Exploring the Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

Exercise is beneficial throughout one’s life to build strength and flexibility, control weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. By staying active, seniors can help to enhance their quality of life. Yoga is a beneficial form of exercise that can be started at any age, but can be especially appealing to the senior population. Courses may be available at the gym, a fitness or senior center, through a private instructor, or by video. There are many benefits to be gained from this gentle form of exercise:

Low-impact Movements

Yoga is all about gentle stretching and moving the body into different positions. It does not require any additional materials and can be done almost anywhere. The movements are low-impact and gentle on muscles and joints. It typically has a lower risk for injury as well while still building strength and toning muscles.

Relieves Stress

Many seniors find yoga to be a very relaxing activity. They are able to connect with their thoughts and body and feel more centered. Deep breathing and gentle stretching can reduce tension and allow them to unwind. At the same time, yoga can also provide seniors with more focus and energy. By working their whole body, they can feel more refreshed and energetic.

Increases Flexibility

There are numerous poses in yoga. From standing to sitting to laying and everything in between, it is a full body workout. The muscles and joints are gently flexed, stretched, and bent. The more active seniors stay, the more beneficial it is for supporting mobility and balance. Range of motion is increased as seniors continue practicing different moves. This can also help to improve circulation as well. Seniors may find that their joints are less stiff and they have better stability as a result of the focus and movements gained through yoga.

Improves Sleep

Some studies have shown that seniors who engage in yoga are able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The combination of gentle movement, controlled breathing, and increased relaxation may help them to establish better sleep patterns. As a result, they may also feel more alert and awake during the day because they are more rested.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Another benefit of doing yoga is that it may help to lower blood pressure. The relaxation techniques and physical activity, when done regularly, can aid in better controlling blood pressure and leaving seniors feeling calmer. This form of exercise may also play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease in general.

Alleviates Pain

As senior age, they may develop more aches and pains, especially in their joints. By staying active and exercising their muscles, seniors can alleviate some of the discomfort they feel as their flexibility and mobility increase. Correct positioning can also improve the alignment of joints and support better posture. The more they move, the better it can help them to feel. Exercise also releases endorphins which can elevate mood and help with pain management.

Provides Socialization

Yoga can also be a beneficial form of socialization. Seniors can meet with others and develop new friendships. It is a chance for them to enjoy the company of others while doing something that they enjoy. Yoga has physical, mental, and emotional benefits and can be a great activity to keep seniors active in a safe and enjoyable way.

Managing the Challenges of being in the Sandwich Generation

Every generation is dubbed with its own nickname. Many caregivers find that they fall into what is known as the “sandwich generation.” They are typically between their 30s and 50s and are “sandwiched” between caring for their own young children or grown children and their aging parents. At the same time, they are also trying to manage their own life and needs. It can be challenging to make sure that everyone has what they need, are financially stable, and well cared for. With the right planning, caregivers can help to alleviate some of the stress they feel and better manage responsibilities.

Work with a financial planner. Finances can become a big concern when making sure that current needs are met while also trying to save for the future. A financial planner can help you to better manage these responsibilities. They can sit down with you and your senior and look at their savings, earnings, and expenses and establish a plan. This can ensure that all of your senior’s bills are paid and their investments are monitored. At the same time, a financial planner can help your grown child better manage and budget their money, or help you set up the appropriate funds to support your growing child.

Ask for help. There is no need to take on the full burden of responsibility if you do not have to. Reach out to other family members and see how they can do their part to care for your aging parents. Delegate responsibilities so that you are not trying to do everything. Look into in-home care options for your senior. Getting help from a qualified caregiver can help to ease your mind about providing quality care for your loved one. They are able to get the assistance they need on a regular basis and you have another set of eyes looking out for their wellbeing.

Encourage independence. Many seniors are still very alert and mobile. They are able to live on their own with minimal assistance. Set them up with the resources they need to continue being as independent as possible. In-home care can provide valuable services that assist them with aging in place. This can help to reduce some of the pressure you may feel to always be checking in.

Also encourage independence from your own children, whether they are young or fully grown. Teach them to take some responsibility for themselves and become more independent and self-sufficient. Set boundaries for grown children and support them in being able to move out on their own. Be firm yet compassionate.

Enjoy time together. The more you are able to balance your workload and delegate responsibilities to others, the more you will be able to simply enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. When you know that everything is being handled and everyone is safe, you can focus on making memories and spending quality time together. Don’t forget to also make time to care for yourself so that you are able to be the best parent, spouse, family member, and caregiver possible.

Although taking on the responsibilities of being in the sandwich generation can seem overwhelming at first, with proper planning and support, you can make the most of this time in your life.

Tips for Preventing Identity Theft in Seniors

Identity theft can be a serious issue and lead to many problems. Protecting personal information is essential to warding off potential scams. Unfortunately seniors are often the targets of identity theft because by this point in their life they have often accumulated significant savings for retirement, have built high credit limits, possess lower debt, and may check their credit report less frequently since they are generally not making large investments.

There are several steps that seniors and their loved ones can take to reduce the risk of identity theft:

• Keep personal information in a safe place. Place financial statements, medical documents, credit cards, check books, and any other personal documents in a locked safe or other secure location. This can help to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands by being easily accessible. If your senior is in the hospital, leave all of their information with a trusted family member rather than leaving it in their room. Should the hospital need to see any insurance or verification, the family member can provide it.
• Shred any documents with personal information. Any papers with personal information such as full name, address, social security number, account numbers, birth date, or other essentials should be shredded before being thrown away. The same goes for financial documents. This can make it more difficult for thieves to acquire the information they seek.
• Don’t give out information over the phone. The phone is an easy way for scammers to get private information. They may ask for a social security number or account number before they say they will share important information. Be wary of providing any of these details over the phone. Carefully screen calls and register on the National Do Not Call List to help reduce telemarketing interactions. If you are suspicious of the caller, ask for a number to call them back on that will verify their company or identity.
• Make a copy of your Medicare card. Medicare cards often include your full social security number. To help prevent this information from being stolen, after a company has seen the original card, make a copy and black out the first 5 digits. Keep the photocopy in your wallet and lock the original in a safe place.
• Check your credit report. Periodically checking your credit report can help to identify fraudulent activity. Report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities and take safety precautions to prevent further use of your personal information.

Be mindful of how your personal information is being collected and used. Set up anti-virus and security software on your computer to help prevent theft. Pay attention to the sites you use and who has access to your information. Being proactive and taking the proper steps to protect your identity can help to reduce your risk of identity theft.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Seniors

As people age, their body ages with them. This makes it even more important to practice proactive measures for good health, such as proper exercise, nutrition, and management of diseases and medical conditions. Risk of cardiovascular diseases tends to increase as people age in part because their physical health and lifestyle over the years. There are numerous risk factors that can impact cardiovascular disease – especially heart disease – in seniors.

1. Improper diet

As seniors age, they want to ensure that they still maintain a well-balanced diet. This means making sure that they are getting all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need while reducing their intake of foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. Fat and cholesterol can lead to blockages or narrowing of the arteries which could potentially lead to a heart attack.

2. Certain medications

Increased use of certain medications – more specifically painkillers – can have an impact on cardiovascular health. Anti-inflammatory medications may contribute to the risk of atrial fibrillation which in turn can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Only taking medications as prescribed and seeking alternative treatment options can help to reduce reliance on these drugs.

3. Diabetes

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may result in a buildup of plaque along the arteries and lead to an eventual heart attack. It is important for seniors to keep their diabetes well managed and keep their blood sugar as stable as possible. There are several medications and treatment options to help seniors to better manage their diabetes and help reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.

4. Low activity level

A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to cardiovascular problems. As seniors age, they may have more issues with mobility. Engaging in regular exercise to help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and increase circulation can help to boost health. Moderate exercise at an appropriate level for your senior’s abilities can work not only the heart, but also the lungs and other muscles as well.

5. High blood pressure

High blood pressure can increase strain on the heart and blood vessels. As a result, this can lead to blockages, clots, or weakening of the arteries. These can all increase the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or other damage. Keeping blood pressure under control and eating a diet that is low in sodium can help to reduce risk, as can staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.

Knowing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, along with one’s family history, can help in remaining proactive. Seniors should talk to their doctor about how they can reduce their risk and what changes they can safely make to their lifestyle. This can help to enhance their health and quality of life.