Physicians often grade our health by looking at a variety of test numbers and screening results. Even more so the older you get. Blood pressure measures the heart, while it’s working and at rest. Pulse measures the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM). Body mass index is a ratio of how much you weigh compared with how tall you are. And then there is cholesterol.

While most seniors have routine bloodwork to determine cholesterol, some of us aren’t quite sure what these numbers mean and why they matter. Even health care professionals don’t necessarily agree on what cholesterol numbers should be, and how they affect our overall health. So, it’s no surprise older adults are confused.

Experts from Harvard Medical School say an overall cholesterol score of 200 or less places you in the healthy category. If your numbers total between 200–239, it’s considered to be a borderline score that is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed. Once you hit a score of 240 or greater, your physician will likely say you have high cholesterol.

There are two different types of cholesterol that contribute to your overall score:

HDL: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol or HDL is the good form of cholesterol. This is one score where higher is better. An HDL score over 60 is believed to protect you from heart disease, while a score of 40 or less puts you at risk for cardiac problems.

LDL: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is often referred to as the lousy cholesterol. Lower scores are better. Too much LDL can cause blood vessels in the heart to clog. Physicians generally want patients to keep their LDL at 100 or less. (This number was revised in 2013 from a previous recommendation of 70.)

Another type of blood testing often done during a cholesterol screening measures triglycerides. They are a type of fat found in the blood. Some triglycerides are necessary for maintaining heart health, but too much can put you at risk for heart disease. The normal range for triglycerides is considered to be 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less.

How Often Should You Have a Cholesterol Test?

Experts typically recommend anyone over the age of 20 be screened. Testing should be repeated every 4 to 6 years, unless you fall into a high-risk category. Here are some factors that may contribute to an individual being high-risk:

Family history of cardiac disease or stroke

Most physicians require patients fast for at least 9 hours prior to having a blood test to measure their cholesterol and triglycerides.

The bottom line is to work closely with a trusted physician to help screen and manage your numbers. Undetected or untreated, high cholesterol can put you at high risk for not only a heart attack, but a stroke too. Strokes are a leading cause of disability in America. Act FAST: Warning Signs of a Stroke is an article that offers insight about strokes, as well as an easy-to-remember acronym for recognizing the warning signs.

If you or a loved one live with heart disease or high cholesterol, it might be beneficial to invest in a mobile emergency alert device. It will allow you to summon help in the event of a medical crisis. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more.

Do you know how to interpret your cholesterol results or why it’s important to be screened? This information explains both.

Understanding Cholesterol Screening Results

During the holiday season, several generations of the family often come together. For some, it’s the first time they’ve all been together in months. A great way to strengthen family bonds and build memories is to organize a craft party for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together.

Don’t be concerned if you don’t consider yourself to be an arts-and-crafts person. There are so many activities you can take part in that don’t require any special skills. This comprehensive guide to planning a successful craft party can help you plan an event both generations will enjoy any time of year.

Start by selecting a theme. It’s a good way to provide focus and excitement for your craft party. Consider themes that resonate with both grandparents and grandchildren, such as:

Seasonal: While you might have winter on your mind this time of year, don’t limit yourself to just the holidays. When the snow is blowing and it’s cold outside, it might be fun to plan luau- or beach-themed activities. Platforms like Pinterest and Etsy are good sites to explore for ideas.

Nature-inspired: Projects using natural materials like twigs, pine cones, evergreens, leaves, and stones might also be good ones to try. You could make everything from bird feeders to tree garland.

Family heritage: Crafts that explore family traditions or ancestry, such as family trees or heritage scrapbooks, can be great memory-making activities—especially when multiple generations of the family are involved.

Painted rocks: Let’s face it, kids love painting rocks, and it’s an easy and fun activity with minimal cost. You can even make rock collecting a part of your intergenerational activity.

Once you have chosen a theme, it’s time to come up with a few specific projects for your gathering. Unless the grandchildren are all older, you’ll likely want to aim for projects that are engaging but not overly complex. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Photo frames: Decorate wooden or cardboard frames with paint, stickers, or embellishments. This allows grandchildren to personalize a frame for a favorite photo with their grandparents.

Memory boxes: Provide small craft-style boxes or jars, along with a variety of art supplies to decorate them with. They can be filled with favorite mementos, notes to one another, or secret treasures.

Birdhouses: Whether you use elements of nature to create unique birdhouses from scratch or purchase unfinished ones to decorate, this is an activity that can bring out everyone’s creative side.

Unless you are planning a project where you’ll be collecting bits of nature from around the yard or beach, you’ll probably want to get supplies together ahead of time. That will ensure everything runs smoothly during the party. Collect all the necessary supplies for the projects, such as:

Basic craft supplies: Assemble supplies such as scissors (including kid-sized, if needed), glue, markers, paints, brushes, and paper. You’ll probably want tablecloths or a roll of craft paper to protect tables, too.

Special materials: Depending on your projects, you may need specific items like wooden frames, jars, boxes, or natural materials.

Protective gear: Have smocks or old shirts on hand to protect clothing from paint and glue.

A welcoming environment sets the stage for a fun and enjoyable experience. Choose a suitable location for the craft party, whether it’s in your kitchen, the basement, or the garage, or even at a local park. Ensure the space is comfortable and has enough room for everyone to work. Consider the following:

Seating arrangements: Arrange tables and chairs to encourage interaction. Ensure there’s enough space for everyone to craft comfortably.

Table covers: Use disposable tablecloths to protect surfaces from spills and messes.

Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit, especially for detailed craft work.

Music: This might be a great assignment for the grandkids to handle. You could consider asking them to create a playlist just for this occasion.

Crafting can be hard work! Snacks can provide a nice break and keep energy levels up throughout the party. So plan to have some healthy snacks, a few tasty treats, and a variety of drinks available. Maybe even choose a theme for your refreshments, such as all pumpkin snacks and beverages. It might help to choose easy-to-eat options that aren’t too messy, such as:

Fruits and vegetables: Platters of cut fruits and veggies with dips.

Finger foods: Mini sandwiches, cheese cubes, or popcorn.

Beverages: Water, juice, or a fun holiday-themed punch.

Finally, remember to document your adventures throughout the day by taking photos as family members are working and after the projects are finished. Be sure to get a few group shots of everyone with their completed crafts. After the party, consider creating a small photo album or scrapbook as a keepsake that grandparents and grandchildren can cherish together.

If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to bookmark the Life Protect 24/7 blog and visit often. You’ll find articles on topics ranging from health and wellness to senior living, caregiving, and home safety! And we update the blog each week with the latest news and research.

Wondering how to bond with the grandkids this holiday season or over the summer? An intergenerational craft day might be the answer.

How to Organize an Intergenerational Craft Day

Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can sometimes be a daunting task. As can figuring how to celebrate the season with colleagues and supervisors—and if you are a business owner, with your clients. One avenue to consider is giving the gift of a donation to their favorite cause.

Incorporating charitable giving into your holiday traditions can enrich the season, fostering a spirit of generosity and community. As we celebrate with family, friends, and coworkers, we can also extend our hands to those in need. Here are some meaningful ways to make charitable giving a part of your holiday celebrations.

Supporting Charitable Organizations Through the Holidays

Creating a family tradition around charitable giving can instill values of compassion and generosity in future generations. Set aside time each year to choose a charity together. This could involve discussing the causes that mean the most to each family member, whether it’s supporting local food banks, animal shelters, or global initiatives. You can make a donation as a family to that cause.

Making this a regular part of your holiday routine reinforces the importance of giving back. It might even be nice for the younger generations to hold small fundraisers to cover the cost of the donation.

While monetary gifts are always appreciated by nonprofit organizations, your time can make a difference, too. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to give back. Gather your family and choose a local organization where you can volunteer together.

Whether you decide to serve meals at a shelter, participate in a community cleanup, or help at a food drive, working side by side can deepen family bonds while also making a positive impact.

Instead of traditional gifts, consider making a donation to a charity in honor of a family member or friend. Choose a cause that reflects their interests or values, and let them know about the donation with a thoughtful card explaining the impact of their gift. This gesture not only supports those in need but also reinforces the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Gathering supplies to create care packages for those in need is a hands-on way to give back. Organize a family assembly line to pack items like hygiene products, warm clothing, and nonperishable food. Consider distributing these packages to local shelters or community organizations. The act of creating and delivering care packages can instill gratitude and empathy in everyone involved.

Shop at Local Businesses That Support a Cause

Many local businesses give back to the community through charitable initiatives. By shopping at these establishments during the holidays, you can contribute to local charities while supporting the economy. Look for businesses that donate a percentage of their sales to causes you care about. This way, your holiday shopping can make a double impact.

A giving tree is a wonderful visual representation of the spirit of giving. Set up a tree and have family members hang tags listing the charitable organizations they’d like other family members to donate to in their honor. This can be especially useful for younger children, who often receive an abundance of holiday gifts. You can donate monetary gifts or check with the charity to see what supplies they might need.

In the spirit of encouraging others, share your charitable giving experiences on social media. Highlight the organizations you support, the events you participate in, or the impact of your family’s giving traditions. By sharing these experiences, you might inspire others to make charitable giving a part of their own holiday celebrations.

One final tip is to use an organization such as Great Nonprofits or Charity Navigator to learn more about the agency before donating. You’ll be able to read reviews from other donors and explore the nonprofit’s mission and goals.

If you’d like more ideas to finish up your shopping, this holiday gift guide might be of interest. You’ll find suggestions for friends, family, and even the boss!

Are you trying to make your holiday gift giving more meaningful this year? Charitable gifts might be the solution. Learn more here.

How to Make Charitable Giving a Part of Your Holidays

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season in many households. For grandparents, the holidays are often an opportunity to reconnect with the younger generation of the family. It can be a wonderful time to bond and create lasting memories.

But grandparents sometimes struggle to come up with ideas for activities the grandkids might enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or just hanging out, here are some tips to help make the most of your time together.

Intergenerational Holiday Ideas for Families

One of the best ways to make the holidays special for your grandkids is to create traditions. Baking holiday cookies together is a classic activity. Similarly, making decorations or homemade ornaments can be a lively and imaginative experience. These activities not only foster a sense of accomplishment but also provide keepsakes that will remind everyone of the time spent together.

Dive into storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your grandkids. Reading stories aloud can keep the kids entertained while also offering grandparents a good avenue for making memories. Or you could share stories from your own childhood or family history. This can help your grandkids understand their heritage and create a sense of continuity across generations.

Plan engaging activities: The holidays offer a range of activities that can be tailored to the interests of your grandkids. If weather permits, take advantage of outdoor opportunities, such as ice skating at a local park, building a snowman, or going for a nature walk. These activities promote physical exercise and provide a chance to enjoy the beauty of the season. For indoor fun, try having a movie marathon featuring holiday classics or playing board games and puzzles. These kinds of pastimes are a relaxing way to enjoy each other’s company and foster family bonding.

Cook or bake together: The kitchen is a great place for intergenerational bonding. Involve your grandkids in preparing holiday meals or baking treats. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks, such as stirring ingredients, setting the table, or decorating cupcakes. This not only makes them feel included but also helps them develop cooking skills. You might even try a new recipe together, turning the experience into a culinary adventure. Making homemade hot cocoa or festive snack mixes can also be a fun way to enjoy time together while creating delicious treats.

Explore and learn: Holidays can be a great time for educational experiences that are fun and informative for all generations. If a local museum, a zoo, or an aquarium has special holiday events or exhibits, plan a visit—it’s a chance to explore new interests and learn about different subjects. Alternatively, you could try simple, holiday-themed science experiments at home. These activities can spark curiosity and are a terrific way to learn together.

Give back to the community: Involving your grandkids in giving back to the community can be a meaningful holiday activity to explore. Look for opportunities to volunteer together, such as sorting donations at a food bank or participating in a charity event. Crafting holiday cards or gifts for local shelters or nursing homes can also be a wonderful way to teach values like kindness and generosity. These experiences help instill a sense of empathy and connection to the wider community. And they can also be the start of an annual holiday tradition.

While planning is essential, being flexible is equally important. Sometimes the best moments come from spontaneous activities or unplanned events. Create a cozy space where you can all relax together, perhaps with blankets, hot cocoa, and a good book or movie. Emphasize enjoying each other’s company and creating an easygoing, festive atmosphere.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to consider bookmarking the Life Protect Blog and stopping back a few times each month. We update it regularly with posts about healthy aging, fitness, nutrition, caregiving, and more!

Will you be visiting with your grandchildren this holiday season? If you are struggling to plan intergenerational activities, we have a few ideas that may help.

Tips for Spending Time With the Grandkids During the Holidays

The life of a family caregiver is usually very hectic, and the holidays can be especially overwhelming. An already overbooked schedule can leave little time for a senior’s primary caregiver to relax and celebrate the season with friends and loved ones. It can leave them feeling isolated and alone. In fact, the risk of a caregiver experiencing depression increases during the holidays.

One solution for families to consider is respite. These are short-term care services designed to give caregivers a break. Sometimes that might be a volunteer donating their time to help a senior loved one, and other times it might be enlisting the services of a paid respite professional.

Let’s take a look at all the options you might want to consider this season.

Understanding the Different Types of Respite Services

Short-term respite care can generally be divided into two groups: formal and informal care. Both can be supportive options for a caregiver who is struggling to manage many responsibilities and left wondering how they will ever find time to celebrate the festive season ahead.

Informal respite services: This can be as simple as asking a friend or family member to sit with your loved one for a few hours while you do some holiday shopping or attend a party. It gives you the time you need, while also providing some company for your senior family member to enjoy. Some churches and synagogues have friendly-visitor programs that send volunteers to pay visits to homebound seniors. They can spend time reading, playing cards, or watching movies with your loved one. It’s an informal way to give the caregiver some time to themselves.

Formal respite care: Another form of respite a family can benefit from is employing a paid professional to assist. It might be a private duty home care agency, an adult day center, or an assisted living community. Depending on what your needs are this holiday season, respite in an assisted living community may be an ideal solution. It can give the primary caregiver a break for more than a few hours. And respite services can be an important part of a loved one’s emergency caregiving backup plan. In the event of a crisis involving the primary caregiver, you’ll already have an established relationship with a provider.

How to Select a Holiday Respite Care Partner

If you want to attend an out-of-town family gathering or take a holiday vacation to celebrate the new year, explore respite care at an assisted living community. Your loved one will enjoy the same services and amenities as a long-term resident.

Here are a few tips for finding one that you and your senior loved one will both feel confident in:

Schedule an in-person tour: Before you make this decision, visit each of the assisted living communities you are considering in person. While recommendations from people you trust are definitely important, nothing matters more than visiting the community and meeting the team.

Review state survey results: Assisted living communities are regulated at the state level. Each state has its own rules for communities to follow, and they are inspected on a regular basis. Many states post survey results on their website to make it easy for the public to view. If your state doesn’t do this, ask the community for a copy to review.

Obtain a list of costs: Assisted living fees and expenses can vary greatly from one community to another. Some communities offer a comprehensive daily fee for respite care, while others assess charges based on your loved one’s specific needs. Be sure you have a comprehensive list of what is included and what isn’t, and what additional fees to anticipate.

Ask about the community’s emergency plan: One last suggestion is to ask what happens in the event of an emergency. For example, what is the procedure if your senior loved one experiences a medical event during their stay? Or if a storm causes flooding or knocks out the electricity? Knowing the community has a plan in place for various crises is essential.

Consider a Mobile Monitoring Device for a Senior’s Safety

One way to give your family greater peace of mind about a loved one’s safety is to invest in a mobile monitoring device. These discreet units can be easily slipped into the older adult’s pocket. In the event of an emergency, the user can summon help with the press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

The holidays can be overwhelming and isolating for caregivers. Respite care can be a solution that allows them to relax and enjoy the season.

How Respite Care Can Help Caregivers Enjoy the Holidays

Running after dark, especially during the winter months, presents unique challenges and safety concerns. As the daylight hours shrink and temperatures drop, it’s important to adapt your running routine to accommodate both. By taking the right precautions, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding run even when it’s dark and cold outside. From wearing the right gear to carrying safety devices that can easily connect you with help in an emergency, these tips can help runners prepare for winter.

Safety Tips for Runners to Consider This Winter

Find a running club or buddy: One of the most effective ways to stay safe while running after dark is not to run alone. Having a running partner not only adds a layer of security but also makes the experience more enjoyable. When you run with others, you benefit from increased visibility and the assurance that help is nearby if needed. A running buddy can also provide moral support, which is especially valuable during those chilly winter months, when motivation can wane.

Invest in proper footwear: Depending on where you live, running in the winter can involve dealing with slippery surfaces, such as ice and snow. Proper footwear is essential to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Ensure that your shoes are well-fitted and have adequate cushioning to handle the impact of running on hard, frozen surfaces, and consider investing in running shoes designed for winter conditions. These shoes typically feature more aggressive tread patterns and, in some cases, removable spikes for enhanced traction on icy surfaces. Additionally, wearing gaiters can help keep snow and debris out of your shoes.

Dress appropriately: Proper winter clothing is crucial to maintaining comfort and safety as you run. Layering is key to managing your body temperature and protecting yourself from the elements. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Over this, wear an insulating layer to retain body heat. Depending on weather conditions, you might want to add a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. Don’t forget gloves or mittens, a hat, and a neck gaiter or scarf. To make sure you are visible to others, wear a reflective vest, arm bands, and ankle bands. Finally, headlamps or handheld flashlights not only illuminate your path but also make you more noticeable to others.

Plan your route before you run: Areas that are safe to run in during spring and summer might not be during colder months. For example, trails along the river might freeze over more quickly or have icy patches that can be hazardous to run on. Take time to familiarize yourself with potential locations before running. It can help you anticipate hazards, such as uneven ground or hidden obstacles. Also, pay attention to how isolated parks or trails might be during the off-season compared with the bustling warm-weather days.

Stay aware of your surroundings: Finally, always stay alert and aware of who and what is around you. Avoid distractions, such as playing loud music on headphones, which can impair your ability to hear approaching vehicles or other potential dangers. Maintain a steady pace and be cautious when running in areas that may have limited visibility or increased traffic. It might also be a good idea to invest in an emergency call system that allows you to call for help from wherever you are.

If you are an older runner looking for other ways to stay active during the colder months of the year, Winter Fitness Ideas for Seniors might be of interest. You’ll likely find some options that appeal to you, from tai chi to YouTube video workouts.

Life Protect 24/7 Offers Mobile Monitoring Units

Small, lightweight, and discreet, the Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit can give runners peace of mind. And because they work off of wireless technology, these devices allow the wearer to summon help from almost anywhere—indoors or out. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Whether you are an experienced runner or new to this fitness activity, it’s important to take steps to stay safe while running in winter. These tips can help.

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