Retirement is a season in life most of us look forward to for many years. While you deserve some well-earned time to relax and enjoy your retirement, living with purpose is essential for healthy aging. But how do you find purpose after the kids are grown and gone and you’ve left the working world behind?

We have a few ideas for creating meaningful days and living your best life during retirement.

Connect with a cause: Knowing someone is counting on you helps make the days feel more consequential. While you likely aren’t looking for a full-time project, donating a few hours of your time each week to a cause you believe in is a good way to find purpose. If you aren’t sure how to find a volunteer opportunity near you, call your local United Way agency for advice. Or you can utilize an online site like VolunteerMatch. They even have remote volunteer opportunities for seniors who struggle with mobility or have given up driving.

Listen to your heart: If you spent your working days conforming to an employer’s schedule, finally having the freedom to live carefree days can be enticing. Unfortunately, it can also lead to unhealthy habits. Sometimes that includes becoming too sedentary. Instead, try to structure your day in a more purposeful manner. Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of writing a novel? Follow your heart and find a way to make those dreams a reality. It’s a great way to keep both your mind and body engaged.

Reconnect with old hobbies: The days are busy when you are working and raising a family. Hobbies and special interests often take a backseat to life’s daily realities. Take some time now to think back to what you loved doing as a child or young adult. Did you enjoy painting watercolors? Or maybe snapping nature photos? Dig up those old passions and find a way to make them happen during retirement. It’s another way to keep your mind, body, and spirit healthy as you age.

Maintain healthy self-care: You’ve probably looked forward to retiring for many years. Don’t let a preventable medical crisis disrupt your plans. Follow a well-balanced diet, such as the DASH Diet or the Mediterranean Diet. Both are linked to lower rates of disease. Commit to an exercise program that incorporates weight training, stretching, and cardiovascular activity. Get eight hours of quality sleep each night. If you are having problems sleeping, talk with your doctor. They may be able to diagnose the reason and treat it. Healthy self-care may help you ward off heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer.

Learn to manage stress: Many people don’t realize the negative impact stress can have on their health. It’s linked to problems ranging from migraines to digestive issues. Try to live in the moment and not worry about things you can’t control. It also helps to find stress-busting activities you enjoy. A few to explore are meditation, yoga, nature walks, gardening, journaling, and swimming.

One investment that can help you feel safe when you are active and on the move is an emergency alert device. This mobile monitoring unit allows you to quickly call for help in the event of a crisis. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Are you a retiree wondering how to live your days more meaningfully? Here are some tips for finding purpose and staying active.

The spring season brings beautiful weather, blooming flowers, and longer days to most parts of the country. For many seniors, however, it also marks the return of seasonal allergies. These allergies, which are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers, can make life uncomfortable.

Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and congestion are common, and they can be especially challenging for older adults, due to changes in their immune system and other health factors. Let’s explore the most common causes of spring allergies and go over some tips to help older adults find relief.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies are primarily caused by allergens in the air, such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. The onset of warmer weather triggers the release of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these particles are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, the immune system can overreact, causing allergy symptoms.

Common spring allergy symptoms in seniors include:

Seniors often are more sensitive to allergens and experience more serious side effects for a variety of reasons, including:

Weakened immune system: As people age, their immune system tends to weaken. This can make it more difficult for the body to effectively deal with allergens.

Preexisting health conditions: Many older adults have underlying health conditions like asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, or heart problems. Allergies can worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

Medications: Some medications commonly taken to treat allergy symptoms can have side effects such as drowsiness. Another challenge to be aware of is that allergy medicines can interact with medications that are often prescribed to older adults for other medical issues.

Tips to Help Seniors Manage Spring Allergies

If you or a loved one are struggling to keep symptoms under control this spring, here are a few suggestions you might find helpful:

Monitor pollen levels: While this number can vary by location, researchers say pollen count tends to rise throughout the morning and peak at midday. Many weather websites/apps and local news stations provide daily pollen forecasts. This allows you to plan outdoor activities around expected times of higher and lower pollen counts. For example, if you like to run or walk, doing so at dusk or after dark might be kinder on your system. And there are steps you can take to stay safe while running or walking after dark.

Create an allergy-free zone: Creating a safe indoor environment can be one of the most effective ways to manage allergies. Seniors should keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, particularly in the spring. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help reduce airborne allergens. In addition, washing bedding and changing clothes after being outside can help lessen pollen exposure indoors.

Use allergy medications wisely: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays can be effective in managing allergy symptoms. However, older adults should be cautious and consult their doctor before taking any of these medications to ensure they don’t interfere with other prescriptions or medical conditions.

Practice good hygiene: After spending time outside, seniors should wash their hands and shower to remove any pollen that may have accumulated on their skin and hair. This will help reduce the chances of transferring allergens to the face and eyes. Throwing your clothes in the washer when you come inside can also help prevent pollen from being scattered around the house.

Stay hydrated and rested: Make sure to stay hydrated—drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, easing nasal congestion. Getting enough rest is important, too, as both allergy symptoms and medications can cause fatigue. Good sleep supports the immune system in managing allergic reactions.

Consider allergy shots: Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to manage spring allergies on your own. For seniors whose symptoms don’t respond to medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) might be a viable option. This treatment involves regular injections of allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system, providing long-term relief.

If you suffer from spring allergies or another health condition, you may be restricting yourself from enjoying an active lifestyle because of safety concerns. One idea that may help you gain more confidence is to invest in an emergency response device. These units work off wireless technology that allow you to call for help from almost anywhere. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Wondering what causes spring allergies and how to minimize them, especially if you are an older adult? This information will be of interest.

Understanding Spring Allergies: Tips to Help Seniors Find Relief

Spring is a season when many people decide to tackle projects around the house, from decluttering and organizing to deep cleaning. While few among us get excited about spring cleaning, the end result is usually worth the time it takes. And you’ll likely find your mental health improves when your house is neater and cleaner.

It’s important to approach these tasks with a plan. If you're working with kids, remember that each group has unique abilities and limitations. Here’s how to make the process age-appropriate while keeping it fun, practical, and easy to do.

A good approach to take when you’re spring cleaning is to balance your available time with your long-term organizational needs. While you might want to dig into each and every closet or drawer, it’s important to set priorities that match how much time you can devote to this project.

Here are a few practical tips to get and keep your home organized and decluttered:

Tackle the worst rooms first: People often struggle to figure out where to start spring cleaning. One piece of advice is to begin in the places where things seem most out of control, such as the closets or drawers that bring you the most stress. Work your way through those, and then move on to whichever spots in the home you still have time to tackle.

Adopt the “one in, one out” rule: Professional organizers often recommend this practice to their clients. It’s a simple and effective way to avoid clutter. For every new item you purchase (whether it’s a new kitchen gadget, storage container, or pair of shoes), make sure to donate, recycle, or toss something you no longer use. This helps prevent unnecessary accumulation of items.

Invest in drawer and cabinet organizers: This tip not only makes it easier to find things but also reduces clutter in your drawers and cabinets. You can also use stackable bins in your pantry or under the bathroom sink to organize items. Drawer organizers can be used in kitchens and bathroom cabinets, as well as dressers.

Declutter the counters: Eliminating the clutter on kitchen and bathroom counters can reduce stress. Store appliances you don’t use daily, like the blender or toaster, and leave only the essentials out on the counter.

Establish a deep-cleaning schedule: To maintain an organized home, set aside time once a month for a deep-cleaning session. This includes cleaning behind appliances, wiping down the tops of cabinets, and sorting through your pantry for expired or unused items.

Fun Tips for Including Kids in Spring Cleaning

For kids, organizing and cleaning should feel like an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. Encouraging them to participate in spring cleaning can not only teach them important life skills but also keep them engaged and motivated.

Make it a game: Kids love games, so why not turn organizing and cleaning into one? Have them race against the clock to see how fast they can organize their snack drawer or sort out their sock drawer. Or challenge them to see how many plastic containers they can match with their lids. You can even reward them with a small treat or special activity once your list is completed.

Provide “kid-friendly” cleaning tools: Kids can use cleaning tools that are made specifically for them, such as small mops, sponges, or brushes that fit their hands. Encourage them to wipe down tables, counters, and even low shelves. Not only does it help them feel responsible, but it also allows them to take ownership of their space.

Encourage charitable behavior: This can also be a great time to begin teaching kids how to be charitable. Have them sort through their toy box to identify items to donate to a local shelter. Do the same with clothes closets and drawers.

If your to-do list also includes finding ways to keep a loved one safer at home, investing in a mobile monitoring unit might be a solution. Whether you have a teen who likes to run in a nearby park or an aging parent who lives alone, these discreet devices make it easy to call for help in the event of an emergency. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Need some ideas to help you start spring cleaning? You might be interested in these tips, including a few to get the kids involved.

Repetition and routine are both essential for adults living with memory loss, such as the kind that occurs with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe having a structured, daily plan that balances activity with rest helps people live their best quality of life despite the disease. It allows the person with memory loss to rely less on short-term memory, which is often impaired early in the disease process. That’s why changes in their daily schedule can be so tough.

How the Time Change Impacts People With Memory Loss

If you are a caregiver for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you might have noticed that veering away from their usual daily routine can increase anxiety, restlessness, and agitation. One type of disruption you might not have considered before, however, is seasonal time changes. Those days of the year when we move the clock forward or back can be challenging.

Daylight and darkness contribute to a common condition known as Sundowner’s Syndrome. Also referred to as sundowning, it describes the symptoms and behaviors that people with the disease experience as the sun begins its descent each day. Because the time change causes a disturbance in the body’s sleep-wake cycle, it can be especially difficult for people with Alzheimer’s.

While the cause of sundowning is unknown, scientists have some theories about what contributes to it. One is that as the disease progresses, it interrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which play a role in how the body and brain respond to nightfall. As a result, when most humans naturally begin to feel tired and ready for sleep, people with Alzheimer’s may not receive the cues from the brain that signal fatigue and the need for sleep. When the time change occurs in the fall and the spring, it further disrupts the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Here are a few ideas family caregivers might find helpful to minimize sundowning symptoms all year long, including during time changes:

Structure the day with care: When you are caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, how you plan your day is important. Try to balance activity with rest breaks. If you notice your senior loved one tires in the late afternoon and falls asleep, rethink how you structure the early part of the day. It might be better to schedule appointments and activity in the early morning so the senior can nap in the late morning or early afternoon. If naps are taken too late in the day, it can make bedtime more challenging.

Utilize interior lighting: Another idea is to manage the light inside your home. If you are trying to prevent your loved one from falling asleep or going to bed too early, close the blinds and turn all the inside lights on. It might help trick the body into thinking it’s still daytime. This approach might also help ease the daily transition from daytime to evening that often triggers sundowning. At best, it can help decrease agitation and pacing, which are common behaviors at the end of the day among adults with Alzheimer’s.

Encourage gentle exercise: Most of us know fitness activities are good for managing stress and promoting better sleep. For adults with Alzheimer’s, exercise also helps prevent or reduce the restlessness and agitation commonly associated with the disease. You could try to work a 15-minute morning walk together into your daily routine. Or maybe engage in chair yoga after lunch or spend time in the garden. These are all good stress busters for adults with dementia and for their family caregivers.

Safety is often a concern for people with memory loss. Family members worry their loved one will wander away and be unable to call for help. One solution is to invest in a mobile monitoring unit. You can slip it into their pocket each day when they get dressed. If the senior experiences an emergency, a simple press of a button connects them with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 for more details!

Are you the caregiver for an adult with Alzheimer’s or another memory-related condition? Here’s what to know about seasonal time changes and memory loss.

How the Start of Daylight Saving Time Can Impact People with Alzheimer’s

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on the importance of making healthy, informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. Whether you’re aiming to improve your overall health, boost energy, or support specific nutritional goals, March provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate nutritious eating.

Creating menus that highlight balanced meals filled with fresh, wholesome ingredients is a great way to honor National Nutrition Month. Here are some meal ideas to inspire nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying menus throughout the month.

From Morning to Night: Healthy Menu Ideas to Explore

1. Breakfast: An Energizing, Nutrient-Rich Start to Your Day

A balanced breakfast can set the tone for a healthy day. Focus on including a combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the morning.

Overnight oats with chia seeds and berries: This easy-to-prepare breakfast is a convenient and nutritious choice for busy mornings. The night before, combine rolled oats, chia seeds (which provide fiber and omega-3s), and almond milk in a jar, and let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, add a handful of mixed berries (which are rich in antioxidants) and a spoonful of almond butter for healthy fats and protein. This dish is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Veggie scramble with toast: For a savory breakfast, try a veggie scramble made with eggs, spinach, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Eggs provide high-quality protein, while the veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Serve the scramble with a slice of whole-grain toast for extra fiber. This meal is simple to make and ensures a well-rounded balance of nutrients to fuel your day.

2. Lunch: Satisfying, Wholesome Midday Meals

A nutritious lunch should be filling yet light enough to keep you focused and energized for the rest of the day. Try to make choices that include lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables.

Quinoa salad with roasted veggies: This dish is an excellent choice for a nutrient-packed lunch. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Toss cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and carrots, and add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and top with a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. This light and refreshing meal provides a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Grilled-chicken-and-avocado wrap: A grilled-chicken-and-avocado wrap makes for a quick and satisfying lunch. Thinly slice a skinless chicken breast and grill for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on its size. Place the chicken in a whole wheat tortilla along with sliced avocado, leafy greens (like spinach or arugula), and a light spread of hummus or Greek yogurt for added protein.

3.Dinner: Wholesome Meals to Wind Down Your Day

For dinner, focus on meals that are well-balanced, combining lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. It’s a combination that can nourish your body and promote restful sleep.

Baked salmon with steamed broccoli: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. For a simple yet nutritious dinner, bake a salmon fillet with lemon and herbs. Serve with brown rice for fiber and steamed broccoli for an extra dose of vitamins C and K. This meal provides a rich combination of healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner.

Lentil-and-veggie stir-fry: Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great addition to any vegetarian or vegan meal. For this stir-fry, sauté cooked lentils, bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. You could also add tofu. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for flavor, and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. This dinner is full of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great choice if you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.

4. Snacks: Nutrient-Dense, Satisfying Options

Healthy snacks can help curb hunger between meals while providing essential nutrients. By choosing snacks that are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, you’ll feel full and satisfied longer.

Apple slices with powdered peanut butter: Sliced apples paired with powdered peanut butter make for a nutrient-packed pick-me-up. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, while peanut butter powder offers healthy fats and protein.

Greek yogurt with nuts and honey: Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Top a serving of it with a handful of mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios) and add a drizzle of honey.

If you are interested in reading more about wellness, successful aging, safety, and caregiving, we encourage you to bookmark the Life Protect 24/7 Blog. Each week we publish a new article geared toward helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives!

Struggling to come up with healthy menu and snack ideas? In honor of National Nutrition Month, we share some suggestions.

Practical Menu Ideas in Honor of National Nutrition Month

Spring is a time for new beginnings in the garden, but those don’t come without careful planning. To make the most of your vegetable or flower gardens this summer, it’s important to take time now to think through how you’d like your yard to look.

Gardening offers people a chance to reconnect with nature, which has proven mental and physical health benefits. For seniors, however, it’s essential to consider factors such as mobility challenges and chronic health conditions. Those can make planting and maintaining gardens more difficult, but not necessarily impossible. Again, it all comes down to planning.

Test your soil: One of the most important tasks in gardening is to evaluate the soil. The health of your soil can directly impact plant growth and yields. To begin, use a soil test kit to measure soil pH, nutrient levels, and drainage. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline for the plants you intend to grow, amendments such as lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) can be added. Your local botanical garden or extension office can probably help you with the testing and make recommendations should improvements be necessary.

Plant with intention: Before heading to the garden center for flowers, take some time to assess your existing garden and what you want to add. Consider your local climate, the amount of sunlight different parts of your garden receive, your personal preferences, and access to water. Take these factors into account when deciding on the flowers you want to grow. Think about planting a mix of annuals and perennials. Perennials come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting, while annuals add vibrant seasonal color but must be replanted each year. For seniors who may not want to replant frequently, perennials can be a wise choice.

Plan around the weather: Gardening often requires an investment of time, but there are ways to ensure you make the most of it. To be more efficient, plan tasks according to the weather. Early mornings or late afternoons, when the temperatures are cooler, are often the best times to work in the garden. You can also set up a gardening calendar, noting when specific tasks like pruning, planting, and fertilizing need to be done. Consider creating a checklist for each week to ensure you stay on track without becoming overwhelmed.

Use companion planting and mulch: Companion planting is an excellent strategy for both maximizing your garden’s productivity and minimizing maintenance. Some plants naturally repel pests or enhance the growth of other plants. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can help deter pests while improving flavor. Similarly, marigolds can act as natural pest deterrents when planted with other flowers and vegetables. Additionally, applying mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce the frequency of watering.

Utilize garden tools: For most gardeners, especially seniors, it’s important to pace yourself and break up tasks into smaller, manageable segments. Consider using lightweight, ergonomic tools to reduce strain. A gardening stool or kneeling pad can help with comfort, while raised beds make bending and reaching easier. While technically not a garden tool, a stainless-steel water bottle at your side helps with hydration while you are working.

Consider raised beds and containers: If you are an older gardener or struggle with back problems, raised garden beds and container gardening might be a solution. Both can significantly reduce physical strain. Raised beds allow you to garden without bending over, and containers are portable, meaning you can move them to follow the sun or make adjustments if needed.

Feel Safer Gardening with a Mobile Safety Device

Having an easy way to call for help if needed—one that doesn’t require keeping track of a cell phone while working in the yard—can help gardeners of all ages feel safer. A solution to consider is a Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit. These devices can be slipped into your pocket while you are gardening. In the event of an emergency, you can simply press a button to be connected with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Are you a gardener, or would you like to be one? Use these tips to plan for the planting season ahead.

Preparing Your Garden for the Planting Season Ahead

What Does It Mean to Live with Purpose?

We have a few ideas for creating meaningful days and living your best life during retirement.

Living With Purpose During Retirement

Stay Safe on the Go

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