SummitWest Care Feeds the Community Through the Hungry Hearts Program 2 years in a Row

Congratulations on your retirement! Now what? You may find yourself wanting to still work in some capacity. Think about starting a side gig to keep yourself engaged and active. There are numerous opportunities available for retirees who want to continue working part-time.What side gig is right for you?Not all side gigs are worth it. Its important you find something that fits into your existing schedule and also plays nicely to your strengths. Furthermore, you want something that generates enough money. Do you have any transferable skills that would apply to any other field? You can take career and personality tests to learn more about what you might be good at.Convenient side gig ideas for seniorsCaregiving can be a tiring, physically-taxing job. That means you want a side gig that is, preferably, less demanding. Perhaps something that uses mental energy might be more suitable. Entrepreneur offers a bunch of convenient options: Managing social media for small businesses, tutoring over Skype, becoming a personal chef, and starting a food business. Finding and applying to side gigsYou can find side gigs through all the ways youd find a normal job. Some examples are scouring job boards or sites, attending job fairs, and checking social media posts. Approaching businesses in your area for a job can work, as can networking with the people you know.Starting your own business is an alternative that may be worth exploring. It could give you a great deal of work and time flexibility. Some types of businesses dont require much in the way of initial investment either. If youre interested in a business, work on your business idea, do market research, and come up with a business plan.Starting an e-commerce businessAn e-commerce business is a wonderful example of a flexible business you can do in your spare time. You dont need to man the stations constantly, and you could do it from home. If you utilize an e-commerce platform, it will handle much of the grunt work for you. You can create intuitive, engaging, and personalized shopping experiences across all channels. Look for a platform that has features such as rich content tools, inventory management, powerful analytics, data insights, flexible customization capabilities, and secure payment processing. This is an option to help with searching out something suitable.Legal considerations when you start your own businessWhen you start your own business, you need to take care of some legal aspects:Essentials: Some things you may need to consider are acquiring a DBA name, registering with the town or city, acquiring permits or licenses, opening a bank account, and getting insured.Business entity: You may want to register your entity as an LLC or similar legal structure. Doing so can offer some benefits like easier paperwork and more flexibility.Taxes: You will need a unique Employer Identification Number (EIN). Also, you will need to keep tax records. You can work with an accountant or use software to make this easier.Contracts: You may need a slew of contracts. Some examples are founders agreements, employer-employee contracts, and contracts for your clients to sign.Focus on marketingIf theres one business function you need to prioritize, its marketing. Marketing is essential to making yourself known to potential customers and clients. Some marketing must-haves are a business website, business cards, and entries in business listings. Starting a marketing campaign can help you find more customers too. Hurree covers marketing strategies that are worth exploring such as email marketing, social media marketing, and co-branding.ConclusionGetting a side gig could be your ticket to more financial abundance and general life satisfaction. Finding something appropriate could take some time (as could building up your own business), so its a good idea to get started today. For the best results, believe in yourself and keep at it!Article by: Hazel Bridges, Aging Wellness

September is Self-Improvement Month, a great reminder that setting personal goals isn't just for New Year's resolutions. While January 1st may seem like the perfect time to start fresh, why wait? In fact, the fall season is ideal for making positive changes. This is especially important for seniors and their caretakers, who can benefit greatly from setting achievable goals now.The Benefits of Setting Goals in the FallSetting goals in the fall has its own unique advantages. The crisp air and changing leaves can be incredibly motivating. The end of summer often signifies a time of new beginningsfrom the start of the school year to the shift in holiday seasons. This makes fall an excellent time to reassess and set new goals.Fall-specific goals could include organizing seasonal clothes and decorations, starting a new exercise routine in anticipation of winter, or joining a local class or activity group.Small Daily Changes That Add UpChange doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time. Consider drinking an extra glass of water each day, taking a 10-minute walk after meals, or doing a short stretching routine every morning. These small steps can help you build momentum and make larger changes more achievable. The key is consistency; even small changes can lead to major improvements in your health and well-being.Mental Health GoalsMental health is just as important as physical health, especially for seniors. Setting mental health goals can improve your overall quality of life. Consider practicing mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes each day, engaging in social activities like joining a book club, attending community events, or keeping a daily gratitude journal.Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health. Simple activities such as chatting with a friend or family member can do wonders for your mood and outlook.Physical Health GoalsPhysical health is crucial at any age, but for seniors, staying active can make a world of difference. Consider taking a daily walk around the neighborhood, incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your day, or trying low-impact activities such as water aerobics or yoga.As the weather changes, staying outdoors may become more challenging. Consider activities you can do indoors, such as tai chi or riding a stationary bike. Consistency is key, so find activities you enjoy and stick with them.Personal Goals You Can Start ImmediatelyWhy wait? There's no better time than now to set personal goals. You don't need a monumental event to motivate you; even the smallest goals can lead to big results. Consider learning a new hobby or skill, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. You might also reconnect with old friends through phone calls or social media or declutter and organize a space in your home.By setting realistic and achievable goals, you increase your likelihood of sticking with them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and give yourself a reasonable timeframe to accomplish them.Get Help Reaching Your GoalsSetting goals in the fall can enrich your life and provide a sense of accomplishment. Don't wait for the New Year to make positive changes. Start today with small, manageable goals that can lead to significant improvements in your mental and physical health. If you need personalized support to achieve your goals, including help with basic care tasks at home, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We serve Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Let us help you take the first step towards a better, more fulfilling life this fall.

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a senior can make for their health. Smoking poses severe risks, especially for older adults, but quitting can lead to significant improvements in eye health and overall well-being. If you have a senior loved one who smokes, be prepared to support them as they give up the habit. The Impact of Smoking on SeniorsSmoking affects everyone's health, but the impact is even more critical for seniors. It exacerbates conditions like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. The risk of developing some types of cancer also increases significantly with prolonged smoking.Specific Effects on Eye HealthSmoking can damage the eyes. It raises the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Maintaining good eye health is essential for seniors to continue enjoying their independence and quality of life.Overall Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Any AgeIt's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits begin almost immediately. After quitting, blood pressure drops, and lung function improves. Long-term benefits include a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and eye diseases. Quitting smoking adds valuable, healthy years to a senior's life.How Caregivers Can HelpQuitting smoking is tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may have smoked for many years. Nicotine addiction, established habits, and the fear of change are barriers that caregivers must understand and address. Fortunately, there are several practical ways caregivers can assist.Creating a Smoke-Free EnvironmentCaregivers can start by making the home smoke-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Encourage the senior to replace smoking habits with healthier activities.Encouraging Healthy Habits and RoutinesPromote healthy habits like walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Physical activities can help reduce cravings and improve overall health.Providing Distractions and Alternative ActivitiesHelp seniors find alternative activities to occupy their time and mind. Puzzles, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends can serve as excellent distractions from the urge to smoke.Emotional Support and EncouragementEmotional support is crucial for seniors trying to quit smoking. Knowing that someone believes in their ability to quit can make a tremendous difference. Celebrate every small victory, whether it's one smoke-free day or a week. Small rewards can motivate seniors to keep going.Being Patient and UnderstandingUnderstand that quitting smoking is a process. Be patient and offer a listening ear without judgment.Resources for Smoking CessationNational resources like the National Cancer Institute's Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provide free support and valuable information. Guide seniors in accessing these resources. Help them schedule appointments, join online communities, or download helpful apps.Encourage seniors to talk to their healthcare providers about quitting smoking. Doctors can offer medical advice, prescribe medications, and refer them to support programs.Let Us Help You Foster Senior HealthQuitting smoking brings immense benefits for seniors, enhancing their health and quality of life. Caregivers can help and encourage their loved ones through this challenging process. If you have a senior loved one who needs more help at home, including support as they stop smoking, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support families in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont through professional senior care services. Let's work together to help our seniors lead healthier, happier lives.