Category: Health

The Best Easy to Chew Foods for Elderly People

Eating is one of the most important things we do. Eating not only provides us with sustenance, but it also gives us a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. For elderly people who have difficulty chewing solid foods, this can be difficult to enjoy on their own. But there are Easy to chew foods for elderly people that they can eat without much fuss or trouble!

The Best Easy to Chew Foods for Elderly People

Believe it or not, many senior citizens still have their teeth – not all wear dentures! In fact, more than 60 percent of all seniors have all or some of their natural teeth. There are several unique issues that affect the care and preservation of an elderly person’s teeth.

The Best Easy to Chew Foods for Elderly People

In the early stages of tooth loss, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene – brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily. This will help prevent cavities from forming or worsen.

For those who are less fortunate here are some easy to chew foods:

Breakfast ideas

  • Cheerios softened in milk and one-half a ripe sliced banana or even a cereal like Raisin Bran.
  • Try scrambled eggs with milk and shredded cheese.
  • Another great egg option is trying them poached. I love them with cheese sauce and over toast!
  • Whole-wheat pancakes or waffles with syrup are also a good option.
  • A great fiber-filled treat is an oatmeal with milk and brown sugar.
  • Another great fiber option is a fruit bowl containing diced mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, and melon
  • It can be as simple as just graham crackers in milk!
soft food

Don’t skip the glass of juice: try prune juice because it combats constipation that many seniors deal with or even a glass of cranberry juice as it is known to prevent urinary tract infections.

Lunch and dinner ideas

While breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, there are other meals to look forward to.

  • V-8 soups are both delicious and nutritional.
  • Chef Boyardee Mini Bites Micro Raviolis are often on sale for just a buck a can – you can even grab them at your local Dollar Tree store.
  • Cream of tomato soup with diced avocados is a nice option with a slight Hispanic flair.
  • A nice hamburger chili is not only filling but full of both fiber and protein.
  • Tamale pie is another option, but instead of using cornbread to top the dish – use even a mix of chopped corn tortillas and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • A green bean casserole is a nice option, but for Easy to chew foods you can try using baby lima beans or even green peas.
  • Cottage cheese with soft fruits and Easy to chew foods like sliced apple or banana is a great option.
  • Hormel “Compleats” dinners in gravy are both fast and easy meals to whip up. It’s great for those living alone who don’t like to make a huge meal.
  • Spaghetti with lots of meat sauce adds protein as well as being easy to chew. Try using the new “pot-sized” noodles as they are a little less than half the length of normal-sized noodles.
  • Mashed potatoes with plenty of meat gravy sauce and soft green beans or carrots can make for a nice meal.
The Best Easy to Chew Foods for Elderly People

You can even try baby foods! Things like strained meats; creamed corn; carrots or vegetables, cooked until very soft, then seasoned and buttered to taste. They have come a long way with how amazing and tasty they are.

Snack ideas

  • Milkshakes or malteds are a great Easy to chew food for seniors. They add dairy and that boost of sugar that helps them out. You can easily add a scoop of protein powder to them that adds 20 grams of protein.
  • Greek yogurt is roughly 10 grams of protein and has a ton of flavor options. You can get kinds that have fruit in them too!
  • Jell-O – everyone has room for Jell-O and there are a ton of different kinds of flavors.
  • Ensure. It is a meal replacement but has nutrients and is just the right size.

Special treats

  • Brownies in milk – it may sound a little weird but brownies can be broken up into a bowl and mixed with milk. You get the great taste and it is soft to manage. It is even better when the brownies are on the drier side.
  • Cake in milk – same as the brownies. It really is tasty!
  • Ice cream – this is a no-brainer and there are a ton of flavor options.
  • A Hershey bar (no nuts) – it melts in your mouth – yum!
  • Pudding – again, a ton of flavor options – even tapioca!
The Best Easy to Chew Foods for Elderly People

Helpful advice

  • Use applesauce on a spoon with medications to help the pills go down easily.
  • Mix nutritional protein powder in food as directed.
  • Mix Benefiber in liquids and soups for more fiber.
  • Gatorade is handy in powder form for hydration maintenance.
  • Provide water, water, and more water for your loved one to stay hydrated, and to avoid urinary tract infections!

Swallowing may also be a problem, so be sure the food is served cut in tiny bites, vegetables are cooked longer until soft, and served with juice, gravy, or sauce. The ideas presented may also help after dental surgery.

Once you have a good list of foods that can be eaten, it’s helpful to prepare a computerized shopping list that can be edited, printed out, and taken with you every time you shop.

It’s a challenge to come up with original recipes where chewing and swallowing are issues. I found several cookbooks online published exclusively for this dilemma.

  • HEALTHY SOFT FOOD DIET: Delicious And Nutritious Easy To Chew And Swallow Recipes Food Maximum Enjoyment And Dietary Guide Food Swallowing Difficulty
  • The I-Can’t-Chew Cookbook: Delicious Soft Diet Recipes for People with Chewing, Swallowing, and Dry Mouth Disorders
soft food for seniors

Finally, it is best for someone to be available when an elder is eating. Mishaps occur…choaking, fainting, falling, dropping utensils, being unable to lift the glass for a drink…you name it, anything can happen!

Eating is one of the most important things we do and it’s essential that our elderly loved ones are able to enjoy this experience as well. This article has provided some Easy-to-chew meals in hopes that you’ll have some good Easy-to-chew food options.

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Five Healthy Diet Tips for Seniors

Seniors are often faced with diet challenges. They need to eat healthy foods that will help them maintain a strong immune system, but they also need to avoid diet mistakes that can lead to health problems. This blog post contains five diet tips for seniors that are simple and easy to follow.

Five Healthy Diet Tips for Seniors

It can be hard to focus on real food when you are living alone. Often they don’t want to take the time or effort to whip up a full meal so they snack or eat a lot of crap instead of maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Five Healthy Diet Tips for Seniors

They need to avoid overeating junk food and other high-calorie items, but also make sure that they are getting the nutrients their body needs in order to function properly. Try not to let them overdo it on sugar or salt as these can lead to health problems.

Seniors need to make an effort to eat nutritiously every day. Eating a healthy senior diet will help you feel your best. What you eat controls it all! Here are some tips for eating a healthy senior diet.

Fiber is Your Friend!

Seniors often suffer from constipation so it is especially important to eat a variety of fiber-rich foods and also have a regular exercise routine. Eating whole grains in breads, cereal, and brown rice, along with fruits, helps the bowels work! Choose whole or cut-up fruits instead of juice for more fiber in your diet.

Fiber is Your Friend!

As an additional option, there are powdered drinks you can add to water and use for fiber. Metamucil or even its store-brand options are available in most grocery stores.

Eating a diet rich in fiber can also help you lose weight as it helps keep you full longer while preventing overeating and other diet mistakes. Fiber is important for everyone–not just seniors!

Diet Tips for Seniors: Drink Water!

Water is an important element of a healthy senior diet and one that is hard for many seniors to fulfill. Seniors need to drink at least 8 glasses daily to hydrate their bodies. Drinking water will prevent dehydration symptoms such as headaches, muscle weakness, hoarseness, and constipation.

If you’re one of those seniors who has a hard time drinking enough water, keep a container with at least 8 glasses of water in the refrigerator every day. At the end of the day, the container should be empty which means you have drunk the water necessary for a healthy senior diet!

What counters that hydration?

Five Healthy Diet Tips for Seniors

Seniors must also make sure they’re not drinking too many liquids that will counteract the hydration from water. Alcohol is one of those drinks–not only does alcohol dehydrate you but it’s a diet mistake for seniors and can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and liver disease!

The other drink that counters your water intake is coffee. Too much caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, insomnia, and increased anxiety or stress levels.

Eat Your Veggies!

Vegetables provide many of our vitamins and minerals so it is important to eat a good variety of them daily. Buy fresh in season, and canned or frozen out of season. Plan some of your meals around vegetables by making soups or stir-frys. Make a habit of munching on raw veggies for a healthy snack.

Here is the thing: a lot of seniors don’t like to eat raw veggies as they are a bit harder to digest as we age. They cause gas. It’s a diet issue for seniors! As an alternative to raw veggies, consider making them into soup which is easier on the digestive tract.

Steaming is a great option also. When you steam vegetables, they are easier to digest and the flavor is locked in.

Diet Tips for Seniors: Take Vitamins Daily

Seniors should try to get vitamins and minerals by making healthy food choices. Often, seniors have problems with eating that make it difficult to eat healthy enough to get the daily required amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Diet Tips for Seniors: Take Vitamins Daily

Because of this, it is important to take a daily multi-vitamin supplement. So, when you are putting your meds in a pill holder be sure to add a multi-vitamin so you don’t forget to take it every day!

What kind of multi-vitamin is a good choice?

It is important to choose a multi-vitamin that has the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals for your diet. For instance, if you’re eating healthy foods all day but not getting enough calcium or vitamin D then make sure these are in your supplement.

It is also good to look for a 50+ option, gender-specific. They tend to be formulated for the needs of an aging body.

Visit MyPlate.gov

Seniors should visit the USDA website to use their MyPlate Plan. This personalized plan will tell you the daily amounts of food that you should be eating. Just enter your age, sex, weight, height, and amount of physical activity and you will get your personalized healthy senior diet!

Isn’t that just the coolest?

You can choose to maintain your current weight or lose weight. The MyPlate is a useful tool to develop a healthy senior diet.

It is also available in Spanish!

Diet Tips for Seniors: Take Vitamins Daily

To wrap it all up, diet mistakes are easy for seniors to make. With the diet tips above, you can avoid overeating, undereating, dehydration, and other diet mistakes that can lead to a host of health problems.

Eat a healthy senior diet, have a regular exercise program, smile, and enjoy your life every day!

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3 Simple Water Exercises For Seniors

Water exercises for seniors are a great way to stay healthy and active. Swimming is one of the best water exercise routines because it works for all the major muscle groups in your body, no matter what movement you choose.

3 Simple Water Exercises For Seniors

Here are three water exercises that are easy on joints yet provide a good workout!

3 Simple Water Exercises For Seniors

Seniors often utilize water exercises since the water has a dual purpose. Water is more buoyant on any achy joints for arthritis and it also provides resistance aside from gravity for strengthening muscles when you get the body moving.

What are the benefits of working out in the water?

  • In the water is easier on your joints than on the land
  • The water provides support, making it easy for people with limited mobility to participate in water exercises.

All you need is a simple swimming pool for the most popular water exercises that do the most good. Here are some movements that will get your blood pumping if your joints feel older and achy.

water walking

Just because you are in the water, that doesn’t mean you should over-exert yourself. You should still take it easy and don’t exercise beyond your means. If you get out of breath and need to take a break, by all means just relax your muscles and take it easy. The water will already help keep you cool as opposed to the warmer air.

It is actually easy to over-exercise in the water – as you are working more muscles and harder than you actually think you are. Moderation – and start slow and build up your time and level of workout gradually.

Water Walk

Simply walking in the water offers more resistance when you lift your legs than normal walking due to the weight of the water. When you swing your arms through the water you add more resistance to your arms as well.

Cupping your hands will increase the weight for your arms to move and improve your arm muscles beyond just lifting them when you walk normally. Your hands will push away more water offering better resistance for your forearms and elbow.

pool push-ups

Walking in water is ideal if you have shaky legs or stiff joints and there is a fear of falling. If you fall in the water there is a much less chance of getting hurt even though you should still take it easy.

If you want to increase the workout – there are pool water gloves for your hands that will create more drag on the water. There are also foam leg cuff wraps that will help give your workout a boost.

The Aqua Gloves:

They’re very comfortable to wear, well made & I’ve already noticed a difference in conditioning since I started using them. The only thing I want to make sure to mention is the fact that they run larger. I use a large garden glove and take a medium in these.

These gloves are not waterproof. They are intended for aquatic fitness. The openings at the wrist and finger tips may allow water to be felt on your hand.

The leg cuffs are great:

  • Aquatic ankle cuffs offer both floatation and weight resistance when used in water. Great for hydrotherapy, muscular development and aquatic training.
  • Cuffs are designed for comfort and durability while providing resistance for leg workouts and water aerobics. They have adjustable straps for firm positioning and increased safety.
  • They can be used as Arm Cuffs too! Arm Cuffs are a perfect solution to the needs of hydrotherapy and are ideal for personal use as well as structured, rehabilitation programs.
He has a lot of great variations for pool walking – it’s great for therapy too!

Push-Ups

Using the wall of the pool for a push-up can be better for your arms than you think. Get in water that goes up to your shoulders and place your hand’s shoulder-width apart against the edge of the pool. Then push your arms up and down like you are doing a normal push-up.

The beauty of this exercise is that your entire body weight isn’t being held up by your arms. All you are doing is getting a light workout as you push against the water up against your back. This is a great exercise to get your arms and shoulders moving with little resistance so you can gradually work up your arm strength.

I don’t suggest you do this in that backyard above ground pool that has become very popular since COVID. Pushing on those walls will be bad for the integrity of your pool and possibly create a small flood in your yard.

Just For Kicks

pool kicking

You’ve seen little kids with their first swimming lesson that grab onto the edge of the pool, lay with their legs straight out, and kick the water. This elementary movement for swimming lessons is also a great workout for your legs, knees, and hips.

While you don’t need to splash up seafoam with every kick, you can kick along at your own pace according to how your joints and muscles feel. Even if you don’t splash water on the surface, the simple kicking motion will give your entire leg a workout.

If you have that above-ground backyard pool, I suggest you use that ladder to hang onto instead of the sidewall of that pool. Just like those push-ups, using that edge of a backyard pool could create a compromising issue with its structural integrity.

The beauty of all three of these exercises is that they can be done at your own pace with less risk for injury due to falls since the water will help keep you buoyant.

3 Simple Water Exercises For Seniors

As with any exercise routine, having a partner with you is helpful in case you need assistance and encouragement. Consult with your physician if you plan on starting a water exercise routine or any physical workout to keep in shape.

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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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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 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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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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Aging Parents and Memory Loss

Aging parents and memory loss are tough ones to talk about. Taking care of an older family or friend can be a tricky and difficult feat, and if you are not aware of everything that happens in old age, it can become overwhelming.

Aging Parents and Memory Loss

Between taking care of their parents and children, younger adults feel as though they are clouded with so many responsibilities they didn’t sign up for. However, as you go day after day, you may start to notice they forget things quite easily, and the fact that they become absent-minded is a little worrying.

Aging Parents and Memory Loss

Memory loss is a popular thing among older adults, and it comes for many different reasons.

As we age, our thinking skills and abilities may waiver, and simply forgetting things like where we put our car keys or remembering people’s names is nothing to worry about so much. However, losing memory is questionable when one forgets to turn off the stove when cooking so the food eventually burns or one forgets famous family locations.

Many people associate memory loss with chronic illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Should any of these signs occur, it is highly recommended to seek professional help to fix the conditions?

When Should I Be Concerned About My Parents Memory Loss?

If there is any concern about memory loss, it is vital to check with your doctor to assess better what’s going on. There are certain signs to look out for that indicate psychological treatment is needed. Some of these include…

  • Asking the same questions repeatedly
  • Losing one’s way in places that are popular and well-known to the individual
  • Not being able to follow set directions and guidelines efficiently
  • Self-care seems like a thing of the past as they are eating poorly, not cleaning themselves, taking well to safety measures.

Those with memory problems should have a check-up at the doctor every six months to a year, and if they can’t remember the dates on their own, get a calendar or ask a family or friend to remind them.

What Is The Difference Between Dementia and Old Age Memory Loss?

As a person gets older, their memory sometimes changes – meaning goes “on and off.” But, if it reaches the stage where their daily lives are being affected by this condition, then it could be a case of dementia. Age-related memory loss does not necessarily pull one away from reality, while dementia is known to basically “disable” one from functioning efficiently.

Dementia affects an individual’s language, critical thinking, judgment, and memory. However, if it gets to the point where their hobbies, family life, and social activities are deeply affected, it could be an onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

memory tips

What Are The 10 Warning Signs of Dementia?

If you notice your older relative is experiencing memory loss, it is not ideal for writing it off as dementia. There is more to it, and only when it starts to affect them deeply should you get worried. Here are a few warning signs to look out for to know when they might be developing dementia…

1. Difficulty in Finding Suitable Words

When you notice they have a problem communicating their thoughts effectively, meaning they can’t find the right words to express themselves, you should take action. If your regular conversations now take longer and are more difficult, you need to draw closer to them.

2. Problems With Short-term Memory

Their short-term memory becomes practically hard as they cannot really remember what they had for breakfast. However, you may realize they can remember things clearly that happened from when they were children. Forgetting why they entered a room or leaving some important papers, or even forgetting their plans for the day needs to be checked out.

3. Mood Swings

Heavy mood swings are prevalent among persons with dementia. This interesting thing is that the persons with the condition may not directly tell they have the problem but can easily identify it in others. Depression is an early stage of dementia. The individual’s personality may also change, and one of the most common signs of this is a shy person now loving the idea of going out.

4. Apathy

Loss of interest to do the things once loved could be an early sign to look out for. Their emotions become laid back, and they no longer get excited about going out. Also, they don’t feel so comfortable being around friends and family anymore.

5. Normal Tasks Now Hard

Having trouble completing regular and normal activities could be another major symptom. Do you notice they have trouble balancing their checkbooks or even adhering to rules in a game? It could very well be early dementia.

6. Confusion

Those with early dementia might be confused at the least thing they have to deal with. This results from them not being able to communicate efficiently, not remembering faces, and finding it hard to socialize with others.

7. Can’t Connect Stories

A classic early symptom of dementia is having difficulty keeping to a storyline. Forgetting the meaning of words and how to use them helps to make this problem more severe.

8. Failing Sense of Direction

A person with early dementia’s sense of direction slowly starts to deteriorate, which means they cannot easily identify landmarks and the particular routes they traveled on. Step-by-step instructions are also hard to understand.

9. Repeating Themselves

Do you notice they keep repeating themselves and not realizing they are doing that? Then, you are looking at an early sign of dementia. Daily activities such as shaving may be repeated up to three or more times in a single day. In addition to their conversation, they may repeat one thing several times.

10. Unable to Accept Change

They have a problem adapting to change, and doing so drives some level of fear in them. Remembering people, they are used to or not remembering what they went to the store for are concerns you need to take note of.

What Foods Are Bad For Dementia?

Research has shown that the risk of developing dementia through the food a person eats is more than what type of food it is and how the food is combined. Anything that falls under the unhealthy groups like sugar, fat, snacks, processed meat, alcohol, and heavy starches is risky.

It is reported that no more than 4 servings of red meats and other processed food should be given as this affects mental health. For fried food, whole-fat cheese and fast food should remain at one or no servings per week.

How Can Elderly Improve Their Memory?

Aging Parents and Memory Loss might be helped with these fun tricks! Improving memory for the elderly can be a routine thing they get used to, and, in return, it can help them diminish the onset of dementia. When looking at Aging Parents and Memory Loss, to improve their memory, seniors can…

  • Opt to learn new things and widen their knowledge span
  • Learn to interact more with those around them and others outside too
  • Try to avoid stress
  • Exercise regularly and live an active lifestyle
  • Play mind-thinking games (card games or chess could work well)
  • Keep a record of where to get help if it is needed.

How Can I Help My Elderly Parent With Memory Loss?

There are many ways to help your elderly parents keep their memory going strong, such as having regular conversations with them, going on nature walks with them, allowing them to munch on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, and playing mind-thinking games with them. You can also give them doctor-prescribed medications as well as provide emotional and psychological support to them. 

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