Cognitive Benefits of Gratitude as You AgeGratitude, a simple yet powerful emotion, plays a strong role in emotional well-being, especially as we age. More than just saying "thank you," expressing gratitude can greatly transform our lives and positively impact our cognitive processes. Practicing and expressing gratitude regularly can give seniors a more optimistic outlook on life. Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors by encouraging the practice of gratitude. We'll delve into the remarkable cognitive benefits of gratitude, particularly in the context of aging. We'll look at the scientific evidence, discuss the emotional and physical health benefits, and provide some tips on how seniors can start expressing gratitude more often.The Science Behind GratitudeGratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it is deeply rooted in scientific research. When we express gratitude, it activates areas of the brain that release the feel-good hormone dopamine, leading to an improved mood and subjective well-being. More specifically, seniors can enjoy cognitive advantages such as improved memory function, increased mental resilience, and an overall enhancement in cognitive function. Studies have revealed that gratitude can decrease symptoms of depression and ultimately lead to better mental health.Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of GratitudeExpressing gratitude doesn't just help us mentally; it also has substantial emotional and physical benefits. On the emotional front, regularly expressing gratitude can increase happiness, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mood and emotional well-being. This was confirmed in a study that revealed that seniors who practiced gratitude were found to have lower rates of depression and a better overall mood. Additionally, on a physical level, gratitude promotes better sleep, lowers blood pressure, and even boosts the immune system, leading to overall improved health.The Power of Gratitude in AgingWhen applied to the context of aging, gratitude can have a profound impact. For seniors, practicing gratitude can enhance social connections, as expressing appreciation for others fosters stronger relationships. It also increases a senior's sense of purpose, as reflecting on one's blessings can create a positive outlook and promote a sense of contentment with life. Most importantly, it can improve the overall quality of life for seniors by promoting positive attitudes and good health. How to Practice GratitudeWhile it may seem challenging for seniors to start expressing gratitude more often, there are several ways to incorporate it into daily life. To express gratitude to others, consider writing thank-you notes to loved ones, sharing positive thoughts, or participating in acts of kindness. Beyond this, gratitude can also be cultivated internally. Keeping a gratitude journal, for instance, has proven to be a practical and beneficial approach. Writing down positive experiences or things one is grateful for can significantly improve one's mood and outlook on life. Mindfulness and meditation can also bolster gratitude. By practicing mindfulness, seniors can stay present in the moment and appreciate the good things around them. Reflecting on positive experiences and memories can also enhance feelings of gratitude and improve overall mental health.Contact Senior Helpers for Customized Senior CareGratitude can play a powerful role in enhancing the cognitive, emotional, and physical health of seniors. Its benefits are expansive, from improving memory and mental resilience to increasing happiness and even boosting physical health. As we age, nurturing a sense of gratitude can wonderfully enhance our lives and overall well-being. For those living in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, and Lewiston who might need a little help or companionship, Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley is always here to assist. Contact us to learn more about our senior care services.

Healthcare Directives are valuable to people in all walks of life. As you read this article, consider obtaining one for yourself.A Healthcare Directive is a tool to designate a health care agent, or someone to make health care decisions on your behalf. It goes into effect upon your inability to make or communicate health care decisions. If you fail to appoint someone to fill this role, the court will appoint a guardian, which may create a costly legal process. If you have Healthcare Directive, you are able to choose the person who will determine what treatments and health care you will receive, including end-of-life or palliative care decisions. Your health care agent makes surrogate decisions, which means that they step in your shoes and make the decisions that you would make on your own if you were able to do so.Ideally, surrogate decisions should be based on your input and the specific preferences you communicated before any loss of decision-making capacity. It should be based on a prior understanding your health care preferences and what you would want under the circumstances. Healthcare Directives are intensely personal documents. When thinking about creating your own, consider:Your values and how they may be reflected in your health care;Your priorities;What life means to you personally; andHow important quality of life is to you.Are there certain conditions that are worse than death to you? Would you undergo a risky procedure if it had a low chance of survival? What if that same procedure had a high chance of survival but would permanently lower your quality of life? How long would you like to be on life support? Its never fun to think about these things, but by selecting a health care agent and informing them of your preferences, you are preparing for the worst-case scenario and ensuring that your wishes will be followed. Clearly, the consequences of having or not having a Healthcare Directive can be huge, which is why we so strongly advocate that everyone, regardless of age or health, have one in their estate plan. Please dont leave your relatives to fumble in the dark if the unthinkable happens and you are unable to make your own health care decisions. Again, while an Healthcare Directive will be helpful to you in the future, you might have an elderly relative who is in need of one right now. So, whether you need one for yourself or for a loved one, contact us today at (385)334-4030 or send an email to info@skvlegal.com to set up your free consultation to determine your specific needs.

Today, we're discussing how to choose between appointing a guardian or conservator. When deciding what kind of protection you need in an aide, there are many things to consider, including:1. What is your personal capacity to care for yourself?2. What areas of life do you need supervision over? Healthcare? Daily maintenance? Or, do you only need help safeguarding finances?3. How extensive is your estate?4. What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?5. What combination of conservator/guardian would you most benefit from? Guardian only? Conservator only? Or both?Differences Between Guardians and Conservators A guardian is a person (or an institution) who is given authority to act on behalf of a protected person as though they were that person. A guardian can be given a full guardianship over all aspects of your life, or authorities limited to certain areas such as health care, education, or finances. A conservator is given authority only over your finances. Like a guardian, a conservator must be appointed by a court order. However, unlike a guardian, a conservator cannot make personal decisions for you. Conservators DutiesOnce appointed, a conservator becomes the trustee of your estate, which includes income (wages, social security, annuities), real property (a house, other buildings, and land), as well as stocks, bonds, retirement funds, etc. In fact, once appointed, and unless specifically limited, a conservator has all of the authority given by law to conservators, additional authority given to trustees, and the authority of the protected person, except the power to make or change a will. This amounts to a lot of power. Thus, when acting on your behalf, a conservator must act as a prudent investor would. A conservators duties and powers include:Managing your incomeContinuing or participating in the operation of your business or enterprises Making necessary estate paymentsOrganizing and protecting your assetsAppraising and safeguarding your propertyMaking prudent investmentsPaying or contesting any claims against the estateRegularly reporting to the courtThe list above is by no means exhaustive. Because a conservator does have so much power, their authorities and responsibilities are highly regulated. An in depth conversation about these powers is outside of the scope of this blog post, but must be understood and tailored to your specific needs in order to best serve them. Deciding What Is Best For YouIf your are able to care for yourself in every area other than their finances, you might only need a conservator. If you need help in other areas of their life, you probably need a guardian. If your capacity to care for yourself is diminished and you have an extensive estate, you might need both a guardian and a conservator. We understand that deciding how to best plan for your future might seem complicated and daunting. We can help you balance the choices that you have with your needs. Contact us today. 385.334.4030email@skvlegal.com skvlegal.com/book-online