While contemporary living has simplified life for many individuals, it has also made it easier to fall into living an inactive lifestyle. In the past, many seniors lived productive and meaningful lives where they took an active part in society. Today, many people find that retirement does not bring about all of the relaxation and enjoyment they had hoped for. This is why it is so important to stay active by finding life-fulfilling activities. Instead of watching endless amounts of TV or other passive activities, there are many interactive activities available that are likely to provide more enjoyment.

“Creating Interactive Activities for Seniors” By Seniorslist
Seniorslist.com

You may have heard the old wives tale that consuming vitamin C can help fight a cold, but what about wrinkles?   A study of over 4,000 women between the ages of 40 and 70 showed that routine higher takes of vitamin C-rich foods was significantly associated with a decrease in the prevalence of wrinkled and dry skin due to aging.  The study also found that higher intakes of linoleic acid reduced the chances of developing not only the same age-related dryness but also thinning of the skin.  While citrus fruits, juices and tomatoes are the leading sources of vitamin C in the American diet, green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts are ringers for linoleic acid. 

“Eat to Beat Wrinkles & More” by: Joan Salge Blake  
Boston.com
May 14, 2012

For those who are physically close to the person affected with dementia it can be hard to recognize the progress of the disease. The progress of the disease is generally slow and the day-to-day changes are slight. Some people get caught up in the denial approach where one would rather look the other way and rationalize the changes as “just aging”.

“Living At Home With Dementia” By: Denise Ashauer
Seniorslist

Relationships can be tested to the limit when there is a caregiver and care recipient within a family relationship.

In a paid caregiving position there are those who have something special within them and those who are just making an income. I think about and meet all types of caregivers on a daily basis.

Not everyone is suited to provide care in a family situation or as a paid position. So what are the characteristics that an excellent caregiver has? There are 5 core qualities an excellent caregiver possesses; Empathy, Dependability, Flexibility, Strength, and Patience.

“5 Qualities of Caregiving Excellence” By: Angil Tarach-Ritchey
May 7, 2012
Alzheimer’s Reading Room

“Brain Exercises for Caregivers” By: Cheryl Ellis
Caregiver.com

The Mediterranean-style diet all started circa 1960 in several areas of the Mediterranean region, specifically the Greek island of Crete, other areas of Greece and southern Italy.  Researchers were drawn to these areas because the adults living there had very low rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as very long life expectancy.  For examples, the natives of Greece had a rate of heart disease that was 90 percent lower than that of Americans at the time.  (Mind you, heart disease and cancer are still currently two of the top killers of Americans.)

” The Key to Longevity: Eat Mediterranean- Style” By: Joan Salge Blake
May 1, 2012
Boston.com

For seniors who have always had the desire to start their own garden, this may just be the time to do so. With gardening, come many benefits for the elderly. Gardening as a regular hobby can be therapeutic for mental and physical health as well. Research shows seniors who engage in gardening activities tend to have higher self-confidence and better hand strength than those who may not participate in this kind of physical activity. Because taking care of plants generally involves light physical work, gardening can serve to motivate the elderly to exercise more often. Maximizing their physical health through regular gardening, by continuously carrying water buckets and other gardening tools offers many benefits.

“Why Gardening is Great for Seniors” By: Seniorslist
Seniorslist.com

When it comes to physical fitness, we can’t all be Mark Spitz, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays or Wilt Chamberlain, but there’s no reason that, as you get older, you can’t stay in shape. No one ever said you had to be an Olympian or a world class athlete, but a long healthy life is tied to physical fitness.

Keeping Fit In Your Golden Years” By: Seniorslist
Seniorslist.com

Researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, in Germany, examined regret in 20-somethings and 60-somethings to see how it affected their emotional health. “Regret is a powerful mental energy which can be your best friend or worst enemy. You can harness it to improve your future by learning from it, but if you let it grow inside you, it is destructive to both healthy aging and emotional resilience,” said Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, a professor and head of the division of biological psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine.

“‘No Regrets’ Outlook May Make for Sunnier Old Age” By: Mary Marcus
US News
April 19th, 2012 

In recent years, several studies have found that older people are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia if they engage in vigorous exercise, such as jogging, swimming or brisk walking.

People who are too frail or out of shape to hit the pool or treadmill shouldn’t despair, however. According to a new study, even mundane, low-key tasks like gardening, cooking and washing dishes can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s if they’re performed often enough.

“Can Household Chores Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?” By: Amanda Gardner
Time
April 19th, 2012