Helping older people have fun

People want to play and laugh no matter what their age. Studies showing video clips of older animals in the act of playing support this idea that age is no reason to stop having fun. Watching elderly people smiling while enjoying the company of family, playing golf, tennis, cards, or bowling is enough to demonstrate the idea that play is important even in later stages of life.

Loss of speech, sight, hearing, the ability to read and write makes communication for older folks difficult, especially if they have suffered with a stroke. Loss of friends make life lonely and take away the opportunities for play.

New relationships can be built through family, friends, neighbors, and institutions such as churches, synagogues, and agencies on aging/health conditions.

Looking back can be more fun for an older person than looking forward where the future seems uncertain. If you are not sure what to talk about with elderly people ask them about what kids did for fun when they were young. How did one get to school? What was school like? Conversations with older people can be fascinating if one has the patience to speak loud enough for them to hear, wait for them to answer, listen, and help clarify meaning through questions and discussion. Sometimes repeating back to them what you think they meant helps them to tell the story and you to understand the meaning.

Need a gift for an elderly person? Give the gift of warmth – a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, and Hand Warmers can help with arthritic conditions and warmth in cooler weather. A Cozy Sheep or Dachshund dog (Hot Dog) warms a bed and helps one relax!

Joy & Comfort at the End of Life

The end of life is as important as the beginning. As I watch my father struggle with the daily tasks of living at age 88, I realize what a precious time of life this is. He needs protection, attention, help dressing, and getting into bed. My mother, at age 86, struggles to care for him. Sometimes he won’t eat his supper. He loves to go to MacDonald’s, and go out for ice-cream. He takes time. I know that this time with my father is one of joy and sadness, and I try to focus on the joyful part as much as possible.

Seeing a parent regress is not what children of aging parents expect. The transition from being nurtured to becoming the nurturer sneaks up slowly. Then POW! One day you realize the roles have been reversed.

I recall the huge amount of time and care my children, as infants, demanded, and sometimes I felt like a part of me was lost to them. It is the same with my father. Now I realize the time I spend with him is not lost, but defines me, and is one of life's greatest gifts.

One of the greatest feelings is to be able to help someone, and I am glad to have had this time with my parents. As I struggle to maintain a balance in life with my business (Maine Warmers), my husband, children, grandchildren, and parents I sometimes feel run ragged. I am grateful to have a Cozy Sheep to help my back muscles relax at the end of each day. My father used the Hand Warmers after he had a stroke and his hands were so cold. My mother gets a pinched nerve in her neck now and then and is thankful to have a Neck Warmer to relax the tense muscles and ease the pain. If you are looking for a gift for and elderly person, consider the gift of a microwave heating pad.

Planning for Fun!

As we age planning becomes more important than ever. Planning can be the key to success in almost all of life's endeavors. Sometimes, of course, the plans that we make fall apart, but when they work we know it is because we put thought and energy behind it, and that gives us a sense of accomplishment.

Plan to have fun and you will.
Plan to laugh, to get out and be with other people.
Plan to exercise and keep your circulation, bones, and muscles in good condition.
Plan to eat well – good healthy food tastes great – a little dessert too.
Plan to maintain a healthy spiritual state and community.

Go to AARP for reputable resources for people over age 50.

As the daughter of aging parents I find that laughter and fun are what make life worthwhile for people at any age. The best help can be making the journey fun.

 Maine Warmers microwave heating pads offer warmth for cold hands and feet when elderly people are not as physically active as they would like to be. A Cozy Black Bear Warmer and a Polar Bear bed warmer both offer comforting companionship to an older person.