Food-borne Illness & Older Adults; What You Need to Know from Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey

Facts to Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 76 million cases of “food poisoning” in the U.S. each year-including 5,000 fatal cases. Food-borne illness is caused when harmful microorganisms, mostly bacteria, but sometimes viruses, parasites, molds, or toxins, get into our bodies by means of the food or liquids we consume.

For most people, the symptoms of food poisoning, while definitely unpleasant, are short-term and not life-threatening. But as we grow older, we are more likely to experience hospitalization, permanent health problems, and even death. The greater risk is due to:

• decreased immune system efficiency, so we can’t fight off bacteria as effectively as when we were younger;

• reduced amount of stomach acid, which allows more bacteria to survive in the digestive tract;

• loss of vision and sense of taste, so we become less likely to notice if food is spoiled.

Some Foods Do Not Belong on the Senior Menu

The USDA recommends that seniors and persons with conditions that weaken the immune system avoid certain foods:

• Any dishes with raw or undercooked meat or seafood (sushi, steak tartare, raw oysters, hamburgers cooked rare).

• Unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk.

• Foods with raw or undercooked eggs (such as Caesar salad, unbaked cookie dough, homemade mayonnaise, eggnog).

• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, bean, etc.)

• Fresh-squeezed, unpasteurized fruit juices

Your healthcare provider can give you more information about the foods that are safe for you or your loved one.

More Steps to Avoid Food-borne Illness

Even “safe” foods require safe handling. When purchasing and preparing food, take these sensible precautions:

• At the grocery store, inspect meat packages for tears, eggs for cracked shells, all products for expired “sell-by” dates.

• Wash hands before preparing food.

• Use only acrylic or plastic cutting boards, and clean thoroughly with hot water and soap after use-or better yet, in the dishwasher. Avoid cross-contamination: never allow juices from uncooked meat to come into contact with uncooked foods.

• Cook meats to the recommended temperature (for example, beef to at least 160°, poultry to at least 180°, fish to at least 140°).

• Rinse fresh produce (but don’t use soap).

• Purchased pasteurized juices only (check for a warning label if you’re not sure).

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers as soon as possible. Consume leftover prepared foods within 3 to 5 days. And be sure your refrigerator temperature is set at 40° or lower.

• Never defrost food at room temperature. Instead, thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave using the “defrost” setting.

• If you bring home restaurant food in a “doggie bag,” only consume it if you can refrigerate it promptly (within two hours, less in warm weather).

Turn Fear into Action

Fresh meats and produce contain so many of the vitamins and other nutrients that are vital for healthy aging! So don’t avoid these foods. Instead, take basic precautions that make it unlikely that you will meet up with any harmful organisms in foods that can make for a miserable—even life-threatening—few days. Safe food handling practices are the key to ensuring that the food you eat is safe and healthy.

At Senior Helpers, our trained Caregivers can help with your aging loved one’s meal preparation to help keep them safe from foodbourne illness.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Promotes Importance of Active Lifestyle for American Heart Month

Statistics show significantly reduced risks for heart disease in seniors that get up and get moving

Somerset, New Jersey (February 1, 2011) – It’s a fact – heart disease is the single biggest health risk for seniors across the United States. It is the leading annual cause of death and hospitalizations among all older Americans, but one local company is showing central New Jersey seniors that simple nutrition tips and lifestyle tricks can significantly lower the risk of them becoming another statistic.

February is American Heart Month, and as groups around the nation are raising awareness about heart disease, local senior care experts from Senior Helpers are working with the local elderly each day to help fight the battle on the front lines.

“Many of the families and seniors we work with locally don’t understand that a proper diet and even the modest of exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks among seniors by more than 25 percent,” said Jack Hoffman with Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ), a local senior care company that provides in-home and companion care services for seniors throughout the area.

“Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting lazy, so we do everything we possibly can to help our clients continue to live a healthy, happy lifestyle,” Hoffman said.

Statistics About Seniors and Heart Disease*:

• — 5.3 million Americans are living with heart disease and over 600,000 more are diagnosed each year
• — 1 in 5 seniors (those over the age of 65) develop some sort of heart disease
• — The number of seniors hospitalized annually for heart failure has increased more than 130 percent since 1980
• — Simple regular light to moderate physical activity (walking, gardening, outdoor chores, etc.) can reduce the risk of heart disease among seniors by 25 to 36 percent.

*Source: American Heart Association

In addition to physical exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle can also significantly reduce the risk of suffering heart disease, heart attacks and irregular or rapid heartbeats – all red flags of potential heart failure among the elderly.

“The heart is a muscle, and like every other muscle group in the body, you need to exercise it and give it the nutrients it needs to work properly,” Hoffman said. “Especially as you get older.”

Nutrition Tips for a Heart-Healthy Senior Diet:

• — Quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption
• — Avoid foods with trans-fats (margarine, bakery goods, fast foods) to reduce cholesterol levels
• — Eat plenty of fish, green vegetables and nuts with omega-3 fatty acids to improve overall heart health
• — Drink black or green tea after meals – antioxidants in these beverages decreases blood vessel constriction and improve overall circulation

“Each senior we work with needs different help and assistance to remain independent,” Hoffman said. “Our caregivers are all trained and certified, and they know how to safely promote an individual heart-healthy lifestyle among aging loved ones. Whether it’s help in the kitchen preparing meals, assistance moving around the house during the day, or simply a friend to motivate an aging family member to get out for an afternoon walk, we can help.”

Media Contact:  Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Helps Slow Down the Aging Process

Getting older. It happens to all of us, yet most Americans are afraid of growing old. Television and magazines tend to focus on beautiful young people—giving us the message that aging is a bad thing.

When you see aging loved ones suffering, you may come to think of the elderly as lonely, sick people who can’t take care of themselves and are just waiting to die.

But this image is false! The truth is that most elderly people learn to live with the changes that age brings. And, they enjoy happy and productive lives.

Consider these facts:

• Of all the people over age 65, only 5% of them live in nursing homes.
• Over 40% of elderly people are married.
• Only 19% of people over age 65 have trouble walking. And, about half the people who reach age 85 are able to get around by themselves.
• While people do tend to forget a bit as they get older, only 4% of Americans have dementia at age 65.

Let’s face it…life expectancy in the United States increased during the twentieth century. People can expect to live longer and longer. For example, in the next twenty years, the number of people over age 85 will double!

While there is no “fountain of youth”, there are ways to slow down the aging process. You can help your aging loved ones feel their best by following these tips:

• Remember that the elderly are at risk for injury from accidents. For example, many older people fall from tripping over something on the floor. Check your aging loved one’s environment regularly for possible safety hazards—and fix any problems.
• Encourage your loved ones to stretch their muscles regularly. Even ten minutes of stretching every other day helps prevent age-related stiffness.
• Assist your loved ones with their mouth care—especially flossing. Proper mouth care keeps the gums healthy. (Keep in mind that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia!)
• Find something to laugh about with your loved ones. It’s important to hold onto a sense of humor as we age, and laughing helps people feel young and alive.
• Help your loved ones look their best…with tidy clothes, combed hair and clean nails. Your female loved ones might enjoy a touch of make up or fingernail polish. Make sure your male loved ones get a regular shave.
• Encourage your overweight loved ones to lose weight. Keep in mind that 33% of Americans are obese…and obesity causes people to age rapidly.
• Suggest that your loved ones make regular visits to their physician, eye doctor and dentist. There are a number of screening tests that can be done to catch common illnesses early…including cancer, diabetes, glaucoma and thyroid disease.
• Encourage them to get some fresh air and sunshine every day, if the weather cooperates and your loved ones are physically able. Thirty minutes of sunshine a day gives the body a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
• Remind your loved ones to wash their hands regularly—just as you do—to avoid spreading germs to themselves and others.
• Encourage your loved ones to stay in touch with the world around them by reading the newspaper, watching the news on TV or “surfing” the internet. (Yes, elderly people enjoy computers, too!)
• Above all, help your loved ones get some kind of exercise every day—whatever they can tolerate and their doctor will allow. Even a short walk, done daily, will help keep the body young and active. (What’s that saying? Move it or lose it! So, get your loved ones moving and they’ll feel and look younger.)

If you live far away from your aging loved one, or are already juggling the many day to day activities that life throws at us, a Senior Helpers caregiver can help your loved one with all of the above. Call Senior Helpers today to help slow down your loved one’s aging process!

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Has Suggestions for Senior Activities

Scrapbooking is a great hobby for anyone, especially seniors. It can be both fun and therapeutic, especially if you enjoy writing to document memories and stories that may or may not include accompanying photos. They don’t have to be chronological; some stores actually sell journals with questions already provided to help stimulate recollection.

For those not so keen on writing, you can simply scrapbook photo collections with appropriate commentary, including names of those pictured and the event that was captured.

Many stores, not just specialty ones, carry lots of basic as well as fun and theme-based scrapbooking supplies since it has become such a popular hobby. Those who enjoy talking can skip paper scrapbooking and dictate memories and thoughts into a tape recorder or on videotape. Another idea is to create a family tree information you already have, or if you have a computer, through online genealogy websites. Best of all, whatever the end product it is, can be handed to loved ones as a treasured keepsake.

Our Senior Helpers caregivers can help your aging loved one with these activities and much more. Our caregivers come from various backgrounds and many have cared for their own parents and want to help others. Some work in the healthcare field and enjoy working one-on-one with our clients. All of our caregivers truly treasure the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others. Most importantly, we have the systems in place and take the time to try and match the appropriate caregiver with the appropriate client to help ensure a successful relationship.

Here is just a sneak peak of some of the many services our caregivers can provide:

• Caring Companionship & Conversation
• Light Housekeeping
• Errands & Transportation
• Laundry
• Change Linens & Bed Making
• Play Games/Cards
• Supervise Home Maintenance
• Rent & Play Movies
• Organize Closets & Pantries
• Attend Events

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Says First Wave of Senior ‘Boomers’ To Have Huge Impact Socially, Economically

As the first ‘Baby Boomers’ officially hit senior status, businesses and families feel the effect

Between 1946 and 1964, more than 76 million children were born in the United States who would become the most influential generation of our time: the Baby Boomers. The Boomers have blazed a social trail and left a lasting mark on the American economy and now, this January, the first of the Baby Boomers are turning 65 – officially hitting senior status.

As this happens, the United States is bracing for an extraordinary population shift. Experts predict this mass aging trend to significantly affect economic and social dynamics for decades to come, providing both major challenges for families and big opportunities for businesses in the senior care industry.

Starting This Month:

• About 10,000 Boomers will turn 65 every day
• The U.S population will add one new senior every 13 seconds
• This phenomenon will continue, every second and every day, for the next 18 years

“The demand for trained caregivers to shoulder some of the burden of caring for aging loved ones is already the highest it has ever been,” said Peter Ross, founder and CEO of Senior Helpers, a leading national in-home senior care provider. “Lots of families simply don’t have the time, ability or training to provide the kind of care elderly individuals often require on their own. We’re adding caregivers across the country every day and over the next several years as the Boomers continue to age, we’re going to see unprecedented growth across the industry to help families handle this overwhelming responsibility.”

What Lies Ahead for the U.S.*:

• There are currently about 37 million seniors in the U.S.
• Seniors account for 12 percent of the population
• As Boomers age over the next 2 decades, there will be more than 70 million seniors in the U.S.
• Seniors will account for more than 20 percent of the population by 2030
• At that point, 1 in 5 Americans will be a senior

*Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Growing Older, Living Longer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the continuing rise in life expectancy seen throughout the twentieth century is due to a number of great medical and public health achievements: more prevalent vaccinations against diseases, improved work place safety, improvements in highway safety and the declining mortality rate from traditionally life-threatening diseases.

“People today are simply living longer than previous generations, and the longer seniors live, the more likely it is that they will need some help to stay independent,” Ross said. “When this happens, it’s often difficult for families to deal with on their own, which is why senior care businesses will continue to grow as a vital resource for families who just can’t do it all themselves.”

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Cold Snap Brings Serious Health Concerns for Local Elderly Warns Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey

Leading local in-home senior care provider warns of winter dangers for seniors

Somerset, New Jersey (January 3, 2011) – There is no better way to say it – it’s brutally cold across the central New Jersey area. While severe winter weather and plummeting temperatures mean little more than extra time scraping windshields and one more layer of clothes for most people, they are serious concerns for local seniors.

Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ), a leading local in-home senior care provider, is urging families across the area to take extra precautions to ensure that senior loved ones and elderly family members are safe and secure during this extended stretch of cold weather.

Some basic physiological differences make seniors much more prone to health problems related to the cold. Older adults have slower metabolisms, so their bodies don’t generate heat as quickly as younger people do to withstand colder environments. Many seniors also suffer from poor circulation, meaning their bodies struggle to pump blood to their arms, legs, hands and feet. This makes them more easily susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite and other common cold weather conditions.

“As we work with local seniors living on their own each day, we see the additional stress cold weather can bring,” said Jack Hoffman with Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ). “It is absolutely vital that families take precautions to keep seniors safe through the winter months because many times, seniors simply don’t or can’t take the necessary steps on their own.”

The following is a list of ideas and precautions from Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ) that every family with a senior loved one should consult as the worst of the winter weather sets in across the area.

Senior Helpers’ Winter Weather Prep List for AREA Families:

• Keep thermostat in senior’s home between 68 and 70 degrees – this may mean a small additional expense, but it’s a necessary one.

• Use electric space heaters – these are an economical way to heat a small space, such as a bedroom or den. Use heaters with modern safety features, like an automatic shut-off. Be sure to keep the heater at a safe distance from furniture, curtains, bedding, etc.

• Choose clothes wisely – dress for warmth during the day by layering loose-fitting, lightweight garments. Tight clothes and long underwear can actually restrict blood flow if they do not fit correctly.

• Extra blankets on the bed – a helpful tip that works to trap warmth between layers.

• Mittens instead of gloves – mittens keep hands and fingers warmer than gloves because the fingers can touch each other, generating warmth.

• Eat plenty; eat right – Body heat is generated by burning calories. Without a proper steady diet, a senior’s body can quickly run out of fuel.

• Check rubber tips on canes or walkers – If they are old and worn, these tips can become slippery on snow, ice or wet surfaces and cause slipping or falls.

“Taking a few extra minutes to check in on elderly neighbors and family members can make a huge difference,” Hoffman said. “As the mercury continues to fall, make sure senior loved ones on their own have all the help they need to stay safe, happy and healthy this winter.”

Media Contact:  Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com

 

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409

 

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About Senior Helpers:

 

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Provides 7 Driving Tips for Seniors

1. Take a driving refresher course designed for older drivers. A refresher course for drivers or a driving course targeted to older drivers is just the ticket to stay on top of new laws, new equip­ment, and new ways of thinking.
2. Avoid driving in bad weather and when visibility is limited. Try to reschedule appointments or errands to times when weather conditions improve, or consider public transportation. Drive only during daylight hours if possible. However, bright sunshine can be equally dangerous. Wear sun­glasses to help reduce glare.
3. Plan your route ahead of time. Travel on roads you know. Make a trial run on those you don’t. Choose well-lit streets and those with clearly marked. Look for easy access to parking spaces and parking garages.
4. Limit left hand turns. Senior drivers are more likely to be involved in left-turn crashes as they age. To help reduce this risk, make left turns only at controlled intersections with left turn arrows or re-route popular trips using only right turns.
5. Explore alternatives to driving before the need arises. Identify transportation options in your area to be prepared to help you stay mobile and independent without missing a beat.
6. Avoid busy highways. If inter­state highway travel is cause for alarm, take the road less traveled and those with which you are most familiar. Try to plan ap­pointments and errands at times when there is lighter traffic.
7. Choose a “senior friendly” vehicle. Consider options that may help compensate for a loss of strength or vision such as power steering, power and anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and more. Adaptive equipment may be necessary, such as hand controls. Also, choose a light, single-tone paint color.

If driving is no longer an option, consider hiring a company that can help get you to and from your errands and appointments. At Senior Helpers, our caregivers can assist you in your daily needs.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Shares Ideas for Staying in Touch Through Technology

Staying in touch through technology may be easier than you think

The Internet enables users to engage in online shopping and communication with other family members and social groups and reduces isolation and loneli­ness. Web cams and video technology offer instant virtual communication environments within different areas of a house or in different cities.

Several free or low-cost technological tools, beyond cell phones and medical alert devices, can be especially helpful for seniors trying to stay in touch with family, friends, and caretakers. Loved ones can find some comfort in knowing that their elderly family members have tech­nology available to them. After checking out a few of these technological tools, you will soon become a “Silver Surfer!”

• Skype™ (www.skype.com) is a software platform that enables free video and voice calls with other Skype users.
• Presto™ (www.presto.com) is an affordable “printing mailbox” ser­vice that allows someone who does not have a computer to get set up with a Presto email address to receive emails and photos that get transformed into printable electronic letters.
• www.genkvetch.com is described as “social networking for those who recall rotary phones and 45-rpm records.”
• For baby boomer women’s health news and information visit www.thirdage.com (also described as being “For the Woman Who Wasn’t Born Yesterday, and Makes the Most of Today!”).
• To “build your personal profile, share photos, publish a blog, join groups, subscribe to e-newsletters, connect with others, and more-all for free” go to www.aarp.org/onlinecommunity.
• “For seasoned travelers of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s”go to www.my­boomerplace.com.
• Facebook (www.facebook.com) is a popular social media site that enables you to stay in touch with friends, check out family members’ pictures, and play word games.
• FamiliLink (www.Famililink.com) is a website that enables seniors to stay in touch with their online family and friends.

While you’re out surfing the web today, visit us at http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

 

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Gives Advice for Making the Leap to Retirement

Financial planning for retirement is regularly featured in newspaper and television ads and although critical, it is not the only thing for which couples should consider and plan for when thinking ahead to retire­ment. Once happy couples, while one or both was working outside the home, may become so unhappy when they retire that they actually divorce. Changes in their lifestyle can impose so much strain that couples find it easier to split up.

One very common situation that arises among retiring couples is differ­ent expectations about how to spend retirement; one may want to travel while the other is content at home reading and gardening. A 2004 study by the Center for Retirement Re­search at Boston College found that less than one in five couples retired in the same year. This leads to another common source of discord-when a partner who continues to work ex­pects the now-retired partner to pick up additional chores at home,-but it does not happen.

Partners, who previously did not get involved in the other’s daily routine, may make suggestions about how things should go, now that one of them has time on their hands. This can lead to frustration and often anger from the one who has been doing it all along for years without interference.

The reason for retirement, voluntary or involuntary, affects an individual, and may affect the partner as well, depending upon their level of em­pathy and understanding. The psy­chological and emotional effects of retirement, even when planned, can be surprising. After years of work­ing, one may find they feel useless, unproductive, and simply lost-especially if no hobbies or relation­ships outside of the workplace have been developed. Income may be negatively affected, which leads to its own set of concerns.

Finally, issues related to aging and failing health contribute to stress and strain, which can be exacer­bated if the healthier, more vibrant partner feels stuck taking care of the other person. Here are some tips to help avoid these types of problems and ensure the happy retirement couples envision.

Plan together

Communicate: Effective communi­cation is critical in all relationships and it is no different for couples who have been together for years. Retirement is a major milestone that requires planning, and plan­ning for two requires two-way com­munication. Couples should talk about their respective hopes and dreams and realize that each may have to give a bit to reach a happy medium. Consider who should retire first, if there is a choice. Look at the effects on income and ben­efits, particularly medical coverage. Consider the best time to collect Social Security benefits (e.g. do you need to begin claiming at age 62 or can you wait until you receive maxi­mum benefits at a later age).

Prepare for the Transition: Start talking well in advance to prepare for impending retirement. Consider how you might divide household responsibilities post-retirement, regardless of whether one or both are retiring at the same time, and reach an agreement. Try living on a reduced budget to see how that feels and what changes need to be made to your lifestyle. Check out the availability of part-time work in your current job to ease into retirement. Look for part-time jobs available in your geographic area. Volunteer opportunities can help fill time and afford the opportunity to engage in activities that help maintain your sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Plan for “Me” Time: Set boundar­ies to allow for private individual time. Many couples find that there is such a thing as too much togeth­erness. Making time for meeting with your own friends can help in the long run by ensuring that your entire social life isn’t dependent only on your partner. When your partner passes on, you will be comforted by the support system you have established and maintained over the years.

Try New Things: Retirement offers a great opportunity to identify and explore both individual and couples activities. If you enjoy dancing, now might be the time to take dance lessons. If your budget is limited, look at free activities organized by your local community center, such as nature walks. Many seniors meet at their nearest mall for “mall walk­ing.” There are free e-classes that can be taken online.

Preparing in advance and being open about expectations can ensure your retirement years are happy and fulfilling!

Additional Resources

www.couplesretirementpuzzleblog.com – Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., Ph.D. and Roberta K. Taylor, RNCS, M.Ed., experts in adult development and life planning, have written The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Transitioning to the Second Half of Life, due in spring 2011. They also write about retirement issues on their blog at this site, which has helpful information, including a short quiz to help you determine if you and your partner are viewing retirement in the same way.

www.mynextphase.com – This membership site measures the seven personality traits which influence how you handle decisions and transitions. The process will actually adjust to your personality, so you can better plan a retirement that meets your individual needs.

www.retirementlifematters.com/relationships/couples-transition-into-retirement – Retirement Life Matters provides information and support compiled by a group of experts to help you successfully make the transition from paid work to what’s next.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

 

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

‘Santa’s Senior Helpers’ of Central New Jersey Lend a Helping Hand for the Holidays

Elders’ elves help seniors with everything from ‘Gift Wrap to Google’

Somerset, New Jersey (December 2010) – You may have seen them around but just didn’t take notice.  Elders’ elves drive the cars, open the doors, and wait in the lines for their aging friends who can’t do it on their own anymore. They hunt for deals, decorate, wrap the presents, and help seniors shop online.  They are Santa’s Senior Helpers, and they aren’t from the North Pole.

Caregivers from Senior Helpers, a leading national in-home senior care provider, are doing the little things and helping thousands of seniors from coast-to-coast prepare for the holidays. Whether they need errands to be run, cleaning to be done, or even online shopping assistance, Santa’s Senior Helpers are lending a helping hand to embrace the season.

“The holidays can be tough on seniors, especially those who aren’t able get out and to do things like they used to,” said Jack Hoffman with Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ). “We care for seniors in their own homes year round, but the holidays and this time of year tend to bring additional challenges that require an extra set of hands and feet.”

“From gift wrap to Google, our caregivers are taking care of everything seniors we care for need to celebrate the holidays,” Hoffman added.

Two new trends many seniors are embracing this holiday season are more online shopping and increased experimentation with Internet-based technologies. Santa’ s Senior Helpers show them how to find the best deals online and help seniors learn to use newer communication tools, like Skype and social media platforms, to connect with family and friends that may be far away.

Fast Facts about Seniors Online*

• The number of seniors using the Internet has almost doubled since 2005

• 57 percent of seniors plan to shop online for holiday gifts in 2010

• 52 percent plan to do at least one-fourth of their shopping online this year

• 26 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are using social networks and online communications tools

*Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project / Extend Health, Inc.

“We work with seniors living on their own each day and we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be when they realize they can’t do it all by themselves anymore,” Hoffman said. “The holidays can be a hectic and physically demanding time for a lot of people. We’re helping seniors by shouldering some of the burden so they can focus on enjoying the season, which is really what this time of year is all about.”

Media Contact:  Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com

 

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409

 

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About Senior Helpers:

 

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

 

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.