Senior Outlook Today

Better Living for the Ageless Generation

7 Lesser Known Facts About Foster Parenting

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Choosing to become a foster parent is a decision that can make a great difference to a child’s life. By doing so, you can give a child a family’s love and a home they can call their own. At the same time, it is can be a fulfilling experience for you as well. But before you take the plunge, you need to understand the entire implications and responsibilities of fostering. Obviously, you can learn by experience and by talking with seasoned foster parents. Still, there are some lesser known facts about foster parenting that you should be aware about. Let us list these for you.

Foster parenting is more common that you may think

Though foster parenting might seem to be a daunting responsibility, it is more common than you think. There are thousands of people willing to bring smiles for children who come from troubled backgrounds. They are even ready to invest financially and emotionally in the relationship with the child because this can be a genuinely rewarding experience. All that you need is some space in your home and lots of love in your heart and you can make a difference!

You need not be super rich to become a foster parent

It is often believed that only someone who has a hefty bank balance and a big house is permitted to bring in a child. But the fact is that you need not be super rich to be eligible; only a stable financial condition is essential because you are required to be able to support the child. However, having plenty of love and deep commitment to this mission is even more critical than having a big bank balance. [Read more…]

Organizing Your Finances for Retirement

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By Roger Ingwersen

The time has finally come – you’re getting ready to retire. But before you start thinking about life after retirement, it’s important to plan ahead, whether retirement is 30 years or 3 months from now.

Organizing for retirement will not only help you properly prepare, but also make you more comfortable with your retirement decision. By simplifying your finances, the transition to retirement will be much easier to manage.

One of the very first steps you want to take is an inventory of your goals. You can begin by making a list of your important short-term and long-term financial goals. For example, do you want to travel? And if so, how often and how expensive will the trips be? Do you plan on contributing to your children’s and/or grandchildren’s weddings? Do you want to buy a second vacation home? These are all important factors to consider as you prepare for retirement. [Read more…]

5 Tips on How to Improve Doctor’s Visits

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Are you a caregiver who helps take a family member to their doctor’s appointments? While seeing a medical professional is essential to getting formal diagnoses, prescription refills, and treatment plans, it’s not always the most pleasant experience. Poor bedside manner, bad communication, and rushed appointments can leave anyone, much less overloaded caregivers and their loved ones, feeling frustrated, confused, and helpless.

The truth is that numerous problems can arise from the disconnect between caregivers, patients, and healthcare providers. For example, a medication side effect you didn’t know about may lead to a life-threatening fall or lack of communication after a hospital discharge can lead to a quick rehospitalization.

If you find yourself struggling to advocate on behalf of your loved one with their doctor, try these 5 tips for the next doctor’s appointment: [Read more…]

Relationship Between Weight Loss and Future Health for Older Adults

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There is a common saying that what people do now in their youth will determine how they will live in their older years. Youths who engage in sports, gym exercise and other physical activities with the aim of losing weight will have better health in old age than those who try to lose weight at the age of 60.

Studies have backed this information by showing how important it is to lose weight at a younger age. Some studies also reveal that weight loss at the age of 80 years and above can accelerate old age illnesses like osteoporosis.

Reasons Why Older People Want to Lose Weight

Those who live an inactive life in middle age rush to lose weight in their later years because of many reasons. The main one is that they are already obese, and they cannot cope. We all know that obesity has adverse effects on the body including heart problems, respiratory issues and high blood pressure.

Health experts may recommend some weight loss although this is not the ideal time to do this. The weight should have been lost before old age. There are more health risks associated with being overweight in old age. Engaging in activities that will facilitate weight loss may be a difficult task for an older person because of weak bones and joints. [Read more…]

Sleep Talking: What You Need to Know

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So, you just retired into bed after a long day’s work. In the wee hours of the night when enjoying your sleep, you are interrupted by a talking sound. You turn on the side to listen only to find out it’s your spouse or significant other talking.

This may baffle you if you never, in the past, come across someone speaking in their sleep. You have no reason to worry as it is a sleep disorder that involves the victim talking in their sleep without being aware. Commonly referred to as sleep talking, it is a condition that occurs in both sexes and cuts across all ages. It is said to be more common in children. However, an estimated 5% of adults talk in their sleep too. Sleep talkers could talk in loud sounds or whispers. They appear to be talking to themselves most of the time. [Read more…]

Expert Sleep Advice for College Students and Teens

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When I was in college, one of the things I struggled with most was sleeping properly. With all the projects and deadlines coming up for all my classes, I was putting up more all-nighters than getting the quality sleep I needed to concentrate throughout the day. The small dorm room and hard beds didn’t do well for me either, which made me sleep less and feel tired throughout the day.

That’s why I can feel a college student (or teen)’s struggle when it comes to sleep. Because of that, I decided to do my research and show you the expert sleep advice for college students and teens!

Whether you’re a teen struggling in high school or a young adult in college, these five expert tips can help you get enough quality sleep for your schoolwork:

Read related: 5 Ways to High-Quality Sleep for Elders – Senior Outlook Today [Read more…]

Cold Weather Foot Care Reminders for Seniors

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There are certain aspects to cold weather months that actually increase your need for attentive foot care. More boots and fewer sandals mean you are going to be seeing your feet a lot less than normal and routine nail-trimming may fall to the wayside. Cold, wet weather like snow and ice can also leave your feet wet, freezing, and more susceptible to injury. Don’t miss this quick cold weather foot care guide for seniors:

Update Your Footwear

It’s no surprise that you should be thoughtful about the footwear you use when trekking out in inclement conditions like snow, ice, or freezing rain. In addition to keeping your feet comfortable and dry, well-fitting, waterproof shoes should also support your foot and ankle and provide some traction to help prevent you from slipping.

Be mindful of the types of socks you are wearing with your closed-toe shoes too. If you are trying to jam your foot into your everyday sneaker while wearing a thick, wool sock, you might be doing more harm than good. Not only will your shoe feel exceptionally tight, but your toes might be squished and walking may become uncomfortable. Make sure that you have a good pair of winter shoes or boots with adequate room for thick socks that provide comfort and support in addition to warmth. [Read more…]