Jane Fonda Back Again with Senior Exercise Videos

Jane Fonda's new workout for the elderly

Tuesday, 14 September , 2010, 13:34

Veteran actress and fitness expert Jane Fonda has released two new exercise videos aimed at elderly people.

Both the videos - Walk Out and Fit and Strong will be released in November, and promise to help seniors lose weight and build strength through low impact exercise, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I'm very excited to be back in the fitness business. I know from experience and from my research how critical it is for seniors to be physically active. Even if they've never exercised in their lives, now is the time and my programs are a good, safe way to do it," said Fonda.

The 72-year-old is herself hale and hearty all thanks to a healthy lifestyle.

"If I don't stay active my body stops functioning. I'm careful about how I eat. I stay active. I walk a lot. I have good genes - and money," she said.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Wii Bowling for Seniors is Exercise

BRIGANTINE-- With both matching shirts and their game faces on The "Hot Pins" are here to win. "We've got a good team of players, a lot of good players," said bowler Ruth Martin.

The two teams of four senior citizens were all business as they grabbed their controllers and took aim in a Nintendo Wii bowling competition at the Brigantine Civic Center.

"We think we're doing really well and they take it very seriously. We did a whole bunch of practice weeks to start," said Linda Nace, Senior Site Manager. It's all to prepare for a contest sponsored by the National Senior League. However, before the team could compete they said they had some learning to do.

"We seem to know which buttons to push now which we didn't know in the beginning," said Nace. Part of the preparation, before taking to the virtual lanes, was to create their own Nintendo Wii characters.

"They made mine up. I have little blonde hair and a little face," said bowler Laura Bauder. It looks like a lot of fun but it's all-apart of a competition with 300 sites competing in 24 states. This team even has a coach.

"I keep track of the scores, strikes, spares during the competition. I had to help them learn the game," said coach, and high school freshman, Joe DiBuonaventura.

Once a week the team's coach will keep scores and submit them online. The competition is in its third week and runs for close to 2 months. While the "Hot Pins" say competition heats up, it's actually all just about staying active. "Its exercise, you're moving your arms," said Bauder.

They say there is no "I" in this team, and support every bowler. "One doesn't do good the next time they do better," Bauder. The "Hot Pins" maybe on a hot streak they say they are also having some fun.

"We have a great time yeah. Especially when we make a strike, everybody dances," said Bauder. "They're all thinking they are getting a banquet at the end and I am sure we'll set something up," said Nace.

The teams at the Brigantine Civic Center are the only Atlantic County contestants. They're playing competitors from as far away as Florida and California. The top teams from each conference will advance to the Open Bowl playoffs.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

SEX and the Senior

Sexuality Later in Life
Provided By: The Caring Space

Senior citizens experience many changes as they grow older which may affect their sex life. Women may find sex more enjoyable after menopause has occurred or if they have undergone a hysterectomy because there is less risk of pregnancy. Some women may worry about being desirable to a sexual partner as they age. They may feel less feminine, thus resulting in less enjoyable sex.

While women may feel differently about sex depending on their attitudes about their bodies and aging, they will inevitably experience physical changes. The vagina shortens and narrows with aging, and less vaginal lubrication is produced which could also influence how pleasurable a sexual encounter is for an older woman.

Men also experience higher susceptibility to impotence which is the loss of the ability to have or keep an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Men who also have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes may experience impotence as a result of medications used to treat these conditions. Some men may find it harder to get an erection, have as hard or large of an erection as they used to, or ejaculate as much as they used to.

Common Challenges

Although aging and illness can affect the ability to have sex, there are methods of maintaining a satisfying sex life, regardless. The following are some common challenges to sex that some senior citizens experience and some tips to overcome them:

Arthritis. Sometimes joint pain can make physical activity like sex uncomfortable. However, your doctor can recommend joint replacement surgery or other medications that can alleviate this pain. You can try to exercise, get a good amount of rest, take warm baths, or avoid strenuous positions in sexual activity to avoid arthritis pain.

Chronic pain. Some people experience recurring pain due to bone and muscle conditions, shingles, poor blood circulation, and blood vessel problems. This can make moving around in general quite painful. If you tell your doctor, he can recommend treatment options available to reduce this pain and improve ability for physical activity including sexual intercourse.

Diabetes. Although some men do not experience any sexual problems, diabetes can cause impotence at times. Physicians can prescribe medications that can help this.

Heart disease. Damaged blood vessels or high blood pressure in men can lead to difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection. Some people are more afraid that sex can induce a heart attack; however, this effect is rare. After experiencing a heart attack, most people can start having sex once they are deemed stable and their physician agrees that that level of physical activity is not too dangerous for that patient.

Incontinence. People who have bladder control problems may be embarrassed or anxious about participating in sex due to the increased pressure on the abdomen that can occur. This condition can be treated by your physician.

Stroke. This can lead to problems in men getting erections or other problems due to paralysis caused by stroke. Sex does not usually induce strokes in people who have had them.

Hysterectomy. While the removal of the uterus in women does not affect the ability to have sex, some people may find the mental implications more of a problem. Women who experience less enjoyment from sex or men who feel that their sexual partner is less feminine after this surgery may be helped with counseling.

Mastectomy. Women whose breasts have been removed are still capable of sexual response, but they may feel less desirable or enjoy sex less as a result. It can be helpful to talk to other women who have also experienced this type of surgery or seek medical advice for breast reconstruction. Some men also may experience lower sex drive from hormone therapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Prostatectomy. While the removal of the prostate for medical reasons may cause impotence or incontinence, some surgical procedures allow nerves leading to the penis to be spared, making an erection possible after recovery. Men can discuss options with their doctor before surgery in order to continue having a satisfying sex life afterwards.

Medications. Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, diabetes drugs, and ulcer medications can lead to impotence in men or make it hard to ejaculate. Some women experience a decrease in sexual desire. Talk to your doctor about options to reduce these side effects.

Alcohol. Alcohol abuse can reduce sexual performance in both men and women.

Maintaining a Healthy Sex Life

Practicing safe sex is important for all ages. Women can still become pregnant until menopause occurs (when she has not got her period for 12 months). Also, senior citizens are still susceptible to STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydial infection, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomaniasis.

Senior citizens are still at risk for HIV, the virus that can eventually lead to AIDS. People with more than one sexual partner or people who have unprotected sex are more at risk for contracting HIV. Wearing a condom during sex can prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs.

Sexual intercourse involves both physical and emotional health. Senior citizens who are anxious about how their age affects their sex life either because of physical ability or attractiveness can experience sexual dysfunction that is a result of this stress and worrying. Being open about these concerns, talking to your sexual partner, or seeking professional help with a counselor are all good ways of avoiding dissatisfying sex due to these stressors.

Older sexual partners can engage in multiple activities to keep an active and healthy sex life. It is important to make each other a high priority and be attentive to the other’s needs and feelings about changes that are occurring in their bodies. Couples may explore different kinds of positions, take more time to induce arousal, or try having sex in the morning when energy is maximized. Some senior citizens who are widowed, divorced, or have ill partners may find masturbation an effective way to elongate sexual activity as they age.

Women may find it harder to maintain sexual activity as they age because they usually live longer than men. Although female senior citizens outnumber men, they can try different activities that will help them meet more people like mall walking, enrolling in adult education programs at a community college, or attending senior citizen centers.

Older women usually experience something called dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse due to lack of vaginal lubrication. Physicians can treat this fairly easily by recommending a lubricant or prescribing estrogen supplements that will help with this issue.

Older men can experience impotence, for which they can take a pill called sildenafil that can help with this. They may also try vacuum device, self-injection of drugs that can induce erection, or penile implants.

Senior citizens should try to live healthier lifestyles in order to have a more enjoyable sex life. Doing things like exercise, eating well, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help maintain a pleasurable sex life. Asking for help from a physician and remembering that sex can be a positive, enjoyable facet of life for people of all ages is of the utmost importance.



For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different for Women

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typical heart attack symptoms:

Symptom Description

Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.

Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort.

Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Lightheadedness You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.

Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.

Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest pain while someone else has excruciating pain.

One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself.

Additional heart attack symptoms in women:

Women may have all, none, many or a few of the typical heart attack symptoms. For women, the most common heart attack symptom is still some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But women are more likely than are men to also have heart attack symptoms without chest pain, such as:

■Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
■Shortness of breath
■Nausea or vomiting
■Abdominal pain or "heartburn"
■Sweating
■Lightheadedness or dizziness
■Unusual or unexplained fatigue

Heart attack symptoms demand emergency help
Most heart attacks begin with much more subtle symptoms — with only mild pain or discomfort. And your symptoms may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.

Getting heart attack treatment quickly improves your chance of survival and minimizes damage to your heart. Don't "tough out" these symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

The diagnosis of PD depends upon the presence of one or more of the four most common motor symptoms of the disease, which are: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability.

In addition, there are other secondary and nonmotor symptoms that affect many people and are increasingly recognized by doctors as important to treating Parkinson’s.

Each person with Parkinson's will experience these symptoms differently. For example, many people experience tremor as their primary symptom, while others may not have tremors, but may have problems with balance. Also, for some people the disease progresses quickly, and in others it does not.

Find out more by reading detailed descriptions of Parkinson's symptoms below. If your questions are not answered consider Asking the Expert your question about PD.

Primary Motor Symptoms
Secondary Motor Symptoms
Nonmotor Symptoms
Coping with Symptoms
Primary Motor Symptoms

Resting Tremor: About 70 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience a slight tremor in the early stage of the disease - either in the hand or foot on one side of the body, or less commonly in the jaw or face. The tremor appears as a "beating" or oscillating movement. Because the Parkinson's tremor usually appears when a person's muscles are relaxed, it is called "resting tremor." This means that the affected body part trembles when it is not doing work, and it usually subsides when a person begins an action. The tremor often spreads to the other side of the body as the disease progresses, but remains most apparent on the original side of occurrence.
Bradykinesia (Slow Movement): Bradykinesia is the phenomenon of a person experiencing slow movements. In addition to slow movements, a person with bradykinesia will probably also have incomplete movement, difficulty initiating movements and sudden stopping of ongoing movement. People who have bradykinesia may walk with short, shuffling steps (this is called festination). Bradykinesia and rigidity can occur in the facial muscles, reducing a person's range of facial expressions and resulting in a "mask-like" appearance.
Rigidity: Rigidity, also called increased muscle tone, means stiffness or inflexibility of the muscles. Muscles normally stretch when they move, and then relax when they are at rest. In rigidity, the muscle tone of an affected limb is always stiff and does not relax, sometimes resulting in a decreased range of motion. For example, a person who has rigidity may not be able to swing his or her arms when walking because the muscles are too tight. Rigidity can cause pain and cramping.
Postural Instability (Impaired Balance and Coordination): People with Parkinson's disease often experience instability when standing or impaired balance and coordination. These symptoms, combined with other symptoms such as bradykinesia, increase the chance of falling. People with balance problems may have difficulty making turns or abrupt movements. They may go through periods of "freezing," which is when a person feels stuck to the ground and finds it difficult to start walking. The slowness and incompleteness of movement can also affect speaking and swallowing.
Secondary Motor Symptoms

The secondary motor symptoms include those below, but not all people with Parkinson’s will experience all of these.

Stooped posture, a tendency to lean forward
Dystonia
Fatigue
Impaired fine motor dexterity and motor coordination
Impaired gross motor coordination
Poverty of movement (decreased arm swing)
Akathisia
Speech problems, such as softness of voice or slurred speech caused by lack of muscle control (See fact sheet, The Science and Practice of Speaking Loud)
Loss of facial expression, or "masking"
Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting)
Difficulty swallowing
Sexual dysfunction
Cramping (See Q&A booklet, page 32)
Drooling (See Q&A booklet, page 22)
Nonmotor Symptoms

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as sleep problems and depression, can be, for many people, as troublesome as the primary movement symptoms of the disease.

The following is a list of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. To read more about nonmotor symptoms, read our fact sheet, PD: More than a Movement Disorder or check the Living with PD section of the website to learn more about living well with different aspects of PD.

Pain
Dementia or confusion (See two fact sheets, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD and Coping with Dementia: Advice for Caregivers)
Sleep disturbances (See Q&A booklet, page 27)
Constipation (See Q&A booklet, page 28)
Skin problems
Depression
Fear or anxiety
Memory difficulties and slowed thinking (See fact sheet, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD)
Urinary problems (See Q&A booklet, page 29)
Fatigue and aching
Loss of energy
Compulsive behavior (See fact sheet, Gambling, Sex and...Parkinson's Disease?)
Coping with Nonmotor Symptoms

More Questions?
Do you have more questions about the symptoms of PD? Ask the experts your questions directly using our online form, or call the helpline at (800) 457-6676.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Hi-Tech Keeps Seniors In Their Own Homes

Seniors are going high-tech, and that is keeping a lot of them out of nursing homes.

HealthFirst reporter Leslie Toldo shows us the advances that are keeping people independent longer.

This is so important. Forty million Americans are over age 65, and one of the hardest things to face is being forced out of your own home into a nursing home.

Nothing slows Josie and Bernie Shankman down. She's 76, he's 86. "We usually ride every Saturday to a different place. I've never been afraid a day riding with him. I got on it the first day, and I've never been afraid."

Although she's not scared on the road, she worries a fall at home will put the brakes on life. "I think that's always on your mind. If you were to fall and one or the other wasn't to be here."

As we grow older, we also lose balance. One in three people over age 65 fall each year. Forty percent of nursing home admissions are because of a fall.

"Half of those will not return to their own homes and be able to live healthfully," said Debra Krotish, Ph.D., assistant director for Senior Smart at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

New technology is keeping a watchful eye on the elderly. This vibration detector can be placed on the surface of a floor to detect if a person has fallen, and notify caregivers. These motion detectors track a person's movement.

"For example, if you put them by the bedside or the bathroom door, you know that mom's gotten up in the middle of the night," Krotish said.

This piezo-electric material can be put underneath a mattress to read a person's heart rate and respiration.

There are also devices to monitor a person's health.

This blood pressure cuff and scale sends data by Bluetooth to an online system family members and caregivers can access.

Helen Coplan, 91, still lives alone. She thinks the technology would be very useful. "If anything can help a person stay in their own familiar surroundings, it's well worth it."

Keeping seniors safe and giving peace of mind to loved ones.

Dr. Krotish says the smart home technology could help ease the economic strain on the health care system as more of the population ages.

Costs vary depending on what patients need, but can run from a few hundred dollars to up to $8,000.

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the average cost of a nursing home stay is about $50,000 a year.

HOME ALONE: Thanks to advanced medical care and increasing life expectancies, many more Americans are growing older. There are about 37 million people living in the United States who are over age 65, but as the population ages, there is also a growing concern for the health and safety of those individuals.

According to the United States Census Bureau, 7.5 million senior women and 2.6 million senior men live alone. While living alone can offer individuals a sense of independence, there are many challenges these seniors face. For example, one major concern is their security and safety. Those who have never been married or who are divorced or widowed are more than twice as likely to be robbed compared to those who are married.

ISSUES SENIORS FACE: Another concern is falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among the elderly. One in three adults aged 65 and older fall every year. Between 20 percent and 30 percent of falls result in moderate to severe injuries. Falls are also very costly. Today, injuries from falls cost more than $19 billion. A decade from now, the annual cost is expected to reach $54.9 billion.

Another concern for seniors living on their own is medication errors. It can be difficult juggling a schedule of different drugs. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008 revealed more deaths from medication errors occurred at home than in hospitals, from January 1983 through December 2004.

TECHNOLOGY- A WATCHFUL EYE: New home automation technologies are allowing seniors to remain in their own home longer while improving their safety. Such technologies can range from computer controlled network interfaces to monitoring devices like lighting, motion sensors, environmental controls, video cameras, automated timers, emergency assistance programs and alerts. "Smart" homes can also include devices to monitor medication usage -- dispensing the right dose at the right time. Thermometers can detect fever, and blood pressure devices can recognize when blood pressure medications are needed.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Nintendo Wii - Get Moving - Have Fun

Nintendo Wii Provides the Fun Factor

A lot has been written about the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine. Knowing the health benefits associated with regular exercise, it's still difficult for many people to make the necessary commitment.

People may consciously or unconsciously resist regular exercise for various reasons.

But one inherent rule applies to nearly everyone -- doing something is better than doing nothing. Exercise becomes a positive experience when you:

The Nintendo Wii, which retails for about $249, was designed as a popular way for gamers to play virtual sports. When physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists learned about Nintendo Wii, they envisioned a different use for it. With the Nintendo Wii they could bring fun back into physical therapy, which can be boring and a motivation-killer if the patient doesn't remain enthusiastic.

The Nintendo Wii uses a motion-sensitive controller which requires people to move in order to play the games. No more couch potato doing finger exercises for hour upon hour. With the Wii, people are on their feet, moving their arms and legs -- depending on the game being played. People swing the motion-sensitive controller like a tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, and even throw a football. It's range-of-motion exercise sprinkled with fun!

Senior Community Centers Offer Nintendo Wii Activities
Many seniors who were active in sports when they were younger have been forced into a more sedentary lifestyle after developing hip pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. The limited mobility that comes with arthritis pain forced them to give up athletics and become spectators. That is, until the Nintendo Wii came along.

Now, seniors are lining up at senior community centers to play and compete against each other on the Nintendo Wii sports games. It has become so popular that many community centers are allowing additional time for Nintendo Wii.

The Nintendo Wii has garnered an unexpected audience. What is most exciting about Wii is that it has unexpectedly put the fun back into exercise and physical therapy, too. Don't become so enthusiastic about Wii that you forget about your physical limitations or precautions. Discuss your new passion for the Wii with your doctor. Be sure to ask if you have any restrictions. Follow your doctor's orders -- and enjoy being active again

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors: Tackle A New Adventure

Seniors: Trying on New Adventures

Many older persons seem to have no trouble opening doors to new opportunities. Others dread the very prospect. I have never picked up a brush and palate to try my hand and imagination at painting. I would like to. I have never undertaken to sculpt a figure of any kind. I think I could. I have never attempted to play a whole variety of sports and games. I think I might prevail if I did. I have never gotten past a thousand words in setting down an outline for a novel. Oh, that I would try. I have never taken on gourmet cooking. That might be the most unsuccessful of undertakings. I have never sailed a ship or been in a hot air balloon. I have never gone sky diving. I am not a rock climber or a skier or a skater. I have never undertaken race car driving. I don’t have a clue at how to play poker.

Having made all these revelations, the question is: okay, which one would you like to begin doing first?

New adventures, as we can see, are available by the score. It only takes will and imagination to get out there and do it. Those who do are likely to add years to their living. Those who don’t will likely begin, or have already done so, early deterioration. Not a nice prospect. Adding life to years means adding activity to days. Oh sure, there are as many excuses and rationalizations for not doing any or other of these adventures as there are adventures themselves.

Do you remember, as a child, having excelled at some new accomplishment and running home to declare to your parents what you had done that day? Do you remember the first time you hit a home run or hit the tennis ball over the net or made it to the goal line? Do you remember what it felt like to skate on ice or sled down the highest hill in town or dive off the diving board? Why must joys and feelings of that kind be limited to the young? Why can’t we try to reach for stars or fly a kite or even catch frogs from a creek bed?

Trying on new adventures is an opportunity open to us all. The boundaries and limits can only be set by you. The taking them on, jumping in, running ahead is for you to choose to do. And the satisfactions and rewards will be yours to share forever. Try a new adventure. Feel the joy of being young again!


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Smoking & Depression: A Deadly Duo

If you are an incessant smoker, you probably know when you’re feeling down and depressed. Depression in a smoker is usually characterized by doubled amount of cigarette sticks consumed in a day. For ages, our health care community has been trying to solve this very alarming mystery: does depression cause smoking or is it the other way around?.. These two, even if taken separately, indeed can cause major health problems, even trigger underlying ones especially in seniors whose body’s defenses are weaker. The medical community believes that if they are able to pinpoint which of the two comes first, they will be able to decrease the number of casualties for both cases.

Even if a strong link has been established between the two, it doesn’t really prove that one existed as a direct result of the other. In fact, there are quite a number of people who tried smoking for the first time not because they were depressed–just go ask a teenager! The same way as people who began smoking don’t automatically fall into depression. According to a survey done to establish connection between the two, a person who smoke is most likely to reach for a cigarette stick when depressed because of the calming effect a stick has, and because the feeling of depression doesn’t usually go away that easily—and the calming effect of a cigarette stick is all but temporary—he or she will surely consume another stick, in an attempt to somehow alleviate the bad feeling. In a way, depression doubles your cigarette consumption but it was never proven to be the cause of smoking. At present , experts believe that the best treatment for a person who is addicted to smoking and at the same time, experiences depression is to undergo treatment for both, either specialized treatment or separate courses.

It is also wise for the senior to recognize the signs. There are two major points to remember, smoking is an addiction and depression is a disorder. The soonest you recognize these and actually accept your condition—enough to get you to a specialist, the earlier you are saving your life from potentially health risks brought about by smoking and depression.

Nicotine dependence is notably marked by your inability to stop smoking, even in situations you know you are not allowed to. When a senior attempts to stop, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms like cigarette cravings, restlessness and irritability, dry cough and even flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, depression symptoms are mostly emotional which extends to physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms are severe sadness, feeling worthless and sometimes even guilt, and loss of interest while physical symptoms are fatigue, lack of energy, and sleeping difficulties.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Popular Vacations for Active Seniors

Most Popular Vacations for Active Seniors

Where is the active senior heading for vacation? The choices have never been more numerous. While there are many vacation destinations that only a few years ago were unheard of, other vacation spots have updated in order to become more attractive to seniors.

Overall, seniors today are healthier and more active than ever before. Visiting new places and experiencing new activities is possible for many of today’s seniors. Of course, relaxation is still of prime importance, which is why all-inclusive vacations are still popular.

All-inclusive vacations are great for active seniors for a variety of reasons. Because everything is included in the price, including airfare and meals, it is easy for the senior to plan and budget for the trip. Many all-inclusive vacations allow the vacationer to choose from a variety of activities as well. This means that the active senior can choose to play tennis or golf, ride bicycles or scuba dive, while other participants partake in spa activities or shopping. In the past, choices in all-inclusive vacations could be restrictive, but today, it is unlikely that the senior will be forced to participate in an activity that does not interest them.

All-inclusive vacations are available on resorts or cruises, in all areas of the world. If you are interested in a particular area, it is very likely that there is an all-inclusive vacation to that spot. What to know before scheduling an all-inclusive vacation? Be sure that you understand what all is included in the vacation. While it may be necessary for you to pay airfare from a smaller city where you live to a travel hub in a large city, if there are a variety of “extras” or optional expenses, it should raise a red flag that perhaps this particular all-inclusive vacation is perhaps not the best vacation for you.

Another popular choice for active seniors is a volunteer vacation. A volunteer vacation allows you to visit a different part of the world, learn about the culture, and help others, while still reserving time for relaxation and recreation. Activities for volunteer vacations run the gamut from counting bird eggs to helping children learn to read. There are options in the United States as well as many foreign countries. Don’t think that you don’t have skills that are needed. While some volunteers find opportunities to work in the field they were in prior to retirement, there are many opportunities for volunteers with no specialized training.

How to choose the right volunteer vacation for you? It is important to do volunteer work that you are interested in. If you aren’t an animal lover, counting turtle eggs probably will not interest you that much, even if it is on a beautiful beach. Of course, this does not mean that you should only volunteer for a charity that you are already familiar with. If the work piques your curiosity, and sounds intriguing to you, it will probably be a good vacation. The volunteer work is only one part of the vacation.

How will you spend your off hours? Although some volunteer vacations are in extremely poor areas with no amenities, it is possible to find a volunteer vacation that allows you to work part of the day, and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, hiking in the woods or enjoying excellent meals. If you have a strong opinion about what you need for a successful vacation, such as a certain level of accommodations or food preferences, it is important to speak with the vacation company early in your trip planning, to make sure that it is possible. The most important thing that you can do to ensure you have a good time on your volunteer vacation is to speak with others who have completed these vacations and ask if they feel that the company accurately represented the vacation to them.

Learning vacations are another popular choice with seniors. These vacations are a terrific idea for seniors who have not been intellectually stimulated since retiring from the workforce. A learning vacation typically devotes several hours a day to honing a particular skill, and the remainder of the time exploring the countryside, taking part in spa treatments, or relaxing on your own. The things that you can learn on these vacations are limitless; you can take cooking classes in France, horseback riding lessons in Ireland, or language lessons in Spain. Lessons are available for all experience levels, from the rank beginner to the expert looking to hone their skills.

What should senior citizens look for in a learning vacation? Again, speak with past customers of the company you plan to use. If others were satisfied with their experience, and would go on another vacation with the same company, that is a pretty strong testimonial. Also, consider what the recreational options are for the trip. It is easy to think that you will be so involved in the learning process that you will not have time to go sight-seeing, but these vacations are specifically designed to provide amble down time, and if you don’t have a plan for how to spend it, you may find yourself painfully bored. An experienced learning vacation company will know exactly what recreational activities are perfect for seniors and are available in each area. Formulate a plan about how to spend your day, taking into account your interests and activity level, take plenty of pictures and have a great time!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Adult Day Care: We Really Need It

Adult Day Programs: A Reprieve for Families and the Elderly
By PAULA SPAN
The other morning, I stopped by Senior Care, an adult day program near my home in Montclair, N.J. Things were hopping, as usual.

In one room, a self-defense instructor was showing participants how to throw a would-be mugger off balance. “I want you to put the cane around my leg and pull,” he urged — and one by one, with a few self-conscious giggles, his elderly students did. “Pull hard. Just like that! One more time.”

A few doors down, a dozen people were drawing with pastels in the crafts room. The walkers in the Mile Around Club were beginning their third circuit along the building’s hallways. In the dining room, meanwhile, workers were setting up a hot meat loaf lunch.

Though almost 4,000 such programs around the country serve older adults who are frail, isolated, chronically ill or demented, I still think these adult day centers constitute one of the better-kept secrets in elder care.

People who might otherwise sit home alone with the remote, or who might move into a facility because they can’t stay home alone, instead spend several days a week being active, social, stimulated, well nourished and — at health-oriented adult day programs like this one — monitored by nurses. At the end of the day, though, the participants go home to familiar surroundings, and the centers often provide the vans that take them there.

The programs don’t come cheap, at a national average of $67 a day [pdf], but they’re dramatically less expensive than moving into assisted living or hiring home care.

I’ve heard heartfelt testimonials to their importance from weary family members trying to keep their ailing relatives out of nursing homes while also struggling to hold onto their own jobs.

“It gives me peace of mind,” said one woman whose 85-year-old mother with Parkinson’s disease goes to Senior Care three days a week. Adult day programs, the research shows, reduces caregivers’ stress. They also suffer less depression and anger, and report greater overall well-being. (Some key findings from researchers at Penn State are here [pdf].)

What’s been less clear is what adult day services do for the people who attend. A team at the University of California, San Francisco, Institute on Aging, which took the somewhat novel approach of asking the participants themselves, recently published a study in The Gerontologist showing significant benefits. “Their quality of life improved dramatically,” said the lead researcher, Eva Schmitt, now associate director of the Aging Brain Center at Hebrew SeniorLife in greater Boston.

The researchers measured how participants assessed their health and social functioning when they first enrolled in programs around the Bay Area, then again six months later and a year later, compared with a control group.

Because participants typically have multiple chronic conditions, Dr. Schmitt said, “We can’t necessarily assume their health will improve over time.” Instead, this study of 57 people (average age: 77) focused on how well people thought they coped with their limitations and whether their quality of life improved despite them.

The answer from participants, who attended at least two days a week, was clear. “They felt the impact of their dysfunctions, physical and emotional, was lower when they attended adult day,” Dr. Schmitt said. (Some other aspects of their lives were not affected.) “In the control group, people actually felt the impact of their problems on their lives increased.”

It’s a small but important study — and a timely one. Adult day programs across the country rely heavily on funding from county, state and federal governments, and on grants from local charities and social service agencies. At the nonprofit Senior Care in Montclair, for instance, nearly 70 percent of participants receive some kind of financial assistance.

All these funding sources are shrinking as government revenues and private endowments plummet. Adult day centers in many states are limiting attendance days or cutting enrollment; a few have closed their doors altogether. Senior Care, running a deficit, first tried to sell the airy facility it built just five years ago. That didn’t happen, so the program is being acquired by a for-profit health care company.

“About 20 percent of the seniors we care for will have to find alternative sources of financial aid,” said Emma Justice, Senior Care’s beleaguered marketing director.

Dr. Schmitt said, “I hope very acutely that our findings will help convince lawmakers not to make big cuts in adult day services.”

Well, that would be nice. A couple of years ago, adult day directors probably would have said their biggest problem was letting families know that they existed, that they could accommodate old people (and sometimes, younger disabled adults) with many kinds of physical and cognitive problems, and that they could often come up with grants to lower the costs.

Now, despite mounting evidence that they help those on both sides of the caregiving equation, they’re just trying to stay afloat.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Healthly Lifestyle in Middle Age Helps Seniors

Tackling obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in middle age is likely to help stave off dementia in later life, say health and ageing experts.

Writing today in an editorial in BMJ Clinical Evidence Dr Tom Russ and Professor John Starr, from the University of Edinburgh say tackling common risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes could cut an individual’s risk of developing dementia by about 20%.

The most important areas to address are increasing levels of exercise across all age groups, and keeping obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control in middle age. And of course these measures will also have positive effects on heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

"Modifying these risk factors early enough in life to have an effect is everybody’s business," they write. "Primary and secondary healthcare professionals, health promotion bodies, the voluntary sector and even employers will have to play a part for a national reduction in dementia incidence to occur."

An alternative to rolling out these prevention initiatives population-wide is to specifically target people at high risk of dementia. However, they warn that there remains no preventative strategy proven to reduce the risk of developing dementia or to slow progression.

Dementia will continue to be a condition that demands attention and resources in the coming years but, with adequate funding and urgent health promotion and preventative endeavours, it can be hoped that care-providers will not be taxed beyond their limits, they conclude.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Retire Overseas ~ Steps to Take

Retire Overseas – Select the Best Place to Retire Abroad

Trying to decide where to retire? Remember it's difficult to retire overseas. I recommend vacationing there for at least six months before you make the move so you get a chance to make sure you will be happy there and get a feel for living there. If it works out then you can move with confidence that you will be happy.

Want to retire overseas but aren't sure where to start looking? Here are three of the best places for retirees - boomers, those folks who want to retire early or retire young, and those who simply want to live abroad - that will help you experience expatriate living at its finest. You'll benefit from their retiree discounts, services, superior weather, low cost of living, great housing, and security.

Panama City has got to be the retirement haven that has everything you could want when you (boomers, those folks who want to retire early or retire young, and those who simply want to live abroad) decide to settle down. It is less expensive than many places in the United States. It has that feel of Miami with the skyscrapers and beaches as well as toasty warm winters. The City has wonderful roads and shops. Panama City is famous for its malls and shopping centers and with real estate prices that are very reasonable, it is the "in" place to retire - as long as you make a lateral move with a nominal pension. If you are a retiree and you can prove (social security award letter or a private pension) that you have $500 monthly income for a single and at least $600 for a couple, you will enjoy a list of perks just made for retirees.

Some additional perks can apply to you. You can import a new car without paying an import duty every two years. Many excellent discounts can be found for movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, hotels, and transportation. If you want to buy land here, your closing costs will be 25 percent lower and your interest rate on the mortgage will be one percentage point lower.

Panama is known for extremely hot weather, and this may be a good time to plan to visit your children in the states to avoid the summer months. Although many residents speak English, language may be another obstacle for you unless you speak the native Spanish language of your new adopted country. I strongly encourage all expatriates to learn to speak Spanish even though it may not be entirely mandatory. This will be a strong deterrent in avoiding culture shock in your new environment. When you learn the language and culture of your new home, you will feel more like a local and less like a tourist. You will be better able to integrate with the inhabitants and make your expatriate life more pleasurable.

If you're looking for a gorgeous place to retire, New Zealand is unparalleled. Housing prices can be as low as around $190,000, and there's no capital gains tax. In New Zealand's capital of Auckland, you can experience the amenities and artistic atmosphere of urban life without spend huge amounts of money. But you have to apply for full residency, which isn't always granted to older retirees because there's a bias toward younger immigrants. Perhaps you'd be satisfied to live there for half the year and find another home base back in the United States or another country for the other half of the year. Some people think this is wonderful because it's warm in America when it's cold in New Zealand, so you could have warm weather all year long. Early retirees might not have to worry about this.

Many Americans feel that Mexico is a wonderful retirement haven due to its accessibility and close proximity to the U.S. In some sections of Mexico, you will receive more for your money. A retiree can live on a minimal budget and still receive a wallop for dollar; that is, a buck can go a long way. Moreover, Mexico is rich in both history and culture. The Spanish colonization of Mexico lasted for over 300 years. Consequently, the Spanish culture is deeply rooted here. In addition to being a retirement haven, Mexico is also a place which features great varieties of food that reflects its rich cultural background. Mexican cuisine is well known for its robust and diverse flavors, vibrant embellishments, and assortment of spices and herbs. Mexicans are exceptional cooks who integrate savoir faire and zest to any dish. Mexico has experienced a burst of violence recently, but I think it twill settle down, and once a gain become an ideal expat destination.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Get Fit /Stay Fit/ Be Fit/ in Retirement

Recognizing the Advantages of Being Fit in Retirement Age

The benefits of being healthy are infinite, but while we are young, we feel that we can always start living a healthy life "tomorrow." While it may be true that most young people who are of average health can put off the business of being fit for a short while, senior citizens do not have that option.

Being physically fit offers many benefits that can make life much easier for senior citizens. Most of us have a mental picture of what it is like to be elderly, and that picture usually includes poor health and a sedentary lifestyle - how interesting is that? Life as a senior citizen does not have to be that dreary. Elderly people can have a vibrant and exciting lifestyle, and being fit plays a major part in obtaining that goal.

Life Expectancy: It Ain't what it Used to Be

Given technological advances, and more readily available health education, people are living longer than they ever have before. The life expectancy for the average person in the United States is 78 years. Life will be much more enjoyable if you enter the retirement years with the healthiest body possible. Being fit overall will allow you to enjoy your golden years without the hardship of being unnecessarily ill - who wants to be sick when they're old? Your senior years are meant to be enjoyed, so get obsessed with being fit now, so that you can reap the benefits later.

Hercules, Now There Was a Man with a Plan

By being stronger, you will be better able to manage daily duties and physical activities as you become elderly. Maintaining one's fitness level is essential to building strong bones, joints and muscles. Learn about ways to enjoy calcium rich foods (low-fat of course), and incorporate weight bearing physical activities into your daily fitness routine. Don't be a wimp, get friendly with the irons - or, be just a little wimpy and experience the fitness benefits of Pilates or yoga. Pilates and yoga can offer excellent low-impact, strength building benefits for senior citizens.

On a social note: By being fit, you will be able to truly enjoy the planned senior citizen activities at those ubiquitous retirement communities. Imagine it, you can be the social magnet at your local senior centers if you maintain your physical fitness -here's your second shot at being popular if you didn't quite meet the challenge in high school.

Rebuff the Elder Blues

Experts have stated that major depressive disorder is a common ailment for senior citizens. As such, depression in the Elderly has become a serious mental health concern. Along with being an emotionally and physically painful way to experience life, depression can lead to elder suicide; this is a bleak picture indeed. Experts state that exercise and physical fitness can help to bring about relief from symptoms related to depression; so why not listen to the experts?

When you are elderly, it may seem as though the world is more focused on the entertainment and enjoyment of young people - senior citizens are looked upon as being a burden and a drag. The only time commercial media pays any attention to those over 65 is when they air those cheerless death benefit commercials aimed at selling burial insurance. Why on Earth wouldn't any senior citizen be depressed after all of that? Well, turn off the television, load up your Ipod with your favorite tunes, and head out into the sunshine to get your fitness on so that you can beef up your mental outlook.

The writing is on the wall (or, on this web-page): Get out there, start exercising, and get on a quest to be the healthiest senior citizen you can be.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Medical Issues for Senior Travelers

Medical Issues and Planning for Senior Travelers

Travel Preparation is crucial, even for healthy people. Proper preparations are inexpensive relative to the costs of getting sick or injured while away from home. Their suggested travel preparations focus on Travel Kits, Health and Travel Insurance , Vaccinations and Traveling With Medical Conditions. Each is fully explained. I know from experience as a tour group leader with Elderhostel (now Exploritas) of the multitude of medications and health concerns that seniors face. I was given a sheet with this information prior to departure for each individual. Rarely did I see a sheet with only one or two prescriptions or health concerns.

Medical Conditions

Seniors traveling with a medical condition require special preparation. Those with a medical condition should visit their doctor before departure to ensure that their condition is stable and to determine whether any changes in drugs are needed. Detailed written medical information, including information about vaccinations, drugs, results of major diagnostic tests, and types and dates of treatments, may be the most valuable thing a person can have in a medical emergency. Seniors should consider asking their doctor to prepare such information in a letter. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces for seniors are essential for those with conditions that can cause rapid, life-threatening symptoms, confusion, or unconsciousness (such as diabetes, seizures, and severe allergic reactions). Travelers should also carry proof of medical insurance. Senior travelers with heart disorders should travel with a copy of a recent electrocardiogram (ECG). Such information is also available now online if you enroll in a Personal Health Profile.

At the Destination

Problems after arrival are especially important to prevent and avoid in international settings. Though many people are most concerned about infection when considering a trip overseas, heart disease is the most common cause of death among international senior travelers.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

You Can Retire But Your Brain Keeps Working

Brain Tips For Senior Citizens:
How To Preserve Mental Health In Retirement

The light of understanding is shining brighter when it comes to the human mind. For too long culture has presumed that little could be done to preserve or enhance the capabilities of our brains. But those days are gone.

Leaders in science are peeling back the layers of the human mind and revealing an incredible pattern-making organ that is constantly interacting with the world and essentially learning how to adapt and grow. The brain’s capacity to stay active and in peak condition relies on consistent stimulation just as our bodies rely on physical exercise. Senior Living

Even as senior citizens, it is absolutely wrong thinking to assume that poor brain functioning is inevitable. Science is demonstrating the brain’s capacity to actually grow new neurons and expand its capacities despite age.

Severe declines in mental health are most often associated with some type of disease whereas memory loss or diminished motor skills are more likely caused by our failure to stay active in our older years.

If seniors don’t engage the mind with consistent forms of mental exercise, you will face real loss that is difficult to retrieve. Memory

Because our brains are pattern making machines, we have a tendency to observe life and quickly dismiss the wonder right in front of us. Unlike a child, we no longer have curiosity and the drive to discover new things or try something new.

When was the last time you saw or heard something on the news that struck your curiosity and sent you scurrying to the computer or library to learn more? These learning moments are literally a call to engage in life and keep your brain fit.

Sometimes brain fitness can be as simple as doing something you routinely do but in a different way. For example, try to tie the knot in your shoes using reverse motion.

Just like learning as a kid, it will feel almost impossible but in that moment you are engaging your mind to learn a new skill. Or try writing your name or brushing your teeth with your left hand if you are right handed. Let the process be fun.

Find a task or a topic to study every week. Get on the computer and play with hundreds of brain games that will stimulate your mind and help pass the time.

Another excellent way to stimulate the mind is simply traveling to places you have not been before. Too many seniors are reluctant to stray too far from home. Like rats in a maze, the fear of getting lost overpowers the desire to see a new place. Senior Lifestyle

Here are some day to day tips to help keep the senior mind alert…

• Engage all your sense every single day. Smell, touch, hearing, seeing, tasting, textures, hardness etc.
• Communicate with friends and spouses using different methods e.g. eyes only, facial expressions, no hands.
• Take on some of your daily tasks but do it with your eyes closed. Can you feel your way?
• Multi-task with the senses…actively use your seeing and hearing capacities at the same time and pay attention to slight distinctions.
• Get out of daily routines-do things in different order; try to accomplish a task in a completely different way;
• Travel about on new roads. Get to the store a new way. Drive home on a different route. Shut off the radio while driving and listen to the sounds;

For seniors, the key is to stay playful with life. Have fun. Be curious. Learn something everyday. Be attentive. Engage the senses. Smile. It is good to be living this very moment!


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Simplifying Senior Travel

How to Make Travel Simple for Senior Citizens
By Fred Rodriguez on April 11, 2010

Have you long wished to see the Golden Gate Bridge or the Arc de Triomph? Are you missing family from a far away place? Has the idea of traveling to Ireland or Scotland peaked your interest? As the saying goes, “Seize the day!” and start making plans now that will allow you to take a fun-filled trip that will provide lasting memories. Just explore your options and value the experience.

Staying healthy and maintaining energy levels can be challenging as we grow older, but research shows that staying active makes it easier to accomplish both. Taking a trip employs your mental and physical abilities, which helps you to stay active. Consider travel to places you’ve never been, to cultures that stretch your mind and spirit. More and more, travelers over the age of fifty are outnumbering younger travelers at popular destinations.

Here are some travel suggestions for those who may be advanced in years but remain young in spirit. When you are choosing a travel agency, ask if they specialize in working with and helping senior citizens with their traveling needs. Second, it’s safer to travel with someone than alone, like with a family member, a new or old friend, or even an member of a group you belong to.

Keep in mind when you travel with larger groups that can often mean discounted rates for both hotels and airlines. These days, there are many lightweight and compact travel cases available. You might consider the suitcases that have wheels on the bottom. If you must travel with a narcotic prescription, make sure you bring a note from your physician, as well as the paperwork for the medication. Having appropriate paperwork with you makes it easier to get through the airport security.

Traveler’s insurance may be a useful thing to invest in, depending on the details of your trip. Checking on medical insurance coverage abroad is a smart thing to do before you embark on your trip. There are a few policies that do not provide this coverage, so check to make sure. Finally, do some thorough research on your planned destination before finalizing your travel itinerary.

A little thoughtful planning beforehand will make your trip a much safer and enjoyable one. Here are some simple safety tips for senior tourists.

Be prepared to take along enough prescription medication to last the length of your trip and extra seven days. It’s better to err on the side of caution, as you never know what could delay you. Make an appointment with your doctor before hand to get a clean bill of health. Talk to your physician about the steps you should take in case the unexpected happens.

You should also carry a list of who you would like to be contacted in case of emergency. The list should include your name, home address, family members, primary care physician, any health concerns you have and any medicines you take. Have it on you at all times; in case of an emergency situation, make sure your travel companions know how to obtain it.

Your physician can advise you on when to take medications if you are traveling through time zones. Ask about possible food and medication interactions. Be sure to get all the immunizations you will need for diseases that may be common to the area you will be visiting. Depending on where you are traveling, you may need to get specific immunizations before you go–sometimes up to six weeks in advance. Also consider the conditions inside the aircraft. Air quality can be dry, so hydrate often. Drink plenty of water while in flight. Get up and move around during your flight. Stretch your arms and legs a few times. Sitting in one place during your flight will make you feel stiff and tired.

When packing your suitcases, try to limit your items to only those you know you will actually need; this prevents you from having to carry more than necessary. Pack clothes that mix and match, such as two or three tops that can be paired with slacks or a skirt. For men, trousers and a suit jacket can be worn with two or three long or short-sleeved shirts. Include an item or two for warmer or cooler weather than expected. Sweaters and shawls can be worn during cool evening temperatures and places where air is climate controlled. Clothing that can be continually washed and worn is the best option.

And don’t forgot comfortable shoes for walking, but be aware of the image you will be presenting to the local people. Wearing some traveler items can actually make you stand out for local criminals looking to take advantage of tourists. Losing baggage happens and it can take as much as several days to find them. Be sure to let other people know where you will be. Jot down your agenda, travel plans, hotel address and phone numbers with someone at home.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Alzheimer's Can Cause Weight/ Muscle Loss

Alzheimer's Disease May Eat Away Muscles
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People with Alzheimer's disease may begin to lose weight even before they begin to show memory loss and other symptoms, according to a new report.

Dr. Jeffrey Burns of the University of Kansas School of Medicine found that people with Alzheimer's disease lost weight from their bones, organs and muscles -- known as lean mass -- as they lost brain function and volume.

The findings suggest that lean mass, as opposed to body mass index or other measures of overall weight or fat levels, may be a more sensitive measure of the changes in body composition associated with dementia.

"We observed a direct correlation between whole-brain volume (an estimate of brain atrophy) and lean mass, suggesting that brain atrophy and loss of muscle mass may co-occur," the authors of the study said.

They also found that people with Alzheimer's disease have lower levels of physical activity, which could also cause them to lose lean mass.

The study appeared in the April issue of Archives of Neurology.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors Traveling to Mexico

All around the world, senior travel is increasing in popularity. A large number of senior citizens are making the decision to get out and travel. If you are one of those individuals, you have likely examined a number of popular vacation destinations. If so, was Mexico on your list?

Mexico is an amazing place to vacation. It is ideal for individuals of all ages. A large number of senior citizens travel to Mexico, each year. Despite what many believe, the United States and Europe are not the only vacation destinations that are ideal for senior citizens. If you are able to take the time to examine what Mexico has to offer, you will likely want to schedule your next vacation there.

As with any other vacation destination, Mexico has a wide range of activities. Many of these activities are perfect for senior citizens. Just a few of the many activities found in Mexico include relaxing at the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on a guided tour. If you are only able to select a few of these activities, you will want to examine each activity and determine which one brings you the most excitement.

One of the most preferred activities, in all of Mexico, for senior citizens is guided tours. When you think of a guided tour, what first comes to mind? Many individuals assume hiking or biking through rough terrain, but that is not what Mexico guided tours are all about. It is true, you may find guided tours that require a large amount of walking, but additional alterative are available.

Popular guided tours, that are ideal for senior citizens include, ATV tours, bus tours, and boat tours. ATV tours are ideal for those who wish to have a little bit of freedom and excitement while touring Mexico. For those that wish to relax while seeing what Mexico has to offer, boat tours or bus tours may be best.

Similar to guided tours, boat cruises are also available. Many senior citizens consider Mexico boat tours similar to travel aboard a cruise ship. Instead of taking an extended cruise, most boat tours only last a few hours. The length of your tour may be a deciding factor in whether or not you wish to take a boat cruise.

While boat cruises are often used to sightsee, there are many that serve other purposes. Many boat cruises offer exciting onboard activities. These activities often include a night of dinner and dancing. With a little bit of research, it may be possible to find a boat cruise that is designed specifically for senior citizens.

Mexico is most known for their beautiful, fun, and exciting beaches. If you are interested in relaxing at the beach, you have a number of options to choose from. Due to Mexico’s popularity, many public beaches are overcrowded, especially in the spring and summer months. If you would prefer to stay away from large crowds, you may want to consider scheduling your beach vacation at a beach resort.

Mexico beach resorts come in all different sizes and styles. As with most popular beaches, many beach resorts quickly fill up with tourists. Aside from large, well-known resorts, Mexico offers a number of smaller resorts that have a focus on relaxation and privacy. If you are interested in spending your vacation in a private and intimate setting, you may want to consider these types of resorts.

Relaxing by the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on a guided tour are just a few of the many activities that you can participate in while on a Mexico vacation. Additional activities may include, but should not be limited to, boating, fishing, snorkeling, or horseback riding.

Before participating in a certain activity, you are encouraged to examine your health and your ability to participate. This is not something that is limited just to senior citizens. All individuals are encouraged to examine their ability to complete and participate in certain activities. It is advised that you enjoy your vacation, not push yourself to the limits.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Kids of Elderly Parents ~ Mistakes Not to Make

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Made By People With Elderly Parents:

1. Not having a discussions about alternative living arrangements for your parents.
It is important to be proactive concerning this! It is so much easier and less confrontational to start this process early and often. If you start early having discussions about options and choices, you can be much more low key about it.

If you wait and start talking about it after your Dad has fallen and broken his hip, there is no time to be low key-you are now “under the gun” to find answers quickly!

2. Not having a clear picture of your parents’ finances.

Know whether or not they have a long term care policy. If so, you should know where it is and make sure it’s easily accessible. Also, take some time to read through it so you know what it does and does not cover.

If they do not have insurance, what other financial resources do they have? Perhaps it would make sense for you and your parents to talk with a lawyer about Medicaid eligibility and spend down rules. Also, if you have a parent who is a Veteran, it’s possible they’re eligible to receive coverage for some services.

3. When your parents’ health starts to fail, thinking that a nursing home is the only option.

There are no shortage of options around these days. If your parent is resolute about staying in their own home, it is very possible to arrange for care there.

You can also get a bit creative about combining several types of care. As an example, a family could have Dad go to an adult day care facility a few times a week. Other days you may have a caregiver that stays with him other days and also overnight. Then you and other family members can fill in other times, if needed. When it comes to customizing a plan that is right for you and your loved ones, the possibilities are endless.

4. Trying to find help at the last minute

This is a big one. If you wait until Mom is schedule to come home tomorrow from a hospital stay, it will be extremely difficult to make good, rational decisions in such a short time. Trying to develop a good plan of care under such stress will be overwhelming.

You’ll want to do your research as early as possible. Identify some facilities or agencies and contact them. See which ones you get a good vibe from and build a relationship with them. Arrange for you and/or your parent(s) to visit or have someone come to the home for an assessment. By starting the process sooner rather than later, you can call on people who are familiar with your situation if an emergency occurs.

5. Only taking cost into consideration when selecting care providers

This can go either way. Very expensive nursing home facilities may not have very good track records when it comes to caring for their residents. Don’t just look at pretty websites, videos, fancy tours or brochures. It’s important to talk to as many residents and their loved ones as possible to get a true sense of the care the facility provides.

And it you’re looking to arrange home care, selecting the company with the lowest rates might not be the best option. The quality caregivers out there command (and deserve) a higher salary. Good home care agencies can’t be the lowest cost providers yet offer the best caregivers. Lastly, if you go the home care route, be sure to meet with, and approve of, anyone that will be provider care for your loved one before they start care.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524