As we get older, our lives sometimes slow down, especially when our routines change due to retirement, medical concerns, or simply reaching a new phase in life. One way to combat all these changes is by focusing on the things around us that bring us joy.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Happiness is not a goal; it’s a by-product.”
We have to enjoy life no matter what it throws us—reaching a point where we can look at our challenges and see the beauty and joy within them is the ultimate goal, not the happiness itself.
There are many ways to ensure we find happiness within our everyday pursuits. Whether it is through taking time to enjoy nature, pursuing a hobby we’ve forgotten, or checking in on our friends and family.
One of the most significant ways we can ensure our continued happiness is through our overall health. The better we treat our bodies, the better we feel.
That is why eating right, exercising as much as possible, and making regular trips to the doctor will create happiness in our lives that can’t be matched by anything else. Taking control of our health in whatever way we can will work wonders on our bodies and mental happiness.
Even with chronic pain or illness, happiness can be found through having a management plan with our doctor. Taking the time to regulate what we can’t control will diminish the stress our anxiety can cause our bodies.
Mental health plays a big part in ensuring overall happiness; chronic conditions or poor health management can affect it. Being aware of all our challenges and meeting them with positivity and hope can go a long way.
Our social and physical life slowing down doesn’t mean we must stop doing anything we love. Continuing to participate in activities and hobbies we enjoy keeps our minds active and ensures that happiness is never far away.
Some might think that staying mentally active means participating in mentally challenging activities even if we don’t particularly like them. This can’t be further from the truth.
Doing any kind of activity that requires our minds to send signals to the rest of our body – whether it is through body movements or the relaying of information – is a mentally active activity.
So, if you enjoy going out in nature and enjoying flowers or other forms of nature, add to it by going with a companion and discussing what you know about these plants. If you love to knit, find a group of others who love this activity and do a project together.
Another way we can stay mentally active is through part-time work. Sometimes, after we retire, we still need that burst of socialization and routine. Volunteering or working part-time allows us the opportunity without becoming overwhelmed.
We can keep our minds and bodies active in many ways that won’t add to our anxiety and stress.
One of the best ways to ensure happiness as we age is by remaining engaged with the world around us. The easiest way to accomplish this is by socializing with family and friends.
We spend time with other people all our lives, either through school or work. So when we get older, and these elements of our lives start to fade away, it becomes harder to find opportunities to connect.
Remember, happiness isn’t a goal; it’s a by-product of our goal. So, creating a goal to engage with our family and friends a couple of times a month can result in happiness.
Suppose you don’t have any known opportunities on the horizon that encourage social engagement. In that case, you can take the initiative and invite others to join you in your daily activities.
Ask your son or daughter to walk with you at your favorite park. Invite a friend to bake a cake or cook a meal together and then enjoy it over coffee or wine.
Simply put, reach out, and you will find others who want to spend time together.
There is power in the positive. Taking time daily to remind ourselves that we love our lives and there is joy to be found all around us will give us the motivation to see the small things.
If you are looking at your big-picture future and feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, breathe, and then find one thing right in front of you to be optimistic about.
It can be that the flowers outside your window have started to bloom. Or that your neighbor stopped to chat with you when you went to get your mail. Or simply that you are alive and well for another day of sunshine and possibilities.
Taking stock of the little things in our lives will help diminish the overwhelming anxiety that can come with all those significant changes as we age.
Awareness of our loved one’s moods and overall demeanor can ensure they remain happy and healthy as they age.
If you think your loved one could use a helping hand in their health, there are steps you can take to ensure they get back on track. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by speaking with your loved one’s caregiver.
The caregivers at Accessible are specially qualified to assist you with maintaining your senior’s happiness through health management and social engagement. If you have concerns, let us know, and we can work with you to adjust their routine.
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also be stressfulespecially for your pets. Animals thrive on routine and familiar surroundings, so sudden changes can cause anxiety. With a bit of planning, you can ensure your furry friend feels safe and secure throughout the moving process. Here are the best strategies to make the transition smoother for both of you. Plan Ahead Before the move, its important to take a few steps to set your pet up for success. Schedule a Vet Visit: Make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccines. If youre moving to a new area, ask your vet for recommendations and get copies of your pets medical records. Update Microchip & ID Tags: Double-check that your contact information is current. If youre changing phone numbers or addresses, update those details on your pets microchip and ID tags. Stick to a Routine Pets find comfort in consistency, so try to stick to their usual routine during the transition. Feed them at their regular times, keep walks on schedule, and offer them plenty of attention along the way. Create a Safe Space During the Move Moving day can be chaotic, with people coming and going. To prevent your pet from getting stressed or trying to escape, set up a quiet, pet-safe room with their bed, toys, and water. This will help them feel secure. If youre traveling with your pet, make sure they have a comfortable carrier or harness for safety. Take it Slow in the New Home When you arrive at your new place, introduce your pet gradually. Start with one room that has their toys and bedding, then allow them to explore other parts of the house at their own pace. The familiar items will help them adjust faster. With Bluestar by your side, moving with pets doesnt have to be overwhelming. Careful planning, personalized support, and expert execution ensure your pet will be happily exploring their new environment in no time. Ready to make your next move stress-free? Contact Bluestar Move Management today and let us take care of the details so you can focus on what matters.
We live in a time when more families are separated by distance than ever before. Its common for aging parents to retire to a different state or for adult children to relocate for work or lifestyle changes. Additionally, theres a generation that is often overlookedthe sandwich generationadults balancing the demands of caring for aging parents while raising their own children. This dual responsibility can lead to feelings of guilt, whether you live nearby or far away. Its important to recognize that these emotions are normal but can interfere with your ability to provide effective care. Guilt can make us feel that our best efforts arent good enough, causing us to abandon strategies that could make a difference, even when we cant be physically present.Long-Distance Caring SolutionsHere are strategies to ensure your parents receive necessary care while managing your responsibilities: Utilize Technology Video Calls: Use Zoom or FaceTime for regular check-ins. Health Management Apps: Encourage your parents to track their health online. Coordinate Local Help Hire Professional Caregivers: Consider home care services for daily activities. Engage Family and Friends: Enlist local relatives to check in regularly. Plan Visits Wisely Maximize Visits: Combine quality time with essential tasks like grocery shopping. Create Care Packages: Send essentials and comfort items to show your support. Releasing the GuiltTo navigate these challenges, its crucial to let go of guilt: Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that you cant do it all and ask for help. Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize that feeling guilty is normal and allow yourself to learn from mistakes. Seek Support: Join caregiver support groups for shared experiences and advice.
When you are tempted to say, Hello, fall plan also to say, Hello, flu shot. When fall is in the air, so are influenza and other viruses. The 20232024 flu season in the United States was characterized by elevated activity. Some estimates for the season include up to 65 million flu illnesses, 30 million flu medical visits, 830,000 flu hospitalizations and 72,000 flu deaths. Despite this impact, data indicates only 53.9% of U.S. children and 48.5% of U.S. adults received a flu vaccine during the most recent flu season. Imagine what the flu season statistics would be if getting an annual flu shot was as popular as pumpkin spice! We recommend you get the updated flu vaccine annually by the end of October to ensure the best coverage during the peak of the flu season, which starts to ramp up in October, peaks between December and February and fades in the spring. Receiving the flu shot in the fall also helps provide protection through the holidays, when people often gather and travel. Annual flu vaccines are especially important for those over the age of 65, who are at greater risk of developing serious illness from the flu due to age-related changes in immunity. Between 70 and 85% of all flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older and 50 to 70% of seasonal flu hospitalizations are in this age group. Since immunity from annual flu shots lasts about six monthsenough to cover the peak of the flu seasonand the flu strains the shot targets each season are different, its important to make your flu shot an annual tradition. The shots work by stimulating your body to produce protective antibodies within about two weeks. Since the flu vaccines first civilian use in 1945, the vaccines have been made from dead, or inactive strains of the flu, so its impossible to get sickened by the flu from vaccines. Its not the shot, but the creation of antibodies that can result in some side effects, which many mistake for flu-like symptoms. Really, any side effects, like briefly not feeling well, are signs the vaccine is working. Side effects can include soreness at the injection site, headache, low fever or muscle aches. Some people have no reaction at all. Symptoms of being sick with the flu involve fever, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and more for several days. Getting the vaccination can reduce the duration and severity of illness and the risk for hospitalization from influenza. Theres a bonus: getting vaccinated also helps protect other people, including those who are vulnerable to health complications from the flu, such as children, pregnant women and people with underlying illness, like cancer, COPD, diabetes, asthma and congestive heart failure. Potential complications related to the flu can be pneumonia, stroke and heart attack. Living in independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and other group living also puts people at risk, because flu and other communicable diseases can spread more rapidly. Another vaccination recommended in the fall is for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, particularly for adults aged 75 and older and for adults 60 to 74 who are at higher risk for severe RSV. That includes adults with heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems such as from cancer, or other underlying conditions including severe obesity and diabetes. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be dangerous for some infants and young children, as well as older adults. Symptoms of severe RSV include: fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, and bluish skin tone due to lack of oxygen. Like other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. People are typically contagious for up to eight days, but some people can be contagious for as long as four weeks, even after they stop having symptoms. Older adults only need to get an RSV shot once. Getting flu and RSV shots is easyand you can get them at the same timewith many pharmacies offering walk-in shots. Healthcare Network has walk-in Convenient Care open Thursday to Saturday until 7 p.m. for preventative services, as well as diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses. If you havent gotten your shots yet, there is still time to celebrate fall with immunizations. Afterwards, you may even want to treat yourself for being proactive with a pumpkin spice latte. About the Author Dr. Salvatore Anzalone, Vice President of Clinical Business Development at Healthcare Network, has been a board certified physician for over 35 years. Healthcare Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to everyone, regardless of employment, income, or insurance status. For more information about services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000.
Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, Florida, is a Joint Commission accredited agency dedicated to providing high-quality in-home health care services for seniors and individuals with memory loss in Naples and surrounding areas. Our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and improve the quality of life for our clients. Whether you need hourly visits, live-in caregivers, or customized home care, our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Contact us today to find the perfect caregiver for your loved one and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.In addition to our standard in-home health care services, Accessible Home Health Care of Naples offers specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. We understand the challenges these conditions present and are committed to providing the highest level of care to ensure our clients' comfort and well-being. Our caregivers are trained and certified to assist with tasks that may become difficult for individuals with memory loss, such as bathing, running errands, and cooking. We also offer in-home companion care to prevent loneliness and provide engaging conversation, as well as respite care for family caregivers who need support. With Accessible Home Health Care of Naples, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving the personalized care they deserve.