By now, everyone has probably already been told they should try yoga and meditation. These two ancient practices are often touted for their incredibly long list of proven health benefits and are constantly gaining new devoted practitioners.
However, some groups of people may still be reluctant. Older adults, for instance, may wonder whether yoga and meditation are not just passing fads or if it is for them. The answer is that yoga and meditation are for everyone, but seniors could actually be especially suited for them. To start, as a result of its many benefits-- from increasing blood flow to boosting balance to lowering blood sugar -- it has been shown to increase health span.
Read on to learn more from Assured Assisted Living about how yoga can benefit seniors:
Yoga Can Help You Live Better for Longer
Yoga is a full-body workout that can go a long way in helping seniors maintain mobility later in life. It does this by improving balance, which reduces the chance of falls and serious injuries. Flexibility, which helps maintain a fuller range of movement, and strength, which helps fight age-related muscle mass, are also key components of yoga.
It also has a host of other health benefits. It relieves stress, which helps fight anxiety and many diseases. It helps you breathe better. As a form of exercise, it could even boost your gut health, which can definitely affect your moods if it gets out of balance. More proof that yoga can boost your health span to meet your lifespan!
Meditation Is an Incredible Mind Booster
Meditation is an invaluable tool when it comes to preventing senior cognitive decline. According to the Conversation, a regular meditation practice as little as10 minutes a day can have a significant impact on focus and memory.
Meditation is also extremely effective as a tool for positive mental health. AUK study showed that senior patients being treated for depression recovered much faster when also provided with mindfulness meditation. This is just one of many exciting studies pointing to the potential power of meditation to cure senior depression and anxiety.
Yoga Is the Ideal Senior Workout
As well as being an extremely healthy and well-rounded form of exercise, yoga is perfect for seniors in many other ways. For one, it is easy to do at home with very little equipment, making it an extremely cost-effective workout for seniors on a tight budget. It is also extremely adaptable. There are hundreds of poses and movements, each with variations you can use to make them easier for you. Contrary to popular belief, there is not a correct way to do yoga you just focus, breathe, and work with what your body can do.
There are also many gentle forms of yoga that are closer to meditation than to a workout, which can be incredibly beneficial for seniors. Restorative yoga, which focuses on slow movement and holding easy poses for longer periods of time, is a great example.
It's Easy (and Safe) to Get Started
If you want the structure of a yoga classroom, you can easily find yoga classes designed for seniors. If you prefer to do at-home yoga, there are plenty of free lessons online that are senior-friendly try this yoga for all ages by popular YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene. You should also keep in mind that you don't have to try to become a master yogi overnight. As Zen Business explains, incorporating a healthy change into your life requires a continuous commitment, meaning you can start with a 10-minute daily yoga practice, if that's what you're comfortable with, and work your way up from there. When a change is gradual, it's more likely to be sustainable.
As for meditation, there are loads of free apps available to guide you through it, and even more videos on YouTube and other sites. Just search guided meditation and try a few out, or refine your search to something specific, like a morning meditation or a meditation to help you sleep.
Both yoga and meditation will be easier to practice if you are relaxed. Try to create a soothing environment for your practices or invest in a calming supplement like CBD oil to help you get in the right headspace. Do consult with your doctor before taking CBD, but if they approve, look up online guides to find the best CBD oil for you.
There is a reason why the world won't shut up about yoga and meditation. Like any hobby or exercise, they may not be for everyone, but there are so many varieties of yoga and meditation that chances are you can find one that works for you. Once you do, you may be amazed at how much they can make your golden years happier, healthier, and more enjoyable.
Birdwatching is more than just a delightful pastimeits a wonderful way to connect with nature, boost your mood, and enjoy some gentle outdoor activity. For seniors, creating a backyard haven specifically designed for birdwatching can offer endless hours of joy and relaxation.Imagine the pleasure of sipping a cup of tea while watching colorful feathered friends' flit and chirp just outside your window. In this Seniors Helping Seniors guide, well walk you through simple, accessible ideas to transform your backyard into a serene wildlife retreat that makes birdwatching accessible, enjoyable, and enriching.But first, lets talk about why birdwatching is such a great hobby for seniors.A Full Flock of Mental PerksBirdwatching provides seniors with a perfect blend of mental stimulation and physical activity. It boosts mental sharpness by challenging seniors to recognize and remember different birds. Physically, birdwatching encourages light, manageable exercise that promotes circulation and flexibility, whether youre walking around your garden or simply standing and observing.The Seniors Helping Seniors team encourages you to enjoy the dual benefits of stress relief and gentle movement as you immerse yourself in this engaging hobby.Attracting Birds to Your BackyardWant to turn your backyard into a bustling bird haven? Its easier than you might think! With a few thoughtful additions, you can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming environment that draws in a variety of beautiful avian visitors.Bird FeedersTypes of Feeders: Place bird feeders at eye level a comfortable distance from your desired viewing point. There are plenty of options that cater to different avian species. Platform feeders accommodate a wide range of birds, but tube feeders are best for small birds, and suet feeders are designed to attract woodpeckers and other insect-eaters.Bird Seed Selection: Research your native bird species to determine which kind of seed they prefer. Use seeds that attract a variety of birds, such as sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and suet cakes.Bird BathsDesign: Choose a bird bath with a shallow, easy-to-clean basin and a gentle slope to make it accessible for all types of birds. You can also use shallow dishes or bowls with a textured surface to make it easy for birds to drink and bathe.Maintenance: Clean the bath every few days to prevent algae growth and disease. Consider a solar-powered fountain to keep the water moving, which helps attract more birds and keeps the bath cleaner longer.Natural ElementsBird-Friendly Plants: Berry-producing shrubs like holly and elderberry provide food for various species while flowering plants such as coneflowers and bee balm attract nectar-loving birds like hummingbirds. Find out whats native to your local area before planting.Nest Boxes: Birds can be picky when it comes to real estate. To attract your desired bird species, make sure to pick the right home for them. Birdhouses with small entrance holes attract wrens and chickadees, while larger holes are suited for woodpeckers and blue jays.With the right mix of feeders, bird baths, and natural elements, youll soon be enjoying a lively and picturesque birdwatching experience right from your own home. Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are always happy to help with light yard work, so you can achieve the backyard paradise of your dreams.Take Birdwatching to New HeightsAsk your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver to help you set up a comfortable chair and a pair of binoculars by your favorite bird-friendly spot in the backyard. Pick a location thats both close to your bird feeders and free from hazards like uneven ground or sharp objects. Consider adding a side table for holding binoculars or a bird guidebook, and make sure the area is well-lit for ease of use. Installing a small, shaded awning can provide comfort on sunny days while having a nearby rail or support for stability can enhance safety.As you settle in, note the different species that visit and consider keeping a journal of your observations. You can also bring your mobile phone or a digital camera to practice capturing photos of your flying friends. Each venture will reveal something newwhether its a flash of color from a rare bird or the charming antics of a familiar species.Birdwatching is not just about spotting birds; its about experiencing the calming rhythm of nature and finding pleasure in the small, everyday miracles. This peaceful, rewarding hobby sparks joy and also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.
Welcome to the future of exploration, where travel is just a click away! Thanks to the power of virtual museum tours, discovering the world has never been more accessible or exciting! These virtual tours offer a fantastic opportunity to explore global treasures, stimulate your mind, and enjoy a vibrant cultural experienceall from the comfort of your home. Picture yourself strolling through the halls of the Louvre, admiring the Mona Lisa, or delving into ancient artifacts at the British Museum without leaving your favorite armchair.The Seniors Helping Seniors team wants to show you how these experiences can spark joy, stimulate your mind, and turn each day into an exciting journey. Lets get started.What Are Virtual Museum ToursVirtual museum tours are online experiences that allow you to explore museum exhibits and galleries from anywhere with an internet connection. Using high-resolution images, interactive features, and sometimes even virtual reality technology, these tours offer a way to view art, artifacts, and historical displays as if you were physically present in the museum. They provide an immersive experience where you can navigate through different rooms, zoom in on specific pieces, read detailed descriptions, and listen to audio guides.For seniors, virtual museum tours are especially beneficial. They eliminate the need for physical travel, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and they provide a way to enjoy cultural and intellectual stimulation without leaving home. Additionally, these tours can be enjoyed at ones own pace, with the ability to pause, revisit, and explore in-depth, making them an ideal option for lifelong learners.Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can help you set up and navigate these virtual tours, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable experience accessing the worlds cultural treasures right from your living room.Free Virtual Museum Tours for SeniorsThe Louvre (Paris, France)Tour Overview: The Louvre offers virtual tours of its vast collections, including the iconic Mona Lisa, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and classical sculptures. The interactive platform allows users to explore the museums renowned exhibits and learn about their historical significance through detailed descriptions and high-resolution images.Why Its Great for Seniors: The intuitive navigation and accessible interface make it easy for seniors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of one of the worlds most famous museums without the need for physical travel.The British Museum (London, England)Tour Overview: This virtual tour allows users to explore the British Museums extensive collection, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient Greek sculptures. The online platform features an interactive timeline and detailed maps to enhance the user experience.Why Its Great for Seniors: The user-friendly design and educational content make it a perfect choice for seniors interested in history and archaeology, providing a comprehensive look at humanitys past.The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C., USA)Tour Overview: The Smithsonian offers a variety of virtual tours showcasing exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and biodiversity. The tours include 360-degree views and detailed information about each exhibit.Why Its Great for Seniors: The immersive 360-degree views and extensive educational resources make it an engaging and informative experience for seniors fascinated by natural history and science.The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA)Tour Overview: The Met provides virtual tours of its diverse collections, featuring everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. The online platform offers high-quality images, audio guides, and educational videos.Why Its Great for Seniors: The wide range of exhibits and accessible features ensure that there is something for everyone, allowing seniors to explore various art forms and historical periods at their own pace.The beauty of virtual museum tours lies in their ability to bring the worlds greatest art and historical collections directly to you. With free access to many of the worlds most renowned museums, the possibilities for discovery are endless. Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are ready to assist you in navigating these virtual platforms and ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Ask them to help you set up a virtual museum tour today and start exploring!
This May, join the Seniors Helping Seniors team in recognizing Older Americans Month. To celebrate, we want to share expert advice and tips to help seniors age healthily and happily at home. This article suggests simple lifestyle adjustments that make home life better for seniors.Many older adults want to maintain independence in a familiar environment. Feeling comfortable and supported makes a huge difference. Thats why the Seniors Helping Seniors family made this guide. Our simple tips can help seniors, and their loved ones have a healthy and happy time at home as they grow older.Read on for our easy-to-follow tips on living your best life at home during Older Americans Month and beyond.What is Older Americans Month?Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to appreciate the wonderful contributions and achievements of older Americans. This heartfelt observance, led by the Administration for Community Living, invites us to reflect on the challenges faced by seniors and ways we can promote their healthy aging.The theme for this years celebration is Powered by Connection. It focuses on the vital role of meaningful relationships in ones well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors mission revolves around this concept. Keeping in touch with loved ones can become difficult as we age due to changes in our routines, health, or living arrangements. But staying social is key to living a happy, fulfilling life! Thats where having an in-home senior caregiver comes in. They can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help connect you with the people you care about.Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers, who are seniors themselves, become close friends with their clients. This companionship brings so much joy and comfort to our seniors, and it leads to even better care. For seniors who want to remain at home in their golden years, our caregivers provide reliable support and a caring hand whenever theyre needed. With a compassionate caregiver, older adults can age in place with confidence.Benefits of Remaining at HomeWhen it comes to deciding where to live as you get older, there are a variety of options available. While nursing homes or assisted living facilities may suit some, others may prefer to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible. This concept of aging in place empowers seniors to maintain a sense of independence and comfort in a familiar setting. Creating an environment that caters to physical, emotional, and social needs is essential to make this happen with in-home care resources to assist you along the way.Tips For Aging in PlacePrioritize Home Safety:Assess your living environment for any potential safety hazards and make the necessary changes, like adding grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that you have proper lighting. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home caregivers are amazing helpers who can make your home safer. Lean on them so you can relax and enjoy your time at home without worrying about any safety concerns.Improve Accessibility: Adjust furniture placement or install ramps to make the home more accessible. Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can provide mobility aids and support to help you or your loved one maneuver their home more efficiently.Simplify Your To-Do List: Call in for extra support if household chores are piling up. Our Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can lend a hand with light cleaning, home maintenance, and repairs so you can have a cozy and safe living space.Get On-the-Go Assistance: An in-home senior caregiver can offer rides to appointments, run errands, or socialize. Your caregiver would happily arrange transportation services or accompany them on these outings.Stay Connected: Make sure to participate in social activities. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can join you and accompany you to community events or help you connect with others virtually. Having a reliable friend can help combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.The Seniors Helping Seniors DifferenceSeniors Helping Seniors in-home senior care services can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. By providing support that focuses on safety, accessibility, simplified tasks, on-the-go assistance, and social connections, seniors can truly thrive in their own homes. With the help of Seniors Helping Seniorss kind and compassionate caregivers, aging in place becomes not just manageable but enjoyable. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, lets prioritize the well-being and happiness of our seniors and ensure they age with comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community.