If your home is growing old as you enter your senior years, consider getting away to somewhere you’ve always dream of, either on a permanent basis or by adopting a snowbird lifestyle. Here are some tips for deciding where to retire abroad:

1. Consider the cost of living – the cost of living varies from country to country and city to city, so make sure you do your research and choose one that has a cost of living that is lower and well-suited to your retirement budget

2. Find out the regulations for living in a country where you’re not a citizen – in countries like Mexico, retired seniors can receive residency permits that can be renewed annually; or for those with their own homes there, with a monthly pension of $1000 a permanent residency status can be granted

3. Think about your health – the climate and environment of various places abroad can have an impact on your health. Also look at the type of health care system in the countries you’re considering retiring to; some developing countries do not have the same standards as those we’re used to in the US while others have even more comprehensive health care systems

4. Choose your lifestyle – depending on what you’re looking for from your retirement, different destinations can meet your requirements. If you dream of senior years on a beach, Mexico, Spain or Italy might be a good choice; but if you want a historical experience look at Greece or England

Via: Retirement Story

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Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Many seniors are hesitant to exercise because they fear it will result in an injury that disables them and keeps them contained to their homes and alters their lifestyles. But there’s one simple way that seniors can exercise for the health benefits and still remain safe and injury free. Follow these tips for stretching safety and ensure that your fears don’t come true, but let your health come first.

1. Stretch after a workout when muscles are warm and flexible, and stretching is not going to result in pulling anything or cause an injury before the fitness routine even begins

2. Stretch during physical activity if any part of the body begins to feel tight. By stopping to stretch it out seniors can prevent the likelihood of injury

3. Never stretch before warming up. Stretching cold muscles can result in injury, so be sure to warm up for 5 or 10 minutes with light exercise before stretching. This will give seniors the optimal benefit from exercise and reduce the chance of sprains, strains and muscle pulls

4. Breathe through a stretch. Inhale in preparation and exhale during the stretch while the muscle begins to lengthen and stretch

5. When stretching hold it for 5 seconds, release for 5 seconds and then start again so there is no strain and the stretch really has a chance to penetrate the muscles

Via: Real Age

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Senior Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Most people dread going through the aging process, but it’s all about your perception and what you choose to make of it. Instead of allowing yourself to succumb to the stereotypes, make your life what you want it to be. Here are some suggestions on how you can change your life in older adulthood:

1. Take a class – learning lasts a lifetime, so take advantage of the opportunities that you have in front of you in older adulthood. Take a college extension class or see what classes are offered at a local community center. You can take anything that interests you, whether it’s active, crafty or intellectual

2. Be social and seek support – don’t withdrawal from social activities like so many seniors have the tendency to do; no matter what’s going on in your life stay in touch with friends and family members with social activities, and get support from groups with any issues you’re dealing with

3. Live and laugh – they say laughter is the best medicine for a good reason, make sure that you do things that you enjoy that make you laugh and smile. Laughter is a great way to cope with grief, overcome stress, and gain a better appreciation of life!

4. Safety first – take the opportunity to look at how you can improve your safety so an accident doesn’t put a damper on your chosen lifestyle. Should you still be driving? Can you avoid busy driving periods or roads? Are there improvements you can make to your house? Are you aware of common frauds targeting seniors, and do you know how to protect yourself from them?

Via: Associated Content

Home Instead Senior Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Mature Minds

Society still has a negative conception of aging, and with that comes the ideology that everything goes downhill once the senior years hit. In reality, the senior years are a time for growth, development and exploration and these are things that a senior mind craves, according to Dr. Gene Cohen, author of “Mature Minds”. Read through the 4 stages a mature mind can go through, and transform your ideas about aging.

1. The Midlife Re-evaluation Stage: this stage is about exploration and transition. At this period in your life, start thinking about what you’ll want from your retirement. This is a good time to start dreaming about the future!

2. The Liberation stage: at the beginning of your retirement, once you enter this stage, let go of your inhibitions and start exploring and creating. This is a great time to take on new hobbies, envision what you want for yourself and your life during you retirement, and to make it happen!

3. The Summing up Stage – this stage occurs in the 60s, 70s and 80s and are about reflection and resolution, which is so important at a time when seniors need to accept the changes the aging process brings, and overcome it to ensure that they are successful and happy through the remainder of their lives. It’s also a great time to find new activities that help you to cope, so you have an outlet for the emotional trials you’re dealing with

4. The Encore Stage – it’s not the end, but a new beginning; the perfect time to cope and prepare for what might be ahead and be grateful for what you have

Via: Examiner

Image: transformaging.org

Home Instead Senior Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Q – I know that there are extensive benefits of vegetables for seniors, and as a caregiver for my mother, I try to make sure that her diet is varied and colorful. However, I find that she’s gotten very picky as she’s gotten older and it’s a challenge to get her to eat many of the vegetables that she should; any suggestions?

A – Seniors’ desire for food can change as they get older, and that can make it a challenge to ensure that they have a well-balanced diet. Here are some tips for helping seniors to eat a colorful diet rich with fruits and vegetables.

1. A New Braunfels farmer’s market – offers all of the seasonal fruits and vegetables at a budget-friendly price. Plus, you may be inspired to try something new.

2. Mix color – select a variety of fruits and vegetables from every color group for nutritional benefits.

3. Cook creatively for your elder – if there are vegetables that are not enjoyed, try blending them into a soup or stew.

4. Try smoothies or juice – to increase the daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

5. Buy frozen – frozen fruits and vegetables offer nutritional benefits. Frozen berries are versatile; blend them into a smoothie or serve with cereal.

6. Add fruit – breakfast is the perfect meal to eat fruit. Add bananas or strawberries to your cereal!

7. Maintain good habits when eating out – order at least one serving of fruit or vegetable.

8. Be open to salad – don’t stick to traditional salad ingredients. Start with deep green lettuce, add vegetables - the more colorful, the better! Add  bell peppers, tomatoes, beets, or avocado. Drizzle with lemon not fatty dressings.

9. Go with stir fry – a great way to eat a variety of vegetables. Start with a bed of rice, flavor with garlic or ginger - include a vegetable.

10. Analyze your meal – notice if one color group is favored - add more of the others to your next shopping list.

Via: Body and Health

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Home Instead Senior Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Q – I’ve been trying to convince my dad to exercise for years. He seems to think that he’s too old, and worries about injury as well as health complications as a result of physical activity. He also says that he just don’t enjoy it. What can I do to help him get started and overcome these mental roadblocks that stop him from exercising?

A – It’s not uncommon for seniors to think that they’re just too old to exercise and worry about the potential injuries and health complications that can occur. He can overcome these fears by talking to a doctor and a fitness expert experienced in dealing with seniors to setup an exercise program that is safe for him. Also, by discussing any health issues, he can be advised on activities to avoid; and provided he sticks by these safe guidelines and stops an activity anytime there are signs that he is overexerting himself; he can ensure that his safety and health are provided for, while receiving the benefits of physical fitness. As for boredom with exercise, he doesn’t need to go to a traditional gym to exercise if he gets too bored; any physical activity can work. Whether it’s taking a walk, playing a round of golf, or doing something else that keeps him active, any activity can make up his physical fitness routine to ensure it’s enjoyable.

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet

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Home Instead Senior Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.