By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a sampling of senior friendly festivals, exhibits, and other events that will be taking place around the Maryland region during the summer season. Most events focus on activities that revolve around the summer theme such as in-season produce & other foods, nature & animal fairs, and outdoor sports such as boating or balloon riding.
While many events take place outdoors in order to take advantage of the balmy sunny weather, keep in mind that seniors may need more help when it comes to seeking shade to avoid heat or sun overexposure, staying hydrated during outings, and keeping an eye out for handy places to sit when needed. Maryland Events
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By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a sampling of Father's Day themed crafts that can either be a fun activity to help put a senior father in a celebratory mood or act as a good gift from friends & family that can also double as holiday decorations. Tutorials use inexpensive & easy-to-find materials, many which can be cobbled together using supplies from around the house, and are suitable for those who may have hand dexterity or strength issues.
Craft Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of patriotic crafts fit for Memorial Day celebrations. They are easy-to-do, use inexpensive & easily gathered materials, and are generally suitable for seniors, kids, or the whole family. As well as being a fun activity for the upcoming holiday, these crafts can also pull double duty as indoor or outdoor decorations with craft items such as koozies & sensory toys being able to continue to be used throughout the rest of the year.
Craft Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Spring has finally sprung and so it's time to shake off the dust (any last clinging snow flakes), put away those winter coats, and start enjoying those outside activities with senior loved ones during the mild weather between winter's chill and summer's heat.
Here are a selection of spring themed activities, festivals, and other outside gatherings that will helpfully bring a bit of sunshine into your life & spring into your step. This guide concentrates on those spring festivities that are mostly free or with inexpensive entrance fees around the Maryland area with a particular focus on the Baltimore region. Spring 2018 Activities
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
With spring in the air (and touching wood for no more belated snow storms), it's time for senior loved ones to start getting a bit more exercise outside or bring a bit of the outside into the home with a few clever seasonal crafts. Here are a selection of tutorials for thematically relevant crafts that use inexpensive & easy-to-find materials and should be simple enough to perform for those with potential hand dexterity or strength issues.
For those seniors or others with a bit more prevalent hand issues, here is a handy guide to crafting tools that can help make the basics such as cutting, gluing, and painting far easier. Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Easy to make do-it-yourself crafts are a common hobby for many seniors, providing entertainment as well as a good source of decorations & potential gifts at the same time. However, many crafts require at least a basic level of hand strength & dexterity to be able to accomplish the common tasks of gluing/pasting, cutting, painting, or otherwise holding a writing instrument.
For those seniors that may have arthritis, essential tremor, or other hand issues there are available a variety of more suitable art supplies. These tools tend to be advertised as ergonomic, are child appropriate, or have simple designs that are easy to use for all ages. In addition there are some art tools or add-ons (such as grips) that have been specifically designed for the use of people with hand difficulties. Below you can find a selection of widely available crafting materials & tools of various brands & manufacturers that are suitable for use by seniors & others who require more ergonomic designs. While many items are available at local grocery, household, or hobby stores, some may require purchasing from specific art & paint shops or through ableware & health businesses. Tools
By Anna Hazard
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Here are a selection of up to 14 crafts specially tailored to help spread the love as well as brighten & decorate February 14th. Tutorials have been selected based on how easily they can be completed by those with hand dexterity or strength issues such as those associated with arthritis or essential tremor. Most crafting steps can also be completed by children (with some adult assistance in certain cases) and thus can be an activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Crafts
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Winter holidays such as Christmas tend to be a bountiful time of year when it comes to making crafts with plenty of easy & inexpensive tutorials for seasonal items abounding. These crafts can pull triple duty not only as an entertaining activity for the whole family, but also acting as gifts or holiday decor as well.
Most of the supplies required in the below tutorials are comprised of items found around the house (toilet paper rolls, cardboard, jars, light bulbs, socks) or easily appropriated from a nearby craft or grocery store (ie cinnamon sticks, paint, sea shells, colorful ribbons). Crafts can require differing levels of finger dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination, but most are generally appropriate even for those with a bit of hand strength issues. Crafts
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
In contrast to cross platform brain training apps, these Android exclusive games tend to be overall less expensive to upgrade yet contain more ads in their base forms. Games tend more towards the casual & entertaining with most lacking the scientific & neurological research behind the more expensive cross platform variations available.
The focus on these brain apps still remains on improving memory, problem solving skills, processing speed, increasing overall I.Q., and enhancing other cognitive skills by having players run through puzzles & other games for a few minutes each day. Android Apps
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
These smartphone apps are based on the premise that being submersed in an enriched environment with lots of mental stimulation will produce positive brain changes, promote mental health, and improve cognitive & psychological functioning based on neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to remodel nerve cell connections through experience)
In particular these types of games focus on improving memory, problem solving skills, processing speed, increasing overall I.Q., or enhancing other cognitive skills particularly in older adults where some studies have indicated that they can be helpful in preventing age-related memory decline and reducing the risk of dementia by lessening the probability of developing brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The smartphone games listed below are amongst the most well received and highly rated across both the Apple iOS & Android platforms. They are mostly available in the form of free trials with further premium content (such as upgrades, access to further games & levels, or monthly subscriptions) available through in app purchases. Cross Platform Apps
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