Spotify  This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock n roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotifys premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It has millions of different songs from which to choose.Old Time Radio Player  Do you miss classic radio programs and theatric radio voices?This app can take you back in time. There are over 14,000 episodes from classic shows, such as Hopalong Cassidy, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devicesIt is free.It is easy to use.Audible  If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.Waze  Pronounced ways, this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It includes turn-by-turn navigation.Shazam  This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can listen and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.Provides the option to purchase and download songs.Honey  Honey actually isnt an app for your smartphone or tablet. It downloads onto your computer as an extension and appears as a small icon near your search bar. If you shop online, you need Honey because it applies every promo code on the internet to your online shopping cart, which saves you money. When you sign up, youll also become a member of their awards program called Honey Gold where you can earn a $10 gift card or make a donation to a charity.Some benefits of the app include:Its free to download on your computer.It works on Mac and Windows computers.You can delete your account and the extension if needed.Duolingo  If learning a new language is your goal, look to Duolingo. You can learn languages such as, Welsh, Spanish and Greek. Each lesson asks you to speak, listen, translate and answer multiple choice questions. The way the lessons are set up, its like playing a game.Some benefits of the app include:Its free but you can pay $6.99 per month to remove ads and add more perks.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It uses images and audio to help you learn.Venmo  Need to pay someone back but dont have cash or time to run to the bank? Use Venmo. You can connect your bank account or debit card with Venmo and instantly recieve and send money to anyone with a Venmo account. You can also pay for goods and services online if they accept Venmo as a payment.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free.Its free to send and receive money or use money to purchase something online. Their standard 3 percent fee applies to credit cards.Venmo uses encryption to help protect your account details.WordScapes  WordScapes is a cross between a text twist and a crossword puzzle. It challenges your vocabulary as you twist the letters to find words that will fit correctly in the crossword puzzle. It also features beautiful landscapes in the background to keep you zen and focused.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free but does include ads.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.Theres over 5,000 puzzles.WordBrain  If a word scramble and Bejeweled were blended, it would be this app. You can keep your mind sharp as you find hidden words and collapse the puzzles. It boasts 580 levels, so youll never run out of fun challenges.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.The rules are easy to learn.Draw Something  Its a fun game you can play with family and friends wherever they are. Players take turns drawing the given word and the other player must guess the word using only the picture and letters provided. If you enjoy Pictionary or charades, you should download this app.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.It offers a fun way to interact with your children or grandchildren.Lumosity  Developers have transformed cognition tests created by scientists mini mind games. Lumosity says their games will keep your mind sharp by working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. After each game, you can see your results or scores.Yoga for Adults & Seniors: For Increased Mobility & Flexibility  A yoga instructor will guide you through stretches and sequences tailored for adults and seniors. It's also beneficial for those of all ages with restricted mobility.Diabetes AppsDiabetes is becoming more prevalent across the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. The majority of people around the world with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.However, people can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes with physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body, according to the WHO. Here are some apps created to help people manage their diabetes.Always consult your physician for medical advice regarding diabetes diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in trying one of these apps, ask your doctor if it would be beneficial to your care plan.MyNetDiary   is a calorie counter, weight and exercise tracker, and more. It has an extensive index of food items ranging from specific brands to dishes at popular restaurants. There is a separate app, called, MyNetDiary Diabetes Tracker, where you or your loved one can view reports to see the impact of foods, medications and exercise on blood glucose levels. MyNetDiary works best if you create an account on their website.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, the Pro version of the app is $3.99, the Diabetes Tracker app is $9.99 and the Maximum upgrade subscription is $5 per month.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt can sync with activity trackers, such as the Fitbit.mySugr  tracks blood glucose levels, medication, meals and physical activity. It has colorful, clear graphs and charts that make it easy to understand how food and exercise influence glucose levels. mySugr also has a HGA1c (hemoglobin A1c) monitor on the home screen, so you can quickly check your results.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 per month or $27.99 per year. You can also purchase a certified diabetes educator coaching feature for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt connects with glucometers, such as Accu-Chek.Fooducate  is a health and activity monitor. The app calls itself a nutritionist in your pocket because when a user scans a food products bar code, the app analyzes the products nutrition panel and ingredient list. Fooducate also grades raw and pre-prepared meats, processed and raw fruits, and much more. In the app you can share recipes and motivation within the community.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to purchase a subscription for premium features. Premium features let users customize their dietary needs in case of food allergies, such as gluten and lactose intolerances.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt recommends healthier options based on what you are eating.Glucoracle  is an app and research project at Columbia University. The app can predict your or your loved ones blood sugar levels after eating a specific snack or food. All you need to do is take a photo of your food item, estimate the nutritional content (such as carbohydrates) and the app will calculate a blood glucose forecast. The researchers goal is to help people with diabetes to improve their self-management by making healthier meal choices and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleThe forecast is personalized through food intake and blood glucose measurements.Apps for People With DementiaApps can be beneficial and fun for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. Pocket Pond 2  Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimers Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you dont need to do that to enjoy the game.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.In-app purchase options can be turned off.Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.The apps come with free, preloaded songs.Colorfy  This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or coloring books, featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every coloring book is free.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.The app can run without an internet connection.

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Older adults can experience pain related to many different conditions. Back pain, in particular, has a variety of possible causes, though the most common causes of chronic back pain in seniors are osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience back pain related to the degeneration of the joints in the spine. The good news is that there are also a variety of simple solutions that may help ease this pain.Sometimes the simplest answer is the best, and in some cases, one little change can make all the difference. For others, a few adjustments to their habits or lifestyle can ease the discomfort.There are other options besides surgery and prescription drugs.Causes of OsteoarthritisArthritis is a general term that means the swelling of a joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the joint wears down, leaving the bones without any protection against each other; it is the most common type of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, though it is common in the spine.When this happens, or if the cartilage is chipped or damaged on one side, the injured cartilage or the neighboring bone rub against the bone, causing further injury. This, along with the accompanying joint inflammation and muscle spasm, cause back pain.Causes of Spinal StenosisThis is a narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal cord and nerves, which puts pressure on the nerves and can result in tingling, numbness, or pain. Spinal stenosis is related to osteoarthritis and degeneration of the spine and could show up in the fifth decade of life and continue through the years.When the lower back develops lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the low back become compressed and produce symptoms of sciaticatingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs. This often gets worse with activity, which leads people to avoid movement and exercise.Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle leads to additional health issues.Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain in SeniorsSymptoms of osteoarthritis may include: Pain that is most pronounced in the mornings and evenings. Pain that interrupts sleep. Pain after activity. Tender when pressed against. Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the back (being unable to twist or bend comfortably at the waist).Spinal stenosis often features slightly different symptoms: Leg and lower back pain after even a short walk. Lower back pain that is quickly relieved by sitting down. Weakness, numbness, and tingling that moves from the low back into the buttocks and legs (sciatica).In both cases, symptoms ranging from mild to severe may start slowly and increase over time.Simple, Natural Treatments for Chronic Back Pain in Seniors1. New, High-Quality Mattresses:All mattresses are not created equal! A high-quality mattress can offer huge relief for those experiencing back pain since old, worn-out mattresses do little to support the back or neck.2. Better Diet:Healthy fats (flaxseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc), fruits, vegetables, nuts, ginger, garlic, oatmeal, and lean protein sources all help reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, dairy, pastries, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined grains, and any heavily processed foods are best to avoid because they increase inflammation in muscles and joints.3. Yoga:Many older adults have found the practice of yoga to work in their favor, particularly by practicing restorative yoga, a deeply relaxing approach to the traditional practice. Depending upon your range of motion and fitness level, you might also choose a gentle hatha yoga or chair yoga class. Studies have shown positive outcomes like decreased pain, increased the range of motion and a greater sense of well-being for people with back pain. John Hopkins offers more tips for doing yoga with arthritis.4. Acupuncture:This is a gentle, alternative medicine approach to help ease and treat the aches and pains in aging bodies. Instead of treating symptoms, acupuncture helps treat the pain source naturally, without the use of drugs.5. Massage Therapy:Pills can cause many side effects and long-term health problems when taken too frequently. Massage therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation and swelling; studies have shown it to be effective in reducing chronic back pain, which may reduce a patients need for pain pills.Treating chronic back pain in the elderly doesnt always mean resorting to prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. There are all-natural alternatives that your caregiver may be able to help you try. Contact us today to learn more about in-home senior care.