We often underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep, especially in older adulthood when we’re just not getting enough of it; but the quality and quantity of sleep the night before can really make or break the day. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep at any and all costs, so each day of your senior years and your retirement are as productive and enjoyable as they can possibly be!

1. Get the right amount of sleep for your body – everyone needs a different amount of sleep, make sure you get enough to feel well rested, whether it’s 5 hours or 10 hours

2. Regulate your sleep schedule – go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday in order to ensure that your body falls into a regular routine

3. Talk to your doctor about medications – if you’re having trouble sleeping, speak to your doctors about medications that might cause insomnia  and see if there are better alternatives

4. Try relaxing activities – yoga, meditation and other relaxing activities can reduce physical and emotional stress to help ensure a better night’s sleep

5. Set the stage – make sure that your room is dark and quiet, and ensure that it’s an environment even more conducive to sleep by keeping other activities, like watching TV, out of the room!

Via: WorkingCaregiver.com – “The Secrets to a 36 Hour Day”

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – For breast cancer awareness month, I’m seeing a lot of articles and news stories focusing upon women. I’m sure breast cancer occurs in men as well, but there seems to be a lot less information out there about it. Can you share the risk factors for male breast cancer?

A – About 1% of breast cancer cases are men, and the risk factors are as followed:

1. Age – senior men aged 60 to 70  are most often diagnosed with breast cancer

2. Family history – 20% of men with breast cancer have a history of breast cancer in their family, either in other male relatives or women

3. Liver disease – men who have liver disease often have lower levels of androgens and higher levels of estrogen that can increase the chance of breast cancer

4. Estrogen treatmen – estrogen treatment can feed breast cancer, and therefore puts men at a higher risk

5. BRCA2 gene mutations – it’s a gene that can pass from generation to generation that increases the likelihood of breast cancer. In women it’s the BRCA1 gene that carries breast cancer

6. Klinefelter’s syndrome – men with this syndrome have two C chromosomes in addition to one Y chromosome  (men should have one X; the female gene and one Y)

Via: Imaginis

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

You might not want to admit it, but you might be one of many boomer women who finds herself alone and uncertain on how to manage her money. This isn’t uncommon in your generation with many women allowing the men in their lives to control the finances, but now that you’re on your own, you’re unsure about your financial security. Here are some tips that we have for managing your money – please share yours with us if you have anything more to add.

1. Let go of the idea that it’s too late – you might feel that as you approach your senior years, it’s too late to get yourself out of any financial mess you’ve made or learn new methods when it comes to managing your finances. When it comes to financial planning, it’s never too late to start!

2. Learn about money – this may sound obvious, but start doing your homework and research about all things finance. Learn about investment options, about financing available, about interest rates, and about anything that’s likely to apply to your situation before you even make your next move. Books and the internet are both great resources

3. Talk to a financial planner – you can hire a personal money adviser or speak to one that’s already available to you at your Pasadena bank (although someone independent might be more impartial) in order to keep you informed and help you make financial decisions

4. Support yourself – if you don’t have the means to save, invest or pay off debts, you might need to get a job. Find something you love, but ensure you have a set goal for earnings that will help you reach your financial goals

5. Pay off debts – don’t put it off, find a way to start paying off credit cards and loans right away

6. Save and invest – put money away every month without fail, every little bit will help you reach your financial goals and bring financial security

Via: Let Life In

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – My husband and I recently retired. We’re in our 60s and we’ve been looking forward to taking a huge vacation throughout most of our working lives. However, researching destinations and finding good prices is proving to be very stressful. Do you have any tips for improving the planning process, so I can just focus on looking forward to our trip?

A – There are some great travel resources available online, give these a try so you can spend more time looking forward to your retirement trip!

1. Kayak – in order to find the lowest price fare available for their destination of choice, seniors can browse flights at this website. This is also a way for seniors to read about the various destinations and traveller reviews to make a decision about their trip. This saves the hassle of having to check fares and flight times at multiple airlines, and seniors can book directly with this travel site or use it simply as a resource

2. Away –if you’re travelling at a destination you’ve never been to, it’s hard to know what there is to do there, and leaving it until your arrival can require you to be perhaps more impulsive than you’d like. Seniors can login to Away and browse the destination they’re travelling to in order to find activities. This resource can also be used before a destination is settled on to help determine where to go!

3. Hotwire – when seniors are planning a trip ahead of time, they can setup to receive email alerts when there are sales on trips to a destination they’re considering, and prices are available for flights, accommodations and all aspects of travel

4. Orbitz – seniors who are thinking about taking a cruise or a different kid of trip, can look at Orbitz before booking to compare prices and also receive travel insurance

Via: Associated Content

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – My mom is a breast cancer survivor. Although she is not cancer free the prognosis looks really good for her. However, I feel like the emotional aspects of coping with a breast cancer diagnosis are taking a bigger toll on her than the disease itself. Any tips for how seniors can cope with a breast cancer diagnosis?

A – For many seniors, it’s the unknown that keeps them up at night, and while they can fight the physical effects of the disease, they might struggle with the emotional ones. Here are some tips for coping with a breast cancer diagnosis:

1. Communicate with loved ones – while you might not want to worry the important people in your life, talk about what you’re facing, and let them lend you their support

2. Maintain an intimate relationship – if you have a spouse or partner, maintaining physical intimacy can be beneficial to your emotional well-being and ensure your spouse doesn’t begin to treat you differently

3. Keep track of your disease – by tracking your symptoms and presenting them to your medical doctor, you can feel like you’re taking control over the disease, which gives you a sense of power. Also keep track of visits in a log, save results of tests and receipts

4. Seek professional support – having the support of friends and family isn’t enough, find a support group of people who are dealing with similar struggles and talk to a counsellor, spiritual advisor or other professional

5. Educate yourself – keep yourself informed every step of the way. Do your own research and empower yourself

6. Have a backup plan – with an unpredictable disease, you need to be prepared for anything.  Don’t dwell on the worst case scenario, but plan for it

Via: About.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

If you’ve reached older adulthood, hopefully you’ve been through a number of breast cancer screenings from the age of 40. But if you’re one of the seniors who has put it off for fear of the process, this breast cancer awareness month couldn’t be a better time to put your fears aside so you make an appointment to have the important screening process completed.

What you can expect during a mammogram:

1. When dressing the day of the mammogram, avoid applying deodorant, talcum powder, or any other heavily scented items that can be irritating to others, or that could affect the imaging. Also wear a 2 piece outfit.

2. When arriving at the imaging office, you will be asked for copies of previous mammograms, if they do not have them already, and will also ask you to fill out a form with your medical records

3. Upon going into have the mammogram done, you will be asked to remove jewellery and clothing that can interfere with the procedure, including your shirt and bra, and any other clothing you have on above the waist

4. To prepare for the mammogram itself, one breast at a time will be placed on an imaging cassette and will be compressed with a paddle so that the maximum amount of breast tissue is visible on the image

5. The image will be taken and then the process will be repeated with the other breast

6. The images will be examined, not for results but to ensure they are effective. Typically, you will be allowed to get dressed and wait to find out if you are able to leave, or if more images are needed

7. The images and results will be returned for your doctor for review

Sources:

1. About.com 

2. Imaginis

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Cruising has been a stereotypical retirement activity for seniors, but it’s for a good reason. Cruise ships offer seniors a luxurious vacation experience with fine dining, entertainment, gambling and more. Seniors who want to lead this type of life year-round can, by purchasing a piece of floating real estate on board a ship like the Residential Cruise Line. For $2 to $10 million seniors can have a permanent spot on a cruise line that travels around the world. This kind of lifestyle comes with some planning, however, so take note of these tips if you’re considering a spot on a floating vacation residence.

1. Pack products for seasickness – although large cruise ships do offer stability, be prepared for rough seas and before going aboard, talk to your doctor about medications or products that can help with sea sickness.

2. Pack wisely – remember, you might not have as much space for your wardrobe, so choose key items for your cruise ship suite, and make sure you have something for every occasion.

3. Think about how much you’ll be there – you can purchase a property that’s just for you on a floating community or choose one that’s shared if you still intend on staying at a primary residence for part of the year.

4. If it seems pricey, think about what you’d spend on travel – if you plan on taking trips annually, those costs can add up. Think about what you’ll spend annually, and remember, by investing in a property like this, your travel costs are virtually always covered and it tours the high seas worldwide.

Via: TrendHunter

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Young children don’t necessarily know how to express their support when someone they love is struggling with breast cancer, but a great way to do it is with a product that supports breast cancer awareness. Simply giving a grandparent a gift that represents the appreciation for their fight can mean the most, and act as a reminder everyday as to how much they’re loved.  Here are some ideas for breast cancer awareness gifts for grandparents.

1. Breast cancer awareness t-shirts: you don’t need to participate in an event with giveaways to receive a breast cancer awareness t-shirt. Buy one for a friend or loved one to honor their fight against breast cancer. T-shirts are available that take a light-hearted perspective to the disease and others are sentimental. Choose something that you know will mean the most to the recipient, although the gesture in itself will have the greatest meaning

2. Ribbon magnets – buying a magnet for someone who has survived breast cancer can allow them to put it on their fridge and be reminded everyday that their fight against the disease is appreciated by the people who love them. Even those who are still going through the fight will fight harder to survive if they know they are supported

3. Coffee Cups for breast cancer awareness – coffee cups can be used year-round, and like magnets, can remind recipients about the fight they’ve undergone and let them know that there’s someone to help them contribute to awareness and support towards a cure

4. Lapel pin – unlike other clothing items for breast cancer awareness, a lapel pin can be worn with any dress code, including office wear. If you purchase a lapel pin for someone who has gone through the fight against breast cancer, they can wear the accessory to show their support everywhere they go

Via: Associated Content

Image: giftsforyounow.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

The creative process can have extensive benefits to Pasadena seniors on every level, regardless of their health and overall well-being. Experts in art therapy claim that benefits only exist when art activities are lead by a professional; but caregivers and family members can guide seniors in creative activities that can still bring similar benefits when they following these tips for setting the tone of art and aging:

6. Choose activities suitable to the senior’s level of mobility – although skill really doesn’t play a role in the benefits of artistic expression and seniors, you don’t want to make the experience frustrating for them. Keep a senior’s physical abilities in mind when choosing an activity.

7. Make activities challenging – age doesn’t mean seniors are less capable of creation. Don’t choose activities that are too simple, like those you’d give to a child.

8. Create a quiet environment – to receive the best possible benefits from a creative activity, seniors need a quiet environment where they can simply focus on creating. An area free from distraction will help set the tone for the creative process

9. Think about long-term projects – a quick craft that can be finished in a couple of hours won’t have the same benefits as one that extends over a period of time. Choosing an activity that seniors can think about and go back to day after day will really get the creative juices flowing

10. Work together – remember, even if you’re working on an art project together, don’t take over and don’t try to lead; it’s not about the end result of the creation, it’s about the journey along the way

Sources:

4. Washington Post

5. My Optum Health

1. Associated Content

Image: castrell.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

You might not picture the suburbs as a place for seniors, at least not those living independently in their own homes. But many seniors who established roots in the suburbs earlier in their lives want to hang onto their roots in the communities, and now make up over half of the suburban populations. Living in a suburban environment as a senior does require some careful planning and adaptation, so keep the following tips in mind for surviving suburbia as seniors:

1. Address financial restraints – consider a reverse mortgage to fund any additional financial needs of the home like maintenance, renovations, or any remaining amount on a mortgage loan

2. Make the home safe – suburban homes aren’t necessarily designed for senior living. They are often 2 stories, and are not compatible with those who need to use wheel chairs or other assistive devices. To make the home accessible and safe, install safety bars and hand-rails, improve the lighting in the home, and have ramps or other assistive devices incorporated into the home as needed

3. Get help – for older adults, keeping up with the routine maintenance of a home can be challenging, but that doesn’t need to be a reason to give it up. Hire services to clean and keep up with the yard work, or get an in-home caregiver to cook and provide basic assistance with other tasks as needed

4. Look into transportation – walking to get to shops and other areas in the suburbs may not be convenient. Seniors who don’t drive can use transportation services available, or hire a caregiver that can help them get around

Via: CSA Connections

Image: seniorcarehomesmidwest.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.