But with the cooler and shorter days comes a change in our activities and lifestyle in many cases. We must begin thinking about preparing ourselves to face the lower digit temperatures. Here is a practical checklist to keep ourselves, our families, and our homes safe.

Stay warm. Although this is fairly obvious because if we’re not warm enough, our bodies will be happy to let us know. But here’s something most people don’t realize. Hypothermia is a big word that describes what happens when our body temperatures get abnormally low. If it gets even as low as 94˚F (34.4 ˚C) problems can arise. Liver and kidney problems, as well as heart attacks, are only a few of the resulting conditions that can be exacerbated by hypothermia. The National Council on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults explains more about the condition and the first signs to watch out for:

“Early signs of hypothermia:

• Cold feet and hands
• Puffy or swollen face
• Pale skin
• Shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
• Slower than normal speech or slurring words
• Acting sleepy
• Being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia:

• Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy
• Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Blacking out or losing consciousness”

Bundle up outside, and even inside, temperatures shouldn’t be any lower than around 68 ˚- 70 ˚F (20 ˚- 21.1 ˚C). If saving on gas or electricity is a factor, close off unused rooms and assure that windows are well-sealed. If saving money on heat is going to create an unsafe cold environment, consider contacting the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. This is a free service that can refer programs that assist paying energy bills for qualified low-income families.

Heating. On the flip side of the same coin, don’t overheat the home or office, as that can cause a whole other list of ailments. Wear layers of clothing even indoors that can be peeled off or added as needed. The dry heat that comes with our indoor heating systems can cause dry, cracked lips, dry mouth, itchy flaky skin, dehydration, breathing difficulties, and many other biological maladies. Many people turn to humidifiers to help. Space and other portable heaters can help take the extra chill off, but there are safety precautions which must be adhered to. This is when you want to spend a little extra money to get quality. For example, they should be well footed and bottom-heavy so as not to tumble over or have auto shut-off capabilities if they do. Health in Aging https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/winter-safety-tips-older-adults also talks about fire safety and watching out for the silent killer, carbon monoxide, produced from several indoor heating systems:

“During the winter months, it is common to use the fireplace or other heating sources, such as natural gas, kerosene, and other fuels. Unless fireplaces, wood and gas stoves, and gas appliances are properly vented, cleaned, and used, they can leak dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide—a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell. These and other appliances, such as space heaters, can also be fire hazards.

Warning Signs:
• Headache
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

Precautions to Take:
• Call an inspector to have your chimneys and flues inspected – preferred annually.
• Open a window (when using a kerosene stove) – just a crack will do.
• Place smoke detectors and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in strategic places – especially in areas where you use fireplaces, wood stoves, or kerosene heaters.
• Make sure space heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that might catch fire, such as curtains, bedding, and furniture.
• Never try to heat your home using a gas stove, charcoal grill, or other stoves not made for home heating.”

Carbon Monoxide detectors are a must and easily plug into a wall outlet. They are relatively inexpensive and will detect abnormal carbon monoxide levels in the air and produce an alarm, much like a smoke detector. They can be found at any hardware store and major online retailers.

Although winter brings with it a change of scenery, layers of a seasonal wardrobe, a new roster of activities, and a slew of holidays with a festive spirit that we look forward to, making sure we get ourselves and our homes safely ready is paramount.

• “Not pressuring your child to speak
• Showing patience when your child does want to speak
• Be positive about your child’s efforts
• Model to others how to be supportive of your child’s attempts to communicate
• Be generally supportive and encouraging to your child”

As children age, they may learn how to recognize their speech patterns and be taught techniques to manage it themselves. Others may not notice that they are having difficulty. The earlier you have your child diagnosed and begin therapy, the sooner they may improve their self-esteem, communicate more effectively, and have a positive outlook for the future. Above all, a speech disorder should in no way be contrary to their uniqueness and value in life.

During these past months, we have had to forego many activities of our social lives, work, regular exercise routines, and in-person therapy appointments. While there are many options via social media, YouTube, and other streaming systems to exercise at home, being able to work one-on-one with a preferred therapist has provided an entirely new avenue. It allows us to continue our recovery and training while remaining safe at home.

Only a few years ago, it would have seemed unusual for us to ‘go to the doctor’ via telehealth. Today, especially in the COVID age, telemedicine is the standard rather than the exception. And while it may take a few sessions to get used to this new means of care, the ability to continue contact-less therapy away from public interactions is well worth the effort.

Like any other telehealth service, the patient or caregiver installs an app on a mobile device or accesses a given website via a computer or laptop. And like in-person clinics, appointments are scheduled with the therapist. At the appointed time, the patient and therapist meet online, and the session begins. During the online appointment, the therapist will review the patient’s status and the recommended exercises. The therapist may also partner with a patient’s caregiver if there is one, to provide some hands-on assistance. Using the AI features of the service, a therapist can measure and assess progress. Therapists and the patient (and caregiver) can both see each other and converse during the session. And the same as an in-office visit, the therapist can demonstrate a new exercise or go over an existing one. They can observe the person as they perform the repetitions, and provide encouragement, corrections, or changes as needed. One of the advanced features of teletherapy is that therapists are also able to accurately measure and record notes such as reduced/increased range of motion, stamina, balance, fatigue, etc. through its technology. Unlike in-person sessions where there may be other patients in the gym at the same time, the online session provides a one-on-one experience, unless part of a planned group session.

Ultimately, we can quickly become spoiled by the ease and effectiveness of this telehealth method and wish to continue it long after the current health situation. While in-person therapy will always remain, it may no longer be a necessity now that there are telemedicine options. Post-operative patients can stay in the comfort of their home, yet have the therapy needed to get them on the road to recovery. Those patients with limited mobility, or under the influence of certain prescribed medicines, will no longer have to contend with the travel issues. Long gaps between appointments because of wintery weather, lack of transportation, childcare, or work-related challenges can be reduced so that patients can ‘see’ their therapist more regularly. Many therapists will also provide instructional videos to help the individual continue their recommended exercises between sessions. Administrative processes, payment methods, and insurances can be pre-arranged and stored on the app to provide an even smoother experience. In most cases, prescribed telehealth/teletherapy sessions are covered by Medicare and most major health insurance providers.

Furthermore, the telehealth therapists report back to the patient’s primary physician just as they do with in-person sessions. They can forward records from the sessions as well and give an evaluation of the individual’s progress.
The benefits of using artificial intelligence healthcare options are many. Both long-term and short-term plans of care are possible.

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.

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.

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.

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