Fun-Filled Hobbies for Your Senior to Try in 2014

As the new year approaches, many of us are setting goals for ourselves about what we want to do differently in 2014. If you find that your elderly loved one spends most of their time in front of the television, consider making your new year’s resolution about helping them expand their horizons. There are a number of activities that are perfect for seniors of all ability levels. They will keep your elderly loved one engaged without pushing them too much. Some activities you should encourage your senior to try this year include:

Scrapbooking

If your elderly loved one collects pictures from various family gatherings and milestones, do something useful with these shots and turn them into a scrapbook. Instead of gathering dust in a shoebox, senior care professionals explain that these pictures will be displayed in a beautiful and organized way. Eldercare providers note that scrapbooking is the perfect hobby for seniors of all physical ability levels, and is a rewarding hobby for your elderly loved one to pursue.

Discover your family history

There are many useful resources online that can help a senior to trace their family history. Work with your elderly loved one to help them input the information necessary to find out more about their ancestors. This is also a great way to connect with younger generations. They will love finding out that their great aunt was a Broadway star, or that their great-grandfather started his own business. As you search for information about relatives, your senior can chat with their grandchildren about what life was like as they were growing up.

Write a memoir

If your senior enjoys writing, eldercare professionals suggest asking them to create a collection of memories about their childhood and put it into book form. They can add some pictures to make it a special keepsake for future generations. If your elderly loved one is not particularly passionate about writing, consider recording their thoughts instead. You can even have the children of the family “interview” the elderly individual about their past. This is a terrific bonding activity, and it can be a useful resource for the family as the years go on. 

Take up photography

With today’s smartphones and other technological advancements, pursuing photography does not require a significant investment. Get your senior familiar with how to use the camera on their phone, or purchase an inexpensive digital camera for them to use. They will love learning how to perfect their shots as they capture the world around them.

Regardless of how active your senior is, there is a range of activities that they can participate in in order to keep them entertained and fulfilled. 

How to Keep Your Senior Healthy During Flu Season

Flu season is in full swing, which means that you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure that your elderly loved one remains healthy. While older adults are especially vulnerable to the flu and its side effects, the U.S. Department of Health states that only 64 percent of those over 65 actually get the flu shot. 

 The first step in protecting your senior this flu season is to ensure that they get their flu vaccination.

Rumors frequently circulate about the flu vaccine, including that it actually gives a person the flu. In reality, none of these myths are true. The flu vaccination will not sicken your senior. It will only help to prevent them from getting seriously ill should they become exposed to the flu.  The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is in late October or November, but the shots can still be effective in December or later on, too. 

Inquire about a pneumonia vaccine

As you take your senior in to get a flu shot, eldercare professionals suggest asking the medical professional about whether your loved one would benefit from a pneumonia shot too. This vaccine works any time of year, and can offer your senior lifelong protection from this serious illness.

Do not allow sick people to visit with your elderly loved one

While your senior probably loves company, inviting sick people into the home puts your elderly loved one at risk for getting ill themselves. If a family member or friend is sick, explain that you would love to see them, but are trying to protect your senior. Then invite them over once they are feeling better. Most people will be understanding about the extra risks that seniors face when they are exposed to germs.

Encourage everyone in the home to wash their hands

If your elderly loved one lives with you, encourage everyone in the home to wash their hands regularly. This keeps the spread of germs to a minimum, thus protecting your senior. If the elderly individual lives alone, remind them about the importance of hand washing, and consider hiring a home care professional to come in a few days each week to ensure that the place stays tidy and germ free. 

One of the best things your senior can do to stay healthy during this time of year is to get plenty of sleep and eat well. This helps the body to fight off infection. 

¹ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-flu-for-you-tips-to-keep-seniors-healthy-during-flu-season-104287548.html

Winterizing Your Senior's Home

For elderly individuals who are aging in place, caring for the home may be a bit of a challenge. While they might be able to keep up with daily chores and minor repairs, winterizing their property may prove a bit difficult. For this reason, senior care professionals encourage family members to step up and help out. Below are some of the ways in which eldercare providers note that seniors need help in preparing their homes for harsh winter weather.

Cleaning out gutters

The gutters around the home keep water moving away from the structure, and as such protect the property. But this is only true if they are kept in good repair. Clogged gutters can cause massive amounts of damage to a structure, so it's important that they are cleaned at least twice per year. Removing all leaves, twigs, and other debris after the fall season is the best way to prepare the gutters to take on the winter weather. 

Fix air and water leaks

From space that has grown in door jambs due to the settling of the home and warping of the door frame to leaks in faucets, these problems need to be taken care of in order to create the most comfortable living space possible. Go through the house and check for any air coming in through door and window frames. Additionally, check and fix any leaking faucets or dripping pipes. 

Update insulation

This project is on a bit of a larger scale, but it is certainly important when winterizing a home. Check the attic insulation in your senior's house to ensure that it is up to code and in good repair. If necessary, replace the insulation with an energy-efficient version that will both keep the home more comfortable and lower energy bills. 

Have the chimney inspected

Cold weather calls for cozy fires, but this can prove dangerous if your senior's chimney isn't clean. Have a chimney sweep come inspect the chimney and determine if any upkeep needs to be performed or if it is good to go another year before a cleaning. 

Winterizing your senior's home is an extremely important way in which you can show your love and appreciation for your elderly loved one.  

Holiday Activities for Seniors

This holiday season, it's important to ensure that your elderly loved one is included in the festivities. Home care providers know that, for many seniors, the holidays can be bittersweet. Eldercare professionals explain that elderly individuals may feel isolated or may become depressed due to seasonal trends and the inability to spend time with family and friends. So to keep your loved one in the holiday spirit and show your appreciation for your senior, below are some great activities that you may consider this season.

• Go caroling. If your loved one loves to sing, take a trip around the block singing their favorite holiday tunes. You can go the traditional route and knock on doors, or you can simply sing along the street for anyone who is interested in hearing. Invite family and friends to come along to make this occasion even more memorable. 
• Have family pictures taken. This is an activity that will benefit all involved. Your family members will all have beautiful portraits to display in their home. Additionally, you will have the chance to make great memories with your loved ones during the photo shoot. Make sure to frame one of the best pictures and put it under the tree for your senior. 
• Host a holiday party. Oftentimes, seniors love socializing but have a difficult time getting out and about in the cold weather. Instead, try hosting a holiday party! You can have it at your house or your senior's home, whichever works best, and can invite family and friends to come celebrate the season together. Make sure to include your senior in the planning process so that they have a hand in deciding upon the refreshments, entertainment, decorations, etc. 
• Make Christmas stockings. There are countless patterns out there for simple Christmas stockings that your family members can make. Either help your elderly loved one make them for all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren or have a stocking making party and invite everyone to attend! This will provide family members with a great keepsake from your senior—and will allow them to cherish this stocking for years to come. 

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate your love for family and friends. With these activities, your senior will certainly enjoy the season!