look at the top 10 gifts you could give a truly deserving senior here:

1. Audible Books

As we age, vision can begin to fade. For those that may no longer prefer reading, audiobooks are a great alternative. There are many audible books available, some of which the author actually reads themselves. These wonderful books are an easy way to read the book of your choice. Whether you purchase a CD version of a book, or use Amazon’s Audible app, there are many easy and affordable ways to get your hands on these books.

2. Devices to Listen to

Music is a wonderful and beautiful thing and has the power to lift senior citizens out of the doldrums or when they are feeling blue or sad. An MP3 player with a subscription to a radio channel is a great idea. Springing for an iTunes card or other music service will allow your loved one to choose the music of their choice, including the oldies that they grew up with. Don’t underestimate the power of music.

3. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a time-honored favorite, and these puzzles will keep the mind sharp and the senses working, which can even greatly help those with Alzheimer’s or other conditions such as dementia. Jigsaw puzzles don’t cost a lot of money either, so you can pick one up on a regular basis when the old one gets solved.

4. Custom Photo Albums

Getting a custom photo album for your loved one is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and love. Photo albums are a great way to reflect on and cherish the past. Get one that is as simple as inserting their favorite photographs. Photo albums are relatively inexpensive, and can still be so valuable to the person you have gifted it to.

5. Be My Eyes

There’s a smartphone app that is designed for anyone who has lost their vision. It can be entertaining and fulfill any special needs they may have. On the other end of the smartphone app is a volunteer who will describe what they see through the camera of the smartphone. In this way, senior citizens can understand their surroundings and feel better about where they are and what’s going on. The best part about the Be My Eyes smartphone app is that the volunteer service and app are completely free. Just download the “Be My Eyes” app on your smartphone to get started.

6. Perfume or Cologne

One of the very best gifts for senior citizens is a relatively inexpensive perfume or cologne. Having a good perfume or cologne to wear may make a senior citizen feel a bit younger and better about themselves. While there are expensive perfumes and colognes, there are many very wonderful scents that don’t cost a lot of money available.

7. The Book of Me Autobiographical Journal

There’s a wonderful personalized journal that is making the rounds in senior centers. One of the best gifts for seniors is the Book of Me Autobiographical Journal, which allows your loved one to write out the story of their lives for the world to understand and appreciate. People who work with the senior can read it as well as family and friends. This special treasure does not cost a lot of money either. Many of us may not really realize how much we don’t know about our older family members. This option is a great way for both you, and your children, to learn about a loved one.

8. Vibrating Alarm Clock

A vibrating alarm clock is a great gift for anyone who is hard of hearing. Since a traditional alarm clock may not wake them up, a vibrating alarm clock is both an easy and thoughtful solution. 

9. Custom TV Remotes

For those that spend time watching television, catching up on their favorite movies, shows, and the news, a remove can make a great gift. If the setup is complicated, switching channels can be kind of difficult using several remotes, so if your senior is struggling with this issue getting them a custom universal TV remote will allow them to control everything on their television with one device. Universal remotes are available in many areas or online at affordable prices. Don’t forget the batteries.

10. Succulent Plants

One of the coolest gifts for senior citizens is giving them a succulent plant. These are ideal for people who love plants but don’t like to take care of them very much. They require very little upkeep or maintenance and are available just about anywhere plants are sold. Succulent plants are usually quite inexpensive and easy to find in stores in your area.

When Shopping for Gifts for Senior Citizens

Now that you have some great gift ideas for your loved ones, consider their particular needs, and wants. If you can find something out about what seniors enjoy by asking them questions or through a friend or family member, all the better. The gifts in this guide are all relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to find something that isn’t going to break the bank.

11. The Greatest Gift of All: Your Time

As they age, gifts are a great way of reminding your loved ones that you care. But, never forget having friends and family around is the best gift you can give. Don’t forget to set aside time for your loved ones, whether they still live at home, or are living in a senior care facility. Even the shortest of visits will make all the difference in how they feel for days or weeks at a time and will make a big difference.

We have assembled a guide for seniors and others to help everyone understand what kind of games are available. Understanding games and their benefits is something that those who care for seniors should become better acquainted with.

10 Great Types of Games for Seniors

Although there are countless different types of games available for anyone, including seniors, some games for seniors are better than others. Classic games that seniors play include many of the following choices, although a few of them may seem rather modern to some.

Games are wonderful ways to pass the time and are good for the brain and ultimately improve mental health, memory, and more. Playing games and doing well at them often helps improve a senior’s image of themselves as well and make great therapy for many. These are the top 10 types of games that seniors are playing that we found:

1. Card Games Are Always Fun

There are all kinds of card games that can be played by seniors to while away the hours with a group of friends or by themselves. Games such as pinochle, bridge, canasta, rummy, scrimmage, Chinese poker, big 2, and solitaire are all classic card games that seniors can enjoy either by themselves or in groups of two or four or more.



2. Board Games Are Often Entertaining

When seniors get together, and board games are the activity, there is always fun to be had. Games like scrabble, chess, backgammon, chinese checkers, Hive, and even Trivial Pursuit will keep everybody busy enjoying themselves for hours on end. There are also many other board games, of course.

3. Video Games Are for Any Age

Although the kids are off having fun with video games as a phenomenon, there’s no stopping seniors from getting into the action if they so choose. Video games are always entertaining and provide fun and relaxation at any age. Video games can be played on a computer, a tablet, or even cell phones, so there never needs to be a lack of something fun to do for any senior.

4. Seniors Roll the Dice

Playing games with dice is always going to be fun for seniors, and they can make bets with things like a bag of chips or other items with small value to sweeten the pot. Playing dice games is a classic way to spend time with good friends in any situation.

5. Bingo Is the Name O

Playing bingo is a classic game that seniors play. Often times seniors will play bingo in bingo halls or in nursing homes, but really it could be played anywhere where there’s a set of bingo and a few players to compete with. Playing bingo doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, as a bingo set is relatively inexpensive and always provides awesome fun for everyone.

6. Solo Games Seniors Love

A lot of times, seniors end up alone for periods of time, and for something exciting to do, there are always solo games. Some solo games include puzzle games such as crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, word jumbles, sudoku, Match 3 games, and word search puzzles. Spending time with these types of games when you are alone will keep you from becoming too focused on your solitude and will distract you from the busy world around you to enjoy time alone.

7. Indoor Games Pass the Time Easily

Nursing homes and community living centers play games in an organized fashion on a regular basis. Games for seniors, such as fact or fiction, The Price is Right, Name That Tune, photo puzzle race, and Years of Invention, are some of the games played by nursing homes and other institutions as they are scheduled.

8. The Tricky Rubik’s Cube

Many seniors enjoy a good brain challenge, and giving a senior a Rubik’s Cube to puzzle over will definitely give some of them quite a run for their money. Solving a Rubik’s Cube puzzle can prove to be exceptionally difficult, but given the time on most senior’s hands, it’s definitely worth the effort and is one of the best games for seniors available. Solving a Rubik’s cube would also boost a senior’s self-esteem.

9. Outdoor Games Are Always a Great Time

There are a number of outdoor games that are classic senior games such as pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, water balloon toss, lawn bowling, horseshoes, flying disc, target toss, badminton, bean bag toss, croquet and Wiffle Ball. Spending time with seniors in outdoor settings to play these games can be something that the children and grandchildren of seniors can enjoy as well.

10. The Interactive Game Cranium

Cranium is a board game but requires players to hum, draw, act out, answer trivia, and spell in order to move around places on the board. It requires a certain degree of silliness that may appeal to some characters. Cranium can be a lot of fun for seniors in any setting, either at home or in a nursing home or community center.

When Playing Games With Seniors

Care should be taken to respect the feelings of the seniors, and you should never force a senior to play a game if they don’t really want to. Some seniors are sensitive and may become upset if they lose a game. At all times, you should encourage seniors to do the best they can and remember the rule of all games, which is that the real goal is to have fun. Making sure seniors have fun playing the games is the ultimate purpose of having such activities in place for them to enjoy.

Where to Find Games for Seniors

If there is a senior in your life or you work with seniors, or even if you’re a senior yourself, you may be wondering where you can find the games we have listed here. There are many places to purchase games, although some of them are available online or on a cell phone or tablet. A good toy shop or a game store will have many of the items we have listed, while some of them are available in the institutions where seniors reside.

Get Ready to Play Games

Once you’ve got your games ready to play, you should go over the rules carefully with the seniors you are playing with so that they fully understand the games. Playing games with seniors can be a rewarding activity for everyone, so get set to have fun and have the time of your lives.

Many different games offer more than just a way to pass the time—they can also help keep the mind sharp, they can help create long-lasting friendships, and they could even become a passion. Regardless, there are many games that may not have made our list, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth trying!

15 Best Jobs for Seniors Over 60

1. Consultant

Consulting is a great way to extend the work you did when you were full time. You don’t have to learn new skills, and you can benefit from all of the connections you made throughout your career. In many cases, you can even work as a consultant for your former employer. There are many ways to calculate your rate. You can try dividing your previous salary by the hours you expect to work on a project. Make sure you take into account healthcare and other benefits that you had when you were full time.

2. Babysitter/Pet-Sitter

Do you like working with children and/or animals? Clocking some time looking after children or pets can supplement your income and give you quality social interactions. An adding perk is the time you will spend outdoors enjoying nature with your small companions.

3. Tutor

For former teachers, being a tutor is a great way to reframe their careers to fit in with the schedule they would like to keep in their later years. Tutoring will allow you to continue to engage with students and the material that you find interesting. You will also get a sense of purpose in life as you help teenagers prepare for the SAT or assist students that struggle in their studies.

4. Assistant Librarian

For people who love books, being an assistant in a library is a great option for part-time work. The responsibilities include shelving books, helping people in the library by answering questions, checking out materials, cataloging the collections, and maintaining electronic databases.

Depending on the library, your hours might be flexible. Some university libraries are open 24/7, while small local branches of public libraries might only open a few days every week. The level of experience required to work at a library also varies. Some employers prefer candidates with relevant experience and might even require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in library science.

5. Sports Coach

If you have a passion for sports, you can make some additional income by coaching a local team. Consider putting in a few hours a day to coach at your town’s middle or high school. You will be able to spend time outside, share your skills, be a mentor, and bring in a few thousand dollars per season. On a side note, another way you can get part-time work while being active is to teach classes at a local gym.

6. Mail Career or UPS Driver

Many people looking for the best jobs for seniors over 60 turn to mail delivery. These jobs offer the chance to spend time working outside without requiring an excessive amount of hours every week. Senior mail careers make an average of $25/hr, while UPS drivers make around $30/hr.

7. Parking Attendant

Working as a parking attendant has the advantage of being a low-intensity job, physically. If you feel all right about sitting in a booth for several hours at a time, it can be a good way to pad your income. You might even be able to listen to some audiobooks while you work.

8. Book Keeper

If you are up-to-date on bookkeeping software programs such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, being a bookkeeper can offer you flexible hours and some extra bucks. Businesses need bookkeepers to keep financial records, take care of payroll, maintain electronic databases, and perform other office-related tasks. Having some experience is beneficial, especially in the areas of accounting and data entry.

9. Handyman

When you are looking for the best jobs for seniors over 60, it’s important to consider which jobs favor which characteristics. Being a handyman is a great option for someone who has a knack for fixing things and a way with tools. Problem-solving and the ability to handle unexpected situations as they come up are key skills for this job. Handymen do everything from fixing toilets to yardwork to painting.

In some cases, physical fitness is important for this kind of employment. However, this can be an advantage if you are using your part-time job to stay spry in your later years.

10. Tax Preparer

People who were tax professionals when they had full-time jobs can easily downsize and do tax preparation part-time. This work provides the satisfaction of working directly with clients and helping people save money. With this job, expect to get busy during tax season.

11. Restaurant Host or Barista

If you enjoy the flexible hours of working in the food industry but want to avoid the physicality of being a server, consider taking a job as a barista or a restaurant host. These jobs involve less running around and can usually be done part-time. Be prepared, however, for a lot of time on your feet. If you like being around people and staying active, this kind of work could be perfect for you.

12. Customer Service Representative

If you are comfortable with a client-facing job and can help talk people through their concerns, you can probably find work as a customer service representative. Despite greater automation, most companies still need “real humans” to answer calls and assist customers. Best of all, some companies will allow you to work from home.

13. Medical Biller

Medical billers are the people who make sure hospitals get paid for the medical services they perform. They use codes that represent different procedures and treatments. Much of their work involves billing insurance companies and tracking the paperwork. Some employers require an associate’s degree in medical billing.

14. Blogger

If you are a good writer and have a special interest or area of expertise, you can make money at home by keeping a blog. This could be a great way to generate income while pursuing the hobbies you want to focus on during your retirement. If you have skills as a photographer and can create a blog with appealing visuals, you will be all the more successful.

15. Retail Sales Worker

Both small businesses and major retail chains usually hire workers part-time to assist shoppers, work the cash-rep, and maintain inventory. In retail, you can work as little as 4 hours every week or as many as 40. The pay is around $10/hr. In most stores, you also get to enjoy an employee discount.

You Can Have It All: Money, Flexibility, and Convenience

The best jobs for seniors over 60 will fit in with your lifestyle easily. The greatest thing about working part-time is that it involves less commitment than a full-time position. When looking for a job, understand your priorities and think about the skills you have to share. Then choose a job that is right for you and start bringing in the bucks! For more information about senior life and how to make the most of your retirement, visit Senior Life News today.

10 Best Ways to Get Prepared for Retirement

1. Optimize Your 401(k) Accounts

As soon as you can, start contributing as much to your 401(k) accounts as possible. Ideally, you will make the maximum contributions, although this is not financially feasible for everyone. Some taxpayers have the option to open individual IRAs, which can help increase savings.

Educate yourself about the rules you can take advantage of as you get closer to retirement. If you are over 50, you are probably allowed to contribute more to your plan than you could when you were younger. Check to see if there are any catch-up contributions that can benefit you. If you have more than one IRA, find out if you can combine them with one institution and if doing so will make the most of your money.

2. Plan Your Investments So They Keep Growing

Just because you are retired doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from dividends. The average American spends 20 years in retirement, and it is very possible that you will be retired much longer. That is a long time to continue to grow your assets. Make sure that your portfolio is diversified so that it can continue to grow with the market.

The disclaimer here is that any investment carries risk, and diversification does not offer 100% protection from major market downturns. However, history has shown that even through depressions, money in the market does better than money out of the market.

3. Take a Good Look at Your Expenses

Most likely, there are holes in your spending that you can plug. Before you retire, take a good look at your expenses and determine where money can be saved. If you are a good saver, you might well end up with healthier finances than someone who makes more money, but uses it carelessly.

Cut Down on Small Expenses

The best ways to curb your spending don’t involve sacrificing the things you enjoy. Is there an online subscription that you don’t use? Do you still belong to a gym, even though you have been doing most of your workouts on a yoga mat at home? Perhaps if you purchase gourmet coffee to make in your kitchen instead of the grocery store brand, you will enjoy it more than the lattes you frequently buy when you are out and can still save money.

Reduce Big Expenses

As you can see, the little things add up. However, there are also some big changes you can make to reduce your expenses. Most significantly, you might want to consider downsizing your home or moving to a less expensive area.

4. Set a Budget

How can you get your budget prepared for retirement? Most retired people need about 70-90% of the income they had when they were working. The average American spends around $500,000 during their retirement. Once you have reduced your expenses as much as possible, think about your sources of income and set a monthly budget.

Calculate how much you are entitled to in Social Security payments. Usually, it is 40% of what you made when you were working. Consider how much you can expect to make in passive income and how much you will bring in via a part-time job, should you choose to take one.

Utilize educational resources from financial institutions to help you calculate what percentage of your retirement fund you can responsibly withdraw every year, and how this percentage will change as you age. Finally, when you are clear on your income and your expenses, set a monthly budget so that the latter does not exceed the former.

5. Be Especially Careful About Accounting for Healthcare in Your Budget

Many people are not well-informed about how much they will spend in healthcare when they are retired. For the average American senior, that number is around $285,000. Compare that to the average $230,000 it takes to raise a child from age 0 to 18. Make sure you have saved enough to afford this cost, and put off your retirement if necessary.

In the years leading up to retirement, put as much money as you can into your health savings account, if you have one. Research the insurance you will need and add additional coverage as soon as possible. Planning ahead will get you better rates and reduce your chances of being denied.

6. Eliminate As Much Debt As You Can

Try to pay off as much of your debt as you can before retirement. This includes your mortgage, your car payments, and any assets for which you have co-signed. As you get closer to retirement, try to make major purchases using cash instead of credit cards.

7. Make a Contingency Plan for Stock Market Fluctuations

If the stock market takes a downturn leading up to your retirement or after you have retired, don’t panic. Having a flexible spending plan in place can help you through these situations. Consider withdrawing less of your portfolio and taking on a part-time job until the market recovers. When it ultimately does, you can resume your travel plans and all the things you looked forward to knowing that you make prudent financial choices.

8. Set Goals in Different Areas of Your Life

Now that we’ve discussed the financial aspects of preparing for retirement, it’s time to get into the fun stuff! Think about the different areas of your life:

• Fitness
• Social activities
• Travel
• Hobbies and leisure activities
• Volunteer work
• Spirituality

Set some goals in each of these areas. When you continue to challenge yourself and engage with others, you can make this time incredibly meaningful. When it comes to retirement, first dream it: then get out and live it!

9. Find Ways to Give Back to the Community

According to many experts in the field of happiness studies, two of the most important ways humans build a sense of satisfaction are:

• Doing things they are good at
• Contributing to the well-being of others

Your retirement is a great time to use the skills you developed during your working life to make meaningful contributions to your community. Be proactive about finding volunteer opportunities and have fun while you’re at it!

10. Talk With Your Retired Friends

Your retired friends are an excellent resource when you want to feel prepared for retirement. Plan some coffee-dates or invite them as dinner guests and talk about the challenges and joys of retirement. Ask plenty of questions and allow them to help you envision your retired life so that you can prepare yourself for it.

Being Prepared for Retirement Equals Peace of Mind

While there is no measure of a successful or failed retirement, it is true that planning and taking the steps you need to get prepared can set you up to be more comfortable and achieve more of your goals after you stop working. To learn more about how to prepare effectively for your retirement, and for other news relevant to senior living, visit Senior Life News today.

4 Best Exercises for Seniors for Balance

1. Single Limb Stance

The single limb stance tops our list of the four best exercises for seniors for balance because anyone can do it. To start, stand behind a solid chair or other steady surface. Don’t use a chair with wheels the first time you try this exercise. Hold on to the back of the solid surface to help you balance.

Lift your left foot vertically while balancing on your right foot. Hold this position for as long as you comfortably can. Then, repeat the exercise while balancing on your left foot. Eventually, you should be able to hold this position for 60 seconds on each foot without using the surface for assistance.

2. Walk Heel-to-Toe

Walking strengthens your legs which makes it easier to walk without falling. Walking heel-to-toe is even better. Start with your left foot in front of your right foot. The toes of your right foot should touch the heel of your left foot. Then, with your weight on your left heel, put your right foot in front of your left foot. Shift your weight to your left toes. Repeat this exercise with your right foot until you have taken 20 steps.

3. Rock the Boat

To “rock the boat”, start with your feet hip-width apart. Both feet should be firmly planted into the ground. Stand straight by imagining a cord stretched taut from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Keep your head level. Then, shift your weight to your left foot while lifting your left leg off the ground slowly. Hold this position for 30 seconds or as long as you comfortably can.

Return your left foot to the ground slowly. Then, shift your weight to your left foot and lift your right leg off the ground slowly. Perform this exercise five times on each side. Eventually, you should be able to perform this exercise 10 times on each side.

4. Clock Reach

The clock reach requires a chair. Close your eyes and picture yourself standing in the middle of a clock. The number 12 is directly ahead of you and directly behind you is the number 6. Open your eyes and use your right hand to hold the chair. Extend your left arm to point at the number 12 immediately ahead of you. Then, point it towards the number nine directly to your left. Finally, point your left hand behind you towards the number six. Bring it back slowly to the number nine and finally back to the number 12. This entire time, your head should remain facing the number 12.

Repeat this exercise with your left hand holding the chair and your right hand extended towards the number 12. Rotate your arm until you’re reaching towards the number three. Then, rotate until you are reaching backwards to the number six. Arc your arm until you have reached for the numbers three and 12 again. Then, repeat the exercise one more time on each side.

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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful autoimmune disease that happens when your body’s immune system attacks the joints. A healthy immune system protects you from foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. When your immune system attacks your body instead of protecting it, severe inflammation occurs.

This causes the tissue lining your joints, known as the synovium, to thicken. The final result is severe swelling and extreme pain. When left unchecked, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, can damage your cartilage and bones.

What Can I Do About Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for seniors with rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors often recommend medication to manage the pain, lifestyle changes to slow the progression of the condition, and physical therapy to mitigate the effects of the symptoms.

Medical Treatment

Most doctors recommend oral analgesics, and particularly NSAIDs. You can get a prescription for these or purchase them over the counter. If the RA is in your hands, your doctor may also recommend a splint to support your affected hand or hands. If the RA is in your foot, your doctor may recommend steroid injections into the affected joints. If these measures don’t work, surgery to repair the damaged joint may be right for you.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting your hand and wrist joints. When you sleep, your wrists and hands don’t normally move much. As a result, you probably wake up with stiffness or soreness in the morning. Taking a warm shower or wearing a warm compress when you wake up can keep your wrists limber and alleviate pain.

The Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Exercise

With your knuckles straight, place your hands on a table in front of you. Gently and slowly spread your fingers apart. Stop when your joints start to feel uncomfortable. Your hands should look like an open fan. Hold this position for five seconds. Next, make a fist. Hold this position for five seconds. Performing this exercise twice daily will improve mobility. In turn, this flexibility will increase strength and alleviate pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises to Avoid

It’s common to hear suggestions to increase the intensity of hand exercises by squeezing a small medicine ball. However, this is not ideal for rheumatoid arthritis. Squeezing tightly causes significant stress to the joints. This increases pain while reducing mobility.

Pain During Exercise Is Never Okay

There is only one hard and fast rule when it comes rheumatoid arthritis hand exercises: never stretch your joints to the point that they hurt. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise immediately. Once the pain recedes, you can try again slower or with less intensity. If you take the exercise slower at a reduced intensity, but the pain returns, talk to your physical therapist or primary care physician. This may be a sign of a dislocated joint or other condition.

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6 Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Make a Fist

Making a fist is one of the best hand exercises for rheumatoid arthritis because there is no special equipment needed. Simply perform this exercise whenever and wherever you feel your hands start to stiffen.

Start by holding out your right hand with each of your fingers straight. Then, bend your hand into a fist slowly with your thumb on the outside of your hand. Remember to be gentle. Slowly open your hand until all your fingers are extended once more. Complete this movement 10 times. Then, do the same thing with your left hand.

2. Finger Bends

Start with your right hand out in front of you and all your fingers straight. Then, bend your thumb down until it touches your palm. Maintain this position for a couple seconds. Return your thumb to the starting position. Next, bend your index finger downwards until it touches your palm. Hold it for a couple seconds and return your index finger to the starting position. Continue this with the other three fingers on your right hand, then do the same thing with your left hand.

3. Wrist Stretch

When considering the best hand exercises for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to not forget the wrists. To complete the wrist stretch, hold your left arm out in front of you with your palm facing the floor.

Gently grasp your left hand with your right hand and press down so your palm faces your torso. You should feel a stretch in your wrist and arm, but it should not be painful. Hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times. Then, mirror the sequence. Stretch your right hand 10 times.

4. Table Bend

Perform the table bend exercise by placing your right hand on the table. The pinky side-edge of your finger should be touching the table and your thumb should be pointed towards the ceiling.

Keeping your thumb pointed up, bend your other four fingers inward until your hand looks like an “L”. Hold this position for a couple seconds. Then, straighten your fingers until they are once again in the starting position. Repeat this 10 times. Repeat the same sequence with your left hand 10 times.

5. Finger Lift

Place your right palm on the table. Beginning with your thumb, slowly lift each finger off the table individually. Hold each finger for a few seconds before lowering it. Perform the same exercise with every finger on your right hand.

6. Make an “O”

Begin with your right hand and fingers held straight out in front of you. Curve each of your fingers inward until they’re touching. Your touching fingers should resemble an “O”. Hold this position for several seconds. Then, straighten out your fingers until you’re back at the starting position. Repeat the sequence with your left hand. Perform this exercise whenever your hands feel stiff or achy.

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Rheumatoid arthritis can make your hands and wrists feel achy or sore and stiff. Luckily, pain can be decreased and range of motion can be increased by stretching and exercising your hands. Create an account with Senior Health & Lifestyle News today and get all the latest information and tips that affect you. We’ll send you an e-mail to notify you when we post new great content.

Best Mental Activities for Senior Citizens in Assisted Living

Among the best activities for senior citizens in assisted living are those which keep the mind sharp. These include crafts, music, trivia and art.

Crafts

Crafting is one of the best mental activities for senior citizens in assisted living because it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. You can teach your granddaughter to knit or you can make wreaths to sell during the winter holidays. Crafts keep the mind sharp and fingers nimble. They also make great gifts.

Music

You’re never too old to learn a new musical instrument. Stringed instruments, like a guitar, ukulele or violin are great options because they don’t take up much space, are easy to maintain and keep your fingers strong and wrists flexible. But any musical instrument you choose to learn, whether it’s reading sheet music or playing by ear, will help you keep your mind sharp.

Trivia

Trivia is another great mental activity for senior citizens in assisted living. Some categories, such as those about the 60s or 70s may allow you to reminisce about your childhood. Other forms of trivia give you an opportunity to expand your knowledge on a number of subjects.

Art

Like crafts, art is a great way to keep your mind sharp, express yourself and work with your hands. Whether you’re into wire sculptures, clay pottery or just coloring, everyone can find an art form to express themselves.

Best Physical Activities

Keeping your body strong, flexible and mobile is just as important as keeping your mind sharp. Some of the best activities include golf, swimming, tennis and biking.

Golf

Golf is a great sport for everyone because nearly anyone can play it. You don’t have to be ready for the Master’s. Golf is more about walking in the sunshine and socializing with friends than winning.

Swimming

Swimming is another phenomenal physical activity for seniors. It’s a no-impact activity, so it’s easy on all the joints, including the knees. During the summer, you can swim outdoors and get some Vitamin D from the sun’s rays. In the winter, you can swim in indoor pools. This is one of the best aerobic exercises for building endurance.

Tennis

Tennis is another great physical activity for seniors that improves endurance. It can help to keep the mind sharp because you need to track the ball. Many players are so competitive they anticipate their opponent’s swings before they’re made. It takes a lot of determination to play tennis, especially for several matches in a row.

Biking

Biking is a low-impact exercise that is ideal for seniors with joint issues. It is gentle on the joints and works your lungs and heart while giving you the opportunity to see the great outdoors. If you have balance issues, recumbent bikes are balanced in such a way that it’s impossible for you to tip the bike over and fall off. Recumbent bikes are also ideal for seniors with lower back pain. Like swimming, biking can be done indoors in inclement weather.

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Why Is Belly Weight Loss for Seniors Important?

Belly weight loss for seniors is important to focus on because excess belly fat can increase the risk of several serious health conditions. These include renal failure, fatty liver disease, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Luckily, it’s never too late to start losing weight. Let’s take a look at scientifically proven, actionable steps you can take.

How to Lose Belly Weight

Belly weight loss for seniors is no different than any other type of weight loss. It all comes down to consuming fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. There’s no spot treatment, like crunches and sit ups, to lose belly fat directly. There’s no fruit that specifically blasts belly fat. It takes dedication and diligence. Here’s what you can do:

Think About Your Drinks

It’s easy to forget about the calories in your drinks. An 8-oz. glass of orange juice contains 112 calories and no fiber to keep you full. But it’s easy to drink 12 or more ounces of orange juice without thinking about it. Sweetened iced tea, lemonade and coffee with cream and sugar are also dangerous calorie bombs.

To help you lose belly fat, choose calorie-free drinks like water, unsweetened tea flavored with lemon or lime juice, and black coffee. If you can’t eliminate juice completely, make your own. Homemade juice has less sugar and more fiber and nutrients than store-bought juice. Be sure to count the calories in your juice, milk, and alcoholic beverages to ensure they are within your caloric budget for the day.

Eat a High-Protein Breakfast

Scientific studies have shown when you eat a breakfast high in protein, you minimize cravings and reduce overall caloric intake throughout the day. The most bioavailable protein sources include healthy fish, low-fat dairy, lean meats, eggs and full-fat milk. A healthy breakfast should also include fiber from natural sources like whole grain toast or low-sugar fruits.

To make a complete breakfast, consider an egg and tomato sandwich with whole milk and a side of blueberries or a banana. A smoked salmon sandwich with an avocado slice on multi-grain or whole wheat bread and half a grapefruit is a great alternative if you prefer bitter fruits over sweet fruits. Aim for 40% of your daily calories to come from breakfast.

Dump the Junk

It’s hard to go to the grocery store or pass a vending machine without being faced by junk food. Processed foods, even those marketed as healthy, are loaded with sugar, trans fats, refined flour and sodium. Unfortunately, the older you get, the greater your risk of heart disease. In 2011, a study was published that showed the people at most risk for developing heart disease eat too much sodium and not enough potassium.

Luckily, if you ditch junk food, you can kill two birds with one stone. First, eliminate excess sodium by ditching processed foods. Then, increase your potassium intake by using bananas and other high-potassium fruits to replace your sugar cravings.

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It’s never too late to focus on belly weight loss for seniors, and when you do you’ll experience better health and feel better about how you look!  To get notified of new, relevant content information for seniors, create an account with Senior Health & Lifestyle News today.