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Have you ever wanted to create a novice, indoor garden but you are unsure of where to start? This year, seniors have been exploring new activities that keep everyday life engaging while sheltering-in-place by bringing old and new hobbies indoors. Gardening is just one of the few. Why garden indoors? For seniors (especially those with compromised immune systems) during these recent times, it’s a safer way to avoid getting sick. Other benefits include eliminating weather changes that could negatively impact outdoor plants, outlining your home with beautiful greenery that emits much needed oxygen, and having fresh greens at the ready for cooking purposes. For this article, let’s explore 14 herb plants that are relatively simple to grow and to maintain indoors: 1. Chives: Chives grow in copious amounts just about anywhere. Start by digging up a few chives from the base of an outdoor plant. Place them in a pot outside for a few days until the leaves start to die off. Once the pot is indoors, leave it in a cooler sport for a few days before placing it in a window with lots of sunlight. 2. Lemongrass: Lemongrass is commonly used to flavor Thai foods and can be […]

Click the link to go to resource: https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/vt3/NMNH/ The National Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum administered by the Smithsonian Institution, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States. 

With this year’s precautions for staying healthy, we have focused so much on keeping the humans in our families healthy that some of us have forgotten how to meet the needs of our animal friends. Although general pet care hasn’t really changed much, the way seniors have to go about providing food, healthcare, and leisure has slightly altered in order to maintain sheltering-in-place recommendations. This means simply going out to the store or to the vet for in-person visits may have changed. Below, we have created a list of common areas of need that pets require. Furthermore, we have added a view suggestions on how seniors can adapt their routines as pet caregivers in order to keep both pets healthy and safe: Nutrition: Making a quick run to the store for some pet food can be easily converted into two ways: grocery pick-up and home-delivery. Popular chain stores are starting (or have already begun) offering grocery pick-up where customers can purchase food online and then schedule a time to go to the store where employees will bring your items to your car. This also goes for over-the-counter pet medication and additional supplies. If grocery pick-up is not an ideal option, […]

Although the world feels like it has come to a standstill this year with sheltering in place and taking on extra health precautions, there are still ways for seniors to safely get out of the house and to enjoy some change in scenery. California, particularly the Los Angeles area, has more to offer than busy beaches, amusement parks, and restaurants. Instead, consider taking a leisurely drive. We have compiled a list of popular scenic drives in the Los Angeles area that can easily cater to the needs and interests of our senior population looking to leave their home every once in a while. Pack up that picnic basket, grab a friend or a significant other, and check out these top 9 highly reviewed and recommended scenic drives: Pacific Coast Highway Known for being the longest road (650 miles) in California, the Pacific Coast Highway gives drivers access to a multitude of scenic destinations. Some of these popular areas include Santa Monica and Zuma beaches, Topanga State Park, Pepperdine University, and the rolling Santa Monica Mountains. If you prefer just the lackadaisical drive, the highway takes you through several coastal views as well as wine country. Mulholland Drive This road stretches […]

It’s time to get back into the dating scene, whether it’s a result of the death of a spouse/partner or other types of separation. You have been through the gambit, and you know how dating works so it’s time to show the youngsters that you still know how to have a good time. However…where and how do you start? Furthermore, how are you supposed to date other people during a pandemic in which states are telling you to stay home and away from others? Good news, there’s ways around it. Remember, you’re just “starting” the dating process again so you have some time before physical connection becomes apparent in your new relationships. Below is a list of ideas for how seniors can still enjoy dating each other during isolation: Get familiar with online video chats: If you are nervous about operating a video chat on the computer, have no fear. Even the tech-savvy younger generations still blow it on occasion. Start looking into how to participate in a video chat using apps such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, Google Duo, FaceTime, etc. Most of these video chat services are free and relatively user-friendly. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with an app, […]

Click the link to access resource –>> https://www.theconversationproject.org/ The Conversation Project® is a public engagement initiative with a goal that is both simple and transformative: to have every person’s wishes for end-of-life care expressed and respected. Too many people die in a manner they would not choose, and too many of their loved ones are left feeling bereaved, guilty, and uncertain. It’s time to transform our culture so we shift from not talking about dying to talking about it. It’s time to share the way we want to live at the end of our lives. And it’s time to communicate about the kind of care we want and don’t want for ourselves. We believe that the place for this to begin is at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people we love, before it’s too late. Together we can make these difficult conversations easier. We can make sure that our own wishes, and those of our loved ones, are both expressed and respected. The Conversation Project offers tools, guidance, and resources to begin talking with loved ones about your and their wishes. Source: https://www.theconversationproject.org/about/

Creating a dementia memory box is a simple activity where you can use reminiscence therapy to help your loved one at home. By just sitting down together and exploring a collection of items or images from your loved one’s past you can help encourage short-term memories by stimulating long-term ones. It can also open-up the lines of communication, as well as making your loved one feel more at ease and providing an activity that interests them. Step 1: Choose your box Examples include: a large jewelry boxa plastic food container or bina shoe box covered with wrapping paper Step 2: What to include The memory box can include anything that means something to your loved one. Items can be of personal interest or favorite memories in history that have significant meaning. Try to include items with different textures, scents or sounds. Each item should relate to a memory that can be revisited time and time again. Be aware that some items may open the door to unhappy memories, and you may want to be sensitive to avoid or carefully address discussing these items. Step 3: What to consider Safety–Avoid items that are potentially dangerous, precious, heavy, orsharp.Uniqueness–If an item is […]

Click the link to access the resource –>> https://www.shiptacenter.org/ The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. Help for yourself or your loved ones Considering making coverage changes during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Open Enrollment)?  Contact your SHIP for one-on-one assistance with reviewing health or prescription drug plan options.Worried about the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare? Contact your SHIP to find out about assistance programs you or your loved one might be eligible for.Unsure about Medicare’s eligibility criteria? SHIPs can help you understand the guidelines.Wondering what Medicare does and doesn’t cover? Medicare can be complicated. Contact your SHIP for answers.Confused about who pays first, Medicare or another insurance? SHIPs can explain how Medicare works with supplemental policies, retiree coverage, Medicaid, and other insurers.  Uncertain of yours or your loved one’s rights, under Medicare? Contact your SHIP for assistance.Can’t find your SHIP? Use the SHIP Locator or call 1-877-839-2675. Source: https://www.shiptacenter.org/about-us

Are you a full-time or part-time caregiver of a family member with dementia or other cognitive disorders? Then this blog post is for you. It is already challenging enough trying to occupy a loved one with dementia during the day, especially if he or she is home-bound or has moderate to severe symptoms. Now with the COVID-19 restriction, the challenge has become even greater. Luckily, there are still some safe ways available to keep your loved one active during this time. Check out some of the following ideas: Social distancing visits: If your loved one or client was used to visiting with others before, make that a scheduled priority with social distancing precautions in mind. Communications include online chats and messaging, curbside visits, visits through the window of the home, writing letters, and talking to family and friends on the phone. In-home exercise: Pull out Youtube and start familiarizing yourself with some in-home exercise tutorials appropriate for elderly adults. Each exercise will vary due to interest and physical capability, but most exercise programs for elderly adults can be modified or changed in some way. Examples include living room yoga, tai-chi, Zumba (specifically for older adults), aerobics, line dancing, etc. Household […]

Click the link to access resource –>> https://www.edx.org/ Our Story edX is the trusted platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX is home to more than 20 million learners, the majority of top-ranked universities in the world and industry-leading companies. As a global nonprofit, edX is transforming traditional education, removing the barriers of cost, location and access. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is reimagining the possibilities of education, providing the highest-quality, stackable learning experiences including the groundbreaking MicroMasters® programs. Supporting learners at every stage, whether entering the job market, changing fields, seeking a promotion or exploring new interests, edX delivers courses for curious minds on topics ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications. edX is where you go to learn. Our Global Learning Community Our students come from every country in the world! Whether you are interested in computer science, languages, engineering, psychology, writing, electronics, biology, or marketing, we have the course for you! Enroll today and learn something new. Our Difference We were founded by and continue to be governed by colleges and universities. We are the only leading MOOC provider that is both nonprofit and […]

COVID-19 has taken a lot of valuable family time away from seniors due to mandatory stay-at-home restrictions.  As the months have passed since our initial concerns about coronavirus in the U.S., those restrictions have changed.  Depending on surges in cases, what states seniors reside in, and what phases of re-opening each community is in, some people are now able to go out in public and visit with loved ones with caution. Here are a few activities that seniors can participate in when they get together with those grandchildren whom they haven’t seen in a while.  For some ease, each list has been divided up so that activities are age-appropriate: With grandchildren ages 10 years and younger: Reading books together: Sit down and read a few children’s books together.  To make it more fun, create a reading fort, tent, or pillowed play area. T-shirt painting: Locate some very simple fabric pain or T-shirt dye and go to town on some plain white shirts.  Make sure both the grandchildren AND the grandparents make their own shirts so they can share their results at the end. Neighborhood walks: Pick a beautiful day and go for a short walk around the neighborhood, through a […]

Click the link to access resource –>> https://www.donotcall.gov/ The federal government’s National Do Not Call Registry is a free, easy way to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home. To register your phone number or to get information about the registry, visit www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. You will get fewer telemarketing calls within 31 days of registering your number. *Scammers have been making phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls.

For seniors, it’s not usually a matter of “if” you fall.  It’s very much a matter of “when”.  As we age, our muscles naturally weaken and our overall posture and standing balance takes a hit.  There are methods for improving your overall balance in order to lower your risk for fall.  We’re not talking about adding equipment such as walkers and canes to your daily life.  Rather, let’s focus on some exercises that can enhance your balance. If you consult with a doctor, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist about your balance, you can get a better idea of where your weak points are that put you at risk for falling.  For some, it’s about overall muscle weakness due to age which can be reversed. Consider some of the following exercises and techniques and consult with your doctor for any health contraindications (i.e. heart failure, respiratory issues, blood pressure irregularities, etc.): Yoga: Yoga is not just for the young hipsters. Yoga has proven to be very helpful for older adults when it comes to improving postural alignment and balance. Research yoga classes in your area.  The best placed to look are usually local gyms or community centers.  Look for classes that […]

View the Lion Cam Here—> https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/lion-cam About Smithsonian’s National Zoo Source: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/about Our Mission: At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we save species. We provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats. Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Today, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. The Zoo’s commitment to conservation, research and education extends to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, located in nearby Front Royal, Virginia. SCBI scientists and animal care experts conduct veterinary and reproductive research to save wildlife and habitats for some of the world’s most endangered animals on the sprawling 3,200-acre campus. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian’s […]