Earlier this week, I talked about 12 ways you could volunteer your time as a senior.

But why should you volunteer as a retired senior?

In today’s post, I am laying it all out and giving you 8 reasons you should volunteer as a senior.

Ready?

Let’s dive in.

8 reasons you should volunteer as a senior

• Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and that can contribute to a longer life. In a Canadian research study, psychologists showed that people who had a strong sense of purpose lived longer.

 

• Volunteering also benefits your psychological health. You are less likely to feel depressed or lonely when you are doing something meaningful that brings you fulfillment.

 

• When you volunteer as a senior, you get to use skills you have acquired over the years to help others. If you were a doctor, nurse, teacher or a professional in another field, retirement does not mean the end of using your skills! Using your skills to help the less fortunate is more than fulfilling and could give you that “second lease” on life you crave.

 

• You could learn new skills as a volunteer. Do you love to learn? Volunteering is a great place for you to learn the skills you always wanted to learn while helping others.

 

• Volunteering could also help you rediscover a passion that you had long forgotten about. Practicing that passion might even become a source of income for you-if that is something you desire.

 

• By volunteering, you might find you build a community of friends and connections you didn’t have before. Healthy friendships and relationships impact our health more than we realize.

 

• Volunteering also gives you an inner sense of satisfaction.

 

• We all love to give back to communities that have been helpful to us in the past. Volunteering is an opportunity for you to show such appreciation.

Retiring from active employment doesn’t mean you’re no longer important to society.

In fact, we need your skills and talents in so many capacities!

And one of the best ways to contribute is to volunteer as a senior.

If for nothing at all, one of the 7 reasons above will spur you on to volunteer your time and skills.

Did you find this post helpful?

Share it with someone who is looking for reasons to volunteer as a senior.

 

You were looking forward to retiring and enjoying your days doing crafts you want to do?

Or perhaps you thought retirement meant you would get to watch all the TV shows you already enjoyed?

But the truth is that you’re stir-crazy and looking for an opportunity to do something else.

If the above scenario describes you, then this post is for you!

In today’s post, I will talk about volunteering for retired professionals and give you 12 ideas for volunteering in your community and abroad.

Why you should stay active even if you’re retired

A research study showed that people are 15% more likely to live longer when they have a sense of purpose for their lives versus when they don’t.

When people wake up and go to work everyday, that sense of purpose (whether we want to admit it or not) keeps us alive.

For most retirees, when this sense of purpose is removed, their health begins to wane.

The average person in the United States retires at the age of 65.

With more and more people living until they are 100 years old, it is likely that you still have a few more decades of productivity.

Staying active and involved in community activities, with a business or even on a volunteer mission abroad could be your answer to such an outcome.

Do you want to keep your mind and body healthy longer, why not sign up for a volunteering experience?

Volunteering for retired professionals. Here are 12 ideas.

Crossing guard for your local school

Kids need crossing the street when they go to school.

How neat would it be if you signed up to be a cross guard to manage traffic and help the kids cross the street at school?

Teacher’s helpers

This might require some clearance work with the state you live in, but you could become a teacher’s helper at your local school.

Volunteer police officers

You can become a volunteer police officer for your city.

It will require a police background check.

You will be able to do things like:

• Telephone calls to witnesses and victims
• Answering the phones
• Filing different types of paperwork
• Perform vacation house checks
• Perform “You’re not alone” house checks

If you live in San Diego and would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer police officer, go here.

Aid missions abroad

Churches and other charitable organizations like Operation Smile are constantly performing aid missions in poorer countries.

Volunteering with aid missions abroad may require that you buy your own ticket.

If you have the funds to do it, this is an excellent opportunity to volunteer.

If you are a retired nurse, doctor or teacher, it may be another opportunity for you to use your skills for good.

Teach a college class

Colleges always appreciate experienced professionals when it comes to hiring faculty.

In your case, and if it is allowed by the school, you could volunteer your knowledge to instruct college students.

You could also find out about volunteer opportunities besides teaching.

Teach a local class

Can’t teach at a local college? Start your own class!

What are you good at? Writing? Gardening?

If you let people know, they will show up for your class.

Hospital helper

Opportunities to volunteer at the hospital abound.

Find out how you can help from a hospital near you.

Volunteer with the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is not just for the young folks.

Older adults bring different skill sets that are immensely valuable.

Host an international student

As a former international student in the US,  I know first hand that life can get lonely.

A lot of international students are miles away from their culture, language and everything they’re familiar with.

Hosting them is a great way to welcome them to the country. Plus you get to learn about a different culture right in your home.

Volunteer to work at an animal shelter

Love animals? Work at an animal shelter.

Volunteer at a local prison

A lot of impact can be made here!

Volunteer as a foster parent

Becoming a foster parent is another great way to make an impact.

It is never easy raising children.

And for a lot of foster kids, they have been through life situations that are traumatizing.

You just might be that safe haven they need.

 

Did any of these spark an idea for you?

If so, share it with someone else looking for volunteering ideas for retired professionals.

 

What are the best websites for seniors in 2019?

With millions of websites out there it can be hard to determine where to find reliable resources online.

In this post, I will be outlining 7 of the best websites for seniors and their caregivers.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

AARP.org

The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) website is an excellent resources if you’re looking up to keep up with senior/eldercare news, facts and figures.

Being an AARP member also gives you access to discounts on travel, car rentals and even on healthcare. And their educational resources are top-notch as well.

Eldercare Directory

It’s time to locate a caregiver or housing facility for your loved one but you don’t know where to start? The Eldercare Directory will help you locate home care agencies, home health agencies and federal programs so that your loved one can get the help they need.

US Department of Health of Human Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services is another rich resource you can tap into as a senior.

Resources you can access here include:

• Elder justice issues
• Resource locators which are in some ways similar to the Eldercare Directory
• Retirement planning advice
• Government programs that are available to seniors usually at a cheaper cost.

The Green Tree Home Care Blog

This post wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention this blog! Over the last year, the content team over here at Green Tree has been working hard to bring you well-researched and written posts that educate you on everything from chronic health issues, mental health for caregivers to end of life planning.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and read through our blog for advice on aging and care-giving.

Savvy Senior

The Savvy Senior is a nationally syndicated column that is researched and compiled by the NBC Today show contributor Jim Miller.

This column appears in more than 400 newspapers and magazines across the nation and covers everything from end of life questions to employment for seniors to Medicare and Medicaid.

Check out the Savvy Senior here.

Our Time

It is never too late to fall in love. Our Time is a dating website dedicated to people 50 and over.

Looking for a new life companion?

Create a profile on Our Time and see how it goes!

YouTube

YouTube is not just for young people who are social media savvy! And it is not just for getting entertained or for getting information on how to fix something around your house.

There are a number of seniors who are creating useful and engaging content around their life experiences on the platforms.

Have a cell phone camera? You can start a YouTube channel and share your thoughts and experiences on camera as well.

Not only can you grow a following on YouTube, it can be a source of good income as well.

 

Was this post helpful? Consider sharing it with someone else who is looking for helpful websites for seniors.

 

You are never too old to dream a new dream!

And even though it is February, we are still early enough in the year that you can start with new goals RIGHT NOW.

So for our senior friends out there who are wondering if doing something new at your age is out of the question, think again.

In today’s post, I will share 15 goal ideas for seniors that you can implement in 2019.

15 Goal Ideas for Seniors in 2019

1. Learn a new language
2. Visit a new city
3. Explore a different part of your city on the weekends
4. Try a brand new exercise
5. Re-read the books on your shelf
6. Get to know the neighbors
7. Learn to play a new instrument
8. Buy a journal and write down your thoughts daily
9. Drink more water
10. Haven’t created a living will/advance directive? This is an excellent time to create one.
11. Reading a book too tasking? Start listening to audiobooks. Audible allows you to try audiobooks for free for 30 days.
12. Go on iTunes or any podcast listener in the Android Play Store and listen to a new podcast.
13. Start a micro-business. These days, you don’t need a whole lot to start a business. In fact, there are a number of apps, websites and even free community tools that will allow you to make an income without having to leave your house.
14. Walk outside and enjoy your natural surroundings.
15. Declutter. Ah! I now so many people are scared of this word. And especially so when you live in a house where your kids and perhaps grandkids grew up. Getting rid of anything is hard. I have a hard time getting rid of things too! But perhaps decluttering will give you more headspace to thrive? You will never know until you try!

So there you have it. 15 goal ideas that will help you pump some new juice into your life.

Have you tried any of these? How did they work for you?

If you enjoyed this post, share it with someone else who is looking for new goals this year.

Is CrossFit safe for seniors? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, only 28-34% of adults in the 65-74 year age bracket are physically active. 

Inactivity can cause many problems including slower metabolism, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease. Thus exercise is important regardless of age. 

Exercise is a great way to get more movement into your day. And CrossFit is an intense exercise style that has grown in its’ popularity over the last few years. If you have heard about CrossFit and wondered whether it is safe for seniors, you are in the right place!

Is CrossFit safe for seniors?

With its focus on functional movement, and a supportive community of enthusiasts, CrossFit has grown wildly popular over the last few years. Many seniors are joining classes and seeing remarkable results in their quality of life.

They have better range of motion, more confidence in their movements, and make new friends. As the founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman wrote, “The needs of an Olympic athlete and our grandparents differ by degree not kind.” There are definitely parts of CrossFit that work well for older adults.

But like any exercise program, CrossFit is not for everyone. Not all seniors will benefit from CrossFit. There are serious risks involved, including serious injury, and a condition called Rhabdomyolysis. This is where your muscle fibers die from overuse or injury and release nasty chemicals into your bloodstream. It can be a life-threatening condition.

That’s why it’s so important to speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise program, and make sure it’s appropriate for you. Once you’ve done that, you need to find a qualified coach.

Find the right coach

After getting clearance from your doctor to begin an exercise program, you need to find a CrossFit program to join. There are many different instructors out there, and not all of them have experience modifying the program for older participants.

There are gyms that offer a CrossFit class geared towards the elderly. If you have one in your area, this could be a good match. If not, look for a CrossFit coach who:

• Evaluates participants’ movement and ability before beginning, and asks plenty of questions to determine their overall fitness level
• Has worked with participants at a similar fitness level before
• Is comfortable scaling routines for both load and intensity

Once you find a trainer you are comfortable working around, take it slowly at first. If you haven’t been active before, don’t jump into an intense five-day a week schedule. Slowly add more movement to your life and build from there.

Prevent Injury

Injuries are possible when you exercise, especially if your body isn’t used to moving. That’s why it’s so important to take it slowly. You also need to warm up before each class. This time to warm up your muscles is typically built into a CrossFit class.

It’s also important to cool down. Give your muscles a chance to slowly stop working when you’ve finished a workout. This helps reduce your chance of sprains and strains.

Don’t do too much at once. While your goal may be to lift a certain weight, don’t hurt yourself trying to get there. Instead, take baby steps to help you arrive safely at your goal.

CrossFit is competitive in nature. While this can provide motivation, it can also encourage some people to push themselves too far. Instead of trying to compete with the other participants, try focusing on your own goals. Just getting more active can have a tremendous positive impact on your life, so don’t get so caught up on being the best that you hurt yourself in the process.

Finally, remember that you are in control of your body. The trainer can give you advice to help prevent injury, but only you know what you are feeling. If you are in pain, stop and let your coach know. Get treatment when needed and give your body time to rest and heal.

CrossFit can be a good fit for some seniors

If done properly, under the supervision of a coach who has worked with seniors before, CrossFit can be a great exercise program for some seniors. But, it is not safe for everyone. If you’re too competitive, or find a coach who pushes you too much, your chance of injury increases.

Take it slow and have some fun. Your body will thank you for getting active!

Do you know a senior who is thinking about starting CrossFit? Send this article to them so they minimize their risk of injury.  

 

I’ll come right out and say it: taking care of someone after hip replacement surgery is challenging. This is a major surgery with a long recovery time.

As a caregiver, your role will be essential in the recovery process. There are medications to track, personal care tasks to assist with, and therapy exercises to perform. If you aren’t prepared for what’s to come, it can be daunting.

Hip replacement surgery: 6 things to expect if you are a caregiver

To help prepare you for the recovery process, here are six things to expect. Take time to think through them now so you aren’t trying to do everything all at once after the surgery.

1. The house will need some modifications

Before surgery day, take some time to prepare the house for your loved one’s return. They will likely be using a walker or crutches, so keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards. Look for:

• Cords running across the floor
• Rugs with loose corners
• Narrow pathways between furniture
• Slippery floors
• Commonly used items stored down low or up high
• Showers you have to step high to get into
• Stairs

Do what you can to fix these problems before surgery. Tack down the rugs, move the furniture, pick up some non-skid material for the slippery floor. Install arm rails to help get into the tub. Set up a recovery area on the main floor, close to a bathroom or temporary toilet to avoid stairs.

2. You will learn a lot at the hospital

Plan on being in the hospital with your loved one as much as possible. You want to meet with the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to learn all that you can.  Take time to listen and ask questions. Read all the documents you are given carefully.

You want to know:

• The medication schedules
• What symptoms indicate a problem
• The recovery timeline
• How to help your loved one with daily tasks
• How often to change the dressing
• When showering can resume
• Any complications that can occur

Think through your questions and make a list so you have them all in one place. You can always call the doctor’s office after surgery, but you do want to learn as much as you can while your loved one in still in the hospital.

3. Your loved one will be in pain

Pain management is a critical part of care-taking after a major surgery. Your loved one will be in pain. Keep track of pain medication and give it each time it’s due for the first couple of days. Keeping on top of the pain now will help the recovery go more smoothly.

Once physical therapy begins, try to give pain medication about half an hour before the appointment. That way it’s kicked in before the therapy session.

In addition to medication, you can use hot and cold therapy to help minimize pain. Remember not to use ice for more than twenty minutes at a time.

4. You may need to encourage your loved one to move

Moving helps speed up the recovery process. Sometimes people need gentle reminders to move. Encourage your loved one to change positions every 45 minutes or so.

Help them do the exercises their physical therapist recommends. Be firm but loving. Help them to see that you are doing this to help them recover.

5. Lots of care will be needed at first

After the surgery, your loved one will need a lot of help. They will need help bathing, cooking, and maneuvering through the house. There will be dressings to change and oozing to watch for.

The first few days at home are the worst. There will likely be tears from both of you as you learn how to work together. Once you’ve made it through the first week, things typically get easier as you fall into a routine of sorts.

If you find the care is too much for you, considering getting an at-home aide or inquiring about a rehabilitation center.

6. Your loved one may have emotional struggles

Feeling helpless or worthless is a common emotional struggle after a major surgery. Your loved one may feel guilty about all the help you have to provide. They may struggle with fear about the surgery and recovery.

Be available to listen and provide encouragement. Reassure your loved one that they will recover and you’ll be there to help.

Do you know someone else preparing for hip replacement surgery? Send this article their way so they can share it with their caregiver.

 

Has your doctor recommended hip replacement surgery? You aren’t alone. Over 300,000 hips are replaced annually in the United States.

For patients with constant hip pain, this surgery can reduce pain and improve quality of life. Once you’re healed from surgery, you’ll experience better range of motion. Walking, sitting, and bending over won’t hurt as much.

But first, you must get through the surgery and recovery. Fear of these two things keep many patients from moving forward with the hip replacement.

To help you break through your fears, here is an honest guide of what you can expect.

Hip replacement surgery: what to expect if you’re the patient

Your doctor can explain the technical details of the surgery. Take time to learn about the procedure, and how it is done. Find out how long you can expect to stay in the hospital.

You will need to make plans to have help afterwards.

You will need help.

Hip replacement is a major surgery. You cannot jump back into your normal day-to-day activities immediately following. You will need help with basic tasks like dressing, bathing, moving to the bathroom, and cooking while you recover, especially during the first couple of weeks.

Even once you regain some motion and strength, you need time to recover. You won’t be able to drive for about six weeks, which can make getting to appointments or the store difficult.

If you don’t have a family member or friend who is comfortable being your caregiver while you recover, you have a couple of options.

You can hire a home care assistant to help you. A home care aide or assistant will come to your home and check on you throughout the day. They can help with daily care tasks and keep an eye on your surgery site to check for signs of infection. Another option is to go to a rehabilitation center instead of immediately going back home.

You will be in pain

Your largest joint was just replaced. Pain is normal. It can even get worse a few days after surgery, as your body focuses on healing. The pain may seem to radiate through your whole body, and you may even feel like you got hit by a truck.

Take your pain medication on time. Have someone help you keep track, because it can be hard to remember.

Even if you don’t like taking prescription strength painkillers, you need to for a while. It’s much easier to stay on top of your pain if you’re using your medication as prescribed.

If you are in unbearable pain even with your medication, contact your doctor.

Infections can happen

Whenever you have surgery, infection is a risk. Your doctor will likely give you antibiotics immediately following surgery, to help keep infections away.

You need to check your incision and watch for signs of infection like:

• Site redness
• Drainage
• Foul smell
• Fever

If you suspect an infection, contact your doctor right away. Don’t worry about making a phone call and having it turn out to be nothing. Your doctor has had false alarms before. They would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to possible infections.

You must move

Moving helps you recover from hip replacement surgery and reduces your risk of blood clots. You will likely be up walking with a walker the first day following surgery.

Make it a point to walk each day. Take it slowly, and gradually increase your distance and time out of bed.

You will meet with a physical therapist before and after surgery. Listen to what they say and do the exercises at home. It can help to take pain medication about half an hour before your appointment, to help minimize the pain.

You may struggle emotionally

Surgery can take a toll on you emotionally as well. While you are recovering you may struggle with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or regret. You might feel bad that you’re causing all this extra work for someone else.

You may also feel isolated or lonely. While you recover, you won’t be able to get out as much.

It’s important to know that these feelings are normal. It helps to find someone to talk to about them. If you’re really struggling emotionally, make sure to tell your doctor. They can help you.

Remember it takes time to recover. But when you’re healed you will be amazed at what you can do with your new hip.

Know someone contemplating hip replacement surgery? Share this article with them to help them know what to expect.