By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of non-alcoholic beverages that are suitable for St. Patricks Day due to their being "green" (in both coloring and in the use of their fresh ingredients). The recipes span a wide range of styles from thick smoothies to sweet shakes, light bodied juices, and various forms of mocktails and other virgin drinks that can be found as both savory or as desserts.
The focus is on drinks with all natural and healthy ingredients that are in-season or easily available from local grocery stores. Beverages have also been chosen for their smooth textures suitable for those with swallowing or chewing difficulties. All recipes also eschew refined sugars (some using natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead) with most of them being dairy-free as well. Most will require the use of a blender in order to achieve the proper consistency for their ingredients. Other helpful kitchen tools also include juicers, muddlers, and various forms of strainers. Recipes
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By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of non-alcoholic drinks suitable for New Years celebrations. The focus is on healthy ingredients using in-season produce (such as cranberries, apples, and citrus) that avoid the use of refined sugars with limited dairy or eggs. Many drinks use winter holiday inspired flavors such as gingerbread, peppermint, or eggnog with the beverages either being meant to be served hot or include spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric known for their warming properties.
These drinks are smooth bodied and thus should be suitable for those with chewing or swallowing difficulties, but recipes can be further blended or strained with thickeners applied for those with more severe dysphagia.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of winter holiday season crafts that are suitable for seniors, kids, and those with arthritis or other hand strength & dexterity issues. The tutorials use inexpensive materials that are easy-to-find around the house or purchased from a local store with a suitable selection of art or hobby supplies.
The main skills required across the crafts include gluing, painting, cutting paper & fabric, and manipulating ribbons, string, swatches of fabric and other similar sized materials. The use of crafting tools explicitly made for those with hand issues (as discussed in our previous article) can further help those who may have more severe hand or finger dexterity issues. Craft Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of healthy & nutritious recipes that are festively themed for the upcoming winter holidays. They are generally meant to be served heated, use fresh in-season ingredients, and have softer components that make them easier to eat for those who may have more trouble chewing or swallowing
Recipes
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of Thanksgiving themed crafts that are suitable for seniors, whole families, or those with arthritis or other hand strength & dexterity issues. These crafts can pull double duty as seasonal decor around the house or for the Thanksgiving table.
Most crafts can be completed using easy-to-find materials from around the house, fresh seasonal items such as autumn gourds and fallen leaves, or standard craft supplies from local stores. Arthritis friendly crafting tools can be used by those seniors who may have more extreme hand issues. Craft Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of apps to help cut down the stress, boost up efficiency, and overall help with Thanksgiving Day planning and preparations for harried caregivers, those with less free time on their hands, or anyone who wants to be a bit more organized this holiday season.
The focus is on free or inexpensive ($0.99 - $4.99) cross platform apps that can be used on both iOS & Android, especially the types that offer multiple platform syncing for easier collaboration. Chosen apps will help in ingredient selection & gathering, recipe organization, meal preparation, organizing holiday activities, or simply being an easy way to relieve stress in a seasonal themed way. Smartphone Apps
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of five frighteningly fun Halloween themed crafts that are suitable for seniors and those with arthritis or other hand dexterity & strength issues. Some of the cuter crafts are also suitable for child crafters or for a whole family crafting event with none of the tutorials indulging in any of the more gruesome aspects of the holiday.
Besides the ample use of seasonal pumpkins, most of the tutorials use normal household supplies (such as jars, socks, paper, flowers) or basic crafting materials (such as felt, yarn, paint, various varieties of glue) as their bases. Special arthritis friendly crafting tools can be used for those senior loved ones who may have more trouble using normal scissors, brushes, and pens due to more extreme hand issues. Terrifying Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
The upcoming Labor Day holiday is a good time for people to celebrate the oncoming end of summer with family & friends even for those who may already be retired from the labor force.
Here we have a focus on crafts suitable for those with hand dexterity or strength issues that can act as a family friendly fun pass-time and which can later double as indoor or outdoor decor for Labor Day parties. Main skills necessary in the following tutorials include painting, gluing, and cutting cloth, paper, and foam. Assistance or preparation in advance may be required for those with more extreme hand issues who may have trouble cutting thicker materials. See our Crafting Tools for Seniors article for suitable craft supplies for those with arthritis or hand & finger flexibility issues. Craft Tutorials
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
The 4th of July is a grand occasion for friends & family to gather and often bask in the sun & warm temperatures before the full heat of summer hits. Chilled drinks & foods (especially desserts) are a must when it comes to keeping cool during this summer time celebration.
Here are a selection of various recipes for 4th of July inspired beverages and desserts that are healthy and take full advantage of the plentiful & fresh summer time produce. These drinks & foods are soft bodied and particularly beneficial to those who may have trouble chewing or swallowing harder foods. Despite its holiday popularity, leave out the booze in recipes meant for seniors who may have potential medication conflicts with alcohol. Healthy Drink Recipes
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of five different categories of gifts, both practical and fun, for senior fathers during this upcoming Father's Day holiday. The focus is on helpful tools, gadgets, and other presents that can provide aid when it comes to mobility, schedule planning, medicine management, reading, stress relief, keeping in touch with family & friends, or other related hobbies & daily activities
Memorable Memory Aid Gifts
While these types of gifts are particularly helpful for those senior fathers in the early stages of Alzheimer's & dementia, they are practical gadgets that would come in handy for anyone trying to be more organized or who may need a gentle reminder every now & then.
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