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 to Look for In a Phone

While the phones we share with you range from a standard flip phone to a smartphone with dozens of features, most seniors want a few key components in a cell phone. First, a display option with larger text can make it easier to view information on the screen. A wide volume range allows you to adjust your phone’s settings to the level that’s right for you, whether you have excellent hearing or need to use hearing aids or another supportive technology when you make calls.

Another feature we looked for is excellent battery life to make sure that when you charge your cell phone, its battery can last all day. This gives you peace of mind as you run errands, visit family or friends, or take vacations. Finally, some cell phones offer a built-in option specifically with seniors in mind, like an emergency call button to use in the event of a fall or medical emergency. For many seniors and their families, this feature provides an added sense of independence and security in knowing that help is just one press of a button away.

What’s the Best Phone for Seniors? Our Top 6

The Classic Flip Phone

For some, the best phone for seniors takes the form of the original cell phone, with a few key upgrades to reflect our modern times. Our two options for this category offer a user-friendly, no-hassle format with senior-friendly features.

1. Jitterbug Flip

This tried-and-true favorite offers large, back-lit buttons, an as-needed wifi connection, an optional emergency button, and an affordable price. Seniors and their families can add the emergency call service for a separate monthly fee. This service locates the phone with GPS technology and sends help to seniors who may be experiencing an emergency or who feel unsafe. This feature, combined with excellent battery life and good volume control, makes the Jitterbug Flip the best phone for seniors who want a simple, trustworthy cell phone for everyday use.

2. LG Exalt

For seniors who are hard of hearing, this flip phone offers exceptional sound quality and volume control. It also includes a range of helpful features, including a good-quality camera for taking pictures and videos of treasured memories, large buttons for easy dialing, and a web browser for accessing the internet.

While it doesn’t boast nearly as many applications as a smartphone, it does include a calculator, timer, and alarm, as well as a text-to-voice option for those who may have trouble reading from a screen. All in all, this flip phone offers seniors useful tools and features to make using their cell phone easy.

The Best of Both Worlds

Nowadays, it’s fashionable to have a cell phone that can keep you in touch with the latest technological trends. However, it can be overwhelming to navigate a cell phone outfitted with every bell and whistle. That’s why two of our top picks for the best phone for seniors integrate the simplicity of a flip phone and the additional features of a smartphone for those who want to keep up with their grandkids on Facebook without the frustration of a modern smartphone’s complexity.

3. Jitterbug Smart2

Like its flip phone counterpart, the Jitterbug Smart2 is designed with seniors in mind. However, this model takes the best parts of a modern smartphone and combines them with a user-friendly display and senior-friendly options like larger fonts, fewer unnecessary apps, and even an optional plan for a dial-in operator who can help you navigate your phone.

Its battery life also beats most smartphone competitors, and while its maximum volume level may not be ideal for seniors who are hearing-impaired, it offers a range of options for those who want a simple touch-screen cell phone.

4. Motorola Moto G7 Power

While not specifically designed for seniors, this cell phone offers several noteworthy, senior-friendly options. Its price point is much lower than a regular smartphone, which means that it lacks some of the features we take for granted. However, this simplifies its design and makes it simpler for seniors to use and personalize.

Its battery life is excellent even with regular use, and it has good display options to change the brightness and text size for each user’s needs. While its camera may not be as good as a more expensive smartphone, its design and affordability make it a great option for most seniors.

The Modern Smartphone

While cell phones specifically designed with seniors in mind offer many helpful features, it’s important not to underestimate the modern smartphone. While these devices are more expensive and more complex, they have built-in settings that can make them both convenient and enjoyable for seniors to use.

5. Apple iPhone 11

With each of its new phones, Apple proves that its technology can be used by a range of ages. Larger text settings, read-aloud features, a bright and vibrant display, and a reliable lifespan are some of this phone’s advantages. In addition, it’s easy to connect to family members using the same brand of cell phones. If picture and video quality are important, the iPhone offers a near-unrivaled camera. In addition, there’s plenty of storage space for various applications, pictures, and videos, and endless options for entertainment and connection through texting, calling, and social media.

6. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

This smartphone option offers helpful features for seniors, including a bright display, extensive storage for media and applications, and settings options for text size. In addition, it has an excellent battery life, which is often difficult to find in a smartphone. Many seniors also appreciate the stylus which accompanies the phone.

This allows users to write notes and use this thin, pencil-like tool to navigate texting, applications, and other phone functions, which can make everyday phone use easier. While it’s more expensive than a simpler model, its additional perks make it a great option for seniors.

Make the Right Choice for Your Needs

For seniors looking for a perfect cell phone, the choices can seem overwhelming. We’ve narrowed it down to our picks for the best phone for seniors, giving you a smaller range of excellent options. If you want a simple tool for keeping in touch with the people you love, a flip phone is a cost-effective, user-friendly choice. A smartphone made with seniors in mind offers the best of both worlds, and even the latest smartphones have dozens of senior-friendly features while also offering the best camera quality, storage space, and displays.

At the end of the day, the best cell phone for you is the phone that fits into your life and helps you connect with others, whether that’s through phone calls from flip phones or Snapchat messages with grandchildren. As always, we welcome your questions and invite you to follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News for more senior health news.

10 Best Therapy Dog Breeds for Seniors

1. Poodle

In certain circles, poodles get a bad reputation. However, they are extremely clever, loyal companions. These canines are exceptionally easy to train and have the stamina to provide you with comfort all day and night. While poodles enjoy being pampered, they hardly shed at all and are fairly low maintenance. You can expect your poofy pooch to provide you with 12 to 15 years of therapeutic, comforting companionship.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is arguably the most beautiful, low-shedding lapdog ever to be bred. This breed truly earns its place as one of the best therapy dog breeds for seniors. This dog breed is ideal for seniors who are not as mobile as they used to be. These dogs are incredibly independent.

They are also incredibly protective, acting as much as a guard dog as a Rottweiler, Bullmastiff or Boxer. If you’ve never had an indoor dog before, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to house-train your Yorkie. But other than that, this is an ideal therapy dog breed for seniors.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are one of the best therapy dog breeds for seniors because of their quiet nature. They are calm, demure, extremely intelligent, easygoing and super friendly. While most small dogs are known for their impatient temperament, the King Charles spaniel is the opposite.

If you choose a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, your pooch pal will match her activity level to yours. In fact, the only thing this dog has going against it is its tendency to shed. But if you enjoy grooming your dogs, this is definitely the therapy dog for you.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is another beloved member of the Terrier group. Larger than a toy dog, these vocal dogs have the same friendly terrier temperament as the Yorkie, without the difficulty of house training. One of the best things about these dogs is they don’t yap as most little dogs do. When given adequate exercise, they are perfectly calm indoors and content to sit on your lap and bring you comforting companionship in the evening.

5. German Shepherd

German shepherds are known for their police work, but what isn’t as well known is that they are perfect therapy dogs for seniors. They are incredibly obedient, intelligent, easy to train, gentle and great with the grandchildren. German shepherds are one of the best therapy dogs for senior women because they are so loyal and inherently protective. If you’re not looking for a lapdog, we can’t recommend the German shepherd highly enough.

German shepherds bond with their owners just as well as any other dog and are attentive enough to notice if you are feeling anxious. If you start to have a panic attack, they will immediately come and comfort. They are strong and large enough to help the mobility-impaired, helping you stand and walk when you need it.

They also have one of the best senses of smell, making them perfect for diabetics who need help monitoring their blood sugar levels. They can even be trained to fetch you a snack if your blood glucose level crashes.

6. Dachsund

If you need a therapy dog for companionship and emotional support, it doesn’t get much better than a Dachsund. These therapy dogs feel perfectly at home on your snuggled up in your lap and love being around people. If you regularly have grandchildren or friends over for dinner, a Dachsund won’t get overwhelmed. In fact, they’ll be excited for the additional company. These fearless, fun-loving dogs also love activity. If you need motivation to get up and go for a walk short distances with a well-trained dog, we strongly recommend the Dachsund.

7. Maltese

If you’re not as active as you once were, the Maltese is a great therapy dog for you. It’s impossible to resist stroking its silky, gorgeous coat. Like so many other breeds of small dogs, these pups feel at home in your lap, and they love napping. Over the past several decades, breeders have bred the Maltese to love and be loved, meaning they were bred specifically to be therapy dogs.

8. Labrador Retriever

These incredibly friendly, good-natured dogs bond very strongly with their owners. They love having a job to do, and larger labs can help their owners stand and walk. If you’re fairly mobility-impaired, a larger lab is ideal for you. If you need help grasping and manipulating items around the house, a smaller lab, or even a mutt, such as a labradoodle can help you.

Labs have a natural instinct to fetch. They also have “soft mouths”, meaning that they grip things with their teeth very lightly. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about them mangling anything you need them to retrieve.

9. Golden Retriever

Like the Labrador retriever, the golden retriever is ideal for fetching items around the house for you. However, rather than being ideal for mobility assistance, they are best known for their ability to reduce anxiety, help seniors through PTSD-related panic attacks and provide general emotional support. These gentle, lovable canines shed a good deal. But other than that, they are perfect for seniors looking for a larger therapy dog. These dogs are also great for the blind and visually impaired.

10. Boxers

When you think of a therapy dog, you probably don’t think about the boxer. However, when you consider their traits, they have everything you could possibly need and want in a service dog. They are large enough to help you get around but small enough to navigate crowded places comfortably. They are exceptionally good-natured, friendly with adults and excellent with children. Like retrievers, they have high energy levels. But if you make sure they get plenty of playtime, they are surprisingly suited for small apartments.

Learn More About the Best Dog Breeds for Seniors Today

Dogs make great companions at any stage in life. Research has even proven that dog owners are happier, healthier, more self-confident, more conscientious and more socially outgoing. The three most popular therapeutic dogs for seniors are poodles, Yorkshire terriers and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But, as long as you or a loved one can care for your pet, you can’t go wrong with any dog on this list.

To learn more about the best dogs for seniors, and other health and lifestyle news, sign up with Senior Health & Lifestyle News today. We post great content about health, lifestyle, finances and much more regularly. If you sign up for our newsletter, we will send you great articles straight to your inbox. You can also follow us on all your favorite social media channels, including Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

1. Music Classes

There is no time like the present to learn how to play a musical instrument. Whether you’re learning how to saw a fiddle, strum a banjo or play your favorite classical pieces on piano or violin, playing a musical instrument improves your dexterity.

Musical instruments are an excellent outlet for expressing emotions, and both learning and playing keep your mind sharp. Some instruments, such as the oboe and piccolo, are great for keeping your diaphragm and lungs strong and healthy, too.

You may even make a few friends and start your own band. Even better, instrumental recordings make great holiday and birthday gifts because they come from the heart.

2. Family Events

Family events are a key component of activities for senior citizen centers. If you have retired in a different city than the rest of your family, you may feel slightly isolated. Look for a senior citizen center that hosts special events for family members so you and your loved ones can connect regularly.

These special events may be religious in nature (Hanukah or Christmas gift-giving). Or, they may be wholesome, secular fun, like a 4th of July celebration, Thanksgiving lunch, or New Year’s Day lunch.

3. Outings

Senior citizen centers are a great way to make new lifelong friends. But going on day trips goes a long way in breaking up the monotony. After all, variety is the spice of life. Look for a senior citizen center that offers regular outings. This can be as simple as going on a scenic drive when the weather is nice. Or, it can involve visiting a nearby senior living facility to play bingo with their residents. Regardless of the destination, getting out and about during fair weather will make a big difference in your emotional wellbeing.

4. Gardening

Look for a senior citizen center with a garden you can help tend to. If you can’t find one in your city, tend to an indoor garden in your room. Gardening helps to improve the dexterity of your fingers and hands as you water and prune your plants. Caring for another living thing is also good for your emotional health. Whether you want a small cactus to bear fruit every once in a while or you want to accent your red room with white peace lilies or jasmines, indoor gardening is great for people of all ages.

5. Community

Community events are a great way for you to contribute to your community while doing something you’re passionate about. Packing bookbags full of school supplies for children in need will help you keep your fingers and hands nimble. Sorting through donated clothes or food for the less fortunate is good for the mind and spirit.

But community events can also refer to your senior citizen center. Want a book club for history buffs or trivia night for music fans? Start a club. Or, you can become involved in your center’s resident council meetings and share great ideas on how to make the resident community better.

6. Cognitive

Look for opportunities to flex your mind. Like any muscle, your brain needs to be stretched and worked every day to stay healthy and grow. In fact, the more often you think about things, the more neurons connect to each other. This mitigates the risk of memory loss and the decline of cognitive function. Read the editorials in your local newspaper to discover current events. Then, participate in or host a debate about important topics.

If you’re debating, try arguing the side you’re against. You’ll have a leg up on the competition because you’ll have a good idea of your opponent’s points and counter-points to your points. Even better, you will have the opportunity to think creatively as well as critically.

7. Educational

Some senior citizen centers host guest speakers who are experts on a particular topic. This may be history, art, botany, or any other subject you can imagine. Formats may range from hands-on art classes to instructional videos on how to make holiday wreaths for your friends and family.

8. Senior-Friendly Fitness

Beach volleyball is impractical in nearly all parts of the country. Even worse, it can be dangerous for seniors to play in the sand as it increases the chance of a fall. With an Xbox Kinect, you can play beach volleyball, table tennis, bowling, and a number of other sports from the comfort and safety of your new home. It is a great way to get active, compete with friends, and have a ton of fun.

9. Tactile and Sensory

Tactile and sensory activities can be incredibly relaxing and meditative. Learn how to fold origami animals and plants out of paper napkins. Make bean bags to play corn hole with. Make rain sticks with dried rice or beans and plastic bottles or aluminum Pringles cans. The opportunities for tactile and sensory senior activities are endless. If you can’t find such opportunities, create them.

10. Vocal

Even if playing a musical instrument in a band isn’t appealing to you, you can still incorporate more music into your life. Join a choir and carol to other residents in your community. You can even turn it into a local community event by taking donations for “happy-grams.” For a donation to a local charity, you can spread cheer to your neighbors by singing a cute, fun song. You can even create a happy-gram club and spread lots of cheer at once.

Whether you participate in vocal lessons to learn how to control your diaphragm, lungs, palate, and larynx, or you just belt your heart out on karaoke night, singing is an excellent stress reliever and a great way to make friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re the next Patsy Cline or Ray Charles. As long as you’re having fun, everyone else will, too.

Learn More About Activities for Senior Citizen Centers

Moving into a senior citizen center can cause a flurry of emotions. There is excitement about the opportunity to meet new friends. There is anticipation about what the next chapter in your life will hold. Any unease you may feel can be assuaged by having a good idea of the activities for senior citizen centers you can expect.

Are you interested in learning more about the best activities to keep your mind and body sharp and young? If so, follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News on your favorite social media channels and sign up for our free newsletter. We offer a wide array of articles on topics ranging from finances and health to food and travel.

10 Activities for Senior Citizen Centers

1. Virtual Bowling

While bowling is fun, it can be impractical for many seniors. But that doesn’t mean senior citizens have to give up this beloved pastime. The Wii allows seniors to play all sorts of interactive sports in complete safety and comfort.

In fact, many residents love how easy and fun the Wii is to use. Wii baseball and tennis are also great ways to let out your competitive side in the comfort of your new home.

2. Special Events

When it comes to activities for senior citizen centers, special events take the cake. These special events don’t have to be religious in nature. A special Thanksgiving lunch or classic car show on the last Sunday of the month can be just as meaningful as Christmas dinner.

When looking for a senior citizen center, ask about what special events are hosted to ensure you have things to look forward to every month.

3. Karaoke

You don’t need a voice like Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley to enjoy karaoke night. If you sing from your heart and have fun, everyone else will be moved or have fun, too. When you work your diaphragm and lungs hard to project your voice, these organs become stronger.

Your throat and palate muscles also strengthen, reducing the frequency and severity of obstructive sleep apnea and improving the quality of your sleep. The benefits of karaoke are nearly innumerable. Singing improves your physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

But the bottom line is, belting out your favorite song for all your friends is fun! So, what are you waiting for? Ask any senior citizen center you are considering if they offer regular karaoke nights.

4. Classes and Workshops

Learning is a lifelong journey. The best senior citizen centers will have ample classes and workshops for their residents. Learn American sign language so you can communicate with a new friend. Take painting lessons to more effectively express your creativity. Join a book club, take computer classes, or learn a foreign language.

Just make sure you’re keeping your brain active. This can slow the onset or progression of neurological diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

5. Guided Group Fitness

Fitness for seniors goes far beyond a simple morning stretch. In fact, there are many octogenarians competing in marathons and IronMan competitions around the country every year. However, you don’t have to be in that kind of shape to benefit from guided group fitness at senior citizen centers.

Seniors of any mobility and fitness level can derive physical, emotional, and social benefits from fitness classes. If you love upbeat music and are more on the active side, you can enjoy working up a sweat with a guided Zumba class.

If you’re more into meditative exercises, look for the opportunity to take a gentler fitness class, like yoga or Tai Chi. With all the senior citizen centers to choose from, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that offers your favorite fitness classes.

6. Field Trips

The best senior citizen centers offer field trips for their residents. If you’re a local, you can enjoy being a tourist in your own town for the day. If you’re from another area, you can enjoy learning new things about your new city.

Look for a senior citizen center that offers day trips to local concerts, shows, sports events, and museums. Some senior citizen centers even have themed weeks, such as Sports Week, where residents can learn more about their favorite sport and gain a deeper appreciation as a spectator.

7. Entertainment

Karaoke is fun, but you should look for senior citizen centers that offer other forms of entertainment for their residents, as well. This may come in the form of local church choirs or bands coming to sing. Or, it may include standup comedy tours, drama groups, and celebrity impersonators.

Whether you enjoy Irish river dancers, fire dancers, or a quiet movie night, entertainment is an important consideration when looking for the best senior citizen center.

8. Dancing

It doesn’t matter if you’ve only danced at your wedding or you cut the rug every Friday and Saturday in your youth. Dancing is a great activity to look for in a senior citizen center.

Hang out with your friends at a swing dancing or line dancing lesson. Make a new friend at a ballroom dancing lesson. Whatever type of dancing you are interested in, just dance!

Dancing, like singing, is great for your social, emotional, and physical health. It is suitable for all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels. Just remember to stay hydrated, listen to your body when it needs to rest, and never stretch cold muscles.

9. Outdoor Excursions

Most seniors retire in cities with weather that is beautiful nearly year-round. If this is true of you, take advantage of the temperate climate and mild weather by going on regular outdoor excursions. Field trips are great, but they too often end in indoor locations.

Look for a senior citizen center with a garden you can tend. Or go on a weekly picnic at a nearby local, state, or national park. There are many benefits to walking outside.

First, walking is good for your circulation, which keeps your heart, lungs, and veins healthy. Second, it strengthens your muscles, increases bone density in your legs, and improves your balance to mitigate the risk of falls. While walking outdoors in itself is an incredibly meditative activity, you can combine it with other good-for-your-mind activities, such as identifying every bird you see or sketching a picture of a picturesque waterfall.

10. Board Games

Is bingo just a little too cliche for you? Are you not a huge fan of Wii Sports? Don’t worry! There are plenty of other outlets that allow you to bring out your competitive edge.

Challenge your friends to board games to keep your mind sharp. Scrabble offers you an excellent opportunity to learn words you’ve never heard of. A surprising amount of strategy is involved in dominating at Monopoly. And chess is often touted as the best hobby for maintaining and improving your cognitive function.

To make chess more challenging, add a timer to the mix. With enough practice, you may find that you only need 20 or 30 seconds to foresee your opponent’s move and make yours based on that insight.

Learn More About Activities for Senior Citizen Centers and More

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The Best Gifts for Senior Women

1. Apex Dexterity Kit

Osteoarthritis of the fingers is unfortunately common for seniors. The Apex dexterity kit can help. Whether your loved one has arthritis or another medical condition that affects dexterity, this gift can help your loved one regain independence. It can be used to grip nearly any style of spoon or fork. It makes using buttons and zippers easier. It will even help your loved one turn her key into the door if her home is not equipped with an electronic key fob for entry.

2. A Family Calendar

If your aging loved one lives alone, have a family calendar made for her. Sit down with her and have her pick out her 12 favorite pictures. Then send digital copies to Shutterfly and have them create a custom 2020 calendar as a gift. Personalized calendars are one of our favorite gifts for senior women because it allows them to reminisce on some of their favorite memories. At the same time, it can help your loved one remember important events, like a granddaughter’s graduation.

3. Aicok Single Serve Coffee Maker

If your loved one lives alone, or she is the only one in the house who drinks coffee, the Aicok single-serve coffee maker is a must. It is compatible with the most popular single-serve pods, including K-cups. It features a removable drip tray so it can be used even with larger mugs.

It’s easy for seniors to use, even with limited functionality in their hands. Moreover, this coffee maker looks absolutely adorable on the counter and doesn’t take up too much space. We really couldn’t speak highly enough about this coffee maker for anyone who has ever brewed a whole pot of coffee only to throw most of it out later.

4. A Weighted Blanket

Side effects of several common senior conditions include agitation, anxiety, and insomnia. However, medications for these medical conditions often have nasty side effects when taken with other medications for seniors. If your aging loved one is looking for a drug-free solution to ease anxiety, buy her a weighted blanket.,

Weighted blankets or lap pads alleviate anxiety, calm frayed nerves, treat insomnia, and offer comfort. Weighted blankets provide deep pressure therapy, which is scientifically proven to stimulate serotonin production in the brain. The typical lap pad weighs approximately two to five pounds and is often used during the day. A weighted blanket should be approximately 10% of your loved one’s body weight, plus a pound or two.

5. Gideon Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow With Heat

We strongly recommend the Gideon Shiatsu deep kneading massage pillow with heat for the senior women in your life. Having a massage therapist certified in Shiatsu massage visit your loved one gets expensive quickly. With this pillow, your loved one can enjoy warm, muscle-relaxing pain relief anywhere.

This soothing, reinvigorating pillow features incredibly designed 3D counter-rotating balls and four rotating massage nodes. It can work out knots in the upper back, relieve neck pain caused by tension headaches, loosen tight muscles in the upper back, and much more.

The Bottom Line

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How to Keep Your Mind Sharp With 5 Little Changes

Economize Your Brain Use

No matter how old you are, you can only remember so many things. If you do not expend your limited mental energy remembering where you put your keys or what time you need to attend your granddaughter’s middle school graduation, you will be able to concentrate more on learning and remembering new, important things. Use address books, planners, calendars and other tools to help you easily access routine information. You should have a designated place for things such as your glasses, keys and wallet in your home so you do not need to remember where you put them last night. To minimize distractions, declutter your home and office so you can focus on what you want to remember.

Make a Mnemonic

Mnemonic devices are an effective method for how to keep your mind sharp no matter your age. It is a way to remember lists of information with either acronyms or sentences. For example, RICE is a mnemonic device used to remember first-aid advice for injured limbs. This well-known acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Similarly, “every good boy deserves fudge” is a common mnemonic device in the form of a sentence to help people remember the musical notes E, G, B, D and F on the lines of the treble clef.

Space It Out

Repitition is an incredibly effective way to keep your mind sharp. However, just like kids should never cram for an exam, you should never try to learn too many things at once. Research has proven that spaced rehearsal improves recall in both healthy people and those with physically based cognitive problems. If you are learning something complicated, space out periods of study that are a few hours apart.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

When you hear, read or think about something you want to remember, repeat it. Write it down or say it out loud. This reinforces the connection or memory. For example, if someone tells you her name, use it when you speak to her – “So, Ashlyn, I heard your daughter graduated from Alabama.” If you put your wallet on your desk instead of your nightstand, tell yourself out loud that you have done that. If you are worried you will still forget, set an alarm for the morning with the memo “wallet on desk.” Also, if you need information repeated, never hesitate to ask.

Keep Learning

Research has shown that keeping your mind active is the best way to keep it sharp. Start every morning with a crossword or number puzzle to challenge your brain and stimulate communication among your individual brain cells. If your job does not keep you mentally active, pick up a hobby or learn a new skill. Learn how to play the piano. Read a book. Volunteer your time while practicing a new skill you are learning. Keep it fun.

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To improve your memory, use your mental energy for learning new, important information. Use mnemonic devices and repetition to help cement new information, but do not try to learn too many things at once. However, the most important thing you can do to keep your mind sharp is never stop learning. We hope you have enjoyed learning how to keep your mind sharp with five little changes. If so, create an account with Senior Life News to be notified of new blog posts and follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.



Avoiding cataracts isn’t a matter of genetics or luck. Cataracts are a common medical condition where the risk can be controlled or minimized through common-sense steps to protect your vision. Here at Senior Health & Lifestyle News, our senior health news team has put together six ways you can keep your eyesight healthy and keep enjoying all the sights and activities you’re used to.

Senior Health News | 6 Tips for Preventing Cataracts

Protect Your Eyes

Sunglasses are fashionable and comfortable, but they’re also one of the best ways to protect your vision. Ultraviolet light can damage the proteins in your lens, increasing the risk of cataracts. Sunglasses filter over ninety-nine percent of UV rays and up to ninety percent of visual light, making them ideal for any time you’re spending extended periods in the sun or looking at a screen.

Know Your Family History

If your parents or other older relatives lost their vision due to cataracts or had a history of high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be susceptible to the same conditions. This doesn’t mean you’re destined for the same – it means you have a warning and can take corrective measures before the first symptoms.

See an Eye Doctor Regularly

Even if you’re not at a high risk for cataracts, a regular visit to your optician can put your mind at ease. A check-up is recommended every two years to compare your current eye tests with previous ones gives you a clear picture of the health of your vision. If you notice any sudden change in your vision such as finding it harder to read, schedule an appointment immediately.

Keep an Eye on Your Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet has many health benefits, and healthy vision is included. Keeping your blood sugar low reduces the risk of diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease – both of which can impact your vision if untreated. Studies also show a diet rich in antioxidants found in fruits and green vegetables may reduce the risk of cataracts.

Quit Smoking (or Don’t Start!)

Few are the health conditions that quitting smoking don’t help. Studies show people who smoke have a higher risk of developing cataracts and other eye ailments like macular degeneration. If you smoke, quitting at any stage begins the healing process and reduces your risks.

Stay Active

Studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This doesn’t mean strenuous exercise – it can be as simple as going for a walk down the block or around the grounds. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of related health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Protect Your Eyesight Today

The best ways to prevent cataracts are by following simple, proven tips that improve your overall health. Keep an eye on diet and exercise, stay on top of your health, and protect your eyes from the sun. You’re not only protecting your eyes, you’re living a lifestyle that will keep you healthier longer. Follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News for more senior health news, or contact us with any questions today. 

The most common signs of depression, including fatigue, loss of interest in activities or social interaction, or loss of appetite, are not a natural part of the aging process. A senior struggling with depression may just need one person to reach out and help them get the support they need to make it through difficult times. Here at Senior Health & Lifestyle News, we’ve got the senior health news you need to help. Read on to discover the best ways to help a depressed senior.

6 Tips for Helping a Depressed Senior

Be Supportive and Welcoming

While you may be worried about a person struggling with depression, the best approach is to not let them see this. When anxiety manifests as frustration or anger, it makes a depressed person withdraw. Instead, stay calm and try to find out if anything is causing the depression. Getting them to open up is the best way to start the healing process.

Don’t Use the “D” Word

Nothing makes a depressed person clam up faster than hearing the word “depression”. Depressed people rarely like to think about themselves as depressed, assuming their feelings are nothing special. To keep them from raising barriers that will end the conversation, use words like “sad” or “struggling”. This gets across your worries without making them defensive.

Create a No-Judgement Environment

Many people with depression worry about causing trouble for others. When talking to a depressed senior, the best way to get them to seek help is to empower them. Make them feel like it’s their decision to seek help. Your role is to support them as they get the help they need, not to judge them or do the work for them. By empowering them and making them feel respected, you increase the odds they’ll reach out.

Help to Break Things Down

Seeking help for depression can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of things to do and many people to talk to, and this can make the depressed person feel like a burden. Offer the support they need without taking over. You want them to feel in charge of their mental well-being and like they’re a capable person. Help them break down tasks into smaller activities they can handle easily.

Helping Doesn’t End at the Door

Seeing a therapist for the first time can be intimidating to anyone, and a senior who has never done it before may find it stressful. Reach out to both the person with depression and the therapist to see if they’re comfortable with you being on hand to assist or counsel as needed.

Now the Fun Part

A big part of the recovery process is getting back to normal activities. As your friend addresses their depression, be on hand to remind them of the things they used to love. As they’re ready, introduce those activities back into their routine. It’s easier to fight depression when surrounded by friends and fun.

The Time Is Now

If you know a senior struggling with depression, reaching out can make an immediate difference and help them begin the road to recovery. Follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News for all the senior health news you need to help the people you care about enjoy good mental health.

If you’re ready to take the stress out of your living situation and transition into housing that offers you the level of support you need, Senior Health & Lifestyle News is here to help. Whether you or your loved one is looking for independent living with added services or specialized nursing care, there’s a senior housing option geared to your needs. Read on for the senior lifestyle news you need to know to find the perfect housing option.

7 Housing Options to Consider

Retirement Living Communities

This is an independent living community designed for seniors who can manage their own health care needs or have help from family. Offering an apartment-like setting and offering meal plans and social activities, it’s the perfect choice for a senior looking to maintain their independence in a more planned community.

Assisted Living Centers

Similar to retirement living communities in setting, assisted living centers offer more specialized health services for residents with care needs. These communities are open to residents with needs ranging from mostly independent to those needing regular assistance with daily living.

Home Health Care

For seniors who don’t want to leave the home they love, home health care is an option to ensure stability and proper care. Also called “Aging in place”, this allows the senior to live in familiar settings while caregivers, doctors, and therapists come to the house. Medicare provides this as a service.

Adult Care Homes

For those who don’t want to live in a larger facility but need specialized care, adult care homes are located in residential areas and house a small group of seniors alongside trained caregivers. This creates a homey, welcoming atmosphere without the shock of transitioning to an assisted living center or nursing home.

Modern Nursing Facilities

Nursing homes have come a long way from decades ago and are an ideal option for seniors with significant caregiving needs or chronic illness. Now called Skilled Nursing Facilities or Intermediate Care Facilities, they offer full-time care and on-site medical attention along with activities and dining options designed to encourage health and welfare.

Memory/Dementia Care

These facilities are designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease or other memory impairments. They offer similar services to skilled nursing facilities but have on-site specialists who work with memory loss. More secure than most senior living options, they offer the structure needed to help memory patients function.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A recent holistic addition to senior living options, these communities offer a continuous transition of care as seniors age and need more assistance. Offering a guarantee of care until the end of life, they include independent living options that can transition to assisted living, and have skilled nursing and medical care options on site. These facilities are the most expensive options, but they offer the security of no further transitions during the aging process.

Senior Lifestyle News to Help You Find the Perfect Senior Housing Option

No matter your lifestyle or the level of care you need, there’s a senior housing option right for you. Follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News for all the senior lifestyle news you need to find the perfect senior living option, or contact us with questions today.