Good News for Elderly: Happiness Keeps Growing

(HealthDay News) — The longer you live, the happier you’re likely to be, a growing body of research shows.

Researchers who spoke at the recently concluded annual convention of the American Psychological Association in Toronto said that mental health
generally improves with age. Given that the world population of people over 65 is expected to nearly triple by 2050, according to U.S. officials, this should come as good news.

Reporting on several studies of aging
and mental health, Susan Turk Charles, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, said the findings indicate that happiness and emotional well-being improve with time.

Older adults exert greater emotional control, said Charles. Studies show they learn to avoid or limit stressful situations and are less likely than younger adults to let negative comments or criticism bother them.

Charles added that "we know that older people are increasingly aware that the time they have left in life is growing shorter. They want to make the best of it so they avoid engaging in situations that will make them unhappy. They have also had more time to learn and understand the intentions of others, which helps them to avoid these stressful situations."

Another study conducted over a 23-year period examined three groups of people at three different life stages and concluded that emotional happiness grew with age, she said.

These findings may not apply to older adults who feel trapped in distressing situations and those with forms of dementia
, Charles said. "We know that older adults who are dealing with chronic stressors, such as caregiving, report high rates of physical symptoms
and emotional distress," she added.

In separate reports, Charles and Laura Carstensen, a psychology professor at Stanford University, also noted that social relationships — or lack of them — influence how older people respond to stress. Carstensen cited a Swedish study that concluded that people with strong social connections were less likely to suffer cognitive impairment than others. It seems social relationships influence the way that the brain processes information, she said. "These changes have a profound impact on health outcomes," Carstensen said.

To make the most of the coming years, Carstensen offered these tips:

• Think of ways to enjoy the time ahead and try to imagine living 100, healthy, happy years.
• Provide daily routines that reinforce your goals, both in your home and in your social life.
• Develop new activities and relationships, and don’t invest all of your emotional energy in a job or a single relationship.

Senior Helpers In Home Health Care of Orange County, CA – Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Senior Citizens

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Senior Citizens

Experts list ways seniors can improve their lives in 2010!

Orange County,  CA  (January 2010) – Senior citizens can face the New Year with a happier, healthier new outlook  if they follow a Top Ten New Year’s Resolution list, say the experts at Senior Helpers, the fastest growing provider of in-home care for seniors.

“We came up with this list of top ten resolutions so seniors can start off the New Year making healthier, smarter choices,” says  Dennis Stringham, Owner of Senior Helpers in Orange County . “Often it takes just a few small adjustments to make a big difference in your life. That’s why many seniors and their families hire an in-home caregiver as a personal coach of sorts, to keep seniors active and help them stick to resolutions and stay on a routine with everything from bill paying to medication regulation.”

Senior Helpers’ Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors:

1. Eat snacks rich with nutrients- Instead of grabbing a bag of chips; seniors should reach for fruit, like a banana to help boost potassium to regulate blood pressure or oranges to boost vitamin C and immune levels. Seniors should also eat more nuts, which are cholesterol free and have recommended omega-3 and vitamin E levels, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Check up on your dental health- seniors often neglect dental health, thinking that brushing their teeth is enough. The accumulation of plaque or calculus (solidified plaque) increases the rate of tooth decay and gum disease. Seniors need a bi-yearly exam because minor teeth issues can lead to big problems for their mouths and wallets.
3. Get out and walk- walking is an easy way for seniors to get low impact exercise that won’t take a toll on their bodies. Seniors should take short walks of about 15-45 minutes 3-5 times per week in their neighborhood or park.  Plus, if it’s cold or rainy, seniors can still go to the local mall and walk around. Step aerobics and tai chi are other low-impact exercises that will increase mobility and improve heart function.
4. Take up a hobby- start coloring, painting or sculpting.  Seniors should do crossword puzzles or Sudoku. These activities are fun, easy and help stimulate the mind.
5. Make a budget plan- seniors should know how much money they have to spend each week, month and year, especially if they don’t have a current source of income. A budget can keep seniors on track and alleviate money worries.
6. Make sure medications are in order- the New Year is a good time for seniors to check up on current medications. They should check to see if all medications are still necessary and make sure there are no conflicting medications that could cause harm. It’s best to keep all prescriptions at one pharmacy so pharmacists can red flag dangerous drug combinations.
7. Get an energy audit- energy companies will come out at the beginning of the year to talk with seniors about how they can reduce energy costs, and most will do it for little or no fee. It’s important to keep energy costs down while still keeping a consistently healthy home temperature.
8. Bond with friends and family- the holidays are a good time for seniors to get back in touch with friends and family they don’t get to see often. Seniors who spend time with family and friends improve their quality of life because they don’t feel isolated and out of touch.
9. Laugh more- laughing relaxes the body, lets out tension and stress and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also improves the function of the blood vessels and increases blood flow, helping seniors protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
10. Hire an in-home caregiver – seniors or their families often hire an in-home caregiver as a companion or driver to make sure seniors get out, stay social and keep moving.  In-home caregivers can come a few hours a week or full-time and help with everything from light housekeeping to grocery shopping. Often, they become seniors’ best friend and part of the family. In-home caregivers can also serve as a sort of life coach to make sure seniors stick to their resolutions.

For more information on the top ten New Year’s resolutions for seniors or to set up an interview with a senior expert, contact the Senior Helpers office in Orange County at http://www.homehealthcareorangecounty.com/.

Contact:  Dennis Stringham, (909) 606-5715, dstringham@seniorhelpers.com

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Orange County, California area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Buena Park, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Palma, Norco, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. For more information, please visit: http://www.homehealthcareorangecounty.com/.

Senior Helpers In Home Health Care Orange County CA Agency vs Registry Explained

Senior Helpers In Home Health Care Orange County CA Agency vs Registry

When considering hiring a caregiver to help with services in your home, make sure you know the facts.  Being well-informed can save you money and protect you from potential legal problems. Below are six components of senior care to consider when evaluating available care plans for your loved one.

Concern #1: Service

Registry or By Yourself: You are responsible for knowing what services are needed for your loved one.

Senior Helpers: We are responsible for making sure you get the right services from the right caregiver. We match caregivers to clients based on their personalities.

Concern #2: Taxes&Injuries

Registry or By Yourself: You are responsible for reporting and paying taxes, social security, and worker’s compensation (in case of a work related injury in the home) for the caregiver. Failure to do so can result in penalties with extensive fines.

Senior Helpers: The caregivers are our employees—they are not 1099. You pay Senior Helpers directly, and we manage all taxes and expenses related to employment that are required by the state and federal governments.

Concern #3: Supervision

Registry or By Yourself: You are in charge and responsible for managing the caregiver’s performance.

Senior Helpers: We manage all of our employees and will perform unscheduled supervisory visits.

Concern #4: Background Check

Registry or By Yourself: You are responsible for performing a background check.  Neglecting to order and review a background check could place your loved one in danger.

Senior Helpers: All of our employees are screened through criminal background checks and license checks, and are required to provide the proper identification.

Concern #5: Hiring & Scheduling

Registry or By Yourself: You are responsible for the interviewing and hiring process. You will also be responsible for scheduling. If a caregiver calls out or doesn’t show up, you will need to find their replacement.

Senior Helpers: We have extensive experience on hiring compassionate and dependable caregivers. We are also responsible for scheduling and ensuring reliable and consistent care.

Concern #6: Theft

Registry or By Yourself: You will be responsible if the employee steals from you or your loved one.

Senior Helpers: Senior Helpers is licensed, insured, and bonded. All of our employees are bonded.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Orange County, California area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Buena Park, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Palma, Norco, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. For more information, please visit: http://www.homehealthcareorangecounty.com/.

Senior Helpers In Home Health Care of Orange County, CA Urges Families to Review Healthy Habits in Midst of Influenza Outbreak

Families Urged to Review Healthy Habits in Midst of Influenza Outbreak

Leading in-home senior care provider warns elderly are most vulnerable to flu

(Orange County, CA)- November, 2009 – As the number of confirmed H1N1 Influenza A cases continues to grow both nationwide and worldwide, Senior Helpers In Home Health Care of Orange County, CA, the fastest growing provider of in-home care for seniors, is urging families to review their hygiene practices to keep their elderly loved ones safe.

“While federal officials aren’t saying senior citizens have a greater risk of getting influenza, the elderly do have the highest risk of potentially fatal complications if they get the flu because the body’s immune system weakens as it gets older,” says Dennis Stringham with Senior Helpers in Orange County. “In addition, almost two thirds of seniors who get the flu end up in the hospital, so it makes sense to take precautions.”

Seniors Should Practice Healthy Habits (Source: Centers for Disease Control)

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 10 to 15 seconds. This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.

• If soap and water aren’t available, use waterless, alcohol-based hand gels. (They should contain at least 60% alcohol)

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the used tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

• If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve and not your hands.

• Don’t put your fingers in your eye or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

• Monitor the situation and follow local public health guidelines.

Seek Medical Care If You Feel Sick

• If you are ill with fever and other symptoms of H1N1 Influenza A, such as a cough or sore throat, or if you are vomiting and have diarrhea, see a doctor. That’s especially true if you’ve come in contact with someone exposed to influenza or someone who had a severe respiratory illness in the past seven days before becoming ill.

“This outbreak is a dynamic situation that is changing constantly and so the best thing to do is be vigilant, especially with seniors,” says Stringham. “To ward off any potential of getting influenza, seniors and their families need to be prudent and use the same precautions as they would during normal flu season.”

 

For More Information Contact:

Dennis Stringham, 714-694-0992, dstringham@seniorhelpers.com

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Orange County, California area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Buena Park, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Palma, Norco, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. For more information, please visit: http://homehealthcareorangecounty.com.