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Seniors have earned their safety net of Social Security and Medicare, but to truly thrive they need to move beyond the well-planned life to add something unexpected: personal risk. It’s one of the oddest twists of modern society – Americans spend most of their lives being encouraged to work hard to do difficult things. As soon as we hit a certain age, though, it’s all about easing up and backing off.
Grandma, take a break! Give it a rest, Grandpa! You don’t want to chance a fall there!
The problem is, we’ve become so preoccupied with surplus safety at all times for seniors that we have stripped away too many of the surprises and unexpected twists that make life worth living. Is it any wonder that seniors now are battling an epidemic of boredom, depression, and loneliness?
Few people of any age find meaning and purpose in doing the same thing, at the same time, in the same way, every day. We need to mix it up and try something new – a physical challenge, a different setting, a new learned skill. As a career nurse and chief executive of a complete senior health company, I know that the only risk-free environment is a coffin. No point rushing our way into there.
One of the best solutions to bring risk to seniors is to borrow an idea from the younger generations. Seniors should go gaming. No, grandparents may not want to take up Minecraft, Fortnite, or Call of Duty. (Though if they want to try it, by all means, go for it.) I’m also not a big fan of one traditional eldergame, namely, bingo, which is too much about luck and not enough about skill and performance mastery as a source of motivation. There is little in bingo that offers true risks or competition to benefit others. The better games promote the physical and mental skills that can go unexercised as people grow older.
For families and friends, an excellent plan is to tap into the data collected by Apple watches and Fitbit-style fitness trackers. How many steps a day can you record? How many days a week can you record steps that meet your goal? Instead of making it an individual competition, we see better gains – and more fun overall – when people are assigned to a team. A team competition makes you responsible to others, not just yourself. It’s human nature to push yourself harder when others are relying on you. Maybe the team is made up of family and loved ones. Maybe it’s friends and neighbors. The overall goal is to get everyone accountable – and moving.
In our own health business, we have 1,000 seniors, aged 60s to 100 and up, who compete in Spark Performances, which include an annual TRY-athlon Tournament, a remote-control National Forklift Racing League, and The Grip Games. There also is the Spark Challenge, where community teams battle for the league championship using walkers, stationary bikes, and arm cranks. Every week the 32 teams in the league tune in to The Really Big Show, an ESPN-style Sports Center wrapup that features results and league standings. Established powerhouse teams are the Dragonflies, Cardinals, and River Rats. The competition is fueled by a $32,000 tournament purse.
Of course, not everyone can do the more physically demanding tasks – though a 95-year-old is one of our leading hallway runners – but every team has a place for someone, including coaches, statisticians, and cheerleaders. How is it safe to have great-grandmothers running down hallways in walkers? The truth is, it’s not completely safe. But that’s the point. And it’s also really fun. A few weeks ago, an 80+ woman was competing in the hallway run when she slipped, fell, and cut her knee.
In the emergency room, the doctor asked her how the injury happened. “I fell in a triathlon,” she replied. The doctor thought she was joking — until the woman asked to be patched up as quickly as possible, so she could complete her remaining two events. She was extremely proud and definitely adamant — she really, really did not want to let down her team. What she saw was a chance to win. What our medical team saw was strength, purpose, and belonging.
Whether in a senior community or in life, aging is a team sport. As our years go up, we depend more on others to reach our goals. Our team may include family, friends, medical professionals, or even a fellow hallway racer on a walker. We’ll do better together, if only we take that risk to challenge our minds and bodies with something new.
Joel Theisen, BSN, RN, is founder and chief executive of
Lifespark, a Minnesota- based complete senior health company. Follow him on
Twitter: @Lifespark_CEO.
How to Approach Tough Senior Move ConversationsGentle Talks That Open the Door to a Brighter Tomorrow Few conversations are as emotionally delicate as discussing a move with a senior loved one. Whether its downsizing to a smaller home, transitioning to assisted living, or clearing a longtime residence, these talks touch deep feelings of independence, memory, and identity. For many families, this moment is filled with uncertainty: How do we bring it up? Will they feel hurt or betrayed? What if they say no?At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that these tender conversations, when handled with care and love, can become opportunities for connection and growth. With the right approach, families can honor their loved ones feelings while gently guiding them toward a new chapter of safety and peace.Start with Empathy, Not LogisticsLead with the heart, and the rest will follow.Before any talk of movers or packing, remember this: a seniors home is not just a building. Its a lifetime of memories, milestones, and meaning. That kitchen may hold memories of holiday dinners. That chair might be where Dad read his morning paper. A move often feels like leaving part of themselves behind.Here are heartfelt steps to begin the conversation:1. Choose the Right Time and PlaceAvoid rushing into the topic during a stressful or emotional moment. Find a quiet, private time when everyone is calm. This shows respect and allows space for open, honest communication.2. Listen First, Talk SecondAsk gentle questions like, How are you feeling about the house these days? or Is anything at home starting to feel overwhelming? Listening with compassion builds trustand trust makes future decisions easier.3. Acknowledge Their EmotionsSay things like, I know this is really hard, or I can see how much this home means to you. Validating their emotions shows them youre not just trying to make decisions for them, but with them.4. Focus on Their Well-BeingCenter the conversation on care and safety, not on whats convenient for the family. Share your concerns lovingly: I want you to feel safe when moving around the house, or We want to make sure youre comfortable and supported every day.Build a Plan Together, One Gentle Step at a TimeEmpowerment is the bridge between fear and acceptance.Once the initial conversation has opened the door, its time to move forwardbut slowly, and with full inclusion. Seniors who feel part of the planning process are more likely to accept and embrace the move.1. Make a Family PlanGather key family members and involve the senior. Together, outline a general timeline, and identify roles. Who will help with packing? Who will handle paperwork? Make sure the seniors voice is front and center.2. Consider Professional SupportThis is where A Call to Order Professional Organizer comes in. We help remove overwhelm by guiding seniors and families through every phase of the move. Our team offers compassionate, step-by-step assistancefrom organizing and downsizing to setting up their new home with care.3. Take Breaks and Celebrate ProgressEmotionally heavy tasks like sorting through a lifetime of belongings can take a toll. Build in regular breaks. Reflect on joyful memories. Celebrate small wins, like donating gently used items to a local charity or passing heirlooms down to grandchildren.4. Tour New Spaces TogetherIf the move includes a transition to assisted living or a smaller home, visit the new space together. Talk about how to make it feel cozy and familiar. Bring their favorite chair or family photos. Let them dream a little about decorating or setting up a new routine.Loving Conversations Build Stronger FuturesApproaching a senior move isnt easybut it doesnt have to be heartbreaking. With tenderness, patience, and the right support, these conversations can lead to safer environments, simpler living, and a renewed sense of peace.At A Call to Order, we believe in honoring the emotional side of every move. Were here to help families bridge the gap between I cant imagine leaving and Im ready for whats next.Lets make this transition togetherwith love, understanding, and a plan made just for your family. Ready to talk about a senior move with kindness and clarity?Visit www.acalltoorderco.com or call 719-231-5425.Because every move deserves more than just boxesit deserves a soft place to land.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/
Families today are turning to the internet to find trusted home health providers for their aging loved ones. If your business isnt showing up where theyre looking, you're missing valuable opportunities to serve those who need you most. In this blog, well walk you through five straightforward ways to attract families searching for home health servicesand show you how Seniors Blue Book can help you stand out. Optimize Your Online Presence When a family searches for home care, your business needs to appear in their search results. This starts with making sure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate, and your website is updated with relevant keywords like home health, senior care, and the services you offer. Leverage Trust-Building Content Families want assurance that theyre choosing a provider whos compassionate, reliable, and experienced. You can build trust by regularly sharing helpful blog posts, client testimonials, and stories about the care you provide. Get Listed Where Families Are Looking Directories like Seniors Blue Book are trusted by caregivers, seniors, and case managers alike. A free listing places your business directly in front of people already searching for senior care services. Embrace Social Media Marketing Social media is no longer optional. Its where families go to learn more about businesses, read reviews, and connect with providers. By maintaining a consistent and helpful presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you increase your chances of being noticed and chosen. Highlight Your Value Clearly Make it easy for families to understand why they should choose your service. Do you offer 24/7 care? Are your caregivers specially trained in dementia support? Do you have rave reviews from previous clients? Put that front and center on your website, social media, and directory listings. Attracting families searching for home health services doesnt require a huge marketing budgetjust the right strategies and visibility in the right places. When youre easy to find, clear about your value, and consistent in your message, families will choose you over the competition. Want more families to find your home health services? Seniors Blue Book offers a FREE listing to get your business seenand we make it easy to upgrade for even more exposure. Reach out to us at hello@seniorsbluebook.com or call 800-201-9989 today to get started.
Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Care Recognizes Alzheimers and Brain Awareness MonthSeniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care underscores the importance of compassionate support for those living with Alzheimers and the families who care for them. PITTSBURGH, PA June marks Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the more than 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia a number projected to nearly double by 2050. In honor of this important month, Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care is raising awareness about the role compassionate in-home care can play in improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. According to the 2024 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers and other dementias. These caregivers often experience high levels of emotional, physical and financial stress. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care offers relief through peer-based, non-medical services designed to help seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes while easing the responsibilities placed on caregivers. Our mission is to provide support, dignity and companionship to seniors including those facing memory challenges, said C.J. Girod, President of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA. By matching seniors who need care with active, compassionate older adults, we create a connection that enhances quality of life for both the caregiver and the care recipient. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care provides flexible support with tasks such as meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and, perhaps most importantly, companionship a service that can be especially meaningful for those navigating memory loss. With new treatments for Alzheimers emerging and awareness on the rise, we believe its vital to offer families the support they need to navigate this journey, said Namrata Yocom-Jan, president of Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care. We are proud to be part of the care solution, providing personalized, respectful services that promote dignity and connection. ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS: Seniors Helping Seniors franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After moving to the U.S. in 1995 and marrying her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding home care provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors network has grown to 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.
What Can We Do For You?We want you to live a sparked and independent life. For that to happen, our passionate team works to understand your needs, wishes, and goals. We are your life-long advocates, ready to connect you to the right team at the right time. That is why we start with a free, no obligation consultation along with a start of care discovery by an RN Case Manager. From there we offer:Ongoing Free Access to Lifespark's 24/7 Everyday Support ServicesCompanionship and Meaningful ActivitiesHomemakingTransportationSafety and SupervisionFall PreventionLive-In CaregivingMobilityMedication Assistance and RemindersSupport for clients with memory loss or dementiaSpecialty CarePersonal CareCall us today at 952-345-8770 or visit us at lifespark.com
Living with purpose and passion is what drives all of us and gives our lives meaning. Our Community Home Care team provides in-home caregiving services to help manage health needs and assist with daily activities so clients can keep living life on their terms. A key difference with Lifespark Community Home Care is each client has an RN Case Manager providing professional oversight, who can also help manage medications or provide wellness checks. Services are covered by most long-term care insurance policies and private-pay. Call for our simple pricing options - no surprise invoices.
What Can We Do For You?We want you to live a sparked and independent life. For that to happen, our passionate team works to understand your needs, wishes, and goals. We are your life-long advocates, ready to connect you to the right team at the right time. That is why we start with a free, no obligation consultation along with a start of care discovery by an RN Case Manager. From there we offer:Ongoing Free Access to Lifespark's 24/7 Everyday Support ServicesCompanionship and Meaningful ActivitiesHomemakingTransportationSafety and SupervisionFall PreventionLive-In CaregivingMobilityMedication Assistance and RemindersSupport for clients with memory loss or dementiaSpecialty CarePersonal CareCall us today at 952-345-8770 or visit us at lifespark.com