Q – I’ve been trying to get my mom to come visit us from Dallas for a number of years, but she refuses. She has a dog that means a lot to her, and she’s worried about taking him on an airplane, and for her, the distance is too far to drive. We visit her often, but would love to have her in our home so she can see the things her grandchildren are up to up close and personal. Any suggestions for how she can travel with a pet while knowing he is safe?

A – If your mom is reluctant about bringing her dog on a traditional airline, which many pet owners are and she doesn’t have the option of driving, then she can check out a great new airline that caters to only the furry traveler. Pet Airways might not offer trips between your cities just yet, but they will be adding on more soon, so your mom can put her dog on the airline and then meet him at the other side. They offer the following services to make the experience more comfortable to the dogs and cats that they take onboard.

• Pets ride in a climate controlled airplane, where they are regularly checked by staff for comfort and safety

• Pets on Pet Airways are not accepted if they have been given a sedative, something that is commonly required for pets riding on traditional airlines f they are nervous or excitable

• Unlike on other airlines, pets have the opportunity for potty breaks. They are brought out right before the flight and as soon as they land, and on long flights there are stop-overs  so pets can relieve themselves

• Larger dogs have the option to travel without having to be placed in the cargo hold like they are luggage, which is not climate controlled and there’s no way to know how safe the animal

Via: AARP

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Q – My mom is about to retire and has been thinking about leaving her Dallas home to retire somewhere where she can relax and really appreciate her elder years. She doesn’t want to have anymore stress added to her life based on where she lives, can you provide suggestions on finding a stress-free place to retire?

A – The following are all elements that can contribute stress to seniors in retirement; here’s how your mom can find a city to retire in that shouldn’t add any additional stress to her life:

1. Population and crowding – consider the population density in the area is the more likely it becomes that there can be crime, petty problems between neighbors, and other factors that can influence your overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a quieter retreat where you can relax in privacy, avoid cities like Chicago (ranked the most stressful place to live) where crowding is high.

2. Employment – even in retirement, the level of unemployment in your area can affect your quality of life. You don’t need to be in the workforce for it to have an impact! Unemployment rates attest to the overall state of the economy.

3. Air quality and weather – the air quality can affect your overall health, which greatly impacts your quality of life, as well as your finances. Also choose a climate that brings you the most enjoyment.

4. Home values – with rising interest costs and decreasing home values, it can be a worry that you might lose your home in older adulthood or find it unaffordable. Low home values can also mean little equity when it comes time to sell. Choose a place to live where home values seem to be higher and holding strong.

Via: Yahoo! Real Estate

Image: gotoretirement.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

The boomer generation hasn’t really played by the rules, beginning with the days when they were just barely out of diapers, and now, they’re set on transforming our perceptions on aging as it’s predicted that they will live longer than generations before and change the ways we look at age:

1. Seniors today are living longer – with the standard retirement age set at 65, seniors are spending more and more time in retirement than generations past. The seniors of today and those of the future will have to reconsider how they will survive financially, since social security might expire before they do

2. Changing career structure – while this might not apply today, it’s a shift we’ll certainly see in the future as living longer in retirement will come with increased financial burden. Instead of retiring at 65, we might just see seniors living into their 100s working into their 70s, 80s and 90s out of obligation

3. 60 as the new 40 – today’s seniors are more active than ever, and at 60 show few signs of slowing down, and to think, not so long ago we looked at 40 as “old”!

4. Embracing life – today’s seniors are adventurous and have a zest for life, but society still fits these seniors into stereotypes, thinking that 70 year old grandmother’s should be in their rockers with their knitting, not going out skydiving or hiking

Via: About.com

Image:medical.philips.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

When your loved one suffers from a memory impairment, it can be hard to cope. But don’t let the challenges allow you to forget about caring for more than just their very basic needs; try these fun activities to make sure they have a great quality of life.

1. Reintroduce old favorites – reintroducing seniors to games and activities that they once enjoyed can activate old memories and nostalgia, and they are generally enjoyable. Try tic tac toe, checkers, cards, or large piece jigsaw puzzles.

2. Bond over magazines – looking through magazines like Reminisce or Good Old Days are a great way to share stories; or simply pick up any publication a senior enjoys  for an entertaining way to pass the time and create conversation

3. Reminisce with photos – get out the family photo albums to remind seniors of cherished memories or family members. This is also a great way to start sharing stories and memories of great times with loved ones

4. Get online – for a senior who loves to learn, get online and browse travel destinations, look up information about activities or facts that interest the senior, or simply use it to look at pictures. If your senior is feeling really adventurous, you can even get them signed up on Facebook or Twitter

5. Share a treat – a great activity can be as simple as going to a local bakery or ice cream shop to bond over a sweet treat. Or, it can be made at home and enjoyed there

6. Get outside – don’t underestimate the power of fresh air and sunshine for a senior, get out there!

Via: Suite101

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Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

If you’re approaching or dealing with your senior years, you know that sometimes it can feel like your body and mind are betraying you. But according to Dr. Gene Cohen, author of “Mature Minds”, the mind can further develop in older adulthood, which means seniors can’t just give up, they should take advantage of each stage of growth and pursue new hobbies and interests!

The 4 Stages of Senior Mental Development:

1. The Midlife Re-evaluation Stage: this stage is about exploration and transition. At this period in your life, start thinking about what you’ll want from your retirement. This is a good time to start dreaming about the future!

2. The Liberation stage: at the beginning of your retirement, once you enter this stage, let go of your inhibitions and start exploring and creating. This is a great time to take on new hobbies, envision what you want for yourself and your life during you retirement, and to make it happen!

3. The Summing up Stage: this stage occurs in the 60s, 70s and 80s and are about reflection and resolution, which is so important at a time when seniors need to accept the changes the aging process brings, and overcome it to ensure that they are successful and happy through the remainder of their lives. It’s also a great time to find new activities that help you to cope, so you have an outlet for the emotional trials you’re dealing with

4. The Encore Stage: it’s not the end, but a new beginning; the perfect time to cope and prepare for what might be ahead and be grateful for what you have

Via: Examiner

Image: guardian.co.uk

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

You can’t turn back time, but by treating your body with respect and making sure that your health comes first, you can hang onto your health into your later years.

1. Pick heart healthy foods – choose foods with strong anti-inflammatory affects that can help improve the health of your heart like fruits and vegetables, garlic, olive oil and fish. Steer clear of foods that can block the arteries like fried items or ones drenched in saturated fats

2. Drink water regularly – stay hydrated, it will help you to keep your energy level up, and help with the digestive process. Water can also help fend off hunger and prevent bad breath

3. Don’t forget your vagus – the vagus is a nerve that updates your brain about what’s happening with the rest of your body. A vagus that’s not kept healthy can result in issues with immunity and that can lead to viruses and illnesses. Try meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises to keep the vagus healthy!

4. Take Asprin – one terrific thing you can do for your health barely takes any effort at all. Pop an Asprin daily with half a glass of warm water and help lower inflammation throughout the body and prevent colon cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.

5. Use mind maps – it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out when you have a goal in front of you. Instead of making a limited To Do List, use a mind map. Put your goal in the middle of a  piece of paper and draw lines branching out from it with other ideas about how you can reach that goal. This method allows you to be more open-minded

Via: Real Age

Image: jupiterimages.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

If you want to live a long life and be healthy into your senior years, then you need to make sure that you get the recommended dose of everything, including your vegetables on a daily basis. If you don’t enjoy the taste of all colored vegetables, then here are some tricks that can help you get your recommended dose of vegetables daily:

1. Visit a Dallas farmer’s market – instead of visiting the grocery store, check out a local farmer’s market where all of the in season fruits and vegetables will be available often at a more budget-friendly price. Plus, seeing the produce in a different environment might inspire you to try something new.

2. Mix color – try to ensure that you incorporate fruits and vegetables from every color group into your meals everyday to get the ultimate nutritional and health benefits.

3. Get creative with cooking – if there are vegetables that you don’t enjoy as much because of the textures or tastes, try blending them into a soup or stew so you don’t miss out on the nutritional benefits.

4. Try smoothies or juice – in order to increase the number of servings of fruits and vegetables you get in a day, blend them into smoothies or juices.

5. Buy frozen – frozen fruits and vegetables still offer the same nutritional benefits. Frozen berries are versatile; blend them into a smoothie, or thaw them in the morning to add to your cereal or oatmeal.

6. Add fruit – breakfast is the perfect meal to add some fruit. Add bananas or strawberries to your cereal, or instead of plain pancakes, add the fruit too!

7. Maintain good habits when eating out – when you’re eating out, make sure you get at least one serving of fruits or vegetables.

8. Be open to salad – you don’t need to stick to traditional salad ingredients. Start with deep green lettuce and add any vegetables you have on hand that seem appealing. The more colorful, the better! Add  bell peppers, tomatoes, beets, or avocado. Drizzle your salad with lemon instead of fatty dressings for a vitamin C boost.

9. Go with stir fry – stir fry recipes are a great way to incorporate a wide variety of vegetables into a meal. Start with a bed of rice, flavor with garlic or ginger, and then include a vegetable from every color group.

10. Analyze your meal – when you sit down with a meal that has a wide variety of vegetables, notice if you favor one color group over another, and make a point to add more of the others to your next shopping list.

Via: Body and Health

Image: gourmetfoodappetizers.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

With flu season approaching, Dallas seniors are beginning to worry about how they can avoid not only the seasonal flu but the H1N1 Virus. Part of the fear surrounding this disease in particular derives from myths that have been spread about it. With increased knowledge and exposure of these myths, seniors can learn how to protect themselves, and learn how it could affect them.

1. Since the H1N1 virus derives in pigs, it can come from pork – Swine Flu cannot be transmitted from eating pork, although it does often occur in those who are in contact with infected living livestock. The current outbreak, however, is coming primarily from human-to-human transmission

2. Symptoms of Swine Flu different from the seasonal flu – the symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue

3. There is no effective treatment for Swine Flu – Tamiflu and Relenza are medications that have been used to effectively treat H1N1

4. There aren’t enough flu drugs to treat the pandemic – the federal government has in fact stockpiled enough flu drugs to treat 50 million Americans with Swine Flu, and some states actually have additional stock

5. The 1970’s Swine Flu shot offers protection today – as diseases adapt and change, it becomes more unlikely that a previous vaccination will offer prevention for the H1N1 virus of today

6. Flu drugs can prevent the Swine Flu – it’s not recommended that the flu drugs used to treat the swine flu are taken for prevention. There is however, a vaccine under development

7. Seniors are most at risk – healthy seniors actually are not believed to be the demographic most at risk for the Swine Flu. The vaccine that will be available will first be offered to individuals aged 25 to 65 as they are most at risk

8. The spread of Swine Flu can’t be stopped – it’s not yet known how contagious Swine Flu is, however, like any illness, the spread of it can be prevented through frequent hand washing, covering mouths when coughing and disinfecting surfaces that might carry germs

Via: Loyola Medicine

Image: jazdb2b.wordpress.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

If you could find out how long you’ll live, would you want to know? Well, Living to 100 has created a quiz that assesses your current health, your genes, and your lifestyle that roughly estimates how long you’ll live. Naturally this quiz is not scientifically accurate, and it can’t account for unexpected circumstances that can result in a decreased lifespan – but it does provide you with a general idea of how long you’ll live.

Will you take the quiz to find out how old you’ll be when nature takes its course? If there were scientific tests that could accurately predict how old you’d be and what would finally take your life when the time came, would you want to know?

Some of us here at Carebuzz took the quiz and found that based on lifestyle choices, good genes, and overall health, we’ll live past 100. After seeing the toll that age can play upon seniors that live into their 80’s or 90’s, we’re not sure that we want to live that long. After 85 the body really seems to begin a rapid decline, and it’s a lonely time when there are few who make it into their 90’s, and today it’s almost unheard of to live until 100.

If you took the quiz, share with us your results, and tell us how you would feel if the test’s predictions should come true.

Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator

Image: jupiterimages.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Want to add a few extra years to your life? Well, the answer is in a few simple healthy habits that you should be doing already. Research shows that brushing and flossing daily as recommended by your [location] doctor can increase your lifespan because it prevents gum inflammation that leads to bacteria entering the blood stream that can cause heart attack stoke and other serious illnesses. Adopt these healthy oral health habits and live a little bit longer into your senior years!

Brushing

1. Brush at least 2 times daily to prevent tooth decay and decrease periodontal disease through the removal of plaque from the teeth and gums

2. Use a soft bristled toothbrush

3. Make sure you brush the top (biting) teeth and the tongue

4. Use a soft massaging motion, paying special attention to the teeth that touch the tongue

Flossing

1. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food from between the teeth

2. Use waxed floss, and take a stand of at least 18 inches long when ready to start

3. Use your thumbs and forefingers to control the floss

4. Move the floss back and forth between the teeth

5. Rub the floss up and down along the outside surface of the teeth; from the gums downward

Sources:

1. Colgate

2. Living to 100

Image: toothmingle.com

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.