Jackson and St. Augustine Seniors aresstarting to use the internet for more than just keeping in touch with friends and family members. There is a lot of information available and seniors can benefit from searching topics on the internet. Doing so does not have to be difficult. In fact, there are some tips provided below that will make searching the internet much easier and more understandable for seniors.

1.    Use large icons that are easy to see. The icons on the desktop should be large and the search engine icons should be located together. This will make things easier to find when beginning a search. Make sure to rename the icons so they can be quickly identified.

2.    Use Google as a main search engine. Seniors can also simply enter the term they want to search in the address bar on the top of their internet page. This alleviates the need of having to go to a particular search engine site.

3.    Most home pages will have a search bar at the top of the screen. In many cases this will be Google. Simply enter what the senior wants to search here and press enter. The results of the search will then be displayed.

4.    While searching, seniors need to be aware of safety issues as well. Do not click on any links that are unfamiliar and avoid opening email from unknown senders. This will reduce the chances of getting a virus on the computer.

Society Culture Indie

Home Care Jacksonville provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville and  St. Augustine. Call us today at 904-363-6699.

Seniors are now becoming very familiar with the internet. Though many seniors will only use the internet for email to keep in touch with friends and family members, there are a number of seniors who are now using it in other forms.

Online banking and social networking have become popular among seniors. Below is a list that contains some interesting facts about seniors and the internet.

1.    Most seniors will use the internet for email to contact family and friends, but many are now using it for social networking. Seniors are using Facebook and Twitter.

2.    There has been a 225% increase in the number of seniors over the age of 65 using the internet for social networking and a 100% increase in those between the ages of 50-54.

3.    Some seniors are using the internet for banking purposes and to stay up to date on news and current events.

4.    More than half of the seniors who are using the internet report feeling comfortable doing so. Some seniors are still reluctant to use the internet and prefer to get the news from print sources.

5.    57% of seniors who are using the internet are doing so through a desktop computer. 26% are using a laptop and only 9% are using mobile devices.

6.    Since the introduction of high speed internet service, the number of seniors who are using the internet have increased drastically.

Source: http://www.updatefrom.com/scsa/1009/social_connections.asp

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Blogging, Seniors and Keeping Up with Technology

Keeping up with technology can be difficult since it changes almost daily, but there are many seniors who are not entering the world of online blogging. Many senior sites have blogs available where seniors can read or write about their thoughts, ideas and experiences as a senior. Not only does open a door to communicate with other seniors, but it also provide a lot of useful information.

1.    Blogging can be a great thing for seniors. It allows them to express their thoughts and feelings and it is a great way to reach out to other seniors. Many seniors even develop friends through blogs by getting responses to a topic they have posted and discussed.

2.    Some of the most common blogs by seniors include information on health issues and conditions. These can be a wealth of information, especially for seniors who are dealing with the same health problems.

3.    Some of the blogs are geared towards seniors who have recently retired. Here, seniors can meet others who are at the same point in their lives and discuss different things that happen when one retires.

4.    More seniors are becoming involved with blogs on the internet. The Ageless Project is a web page that contains a collection of blogs by seniors. This is a great way to express views and share some experiences that could make a difference in the lives of other seniors.

Source: http://jenett.org/ageless/

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Driving in Poor Weather – Tips for Seniors

Many seniors continue to drive well into old age. While this is a great way to maintain independence, there are some situations that can make senior drivers prone to accidents. Driving in bad weather is not enjoyed by most seniors. In fact, when the weather is poor, seniors will get nervous behind the wheel. The following list offers some tips to keep senior drivers safe in bad weather.

1.    Make sure to allow enough time to reach the destination. If the weather is bad and the visibility is poor, seniors should try to leave the house about 15 minutes earlier than they normally would.

2.    Always maintain the vehicle. Making sure the car is in good condition is one way to make sure seniors stay safe while driving in poor weather conditions.

3.    When buying a newer car, consider options that will increase safety, such as all-wheel drive and traction control.

4.    Be sure to keep an emergency kit in the car. These kits can help seniors who have car trouble during bad weather. Most kits will have blankets that will help seniors stay warm and comfortable until help arrives.

5.    Always drive with the headlights on.

6.    Stay in the middle lane on the highway. Most roads are built higher in the middle, allowing water to runoff to the other lanes.

7.    Avoid pools of water. There could be potholes beneath.

Source: Senior Living.About.com

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Finding something healthy to eat while traveling can be somewhat of a challenge for seniors. Many times, seniors will want a light and quick meal to hold them over. When traveling, the options are slim, so the list below can help seniors choose foods that will be healthy. Eating healthy is important for seniors, so even while on vacation, they need to find healthy foods.

1.    Try to avoid the temptation of junk food from convenience stores. Eating junk food will fill the body with calories and fat, leaving seniors feeling fatigued and irritable.

2.    When eating breakfast in the road, try to avoid foods that have high amounts of sugar. A meal that is high in carbs will elevate the mood, but a high amount of sugar can cause drowsiness. If the senior is driving, this is never a good combination.

3.    In a restaurant, choose a meal that is as healthy as possible. Opt for an omelet with vegetables and whole-grain toast.

4.    Oatmeal with fruit is a great breakfast and snack during the day. It will provide the body with nutrients and energy.

5.    For seniors who are craving something sweet, try a bran muffin or whole-wheat toast with a little jelly.

6.    Fresh fruits, hard boiled eggs and yogurt are great in the hotel or for snacking.

7.    If seniors have to eat at a service station, avoid sugars. Try a protein bar or a breakfast sandwich.

8.    Try to avoid fast food. Go for soup, salad, vegetables and fish for dinner or lunch.

Source: http://nutrition.about.com/od/foodfun/a/healthyeating.htm

Home Care Jacksonville, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Active Seniors are Healthy Seniors

It has been proven that seniors who are active have far fewer health problems than those who do not exercise at all. While it may be difficult for many seniors to begin exercising, more seniors have trouble sticking with it. To help with this issue, the list below offers some useful tips that can be beneficial to seniors.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Financial Scams Affecting Seniors

There are many financial schemes out there and many people who will target the elderly. Most older people are very trusting and when they are presented with an investment opportunity, they will take it. Unfortunately, most of these investments are scams, leaving the senior with a supposed investment and no money. Below is some more information on how seniors are being scammed.

1.    Seniors who are isolated or have disabilities are often the target of these schemes.

2.    One out of every five retiree over the age of 65 has been a victim of a financial scam. More than 7.3 million seniors have been taken advantage of each year.

3.    Older people are targets because they are more willing to invest in something that is supposed to help them through their retirement years. The elderly are also much more trusting than the younger generation.

4.    Many of the people doing the scamming are retirees as well. This is how they know who to choose for a target. Elderly con artists are more common than most people believe.

5.    Veterans are also a target. There are many groups who offer to help a former soldier. While many of the programs do actually exist, these seniors are being told they must liquidate all of their assets to become eligible for benefits, which is not true at all.

Source: MSNBC

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Technology Helps Seniors at Home

Seniors want to remain in their homes as long as they can. For some seniors, this may be difficult due to medical conditions that cause concern for caregivers. However, some technological advances have been made, such as the system discussed below that allows seniors to remain at home and be safe. These systems can provide a sense of relief for caregivers.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source: Working Caregiver

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

A Few Questions to Ask Your Senior’s Eye Care Provider

If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s eye-sight, you may want to set up an appointment with their usual eye care provider to test for glaucoma and cataracts. Help your senior by accompanying them and asking the doctor the following questions:

• If he/she uses Medicare, will it cover the cost of cataract surgery? Does Medicare cover the cost of new glasses after surgery?
• How long can he/she take to decide about cataract surgery?
• If he/she waits a year or more before having surgery, will this make it more likely that surgery won’t restore his/her vision?
• How will he/she know if the cataracts are getting worse?
• He/she has _____ other health conditions. How can he/she best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that he/she needs to follow?
• Should he/she see a specialist? What will that cost, and will his/her insurance cover it?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that he/she can take with him/her? What Web sites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether he/she should plan for a follow-up visit?

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Tips for Summer Safety

Caregivers and seniors need to make sure steps are taken to keep seniors safe during the summer months. There are many things that can affect health, and exposure to extreme heat is one of them. To make sure seniors remain safe, healthy and comfortable, the list below contains some useful tips and facts about summer safety.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.