From reducing stress and depression to increasing circulation and cardiovascular health, participating in outdoor activities produces a wealth of benefits for the elderly, even for those confined to wheelchairs. Here are four fun and engaging outdoor activities that seniors in wheelchairs can enjoy outside. Accessible Outdoor Activities for Seniors in Wheelchairs Plan a Picnic One of the loveliest ways to enjoy a meal is by planning an outdoor picnic. It is also one of the easiest outdoor activities for seniors in wheelchairs because you can choose how far away to have a picnic; it can be as far as a local park or beach or as close as their own…

Becoming a senior citizen is often accompanied by benefits such as retirement payments and federal aid from the government in the form of Social Security. Senior citizens may also be protected by age discrimination laws and covered by programs like Medicare, which provides basic health care. Additionally, senior citizenship also opens a door to the world of dining and entertainment discounts. With such a multitude of attractions in Orlando, there is something for every Central Florida senior to enjoy at a discounted price. Who Qualifies as a Senior? Senior citizens are often classified under law as those age 60 or older — the age when most people retire from the…

Music can be an excellent tool to help seniors stay active and alert, enhancing their mental health and well-being. Music can also help prevent or lessen the impact of several issues that commonly affect seniors, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety disorders. The following are some ways music can improve seniors’ mental health—and how you can make sure your loved one stays healthy through music throughout his or her golden years. What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a holistic approach to mental health that combines music, sound, and movement. This modality can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in both children and adults. It is also used to…

Intergenerational programs are designed for the specific purpose of promoting interactions between youths and the elderly. Such interactions can be rare, which is unfortunate because the elderly have lived rich lives full of experience and possess so much knowledge that they can pass on to the youth of today. In addition to educating younger generations by sharing life lessons and experiences, here are some of the benefits of intergenerational activities for seniors. A Chance to Stay Active One benefit of seniors participating in intergenerational activities is that doing so will help keep their bodies active, engaged, and moving. On average, seniors who volunteer with children tend to burn more calories…

Moving is always a big transition—no matter how many times you have done it or how old you are—and moving into an assisted living community is no different. While this transition can be difficult for some, there are many ways to make it easier. If you or a loved one are planning to transition to assisted living, here are some tips to make the process a little smoother. Decorate Your New Room Like Your Old One Sometimes, the most comforting thing is maintaining a semblance of home, and just because you’re moving to a new room doesn’t mean that you can’t take pieces of home with you. While some people…

Millions of Americans all over the country live with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s but are not being served with proper memory care. If a senior loved one is showing signs of such conditions and can no longer care for themself, then perhaps it is time to consider memory care services. 3 Signs That Your Senior Requires Memory Care Services Here are a few signs that indicate when memory care services are necessary: Declining Physical Health The first sign of memory impairment is an overall decline in physical health and hygiene. This is likely because those with memory issues often forget to take care of themselves. For example, someone with…

If the senior loved ones in your life are no longer able to care for themselves, then you may be considering a long-term care solution that can attend to their needs. However, such solutions do come with a cost. If you are concerned that your aging family member or friend does not have the financial means to enjoy the comfort of an assisted living community, then perhaps you may be wondering if Medicare helps pay for the cost of assisted living. Is Assisted Living Covered by Medicare? While Medicare is health insurance for Americans who are aged 65 or older, it does not typically cover care services that are non-medical…

Going to a movie theater to enjoy a film has become a much more involved and laborious process than it was in the past—especially for senior citizens who have difficulty getting around and may be hesitant to sit in a crowded, indoor cinema. Thankfully, there are a variety of free and paid movie streaming services and websites that seniors can easily navigate to access films that speak to their generation. Here are some of the most humorous, uplifting, and entertaining movies for senior citizens to enjoy. Last Vegas (2013) Starring acting heavyweights Robert DeNiro, Kevin Kline, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman, Last Vegas is a buddy comedy that plays like…

Finding living arrangements for the senior in your life can be a highly emotional time. It can especially be stressful if you don’t know what type of living community is best for your loved one. To make the best decision, it’s important to know the differences between senior living and assisted living communities. Senior Living vs. Assisted Living Community While very similar in purpose, senior living is less restrictive and gives more independence, while assisted living gives a bit more attentive support and care to its senior residents. The more in-depth differences between the two communities often concern available amenities, services, and housing options. Differences in Amenities and Services One…

Moving a parent, or parents, into an assisted living community can be an emotional experience for everyone involved; however, it can also be an exciting new chapter in the life of your loved one. In order to properly navigate these feelings during such a transitional time, here are a few strategies to keep in mind when helping your senior parent move into a new living situation. How to Transition Parents to Assisted Living Communities Take Your Time – Experts agree it takes three-to-six months for someone to adjust to assisted living. Once your parent is moved in, decide how frequently you want to visit. Some experts say visiting as often…