Managing time as we age

Life has a way of pulling us up short when we try to do too much. My yoga teacher emphasized this frequently, and though I listened, I ignored the advice of slowing down. If there wasn’t a minute filled with something to do, I managed to wedge something in to reduce the gap. I defied the physical limitations brought on by age-related anatomical changes, until my body said, “ENOUGH!”

So, after an injury that I can attribute to doing too much too fast, it’s been a quieter summer here in Maine. Backing off from a jam-packed schedule allows time to prioritize and plan out a more satisfying lifestyle. Thankfully my life is no longer on a full-steam-ahead schedule. Driving is less hectic and more enjoyable; and walking allows time to think and see the flowers growing in the surrounding yards. A slower pace allows time to appreciate all that I have and think more directly how I can be of help to others, which in the end is the most satisfying of activities.

At Maine Warmers, we are committed to helping people with products and services that reach a high level of excellence. Only thoughtful, well-paced planning and communications will help us reach that goal. The products below are only a few of those we offer to help people relax and enjoy a well-paced lifestyle.

Helping an elderly relative

Helping an elderly relative may mean letting them do more for themselves. Yes, you might be able to help do a chore faster, and your intentions are purely to lend a hand, but if it is something the person can safely do for him or herself it might be better to back off. The more one can do for oneself, the more independent one feels. Confidence in elderly people diminishes as activities become more limited.

Being physically active (as is reasonable) can help circulation, flexibility, and balance. Exercise classes for the elderly help to keep muscle mass and provide some social interaction, which can be a challenge as age increases and mobility decreases.

The biggest help is to provide positive human interaction, to make sure the elderly person has fun and laughs as much as possible in the right situations. Encouraging conversation and storytelling, by asking questions about experiences with travel, school, and noteworthy events can help. Keep it light and fun – steering the conversation away from sadness if it creeps in.

Sometimes elderly people feel cold even when the inside temperature is 75 to 80 degrees because blood circulation may not be as vigorous as it once was. A microwave heating pad can provide comforting warmth and help stimulate circulation and flexibility. A gift of a Cozy Sheep, sometime referred to as a Cuddle Ewe, brings comforting warmth and companionship – perfect for an elderly person. It’s reusable, washable, durable, and safe. You can check out a variety of comforting creatures, including a Cozy Cat or Dachshund Neck Warmer for just the right one to bring a smile.

Walks & Warmth for Stroke Victims

I love taking my father for a walk. He’s in a wheel chair due to the effects of strokes, heart issues, and pneumonia that has stolen his strength. It’s a little like strolling a child. He’s happy to see everyone we meet and waves to them on the walking path around Back Bay.

It’s a spectacular walk. There is a strata of  wavy grasses, rippled water, skyline of Portland, and puffy clouds aloft with shades of greens and blues painted with splashes of yellow Goldenrod, dots of Queen Anne’s Lace and pink wild roses. Sea gulls and Cormorants ride by on the wind and slip into the high tide to find lunch.

It is healthy for my father to leave the nursing home for awhile, enjoy the sunshine, and breathe in the salt air – a great appetite enhancer. It is a good work out for me, pushing a wheel chair two to three miles, not to mention the mental health benefits of getting away from the office and home chores.

In Maine, the summers are short, and I am sad to think it will be too cold for him to go on walks soon. Stroke victims tend to have very cold hands. The lack of physical activity contributes to poor circulation and feeling chilled.

I am hopeful and committed to finding a way for him to keep warm so we can walk and spend that special time together into October. I think wrapping him in a good warm blanket, a Neck Warmer under his coat, a Back Warmer on his lap under the blanket, and Hand Warmers on his hands may make the walks comfortably warm so that he will want to continue to walk.

Post script: My father didn't make it until October, but in his last moments awake, he had a smile on his face and his family surrounding his bed. He didn't suffer any pain. I will always remember his positive attitude and his life-long desire to have fun.

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.