By Anna Hazard
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Part 1 - Benefits & Drawbacks
Part 2 - Tips, Alternatives, & Helpful Programs Part 3 - Best Dogs for Seniors Part 4 - Best Cats for Seniors Part 5 - Best Birds for Seniors Part 6 - Best Rodents for Seniors Part 7 - Aquariums & Aquarium Plants Part 8 - Best Aquarium Fish for Seniors Tips for Choosing the Right Pet for a Senior
Some further things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right pet for a senior include...
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By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the Series
Part 1 - Benefits & Drawbacks
Part 2 - Tips, Alternatives, & Helpful Programs Part 3 - Best Dogs for Seniors Part 4 - Best Cats for Seniors Part 5 - Best Birds for Seniors Part 6 - Best Rodents for Seniors Part 7 - Aquariums & Aquarium Plants Part 8 - Best Aquarium Fish for Seniors Introduction
Pet therapy has often been suggested when it comes to helping the young and old alike recover from both mental & physical problems. Here we discuss both the benefits & drawbacks to owning pets for seniors as well as going over things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect elderly companion. The best overall breeds & types of individual pets for benefiting older adults are also examined in greater depth.
The Benefits of Pets
The many benefits of keeping pets have been well known for years. This includes studies that indicate that pet owners have significantly reduced levels in triglycerides, cholesterol, and the stress hormone cortisol. Heart & pulse rate as well as blood pressure (50% in the case of high blood pressure linked to mental stress) were also noted to decrease within pet owners. This in turn lead to noted drops in known risk factors for cardiovascular disease & stroke, an increased chance of survival amongst heart disease patients, and an overall mortality rate drop of 1/3rd amongst pet owners.
Pets help people cope with stress by providing emotional support & distraction. They aid in relaxation as their presence has been linked to the increased production of feel good hormones such as serotonin. Overall pet owners have reportedly less headaches, indigestion, insomnia, and other smaller complaints as well as higher pain tolerance levels.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder whereby a body's immune system targets its own body tissues, particularly joint linings. The skin, heart, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves may also be targeted. RA distinguishes itself from other types of arthritis by symmetrically affecting both joints on both sides of the body at the same time (ie both wrists, both knees, both elbows). Rheumatoid arthritis often first manifests in smaller joints such as fingers & toes and can eventually degenerate into bone & cartilage erosion and complete joint deformity.
Symptoms of RA vary in severity and can fall into remission or flare-up in increased bouts of disease activity. These symptoms can include swelling, warmth, & pain in the joints, fatigue, and stiffness after long periods of rest or inactivity. Risk factors for RA include gender (with females more likely to develop it), family history of RA, environmental influences such as smoking, asbestos, and silica, as well as age. While RA can occur at any age, most people affected are between the ages of 40 and 60. Currently nearly 1% of the American population (~1 million people) are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Below are a selection of smartphone apps for both iOS & Android that are specifically tailored to help with the rheumatoid variety of arthritis. Many take the form of management & disease tracking tools that are also helpful for producing disease data for the user's healthcare providers, give general information, support, nutritional advice, physiotherapy & exercise routines, or act as overviews & guides to RA. While generally there are more rheumatoid arthritis focused apps available on the Android platform, there are still a good selection of cross-platform entries that will also work on iOS. Apps
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of inexpensive and easy-to-do crafts suitable for St. Patrick's Day. The theme focuses mostly on "luck" and other motif's linked to Paddy's Day celebrations with a particular emphasis on upcycling and the use of materials & supplies that can be easily found around the house.
Crafts are suitable for seniors, children, and others with arthritis, hand tremor, or various issues with hand dexterity or strength. The most common skills required are cutting, gluing/taping, and painting which can be more easily accomplished using ergonomic handcrafting tools or those specifically designed for those with arthritis such as shown in our previous article Crafting Tools for Seniors.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Osteoarthritis is the most commonly found chronic condition afflicting the joints of the body where the cartilage between the joints breaks down. The chances of it developing increases with age with a greater proportion occurring in people over 60. However, it can also develop in those younger, particularly those who have other joint injuries or repetitive stress in the joint area. Symptoms include soreness in the joints (particularly pain after either extended bouts of movement or inactivity), stiffness that increases with rest (such as in the morning after a night's sleep), as well as bony enlargements or swelling in the joints.
Here are a selection of apps that focus specifically on the osteoarthritis version of arthritis including overall comprehensive guides, tips & advice regarding symptoms, treatments, and dietary prevention, as well as a selection of exercise & rehabilitation programs. Apps
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AboutNews updates, tips, and guides on senior care, senior health, stress relief and a host of other caregiving related topics from the professionals at Ella Stewart Care. |