By Tracey Clayton

Spending time with their parents is very important for kids, but spending time with their grandparents can be equally important and beneficial. Grandparents can awaken interests and emotions in kids that no other relative is capable of, and the connection children can create with someone that much older than them is definitely something that will shape up their personalities.

There is nothing like a good story

Grandparents are always full of amazing stories and children love to hear them. It is always fun for kids to imagine their older relatives as kids and listen to their adventures when they were little. Of course, with wisdom that comes with years, grandparents are bound to tell the most engaging stories that will always have some good moral that kids will pick up on, especially if they know that someone close to them actually had that experience and that it is not just talk. Basically, by listening to grandparents’ stories, children can make their first step of learning from other people’s mistakes and mischievousness.

Truthfulness can be learned from someone trustworthy

Grandparents are usually softer with their grandchildren than parents and therefore a bond of trust can easily be created between them. If children know that they can always tell something in confidence to their grandparents they will gradually develop the ability to be more open and honest with others, especially since grandparents will always seem understanding but fair, and explain when it is necessary to share the particular secret with parents. This way, kids will feel safe while at the same time learn the importance of telling the truth. Of course, there is nothing more fun than having some innocent secrets that only grandparents and kids would know. [Read more…]

A recent research survey commissioned by Bask (a leading provider of tech services, advice and resources for seniors) found that 90% of seniors see personal relationships as important in maintaining a rich and long life – but 82% wouldn’t try online dating because of online security and privacy concerns. Further, many seniors don’t know how to effectively use technology to reach out to the ones they love.

The survey further found that:

• 90% think having a companion helps people live longer, and 86% think having a companion helps people to age in place (stay in home) longer
• That said, 82% would not use online dating because of online privacy/security concerns
• 49% would consider a video call from a loved one a romantic or loving gesture, yet 63% do not know how to make a video call
• 31% would swap their Valentine’s Day dinner plans for a tech related product

Jim Dunn, Bask CEO, explains, “Personal connections are on everyone’s minds in February. At Bask, we’re looking at how seniors use technology to create and nurture these connections. Our survey confirmed a growing trend we’d already noticed. Seniors want to take part in the digital world, but if they lack the know-how, they feel wary of new technology. A person’s level of skill or confidence shouldn’t stop them from taking advantage of all that technology has to offer, including online dating and networking. Our research affirms that seniors are open to using technology to forge deep, personal connections. So, our goal is to provide members with the simple, patient tech support they need to make a FaceTime call, write an email, or send text messages. Just call us the digital Cupid!”  [Read more…]

Navigating the modern dating scene is a constant challenge for younger generations, let alone for boomers. For those over fifty, 21^st-century dating can be an intimidating experience that looks nothing like familiar 20^th-century romance. Here are a few tips to combat the sense of uncertainty you may be feeling as you embark on this new chapter of your life:

1. Reevaluate your deal breakers.

With decades of experience under our belts, we tend to develop a long list of deal breakers that help guide our romantic decisions. But if your standards are so high they’re beginning to starve for oxygen, it may be time to reevaluate. Hold on tight to your must-haves, but don’t let your deal breakers get in the way of experiencing someone new and unique.

2. Don’t get caught up in the speed of social media.

Social media technology has quickened the speed of communication, and relationships can now progress much more quickly than in the past. While it’s understandable to want to move things along faster than when you were in your twenties, the risks of moving too quickly don’t diminish with age. You and your potential partner have more life experiences to share, more family members to meet, and more entrenched habits and personal quarks to expose! If social media is moving things too quickly for you, try taking the relationship offline for a while.

3. Don’t give up… there’s more out there.

Whatever your age, dating isn’t easy. But with the emergence of online dating and an increasing number of connected, tech-savvy boomers, the pool of potential romantic interests is larger than ever. Don’t let a few failures deter you from staying out there. Be confident, be committed, and keep trying until you find the right person for you. [Read more…]

By Dr. Deepak Kapoor, President of Advanced Urology Centers of New York

Did you know 73% of individuals between the ages of 57-64 are participating in sexual relationships? Studies documented in the New England Journal of Medicine also show 53% of people ages 64 to 75 and 26% between the ages of 75 to 85 are having sexual intercourse. These active seniors may face medical conditions that inhibit or make sexual activity more problematic.

At any age, sexual relations can be challenging due to health and emotional factors. Physical obstacles such as erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections, stress incontinence and sexually transmitted diseases impact healthy intimate relations among seniors.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States. Commonly defined as the inability to achieve and or maintain an erection, it is caused by a reduction in the blood flow within the penis. Depression or side effects from medications including diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can cause erectile dysfunction.

[Read more…]

By Melissa Stevens

The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is indeed a unique one. And giving gifts can fortify that relationship, make it stronger, especially if you do not see your grandchildren so often because they live in a different town or state. In today’s world which develops so fast every day, one can consider slowing it down, and taking a break – and using this break to dedicate oneself to the only thing that matters in life – the family. Here are some great and meaningful gift ideas that you can give to your grandchildren.

Family tree

Maybe the greatest gift you can give your grandchild is a sense of belonging. You can start by telling him/her about the family history, and especially if it is a long one, then tell stories about their descendants. A lot of people have in their possession a family tree, but if you do not have it, you can make it by doing research, talking to the priests in your town, etc. If you want to make the process more fun, you can invite your grandchild to assist you in it, and the two (or more) of you can do it together.

Toys

If your grandchildren are small, then a perfect gift would be a toy. But if you give them educational toys (such as construction kits, building sets, board games) which are proved to be among the top things for the development of a toddler, you will show that you care for them and want to make their fun time educational as well. Open their imagination and make them curious.

[Read more…]

Forget the chocolates and flowers…

Give the gift of companionship!

If you’re heading home to see Mom this Mother’s Day, you may notice that she’s lost her usual spark. Is it just the aging process, or is mom feeling the blues because she’s lonely? A recently released health and retirement study* found that loneliness and isolation can increase depression, stress, raise blood pressure and lead to premature death.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, SYNERGY HomeCare, a national non-medical in-home care company with offices across the US, urges local families to hire an in-home caregiver to keep Mom active and socially engaged.

 “We’re experiencing a silver tsunami with over 10,000 people turning 65 each day,” says Richard Basch, President of SYNERGY HomeCare.  “Families are so busy these days, they simply may not have the time to ensure that Mom is receiving the social and mental stimulation she needs.  Our caregivers do a wonderful job of keeping our clients entertained; whether it’s taking them to the grocery store, the movies or just playing cards or going on walks.  We keep seniors active so they feel engaged and valued. Seniors who get out of the house and have close connections with other people are happier, healthier and live, more fulfilling lives.”

 Diane Hired Her Mom “A Friend”

 Diane Franciose hasn’t seen her mother this happy in a long time. Her mother, 91-year-old Lorraine, has been hospitalized for depression eight times. Diane, a teacher, couldn’t give up her job or move her Mom into her home, so she decided to hire a caregiver from SYNERGY HomeCare. The companionship helped lift Lorraine’s spirits, and she went from being wheelchair bound to outward-bound! 

“Our caregiver takes such good care of my mom,” says Diane. “They are buddies. They go everywhere together – to the movies, to local art festivals, to the grocery store. My Mom is happy and animated again. Hiring a companion for my Mom has changed all of our lives.”

Loneliness Study Findings:

• Having high quality relationships is one of the keys to happiness and longevity.
• Loneliness can lead to less restful, restorative sleep, high blood pressure, stress, depression and negative thoughts and feelings.
• The stresses and challenges of life are more easily endured if we share them with someone in whom we can confide and trust.
• People who feel lonely have a 14 percent higher risk of premature death than those who don’t feel lonely.
• The impact of loneliness is almost as significant as the impact of poverty, which increases the chances of premature death by 19 percent.

“We work with thousands of families, and so often they feel guilty because they can’t spend enough quality time with their parents,” says Basch. “Our caregivers can help to ease that burden, and in fact, our caregivers often become a key element of the family unit.”

Tips to Spring clean your relationship and start the season fresh (and frisky)

Winter weather is behind us and the signs of Spring are everywhere: temperatures rising, buds budding, birds chirping, and bees buzzing. Now’s the time to Spring clean our homes—and also our relationships.

“Whether you’re in a new relationship…or feel like you’ve been together forever, it’s time to take a step back and assess what’s working and what’s not,” says Madeleine Castellanos, MD, Manhattan relationship guru and sex therapist. “If something isn’t working, and you’re feeling less than connected to your partner you might try some simple refresher tips to help bring you and your partner closer together,” she advises. Below are some insightful tips from Dr. Castellanos to spring clean your relationship and restore the sparks of passion. After all, Spring is the season of Amore…and love is in the air!

• Find new interests together. Maybe you don’t do enough fun stuff together any more. Or maybe your outings have fallen into a rut. Take some time and find new activities a deux—a sport or a hobby like Argentine Tango, square dancing, or golf. Sometimes just making a simple choice for a regular “date night” can inspire new closeness.
• Set aside time to fantasize. Share your fantasies with your partner or keep them to yourself. Bottom line: fantasizing is a great way to prime the pump for your heart and passion to soar. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope a little! There’s no judgment in the world of imagination.
• Listen to your partner’s wants, needs and desires.  You don’t have to fulfill all of them, but you do need to listen. Also, feel free to whisper sweet, spicy messages that you don’t usually say out loud. The ears are located close to the brain for a reason—so use that pathway to flip the “turn on” switch in your partner’s brain!
•  Spring clean your bedroom routine. Stuck with the same-old/same-old between the sheets? Try something new, such as sexy lingerie, enticingly fragrant Inttimo by Wet™ aromatherapy massage and bath oils, and Wet^® Flavored™ Gel Lubricants—which really add a new level of sizzle to a hum-drum bedroom routine.

• Find fresh adventures together. Spring is the perfect time to celebrate love. Pack your weekend get-away bag and don’t forget to bring some romantic gifts, gastronomic delicacies, Wet^® Platinum^® Premium Lubricant (the long-lasting, condom-compatible type that never dries up or gets sticky), and a copy of Getaway Guide to the Great Sex Weekend by Dr. Pepper Schwartz. Also, take along Dr. Lauren Streicher’s newly published Love Sex Again!

• Get back into gazing into each other’s eyes. Taking a couple of minutes every day to do this can communicate your deepest feelings without words. It actually helps to align your heart and mind with your partner’s in the subtlest way. In other words, dare to stare!

• Reach out and connect. A simple phone call at lunch to say, ‘I miss you’ can make your lover’s whole day; a sexy text message can prime you both for an evening of intimacy; and a meaningful touch on the arm or even hand-holding while walking the dog, can really restore your connection. Don’t underestimate the power of touch for physical, emotional, and sexual healing.

• Add some natural aphrodisiacs to heat up your life. Dark chocolate, hot chilies, garlic, oysters, pomegranates, and the Peruvian root Maca, are all known to be time-tested love-enhancers. Don’t hold back…feed them liberally to your mate, and you may become the main course!

If you’re interested in more relationship-enhancing tips of the season and how to use your 5 senses to stoke the flames of love and romance, I’d be happy to set up an interview with Dr. Castellanos. Also, I can send sexy product samples if you’d like to check them out.