How Seniors Can Remain Active And Social

Staying active has many benefits for seniors. It helps keep joints limber, prevent depression and promote general overall health. Social activity is just as important. It helps cultivate a sense of well-being and stave off loneliness. Of course, it isn't always easy for seniors to stay active and socially connected. Here are some ideas from our Las Vegas caregivers to help keep active in your golden years.

Adopt a Hobby

Hobbies are not only a great way to stay active in the home, but they allow people to connect with like-minded individuals. Hobbies can be anything from quilting to flying radio control helicopters. The idea is to find something enjoyable and find other people who like it. These days, it is easy to go online and find local hobby groups for seniors.

Find a Community Center

There are lots of great organizations that offer activities for seniors. These include senior centers, the Y and even local universities. Individuals can use these community centers to take classes, meet new people and get safe access to fitness equipment.

Visit a Museum

Museums are perfect for seniors of varying mobility. They tend to have wheelchair accessibility, are quiet and offer many subjects to appreciate. Art museums will also often have events like cocktail parties, art classes and musical performances that seniors can enjoy.

Join a Faith-Based Group or Organization

Religious faith brings people together, which makes it a wonderful way for seniors to connect socially. Churches, synagogues, temples and even community centers have opportunities for faith-based socializing, praying, volunteering and much more. Seniors of all faiths can find a spiritual group to occupy time and make new friends.

Get Outside

The outdoors provides myriad opportunities for seniors to stay active. They don't have to hike the Appalachian Trail to get a little exercise. They can go to a local park, take up bird watching, walk around the neighborhood, enjoy a nice swim or keep a small garden in their own backyards.

Unfortunately, many seniors do not enjoy the independence it takes to do things on their own. However, they can get the help they need to stay active, healthy and social right in their own homes. Senior care services like Las Vegas' Visiting Angels provide help with hygiene, cleaning, meal preparation and dressing. Go to Visiting Angels today to learn more about how seniors can get help at home.

Caring for a Loved One with Mobility Issues

When your loved one’s mobility decreases, he or she may suddenly need help doing a lot of the things that are necessary for daily living. The thought of lifting and assisting your loved one may be daunting, but it will become easier with time. Here are some tips for caring for a loved one with reduced mobility.

Respecting Your Loved One’s Independence
A decrease in mobility is a major loss for most people. Your loved one wants and needs to have as much control over his or her life as possible. Before you attempt to assist your loved one, be careful to explain what has to be done and why.

Staying Safe During Transfers
Transfers can be dangerous. You can make the process much safer by planning ahead, waiting for help if your loved one is too heavy, and following safety guidelines. These include keeping your legs slightly apart and your back straight while holding your loved one near to own body during the move, turning your whole body rather than just you waist, and wearing skid-proof shoes. To initiate the transfer, face your loved one while gently gripping beneath each arm. If you must carry your loved one, put one arm around him or her and under an armpit, then put the other under the knees.

Using a Wheelchair
A wheelchair can allow your loved one to continue many activities he or she loves, such as visiting, shopping, enjoying the outdoors, and attending religious services. However, getting into and out of the wheelchair must be done safely.

Before transferring your loved one to a wheelchair, adjust the height so that the rider’s thighs are at a 90 degree angle to his or her torso. Place a pad in the seat for comfort. Before you assist your loved one into the chair, lock the brakes and adjust the footrests to the side. Then use the general safety guidelines for transfers to help your loved one into the chair. Once your loved one is in the chair, move his or her feet apart to about shoulder width.

Always turn the chair backwards before going up stairs or over curbs or bumps. Whenever possible, make sure your loved one can see where you are going. Casually mention that you are approaching bumps, turns, stairs, ramps, or lifts. When it is time to get back into bed, use the safety guidelines for transfers again, this time gently lifting your loved one from the wheelchair.

Reach out for Help
Even the most dedicated caregiver needs help now and then. Enlist other family members to help care for your loved ones when needed, or ask for a helping hand from a professional such as Visiting Angels in Las Vegas.

Health And Independence Goals For The Elderly

As life expectancy increases, the issue of maintaining health and independence has become a priority, especially among the aging baby boomer population. Most seniors wish to remain at home and independent throughout their final years. Medical and technological advances make this more possible now than ever before. The following are some tips for seniors to ensure they remain active and healthy during their golden years.

1. Create a secure environment.

Safety should be at the forefront of every senior’s mind. Falls are the most common reason seniors lose their independence. Almost 500,000 people over age 65 are hospitalized each year due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, these injuries often lead to permanent disability and even death. The good news is falls are entirely preventable. Seniors and their families should conduct a thorough safety review of the home. The review should take into account the senior’s specific health, cognitive, and mobility related issues. Remember to reassess safety whenever there is a change in physical or mental status.

2. Embrace technology.

One of the most valuable pieces of technology for any senior is an emergency alert device. These devices instantly connect a person to emergency services with the touch of a button in the event of a fall or other accident. Assistive devices are available to make it easier for seniors to perform daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and bathing. Easy to operate electronic pill boxes are even available to remind seniors to take medication properly. Your doctor, medical supply company, or home health agency can help you find the right assistive devices for your situation.

3. Set healthcare goals.

The act of setting a goal often has a positive impact on a person’s overall outlook. Setting goals provides a sense of empowerment and control over one’s circumstances. Setting healthcare goals should be a collaborative effort involving the senior, their family, and the doctor. The goals should not try to fix everything at once. The goals should involve one or two specific steps the senior can take to improve their overall quality of life. For example, the doctor may advise the senior to increase exercise. The senior may not care about exercise or losing weight but may desire to remain in the home to be with a beloved dog. You can use the emotional connection to bring the two goals together by encouraging the senior to take more frequent walks with the dog.

Las Vegas Senior Friendly Activities

Despite a youthful image, Las Vegas hosts multiple hot spots for seniors. People have even chosen Las Vegas as a popular retirement destination because retirees have countless entertainment options. If you are visiting Las Vegas and want to take part in activities that your loved one will not be able to participate in, Visiting Angels, a Las Vegas in-homecare company, can help your elderly family member see the sights while you can enjoy a show or activity that your family member wouldn't relish. 

Touring

Buses have become increasingly popular, and your loved one can sit back and enjoy a ride to the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon. They can enjoy the gift shops and pick up mementos as they go. Otherwise, our caregivers could give them a ride down the strip to see the hallmark sites of Vegas. 

Museums of Vegas

With the surrounding desert, you have a location that was once the location of the nuclear testing facility for the atom bomb. While you will not see mushroom clouds in the sky, your loved one may be interested in the Atomic Testing Museum. This location features great exhibits such as pieces from the Berlin Wall, and there are artifacts from the World Trade Centers. However, if your loved one enjoys fine art, we could show them the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which features world-class art from some of the most influential artists in the industry. Visitors will feast their eyes upon golden cigar cases, hardstone animals, jewel encrusted brooches, decorative boxes and enamel picture frames. With more than 200 elegant objects from the famous Russian Czars Alexander III and his successor Nicholas II, your loved one will have the chance to view imperial Easter eggs. 

Gamble at the Chance to Win Millions

When you visit Las Vegas, few places offer a better chance to gamble for the chance to win millions. The loud revelry of Downtown might be too much, but we could show your loved one some of the local spots that often cater to the older generation and provide less noise, less distraction and a lower bet limit. These locations include:

• Sam's Town
• Texas
• Station Casinos

The Shows of Vegas

Las Vegas shows cater to a variety of age groups, but some of the more popular choices for seniors include:

• Viva Elvis in City Center
• Rita Rudner
• Mystere at TI
• O at Bellagio
• Blue Man Group at the Monte Carlo

When you visit Las Vegas, Visiting Angels can help to guarantee that both you and your loved one have a great experience. In addition to helping your loved one enjoy the best of Vegas, we can also provide in-homecare at the hotel while the younger family members enjoy a show if that is what's required.

Exercise Tips for Seniors

It’s never too late to begin enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. In fact, older adults who have experienced a decline in physical activity due to certain age-related disorders may benefit most of all. Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean hours of strenuous work at the gym. For most people it’s simply about developing a healthier lifestyle; one that includes more physical activity and better nutritional choices. Let’s take a closer look at the positive effects of exercise.

Benefits

A regular exercise routine does far more than just help us look younger and build muscle; it is also good for our mental health, lowering our risk of disease, and maintaining our independence as we grow older. Senior citizens who incorporate a fitness plan into their daily lives will not only improve their bone density and muscle mass, but will also greatly improve their immune system, blood pressure, and heart-health. Daily exercise can even help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Other added benefits include better sleep, greater self-confidence, and even improved memory. On a physical level, what we’re looking to improve is strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even those who are chair-bound can participate in exercises that will enhance their range of motion and improve their overall quality of life. Below is a list of popular exercises for seniors.

Walking

Walking is a great low-impact exercise that is simple and fun to do. Choose a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of cushion and support. Be mindful of your posture, and breathe deep into your lungs. This will do wonders for delivering oxygen throughout your entire body and increasing your blood flow. Take a walk in nature to help relieve stress. Create a goal of around 30 minutes or more a few days a week, and be sure to stretch those leg muscles when you return.

Swimming

Swimming is another exercise that is easy on your joints and bones, and therefore lowers the risk of injury. Aside from the relaxing sensation of floating in water, you’ll drastically improve strength, endurance, and range of motion. Keep it fun by learning new strokes. You will soon discover that this gentle activity can be a total-body workout.

Yoga/chair yoga

Yoga is so much more than impossible-looking poses and strange chants. The benefits include increased strength and muscle tone, along with greater balance and stress relief. Even those confined to a chair can benefit from this harmony of stretching and strength-training. Learn yogic breathing to improve your lung function, ease digestion, and remove harmful toxins from your body. Regardless of your age or physical condition, there is a yoga program that is suitable for you.  Here in Southern Nevada, you can find a helpful program through Henderson's Senior Center or at Las Vegas's newly remodeled Derfelt Senior Center.

Contact Visiting Angels

By improving our fitness, we can improve our quality of life and continue doing the things we enjoy well into our golden-years. If you or an aging loved-one is in need of support, contact Visiting Angels by calling 702-407-1100. Our professional aides will be more than happy to assist you in developing a personalized fitness routine