Gifts for Seniors – 10 Great Ideas

The holidays are coming up, and you may be wondering what gifts to get for the seniors in your life. It can be difficult during these busy times of year to find gifts that they will enjoy.

Gifts for Seniors - 10 Great Ideas

We have compiled a list of 10 great gifts for seniors– including ones for those who live independently or with family, as well as gifts for nursing home residents.

Gifts for Seniors – 10 Great Ideas

Are you having a hard time buying a gift for a senior loved one? Gifts are really hard to buy for people as they get older, but gifting a senior citizen doesn’t have to be hard, it just needs to come from the heart.

The easiest way to gift a senior citizen is to give something that the senior citizen could not so easily buy. Here are ten gift ideas for your favorite senior citizen:

Homemade bread.

A senior citizen often likes something sweet with coffee for afternoon snacks, so why not whip up a loaf of homemade banana bread or homemade apple bread for your favorite senior citizen? Wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and top it with a bow. This makes a perfect anytime gift for your favorite senior citizen.

You can try a variety of baked goods to keep things fresh – like some of these great ideas we found:

Gifts for Seniors - 10 Great Ideas

A Casserole.

Cooking a meal is sometimes exhausting for a senior citizen, so why not bake a delicious one-meal casserole and deliver it up as a gift for your favorite senior citizen. You can leave the casserole dish as part of the gift, or you can offer ongoing refills on a weekly/monthly basis just for your favorite senior citizen returning the dish each time.

May I suggest breaking it down into smaller portions first? That way a few can go into the freezer for later use. Who wants to eat the same thing night after night? If you did this for a few months with different casseroles, eventually they would have a freezer full of a nice variety.

Lawn mowing.

It’s a tough job to mow the lawn in the heat, especially for a senior citizen. So, why not save your favorite senior citizen the trouble by gifting a lawn mowing? Not only will this serve as a helpful gift for your favorite senior citizen, but it’ll also make you feel better about yourself, and you might even get a glass of tea out of the deal.

Lawn mowing

Trip to the beauty/barbershop.

Is your favorite senior citizen on a fixed income? If so, he/she might not be able to afford that special attention from a beauty shop/barbershop. So, why not take your favorite senior citizen for a haircut, hairstyle, or a permanent one? You drive; you pay. This is one of the best senior citizen gifts as it helps their self-esteem too!

Even a manicure or pedicure could be a huge treat – pedicures are great if they have diabetes, it helps you subtly keep an eye on their health.

A hand-delivered meal.

A senior citizen often enjoys getting a home-cooked plate of food cooked by someone else, so why not dish out a plate for your favorite senior citizen when you cook your own family a meal? You might want to be careful with the spices. As a person ages, spices tend to agree less with the digestive system.

It can be nice to whip up a few that only need a quick zap in their microwave – and they often taste better than the options from meals on wheels.

A hand-delivered meal

Outing to a senior dance.

Give your favorite senior citizen the chance to mingle with people his/her own age by taking your favorite senior citizen to a senior citizen dance. You can dance, too. The evening will provide both of you with some good exercise and some good company.

Trust me – some of those seniors might easily out dance you – after all, they know every step!

A Night at bingo.

A night at bingo can really pep up the spirits of your favorite senior citizen. Bingo helps with thinking/reaction skills, and the good news is that it doesn’t cost a lot to spend an afternoon at bingo. Play a card or two while you both sip on sodas, and your favorite senior citizen will walk away with a smile stretched across his/her face.

If it is at your local casino? Go for the buffet too!

A Night at bingo

Visit the senior citizen center.

Many towns provide senior citizen centers, and these centers offer a variety of activities, so treat your senior citizen to a ride to your local senior citizen center. Your favorite senior citizen will have the chance to play dominoes, shuffleboard, or other activities during the visit.

If you don’t have a senior center, check our local parks and recreation guide for different activities. Often they have great bargaining power and get amazing deals for all participants.

Dominoes.

Want a fun time with your favorite senior citizen? Why not gift your favorite senior citizen with a nice set of dominoes and then set up a weekly domino night. You can build on that gift by baking a loaf of banana bread, etc, and run on over one night a week for some good clean fun with your favorite senior citizen.

If Dominoes aren’t your thing – there are so many other great games for 2 people to play: GO is a great example. It originated in China in ancient times. It was considered one of the four essential arts of a cultured Chinese scholar in antiquity and is described as a worthy pastime for a gentleman in the Analects of Confucius. Maybe Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Cribbage? Maybe try a new game every month!

Dominoes

Day of housecleaning.

Even a senior citizen who lives in a small apartment might have a hard time keeping a clean house due to mobility/energy issues. Worse yet, with declining eye issues they fail to see how bad things might really be getting.

Worst-case scenario? They have bugs in their pantry and aren’t even aware that they are getting extra protein with their daily cereal. I only mention this as it is something we had to deal with. Even the couch my mother-in-law practically lived in had little creatures living off the crumbs she had dropped.

So, why not share your abundant mobility/energy by helping out with some household chores. You don’t even have to completely clean the house. Just do the dishes or vacuum the floors.

Day of housecleaning

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5 Great Activities For Seniors This Summer

Activities For Seniors? The summer months are just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about activities for your senior loved one. While you might think activities like golf, shuffleboard, or going on a cruise ship would be perfect, these activities can be too strenuous for seniors who don’t have mobility impairments.

5 Great Activities For Seniors This Summer

However, there are plenty of fun activities that can keep your senior active this summer without breaking a sweat! Here is a look at 5 easy activities that will make your loved one happy this summer season:

5 ways to keep your senior active this summer

The summer is a great time to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air. However, when the weather turns extremely hot, everyone needs to be conscious of their activity level when having fun in the sun.

Why is it important for seniors to be kept active? Seniors who are inactive can be prone to heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. But that’s not all. Inactivity can also lead to obesity and if mental decline has started? It can rapidly take hold.

Everyone needs to feel like they make a difference – Meaningful Activities are important

Luckily, there are activities that will keep your loved one active this summer!

Senior citizens and children especially need to focus on staying hydrated and beating the heat whenever possible. Still, summer activities for seniors do not have to be solely indoor experiences. By doing a little research, even they can get outside, get moving and enjoy the warmer months. Here are a few ideas to get things going:

A Morning Walk

A Morning Walk

The morning is a great time to get outside and talk a nice stroll. Before the afternoon sun starts beating down harshly on the pavement and the day is still relatively cool, planning a walk around the neighborhood is a great form of exercise.

However, if a hiking trail has some good stable terrain, such as paving stones or crushed limestone, getting some time with nature is a great idea. Hiking trails should be researched for length and material prior to embarking on any journey, though, just to make sure the trip can be completed before things start to get too hot to handle.

Activities For Seniors: Go Swimming

Taking a dip in the pool is a great way to cool off, and even senior citizens can benefit from the activity of being in the water. A quick check of available public pools will often reveal special senior hours where the facility is at its disposal. Plus, hanging out with the grandkids at their backyard pool is a great way to enhance the family bonds.

Just follow the general pool safety rules: no running, stay near the wall and wear water shoes to avoid slipping on wet surfaces. Above all, never, ever swim alone.

Activities For Seniors: Go Swimming

You can take a trip to the beach too. Surfside activities are often less intense during the day and can be a great way to get some exercise. Of course, just like with any other activity involving water, make sure your senior loved one is wearing sunscreen while on the beach so they don’t burn or develop skin cancer.

Take Day Trips

Summer is a great time to grab the family and take a day trip to the zoo or even just the park. Even packing up for a picnic lunch can be a great time if the weather does not want to cooperate; simply head out to a local mall and move the party to the food court or a restaurant.

Even checking out a movie or two at the local multiplex (taking advantage of the senior citizen discount) can be a great way to spend the lazy summer afternoons.

If you are dealing with declining mental issues, things like museums or free concerts are a perfect fit! It has been proven that activities such as these can improve mood and motivation as both colors and music make a huge impact.

Take Day Trips

Your local Parks and Rec guide might have fun events to a local town via bus for day trips at a budget price. Museums, aquariums, and even casinos might be available for activities to keep your loved one active this summer.

Don’t knock casinos before you try them – they often have great shows and incredible buffets! Some even have great cultural museums. You can spend a day there and never touch a slot machine.

Activities For Seniors: Try Volunteering

Recent developments in the economy have presented a number of places to volunteer. Many seniors have great life experience that allows them to be experts on a variety of topics. What better way to whittle down the summer days than by sharing those experiences with others?

Just about every church or civic organization is constantly looking for volunteers. Generally, a simple phone call can produce several opportunities for summer activities.

Schools are usually begging for help with the younger kids. I know COVID has changed a few protocols, but with the vaccinations, there is hope that schools will be open to volunteers soon.

Activities For Seniors: Try Volunteering

Take Up A New Hobby

Trying something new is a great way to exercise the mind. Often the mental acuity is involved in learning a new pastime. Everything from arts and crafts to new sports is really on the table.

Sometimes even spending the winter making a list of things to try in the summer is a great way to figure out exactly what to do. Sometimes, the best things are discovered later in life and present new challenges. It is never too late to try something totally unfamiliar.

To sum it all up, it is important that seniors never stop activities. The summer months present a number of opportunities to enjoy time with loved ones, partake in activities available at any hour, and try new things. The only thing standing in their way? The knowledge of what all they could be doing.

Take Up A New Hobby

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How to Have That Tough Conversation With Your Aging Parents

Tough Conversation With Your Aging Parents? As we get older our parents get older as well. You don’t think about it much until the time comes around when you are forced to have that tough conversation. What happens when my parents aren’t able to take care of themselves? 

How to Have That Tough Conversation With Your Aging Parents

This is very difficult to talk about or think about for both you and your parents. The ones who have cared for you your whole life now need you to take care of them. It’s a surreal feeling and can be emotional for some. 

How to Have That Tough Conversation With Your Aging Parents

You essentially reverse the roles and take on the responsibility of supporting them, worrying about them and caring for them. Most of the time families don’t talk about this part of their lives but this leads to all kinds of stress and miscommunication. 

It’s important to talk about this with your parents. You need to touch on topics such as finances, medical care, and estate planning. 

Do they have a will set up? Are their finances in order for emergency care? What are their final wishes? 

It’s important to have this convo SOONER rather than LATER no matter how much they fight you on it. 

The best time to start the conversation is now

The best time to start the conversation is now

Once your parents start aging into the years of 55+ they most likely start thinking about a will and what to do when that time comes for assistance. It’s not fun but we all have to face that topic eventually. 

Many parents will talk about this once they start having children in case something happens unexpectedly. They have the reassurance that their children are set up years ahead of time. 

Your parents may be handling these topics as they age but more than likely they aren’t talking to their children about it. It’s a difficult topic to talk about and many families don’t want to speak of it because it’s “too soon”. 

The reality is that it is never too soon. You never know how life will end up and it’s important to start that conversation as soon as possible.

Always make sure your parents know how much you love them before it’s too late!

Start the conversation with a question

Start the conversation with a question

When approaching this situation you want to make sure you don’t offend your parents. You want to let them know that you care about their well-being and you want to be there for them. You aren’t trying to hurt their feelings, you want to make sure you are prepared to care for them if anything may happen. 

Come prepared, and do your research on the topic of caring for aging parents. You can find some good questions and topics to touch on. This will make it easier on you and you will feel more confident and less overwhelmed. There is a lot of important information to remember when talking about this topic. Having questions prepared will make the conversation smoother for all of you.

Start the conversation off with non-threatening questions. These can be questions like:

  • How is the car treating you? Have you had any issues driving it?
  • The house is looking great, how much maintenance is needed for this size home?

Start it off with these conversational questions and easily transition into the questions you came there for. They may get emotional and upset throughout the conversation but this is normal. This isn’t an easy topic. 

Are They Prepared?

Are They Prepared?

It’s hard to think that one day your parents won’t be able to care for themselves from day to day. Things like driving a vehicle, walking up the stairs and cooking dinner become a struggle for them.

You need to be sure they are prepared for this time. Find out who they have named as an emergency contact, doctor, or lawyer. Ask if they have a medical plan of action.  If possible, set up in advance any medical appointments they need so that everything is taken care of without stress. 

Work together on a plan of action for when the time comes. This could include setting up power of attorney and wills. It can get costly for you or for them if they don’t get the necessary care needed at the right time. You can come across scams, high insurance bills or accidents. 

Studies have shown that many aging individuals have cognitive impairment when they age and this causes damaging financial decisions. They stop paying their bills, stop paying their taxes and make poor financial decisions. 

This is a dangerous situation and things like this need to be planned out ahead of time. 

Be Sympathetic and Patient With Them

Be Sympathetic and Patient With Them 

Remember that this might not go smoothly at first – but it will get easier! Be patient with them and don’t give up. It may take some time for your parents’ perspective to change on these topics but remind them that this is for their safety. You only want to help. 

Be kind and understanding while still keeping things clear and direct. Don’t forget to ask questions about what else your parents are worried about or uncomfortable with. 

Offer more compliments and resolutions rather than stating outright that eventually they will need to go to a home. Set the tone for the conversation in a positive tone rather than a negative and accusatory tone. You can get a pretty good feel on how your parents are feeling about certain topics and questions by their body language. 

If they seem anxious, fidgety or get silent you should probably pull back a bit and focus on a different area. 

Finally, keep in mind that your parents may feel more comfortable talking face-to-face than over the phone or through email; consider going to your parents home next time you’re able.

Be Sympathetic and Patient With Them

In Conclusion

Remember that you may not be able to have the entire conversation at once. It may take a few conversations with your parents over dinner to gather all of the information you need to feel prepared. 

If you have siblings or close relatives, ask them to help you address this conversation. The more support you have the better. This also shows your parents that they have people who love them and want the best for them. Be patient, be understanding and support them no matter what. 

The Best Ways To Deal With Your Aging Parent’s Belongings

Ways To Deal With Your Aging Parent’s Belongings? There is a time in your life when you have to deal with the belongings of an aging parent. Whether it’s because they’ve passed away or they are no longer able to take care of themselves, there will come a time when you need to decide what to do with their possessions.

The Best Ways To Deal With Your Aging Parent's Belongings

These days many people want to keep as much stuff out of landfills as possible and at the same time avoid paying for storage space so downsizing can be difficult for everyone involved. However, if we look at this process through a new lens, it could actually be a positive experience that brings families together.

The Best Ways To Deal With Your Aging Parent’s Belongings

When it comes time for your parents to move into a senior living home it can be very overwhelming and emotional. You now have a house full of belongings and no clue where to start. You have years of memories, collectibles, and furniture to find a place for. 

The first thing you will have to do is go through all of the items in your parent’s home. You don’t want to get rid of any family memories, collectibles, or items that mean something to your parents. This is tedious and will take some time but is necessary as the first step to this process. 

Once you sort through the important belongings, what do you do with the rest of the items? You don’t want to clutter up your home, you don’t want to pay for storage….so what do you do?

Also, how can you get your parents to agree to get rid of items they no longer need? 

The Best Ways To Deal With Your Aging Parent's Belongings

If you decide to pack everything up and save it in a storage unit that only delays the work. You will have this huge project sitting in a storage unit waiting to be tended to. Make it easier on yourself and take care of as much as you can now. 

Read some of the strategies below for more information on how to handle your aging parents’ belongings. 

What Should I Do With Their Stuff If They Are Downsizing?

As mentioned above, you will need to sort through what they NEED to keep and what they WANT to keep with them. After all, it is their stuff – they should have the first pick.

They should be able to bring what they’d like with them within reason, but everything in a 2000+ square foot home simply won’t fit in that nursing home. 

From there you can personally go through and gather all of the keepsakes and memorable items for yourself and your family. Gather those items and store those away in your home, storage unit, etc. 

What Should I Do With Their Stuff If They Are Downsizing?

Tips For Minimizing Belongings

Ask for help: Gather family and friends to help you sort through everything. Make a weekend out of it and divide and conquer. This will be more efficient and help make the process more fun, no one wants to do this alone. 

Digitize photos: Every parent has frames and frames of pictures of the family from over the years. They are in frames, albums, or organized photo boxes. You don’t want to throw family pictures away, it just doesn’t feel right and you don’t have to. Inquire with some companies about digitizing your photos for you. This will help minimize clutter and allow you to keep the memories. 

Jewelry is worth something: Take the leftover jewelry into a shop with a professional appraiser. Have them look at the jewelry and determine its value. You can sell them the jewelry and know you’re getting your money’s worth. 

Selling Family Belongings

Selling Family Belongings

Aging care is expensive! Your parents will need that money in their account to help cover the expenses of their new living center. Selling items you no longer need such as furniture and clothing are easy to do with multiple options to choose from. 

The easiest way to sell off belongings is to take the items into a thrift store or consignment store. The other way to sell items is online such as Etsy or eBay. This is a long process and more time-consuming for you. If you have the time and you enjoy the online platform feel free to use this strategy but if you are looking for the easiest process possible, consignment stores will be your best friend!

Garage sales are also a great choice for selling your belongings. Gather the items and put a sign up around the neighborhood promoting the garage sale coming up. People love garage sales and with an abundance of items to choose from it is sure to be a hit. 

Donating Items To Charity

Donate any items that are no longer needed or you can’t sell. This can be old clothes, books, kitchen utensils, furniture, jewelry, etc.  Donate to places such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity. 

Be sure to keep all receipts of any donations you make. Your parents can use this as a tax deduction!

Ask Family or Friends If They Are Interested

Since your family and friends are helping you they are welcome to take whatever they see. Offer them the choice to choose any items to keep while organizing and packing up items. This can be furniture, home decor, books, etc. 

You never know, there could be enough furniture to furnish a small apartment for their child or themselves. The more they take the less you have to worry about, right? 

Ask Family or Friends If They Are Interested

Let The Community Do The Work For You 

Another easy way to get rid of items is to leave the belongings on the curb for neighbors or people in the community to pick up. You see this a lot when people are moving out or renovating. They will leave furniture, toys, etc on the curb for people to come by and pick up. 

You can find some real gems by doing this and many people look for items like this in neighborhoods all the time. 

If your city is holding a community garage sale or neighborhood garage sale, sign up as a contributor! 

Let The Community Do The Work For You

Senior Moving Professionals 

Believe it or not, there are companies out there that specialize in helping take care of your parents’ home and belongings. You can ask the staff at the senior living center about these senior moving professionals. They can get you in contact with the right people.

These professionals are there every step of the way from planning before the move to support after they move out. They will save you time, money, and support for you and your parents. They know how hard this can be on the parents as well and they are there to make you and your parents feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Consider hiring a senior moving professional and have the comfort of knowing your parents’ belongings are in good hands.

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Caring for Your Aging Parents, Even If They Were Abusive: Tips and Tricks

Deal with Abusive Elderly Parents? Parents are often there for us when we need them, and it’s human to want to take care of them in their time of need. But what do you do if your parents were abusive? Caring for an aging parent can be a difficult experience, but this article will provide tips and tricks that may help you deal with the difficulties head-on.

How to Deal with Abusive Elderly Parents

When you are a child or individual that has lived through emotional or physical abuse throughout their life by their parents, it takes a toll on you. We know that when a child is abused this can lead to fear, trauma, and low self-esteem in the near future.

So what happens when your parents are starting to age and they need someone to care for them? It’s no secret that caring for aging parents is difficult, but caring for aging parents that were abusive is even harder. 

Folks in this situation might be feeling the burden of caring for someone who could have done a better job caring for them. As you got older, you had to learn to cope with the abuse that happened to you.

Going to therapy, seeking out help, and maybe even needing to take medication. It’s not that easy to just “let it go”, right? Which is ultimately what you feel you would need to do in order to care for your aging parents yourself. 

So how can you be for your aging parents who were abusive to you?

So how can you be for your aging parents who were abusive to you?

First, it is important to remember that the abuse was not your fault and you were not responsible for what happened. Those who have been abused adopt these psychological feelings of self-doubt, depression, and low confidence. 

If you feel as though you can’t care for your parents, there are other outlets you can try. Perhaps you can try seeking help from family and friends. Since there is minimal financial support for aging parents, it can oftentimes feel like a burden to try and care for loved ones while also taking care of yourself.

Try to reach out to friends and family for guidance on your situation or ask if they can help care for your parents. Not only can they help you care for your parents, but they can also help as an emotional support system for you as well. 

If you choose to care for your parents, keep a regular schedule for them and yourself. Keeping your parents busy and active will help you tremendously to keep you on track while also giving your parents the interactivity they need daily.

So how can you be for your aging parents who were abusive to you?

Also, if you have a schedule, it makes it easier to have others help you when it comes to driving them to events, doctor’s appointments, etc. Some schedule examples would be: 

Morning:

  • Hygiene and Bath 
  • Breakfast 
  • Gardening

Afternoon:

  • Lunch 
  • Exercise 
  • Nap 

Evening:

  • Dinner 
  • Game night 
  • Evening Hygiene 
  • Bed 

Set Boundaries First 

There is a method called “detaching” that many therapists recommend using when you are dealing with abusive parents. This is when you learn to practice emotional distance from the actions of someone else, or in this case your parent. 

10 Signs of Emotional Abuse from Parents – a good video that explains a lot

This mindset allows you to come to terms with letting go of controlling someone else’s actions or feelings. Once you learn to detach from that urge to control their toxic behavior it forces the individual to face their consequences themselves. 

This comes in handy with loved ones who have an addiction but also with loved ones who are abusive. You feel this guilt and need to take care of them but at the same time, you need to take care of your own mental health. Detaching from that guilt you feel will help you set boundaries when this type of situation arises. 

For example, if you choose to care for them and they start to get aggressive and verbal with you, state to them that you will arrange other care for them. You can then remove yourself from that negative headspace but still let them get the care they need through someone else. These are the boundaries you want to have planned out before you become all in. 

What are some of the resources a caregiver can take advantage of?

There are lots of resources out there that can help you care for your parents. Everything from insurance assistance, financial assistance, and even elderly care. A great website to look into is an elderly care locator to find a care center near you. 

Set Boundaries First

Click this link: www.eldercare.acl.gov and find support for your parents. There are also specific resources out there depending on your parents’ condition such as Alzheimer’s support and Dementia support.

Check out this website, they give a whole list of available resources out there for caregivers like you! Caregiving

Learning to be kind even in tough situations

The older we get, due to underlying circumstances our minds slowly start to slip and this causes individuals to become aggressive and abusive to caregivers, family, and friends even if they have no record of being that way. This is something that happens naturally to individuals that start to lose more and more brain function. 

This can be specifically hard on those family members who were abused growing up. You’ve grown up telling yourself you would never be like your parents but in this situation, it is very difficult. Remember to try and be respectful and kind.

Learning to be kind even in tough situations

Being angry towards them won’t do anything but escalate the situation. If it becomes too much, remember, there are other resources and outlets you can turn to have others help you are for your parents. 

In Conclusion

Throughout this process find what works best for you and your mental health, there are many different options to choose from when caring for an aging parent. Push those feelings of guilt back and find what your personal soul needs in this situation. Don’t let others dictate how you handle this situation, find those who will support you, understand and lend a helping hand when needed. 

Remember to set boundaries for yourself and your parents, and always come prepared with a schedule. Have a plan ready if things start to feel too overwhelming. You aren’t alone and have multiple options to help care for your parents if you feel you can’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Learning to be kind even in tough situations

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The 10 Best Summer Travel Destinations for Seniors

Summer Travel Destinations for Seniors? In recent years, the senior population in the United States has increased drastically. This is a great thing because it means that people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

The 10 Best Summer Travel Destinations for Seniors

It also means that we need to start planning vacations for our family members who are over 65! With so many options available, how do you know which destinations will be best suited for your parents or grandparents? In this post, I will discuss 10 of the best summer travel destinations for seniors.

Keep in mind that there are so many package deals that are deeply discounted for Seniors. You also need to take into consideration your parents or grandparents’ physical abilities and mobility limitations when you are choosing where they should go on their next trip!

When in doubt, dig into the benefits from AARP and see what they suggest as far as tour groups go.

Best Summer Travel Destinations for Seniors

When it comes to traveling, not all destinations are created equal. Some places might be too hot or cold for seniors, others may have a language barrier that is insurmountable, and some places just won’t feel safe. This blog post will help you find the perfect summer destination for your senior loved one so they can still enjoy their golden years!

With COVID-19 shutting everything down for such a long time, the new phrase is “revenge travel”. People are gaining their confidence with the spread of the vaccinations and ready to head out!

They are looking to places they have never been with the mindset of “I am finally getting out of here for a bit, so I want to see it before everything that I can.”

I know that seniors demand unique, value-packed experiences and adventure. As such, here are my picks for the ten best summer destinations for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

  1. Vanuatu Islands, Australia

This South Pacific archipelago provides a knockout punch with experiences from the sedate to the extreme. Watch the island cliff divers one day and take a trek along with a volcano the next. The best time to visit is April through October when the weather is mild.

Australia also offers an excellent mix of modern amenities (such as first-world public transportation) coupled with a traditional culture like Aboriginal art.

  1. Southampton, Great Britain

Cruise fans will love this year-round port’s rich history, long list of attractions, and free transportation options. Titanic history buffs don’t miss the Grapes Public House and Cobwebs. Both are truly unforgettable.

The Grapes Public House is a charming little pub that has been open since 1696!

The Northern Lights of Norway
  1. Norway

Far more than polar bears and penguins, this destination offers one-of-a-kind experiences like taking in a National Geographic expeditionary cruise, hiking the blue ice of Jondal, and bird watching in Lovunden. The best time to visit is late June through early August.

Find out what makes this Scandinavian country so magical and mysterious. It has everything from fresh seafood to the Northern Lights.

  1. The British Virgin Islands

Caressed by the Caribbean Sea and home to luxurious, affordable, all-inclusive resorts, the British Virgin Islands remains a premier destination. For confirmation, just check out the new private resort on Scrub Island. The best time to visit is May through November, when deals are plentiful.

  1. Moscow, Russia

Rich history, art, architecture, and opulent hotels may be found here. While in Leningradskaya, be sure to check out the world’s largest chandelier at one of Stalin’s former towers turned Hilton Hotel. The best time to go is May through October when the weather is mild.

The 10 Best Summer Travel Destinations for Seniors Georgia billboard
  1. Savannah, Georgia

Gorgeous beaches, verdant gardens, Paula Dean, and antebellum mansions set this southern stunner apart from the rest. Anytime is a good time to visit, and the deals are plentiful.

Find that beautiful porch, grab a sweet tea, and let the Southern charm soak in. That is what makes it one of our favorite summer travel destinations for seniors.

  1. St. Augustine, Florida

A temperate climate coupled with historic brick-lined streets, golf courses, and endless beaches make this city a perfect summer destination. Make sure you check out the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum as well as Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Travel Thru History to visit the Castillo de San Marcos, the first masonry fort in the Americas
  1. Barbados

With sand, sun, and seas, what is not to love about this island paradise? President George Washington was so captivated by it that he even built a home there.

Barbados has everything you’re looking for in a destination: beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and one of the highest literacy rates. With an average year temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny days all year round, it’s easy to see why so many love this Caribbean island oasis.

The beaches of Barbados
  1. Dubai

Camel races, pristine beaches, desert safari dinners, and more await those who select his year-round destination.

Dubai offers an experience of Old World glamour juxtaposed against New World progressiveness. The best way to appreciate this contrast may be by visiting one of Dubai’s desert camps or riding across its camel-backed sand dunes on horseback.

  1. Columbia

Sun, sand, vibrant festivals, and impressive biodiversity makes Columbia a must-see destination for eco-adventurists. Make it a point to go birding in Bogota.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Columbia is a bilingual nation with cities as diverse as its rainforest and mountain ranges. Travelers can choose to visit Bogota’s lively Zona Rosa for shopping, or venture into the Andes Mountains for outdoor activities like trekking through highland trails before cooling off on coffee farms. This South American destination has it all!

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How Caring for Aging Parents Can Affect Your Life

How Caring for Aging Parents Can Affect Your Life? You and your parents can live together, or maybe you live almost a thousand miles apart; whatever be the situation, you may soon find yourself hugely responsible for their daily care and well-being.

How Caring for Aging Parents Can Affect Your Life article cover image

Recent studies have proved that caring for aging parents can have many effects on the quality of life, including financial and emotional impact.

How Caring for Aging Parents Can Affect Your Life

A time will come when you need to reflect on your role as a caregiver and how it affects your life, in general. 

How Caring for Aging Parents affects your children

Caring for aging parents when you are married with children can have both positive and negative results. There is no doubt that the children imbibe a deeper meaning of family’s importance by making sacrifices. They may also feel proud of making as much contribution as possible to bring about a positive difference. All these can lead to a growth in moral character. 

However, there are some harmful effects too which cannot be ignored at all. For example, the children will miss the nuances of childhood, and they might start missing their parents more as the latter would not be able to give them as much as before.

In the worst-case scenario, a child may feel abandoned. These are kids who are at a considerable risk of contracting anxiety disorders and depression. It becomes a standard feature when the person receiving the care lives in the same house with them. 

How Caring for Aging Parents affects your marriage

Caring for aging parents is a real tough challenge. A marriage may suffer heavily as caring for aging parents is very demanding, and one needs to give continued attention. However, good communication between the partners and proper planning can help you avoid a marriage crisis. 

When a couple decides to care for an aging parent, the one with the biological connection has the most significant sense of responsibility and an emotional attachment that goes deep. There is also another factor that should be considered.

If an adult offspring has been unable to live up to his parents’ expectations, living together can only make things worse for him. In these cases, honest and transparent communication can help settle things between a parent and a child. 

A husband or the wife may brood over the loss of couple time as one of the partners will be squeezed between an aging parent who needs constant care and a spouse who is probably a bit disgruntled.

So, to save a marriage, it is essential that a couple speaks to each other often and somehow squeezes out their own time from the busy and demanding schedule. 

How Caring for Aging Parents affects your job

Caring for your aging parents is an appreciable endeavor, but some caregivers stretch this a bit too far by deciding to quit the job altogether. The benefits of quitting a job to look after a parent are straightforward and do not require any explanation, but the actual effects are very complex. 

The loss in the monthly income will have a telling effect on your life’s quality unless you are somehow related to a billionaire! The job quitting scenario may seem to be a temporary one initially, but caregiving’s responsibility can continue for months and sometimes even years.

So, it is crucial to think about the long-term implications of quitting a job and how it might affect your financial future. 

Stepping in to help your aging parents is indeed a good deed. If they have substantial assets and do not outlive their savings, then you will recover some of your losses by inheriting those when they die. But the best advice would be never to depend on such an outcome and leave your job.

How Caring for Aging Parents affects your mental health

The psychological and emotional effects of caring for an aging parent can be profound and heart-wrenching. The caregivers are usually very stressed out, and their feelings of depression and isolation scale new heights almost every week.

The pressure of looking after your aged parents can leave the signs of wear and tear on the caregiver’s physical health. There can be occasional outbursts of anger or impatience, but all these emotions are mainly due to looking after an aging parent in these difficult times.

The experience can be overwhelming, and there is no doubt that the stress levels will only increase with each passing day. Thankfully, many counselors are experienced in dealing with caregiver issues and will guide you accordingly to lead and relax and carefree life despite looking after your aged parents. 

I know that is all a lot to think about – but when you know what you are dealing with, it helps to give yourself “recovery” options as a caregiver.

You got this.

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How to Handle Aging Parents and Stubbornness

Aging Parents and Stubbornness? I know, it seems a strange thing to consider. As people grow older, they tend to get a lot more stubborn and difficult to deal with, and people who have to handle seniors will have endless stories to tell. After numerous research and assessments, medical experts have noted the reasons behind why the elderly get so stubborn as they age.

How to Handle Aging Parents and Stubbornness

Reports show that children who have to deal with their parents get frustrated regularly as their parents’ level of strong-headedness is too much. Children realize that whenever they make suggestions that would benefit their parents and provide safety, they retaliate and decide on their own. They seem to have a mind of their own and don’t want to take orders from everybody.

Psychology experts have noted that one of the main reasons for this behavior is that parents and children have different goals, and they want them to be achieved on their own terms.

Aging Parents and Stubbornness

Apparently, aging parents want to exercise their rights to independence, like going to the grocery store independently. However, children may see this as a potential threat to them, especially if they have other illnesses that might affect their ability to function alone effectively. There is generally no agreement on terms of living and the activities they can engage in.

Why Are Seniors So Stubborn?

Seniors become stubborn as they get older, and it doesn’t seem like a major issue to them. They prefer to go by their own rules, and seeing their children or caregivers have to deal with the attitude is not always easy to handle. Their uncooperative behavior frustrates their children as their definition of independence differs.

Numerous things lead to seniors becoming so stubborn, and one of the main reasons is depression. Bear in mind, depression is caused by many things, and when these seniors can’t seem to have their own way, they vent with their actions.

Not being able to go out freely as they used to is another factor that leads to them becoming stubborn. Some additional factors that contribute to seniors’ rude behavior include dementia, fear of dying, anger, anxiety, isolation, and the thought of being placed in a nursing home.

How Do You Deal With Stubborn Aging Parents?  

When dealing with seniors, there are certain approaches to take if you don’t want to get swallowed up by their stubborn behavior. We all know how they can be at times, and it hasn’t proven easy sometimes to cope with taking care of them and balancing every other aspect of your life. When you have them to deal with, here are some steps to help you out…

Know How To Handle Select Situations

If there is a habit your elderly loved one has and is not causing any issues, you can probably leave that alone. However, if other things could threaten their lives, it is best to tackle that first.

For instance, if you are scared they can’t manage the stove on their own and don’t want them to cook, it is best to leave limited food in the house that requires cooking before consumption. This way, they won’t be able to engage in that practice.

Know When To Have Conversations

It is not a good option to pop in on them and say you want to talk. You have to make plans regarding the location, time, and who should be present when you are talking to them. Try to test their tolerance level and understand what moods they comply in the most.

Don’t Shut Them Out

When you are making serious family decisions, it is important not to leave them out as they may have some critical knowledge and experience we could do well with. Marginalizing them will somewhat make them feel useless, hopeless, and unwanted and, in return, might become rebellious.

Ask For Their Opinion

Don’t go around ordering them and telling them what to do, as this will trigger them to respond harshly to you. Instead, try to get their opinion on certain matters and see how best you can make it workable for their comfort and safety.

For sure, having a conversation will be hard when dealing with Aging Parents and Stubbornness, so with this approach, you have to expect a response like no other.  

Is Stubbornness a Sign of Dementia?

Dementia has the ability to change one’s personality and overall behavior. So, once you are dealing with a senior, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if you encounter a little stubbornness once in a while.

Seeing dementia sometimes makes them unaware of their surroundings and the people involved, they don’t do too well adapting to change. Forcing them might see these seniors rebelling.

What Are The 10 Warning Signs of Dementia?

With the general statement that aging people suffer from memory loss, many people might be overlooking dementia and not realize it. Here are 10 warning signs to look out for…

1. Difficulty in Finding Suitable Words

They may not always find the right words to express their thoughts, making general conversation with them very hard and sometimes long.

2. Problems With Short-term Memory

Things that happened well over 50 years ago live fresh in their minds, yet what they did up to an hour ago is hard for them to remember. Also, forgetting what they may have entered a room to do is an early sign of dementia.

3. Mood Swings

If you realize your elderly loved ones now have heavy mood swings, you might want to start thinking about early dementia. One moment they are happy and excited to do something they love, and within minutes, they feel a sudden urge not to want to do it anymore.

4. Apathy

Interest in doing what they used to enjoy is no longer a pull factor in getting them outdoors or grooving to have fun. They rather are by themselves and away from everyone.

5. Normal Tasks Now Hard

Seniors now realize that the things they could do on their own are relatively hard and form a challenge for them to complete. At one point, they could manage to do all their paperwork by themselves, but these days, they don’t even understand the contents.

6. Confusion

Life itself has become confusing for these seniors as they probably question their own existence and wonder why things happen the way they do. They find it hard to hold simple conversations, and this makes them withdrawn as socializing with their friends and family makes them confused as they don’t understand most of what is happening.  

7. Can’t Connect Stories

Have you ever tried telling them a story and realize they keep asking questions about what you previously said? This could be due to them not being able to follow through with a story, and with words being hard to understand, the conversation/story seems strange to them.

8. Failing Sense of Direction

If they can no longer find their way around places they knew very well, then dementia should be at the forefront of your mind. They can no longer recognize places they always visit, nor can they follow directions effectively.

9. Repeating Themselves

An early sign of dementia can be seen when seniors keep repeating themselves when engaged in a single conversation. You may notice they tell the same story as though they have never made mention of it before.

10. Unable to Accept Change

When seniors become a little drawback in accepting changes, they know early dementia is in full swing. If they are placed in a situation where they cannot relate or connect to, they may get rebellious and stubborn.

Loving your elderly loved ones is a must, but you have to ensure you have a lot of persistence and patience stored up when dealing with them. Trust us…you will need it when dealing with Aging Parents and Stubbornness!  

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How to Handle Aging Parents and Finances

Ouch – aging parents and finances. One of the most critical stages of taking care of your elderly parents is when it comes to their finances, as they are on a mission not to let anyone in their personal business.

How to Handle Aging Parents and Finances

They always try to keep their sense of independence when it comes to this aspect of their lives. Many of them believe that since they worked for their money, it is only fair they get to spend it how they wish.

What happens when they reach the stage they can’t keep a steady record of their spending, and the money keeps going down?

Aging Parents and Finances

Of course, it means their children or trusted caregivers have to step in and try to keep everything together before getting worse. But, one has to be mindful that it is a sensitive issue and should be addressed with lots of caution.

Who Is Financially Responsible For Elderly Parents?

When it comes to their aging parents, many children try to avoid taking on their parents’ full responsibilities in avoiding the troubles of tackling their duties with their family and put their parents on board.

What if we should tell you that there are select states that outline children to take on their parents’ responsibilities – especially if they can’t afford it themselves. We understand providing food, clothing, shelter, and the other necessities of life should be a priority, but what about other areas such as taking care of their medical bills?

These thirty states have a filial law that dictates that children basically “pay up” when the need arises for their parent’s basic living conditions to be fulfilled.

If the responsibility lies on you and you refuse to pay, there could be a lawsuit waiting for you to tackle in the court of law. Therefore, the best option is to set up a retirement plan for your parents to help them offset their living costs as they get older.

How Do I Get Control Over My Aging Parents Finances?

It is not the easiest task to get your aging parents to hand over the running of their finances to someone else as they feel that’s the main thing they have rights to. But, we have to admit that it is pretty risky when they are getting older to make them have full control as they might not fully keep track of all their spending.

As they age and their mental health deteriorates, it is hard to manage their day-to-day financial activities, and if not careful, identity theft could be a major issue. Here are a few ways you can approach to take control legally…

Talk About It

Many older folks fail to admit they are not as proactive as when they were younger, which is where the problem is. So, setting a suitable time to talk it over with them would go a long way. Also, it is best to talk things over with them before anything serious happens.

Let your aging parents know the rationale behind why you are doing what you’re doing and how much it will benefit them. You can also let them know the dangers if their financial information is exposed.

What is the Best Option To Take

If explaining to your parents the situation and deciding to let you handle things for them, you should try to go the legal way to have everything going right. You can either opt for…

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to make legal decisions on behalf of your loved ones related to their money and property. Your parents can revoke this decision once they can manage things on their own.

However, an attorney’s power does not give the right to handle everything but most select items outlined in the document. If a power of attorney is not revoked, it goes straight up until they die.

Guardian of Property  

If the court understands your relative can no longer efficiently manage their finances and properties after medical assessment, they might appoint a property guardian on their behalf. Also, it could be you are appointed their guardian, who gives you the right to handle everything about their health and other personal decisions.

Living Trust Trustee

There is also the option to create a living trust which covers all assets to which the senior might permit you to make decisions on their behalf. However, you need to fully understand how a living trust works as it has some legal implications should anything go against the detailed instructions.

They can put limited assets under the trust, but outside of that bond cannot be controlled by the trustee.

Understand How Elderly Finances Work

Once you are legally bound to any of the options outlined above, you become a fiduciary. By this, you can only act accordingly in the senior’s best interest. Bear in mind, it is still their money and assets, and you are only managing it on their behalf.

Inform Them About Scams

Scams play on one’s emotions heavily, and even those who are mentally stable can fall victim sometimes. It is important to have a serious talk with your loved ones about this critical issue as if they are not careful, they could see all their funds being depleted at the hands of criminals.

You can offer to help them avoid scams but still be mindful not to invade their personal space and override their authority.

Honor Their Wishes

Once again, we have to stress that the money belongs to the seniors, and they have all rights to it. Therefore, to help them manage their finances, you have to be mindful of their wishes and interests.

All about how phone scams hurt finances of our aging parents

Does Assisted Living Take All Your Money?  

For a fact, some assisted living does cost a lot…sometimes up to $150 per day. However, it does not necessarily take away all your money unless you didn’t manage to save up enough to take care of yourself during your senior years.

Based on published records, many seniors have a drawback when it comes to assisted living, especially for the misconception that is in the air. Even though expensive at times, it does not take away all your savings as there are legal ways to protect your assets.

Having a secured plan and putting measures in place to protect your assets will save you a lot from the idea of these facilities getting into your finances.

How Can I Hide Money From a Nursing Home?  

Many people believe that nursing homes will take away their assets and money once they move in. However, you can protect your own by taking a few steps to secure your assets before you move in. Some of these measures include…

1. Gift Your Loved Ones Monetary Gifts Before You Get Sick

To say you will have to move into a nursing home is far from your mind as you cannot know before it actually happens. If you are concerned about them digging into your finances, you can start by gifting some of your finances to your loved ones. This will help secure your finances as they would basically be holding on to it for you until you need it for other uses.

2. Let Your Attorney Draft A “Life Estate” For Your Real Estate

A life estate allows you to remain owner of your property until you die while entrusting it to your loved ones after. You can do this a few years before you get sick (even though you don’t know when it might happen), and you can be sure they are in good hands and away from nursing homes.

3. Transfer A Part Of Your Monthly Income To Your Spouse

Nursing homes generally watch your income, and they tend to use this as a way of trying to claim things from you. Reducing your salary by putting most of it to your spouse exempts these facilities from seizing your finances.

If by any chance, your spouse earns less than what the state usually exempts from tax, you could substitute the shortcoming with some from yours. This would be out of reach for these assisted living.

4. Put Your Assets In A “Pour-over” Trust

When you put your assets in a pour-over trust, it is safe from a seizure while you still have access to it. If you or your spouse should die first, you can be assured of your assets and finances being safe and protected in this trust. Also, you can assign another loved one to help you manage these trusts.

Financial Care For Elderly

Here is a FREE printable checklist for you to help work over your parent’s finances – it works, I use it!

Printable_EP Finances Checklist from TheyAreGettingOldDownload

Does A Nursing Home Take Your Pension And Social Security?

Some nursing homes tend to take residents’ pension and social security checks to cover their living costs. However, some laws bar many of them from doing that. The request to have seniors’ pension payments and social security checks sent directly to the homes can be rejected by the seniors themselves and assign someone to control it for them.

How Much Money Can You Keep When Going Into A Nursing Home?

Interestingly, many people who go into nursing homes can retain a certain amount of money with them and assets. For most states, there is a minimum amount of at least $2000 in assets when registering to get assisted living that patients can hold on to.

How Can I Pay For Assisted Living With No Money?  

There are ways of paying for assisted living without money as many nursing homes accept using Medicaid for payments. Even though many could not necessarily get Medicaid due to earning a certain amount, things have changed and allowed more persons to apply. There is also insurance you could seek out to use as payment instead of cash and assets.

Will Social Security Pay For Assisted Living?

For the most part, some states allow you to pay for assisted living through social security and special options. Once patients meet the agency’s requirements, they will be able to cover the cost on their behalf.  

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The Best Bible Verses for Aging Parents and Their Caretakers

Bible Verses for Aging Parents? The term RESPECT can be defined as giving particular attention to a person or a thing.

The Best Bible Verses for Aging Parents and Their Caretakers

The Holy book, Bible, never commands anybody directly to respect his parents; however, the concept of respect is included in the command to obey your parents and honor them at every step. 

Bible Verses for Aging Parents

We have combed the bible to see what peace of mind we can bring your family in this challenging time.

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

God says that we should not consider the character of the people who have brought us into this world. Since they are our parents, we must honor them at every step of our life.

The principle is to honor their roles in their lives, although we may not always honor their behavior. There is no specific formula to treat your parents. Since they are our father and mother, we should give them special attention and utmost respect. 

Children are always instructed to honor and respect their mother and father. But it is the teenage years that will set the stage for a child’s future relationship with his parents. The children must always obey the house rules and show respect for the values imbibed by their parents.

But what happens when children have grown up and moved out of the house? They can still show the highest respect for the parents by always keeping in touch with their parents. A child must understand that when a parent advances in age, his needs increase, and a child must be fully aware of these growing needs and demands. 

If a child disrespects his parents, then he must be aware of the dire consequences that he might face. God says that the children’s disrespectful actions, irrespective of their age, are thoroughly loathed by God. Arguments with parents are common, but one should never cross the line to the point of disrespecting his parents. 

OK – I know there should be a footnote here – not all parents really live up to their job description of taking care of a child’s needs – both physical and emotional. There ARE exceptions to every rule.

What does God say about elderly parents?

Adult children have the moral responsibility to ensure that their old parents are taken care of. The Bible clearly says, “Adult children should put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents …, for this is pleasing to God.”

When adult children look after their elderly parents, they act as per God’s command to look after their parents. However, God never gives any specific instructions on looking after parents who are aging and not in pink of health.

Just ugh sometimes, right? It would be wonderful if Bible Verses for Aging Parents had detailed instructions on what we all should do!

But there are numerous examples of people of faith who looked after their parents without any iota of complaint. The Bible offers great practical advice that guides and motivates the caregivers.

What the Bible says about aging gracefully?

As per the Holy Bible, growing old is a natural phenomenon, and there are honor and respect involved in the aging process. When a person grows old, there is a subsequent increase in the level of experience and wisdom. God always wants us to keep in mind that life is short (James 4:14 “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Men are born with an inherent tendency to “live for the moment”. But as people grow older, they become wiser and tend to invest their resources in projects that will have a lasting impact on their lives. God believes that men would have a better sense of good and evil with advancing age and a keen sense of judgment.

We can only age gracefully when we take full advantage of God’s gifts, wisdom, talent, and the opportunities that come our way at the various points of life. 

Aging is a beautiful gift from God, and during the Golden years, men get an excellent opportunity to share what they have learned over the years from their existence on the earth.

Their advice will help others understand the ways of the world. The knowledge you have gained over the years is a vast secret treasure, and each of your experiences must be shared with the future generations for their proper growing up. The following Bible verses about aging gracefully would help you to find endless joy – 

  • He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. ~ Ruth 4:15
  • And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety. ~ Isaiah 46:4
  • With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation. ~ Psalm 91:16
  • Rise in the presence of the aged and honor the elderly face-to-face. Fear your God. I am the LORD. ~ Leviticus 19:32

When looking into Bible Verses for Aging Parents and how to help everyone transition peacefully, I hope we met your needs. If you have a great one that we missed, please share!

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