#CraftLifeStyleManagement

Why It’s Important to Have Fun While Aging

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ 5 Comments
Aging is a universal process. It’s highly personal. But growing older doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun and “act your age.”

You may slow down and rightfully rest more. But don’t put the brakes on living life to the fullest, being joyful and playing.

There are endless benefits to trying new adventures and having fun while aging.

  • Improves mental and emotional health
  • Reduces anxiety and depression
  • Improves muscle strength and stamina
  • Establishes and maintains relationships
  • Improves how the brain works
  • Enhances physical vitality
  • Extends life

Keep a positive attitude. Laugh a lot, even aloud.

When you feel blue or depressed, remember it is always much better to live in the moment than to obsess about the past or worry about the future. NOTE: It is okay to feel blue or depressed temporarily. However, if you stay in this frame of mind, it’s important to look at different things to “spark” your interest.

A good outlook on life leads to lower blood pressure, less heart disease, better weight control and healthier blood sugars.

Pledge to live life to the fullest with adventure and playfulness.

Keep your body and mind active every day by engaging in both physical activity and learning from new experiences. Enjoy a vibrant, exciting time as you age.

The phrase, “Move it or Lose it” is profoundly accurate. If we don’t move our bodies even as we experience little aches and pains, the aches and pains will only worsen.

Without movement, muscles atrophy or keep deteriorating until there is nothing left. The hurt then increases resulting in loss of range of motion which can cause loss of balance and falls.

Remember, our brain is also a muscle. So, keep moving and doing.

Physical Activities

Try something new. It’s not too late to start. If you have health or mobility concerns, consult with your doctor before beginning a new physical activity.

Let go of your fears and social anxiety. Recruit a friend, neighbor or family member to join you on your new adventures and activities.

Imagine the exhilaration after accomplishing a new feat. Be proud of pushing limits and taking on new challenges.

Whatever you do, get moving! Sitting on the couch or resting in bed causes endless health problems.

Go online and search for ways to get involved in local fun events or recreational activities. Check out community centers and senior citizen centers. Ask your medical team for suggestions. Find something to keep yourself engaged and moving.

And guess what? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get physically active. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes and start exploring your neighborhood or a nearby park. Not only will you be more physically active and likely feel better, you’ll engage in social interaction, which is also great for one’s mental health.

Consider Trying

  • Bicycling (Regular or Recumbent) NOTE: Investigate a 3-wheel bike to aid in balance and avoid tipping over
  • Walking, Hiking or Pushing your young grandchild or great grandchild in a stroller
  • Table Tennis or Bowling
  • Kayaking, Sailing or Canoeing
  • Pickleball, Tennis, Shuffleboard, Badminton, Corn Hole and Horseshoes
  • Swimming, Water Aerobics or Water Walking, which is great for joints and doesn’t require swimming skills
  • Yoga, Tai Chi or Zumba
  • Golf, Miniature Golf, Bocce Ball, or Croquet
  • Yard Work like Gardening, Raking, Digging and Planting
  • Bird Watching NOTE: Put out an inexpensive bird feeder and watch the feathered friends come. Without realizing it, you will stimulate your mind as you research what type of birds are visiting. You’ll have full body movement by filling bird feeders. Wonderful year-round treat for your mind and body.

“Motion is the Lotion.” Start moving.

Learn from New Experiences

Stay cognitively sharp and alert while learning something new. Break out of old patterns. Light up your brain while stretching out of your comfort zone. New experiences keep us young and vibrant. They help us retain memories and think clearly.

Babies experience the world with awe and a sense of wonderment and play. This can be you as you learn and experience new things.

Be spontaneous and open to new adventures.

For Example:

  • Plant something new in your garden. Basil, for instance. Nurture its growth and then go online and learn how to freeze it. Or plant flowers and begin making floral arrangements for yourself and/or others. Learn pressed flower art.
  • Begin to sew, embroider, crochet, quilt or knit. Many churches have groups that make items for those with terminal illnesses or newborns.
  • Try painting, sketching, ceramics, pottery, beading, woodworking and/or card or jewelry making. Build and paint bird houses.
  • Plan a trip to a new domestic or foreign location. Travel. Upon return home, document your memories by scrapbooking or creating an online photo album and/or video.
  • Experiment with new foods and recipes. Invite a neighbor you’d like to know better. Enjoy the fellowship and the meal. Consider home brewing with a DIY beer-making kit.
  • Volunteer where your interests lie. Perhaps it’s the zoo or the botanical center or maybe your place of worship or local school.
  • Start a neighborhood board game night. Or work together on a massive jigsaw puzzle. Participate in fantasy sports leagues and work on crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Join a card or chess club. Say “yes” to Trivia Game Nights. Bonus: Stretch the brain while socializing and maybe even making new friends.
  • Research and practice being an improv comedian or storyteller.
  • Write or record your autobiography and family history.
  • Explore participating in local performing arts like dance troupes, karaoke, acting, juggling, magic and choral groups.
  • Learn a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument like the piano or a ukulele.  Upgrade your computer skills.
  • Restore a vintage car and attend classic car meetups. Rebuild an old RV.
Don’t neglect your mental health needs. Allow yourself time to have some real fun.

Remember, you are allowed to have some fun before all of the work is done. Be spontaneous. Accept invitations even if it means putting off the household or yard chores.

Enjoy the small pleasures in life. You’ve earned it!

Final Note

Maybe it’s hard for you to have fun. You’ve worked most of your life and carried a ton of responsibility for the family. Perhaps you’ve lived a scheduled, structured or routine life. Now you’re retired and urged to enjoy life and create new adventures. This may seem weird or stress you out. You may even feel like you don’t know how to begin to “have fun.”

Take a breath. Understand this feeling is normal. Over time, you likely will begin to participate in physical activities and new experiences to enrich your life. You will find meaningful ways to have fun in a way that satisfies you.

Always keep in mind that you are doing yourself a favor by having fun. It’s good for you and everybody loves people who are fun and living life with the maximum amount of joy.

Finally, know it is your right to also just REST. Don’t feel pushed into doing when you need to rest. Avoid shaming yourself for “just being.”

SHARE & LIKE this post. Thanks!

©September 2022   Craft LifeStyle Management.

All Rights Reserved.

Written for Craft LifeStyle Management by Linda Leier Thomason

Grandparents Need Love Not Bruises

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Recognizing & Preventing Elder Abuse

No one wants to admit our elders are abused, neglected and exploited. It’s much like hushing up about child or domestic abuse. Many think if it’s not spoken about, it doesn’t occur.

But it does.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), abuse, including neglect and exploitation, happens to 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home. Between 2002-2016, more than 643,000 older adults were treated in the emergency department for nonfatal assaults and over 19,000 homicides occurred.

Keep in mind these numbers are low. The National Council on Aging reports that only one out of every 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported. These numbers only reflect the abuse cases that show up in the ER. Many cases are never reported because elders are ashamed, afraid or unable to tell family, friends or police about the violence. They fear reporting the crime will result in retaliation.

Many times, elders also remain silent because they lack cognitive skills or the physical ability to report it. Others care deeply about the person abusing them and don’t want them to get into trouble. Many are dependent on the care given by the abuser.

Experts also report

  • 1 in 20 older adults indicate some form of perceived financial mistreatment occurring in the recent past.
  • In almost 60 percent of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two-thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
  • 7-10 percent of the elderly suffered from at least one episode of abuse within the past year.

What is Elder Abuse

All 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse protection laws. These laws and definitions vary considerably by state.  

Elder abuse is broadly defined as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult (60+). The abuse comes from a caregiver, or a person trusted by the elderly adult.

Learning these 7 most common types of elder abuse can help you recognize when it is happening and how to avoid it.

Neglect: Is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. Unfortunately, it is usually committed by a close family member. It generally involves deprivation and failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care. This shows up in rapid weight loss, unsanitary or hazardous living conditions, improper attire, dehydration or preventable illnesses. A common example: Setting a plate in front of an elder who is unable to feed him/herself.

Physical: When an elder experiences illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress, or death as a result of the intentional use of force. This includes hostile acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning and restraining by physical and chemical means. Recognize this by seeing visible marks, including bruises, cuts or new mobility limitations.

Sexual: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind, including harassment. It is also a crime that is difficult to identify and discuss.

Financial Exploitation: The illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, benefits, belongings, property or assets. For instance, a sudden change in power of attorney or missing bank account statements and unexplainable transactions. Financial neglect occurs when the elder’s financial responsibilities like paying the mortgage or rent, utility bills, medical bills, property taxes, etc. are ignored and bills are not paid.  A good indicator is if the caregiver has many new purchases and claims Mom said I could buy these items as presents from her. However, Mom is unaware of the date or time and answers ‘yes’ to every question.

Emotional/Psychological: Verbal or nonverbal behaviors inflecting anguish, mental pain, fear or distress. These include humiliation, name-calling, repeated fear-inducing language, disrespect, verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, and geographic or interpersonal isolation. Keeping someone from seeing close friends and relatives is also a sign of emotional abuse. Another possible sign is the caregiver constantly saying, “they’re resting” when you stop by.

Abandonment: Desertion of a vulnerable adult by anyone who assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person. Elderly persons in need of supervision can accidentally hurt themselves and cause preventable accidents. Abandonment is often thought of as long periods of time. However, abandonment here is any amount of time elders are at risk when left alone. Would you leave an infant or toddler alone for any length of time?

Self-Neglect: Self-neglect that takes place under institutionalized supervision is a form of abuse. Self-neglect in one’s home starts very gradually. Depression among the elderly may be self-neglect. It can start with a mild fall where one cannot completely get back to a normal routine or begin with deteriorating health. It can also begin with the loss of a loved one or a pet. It is not just one day the elder has neglected themselves and stopped taking out the trash, cleaning or cooking. It happens over time. Depending on when the self-neglect is discovered determines what the next steps of care are. If a person lives alone but cannot feed and clean themselves, they will require supervision. Elder self-neglect, according to studies, is higher amongst elders lacking family support-those known as orphaned elders.

Warning Signs

Abused elderly often suffer in silence.

Start to question what is going on if you notice changes in the person’s personality and/or behavior. Remember, it is not your role to confirm the abuse, only to alert proper authorities of your suspicion of abuse.

Click here for state specific contact information. What If I Suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation? | ACL Administration for Community Living

  • Unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains, burns, pressure marks, cuts, or scars
  • Bruises around breasts or the genital area; sexually transmitted diseases or pain upon urination or bowel movements
  • Messy appearance with unwashed hair and dirty clothes
  • Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth
  • Bedsores and unusual weight loss
  • Broken eyeglasses/frames
  • Physical signs of being restrained or punished
  • Unexplained withdrawal from activities he/she enjoys
  • Sudden financial changes like an eviction notice for unpaid rent, notice of late mortgage or home eviction or many new purchases for the caregiver
  • Unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
  • Belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses
  • If elder is trying to speak but looks at caregiver and abruptly quits talking
  • Frequent loud arguments, strained and tense relationships between the caregiver and the elderly person or the senior seems timid around the caregiver
  • Lacks medical aids like glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aids or medications

Ways to Prevent Elder Abuse

  • Check-in on older adults who may have few family members or friends. Be alert. Look for clues of abuse. Is there forcible restraint and forced feeding? Does the person have a heightened sense of fear, anxiety or other results of current trauma? Remember, this can be challenging when a person suffers from dementia or is otherwise unable to communicate clearly.
  • Talk to the older adult’s support system or family who may live in a different geographical area. Families usually have the ability to intervene, especially if the caregiver is hired. They can fire them and remove them from the person’s home. They can also report the incident(s) to the police.
  • Learn how elder abuse signs differ from the normal aging process.
  • Report abuse or suspected abuse to adult protective services, a trusted doctor or nurse or the police. Elder abuse can be a criminal offense. Making a police report creates a paper trail and will hopefully lead to an investigation. Click here for state specific information. NCEA – State (acl.gov)
  • Consult with an elder law attorney. While elder abuse is often a crime, elder abuse can be the basis for a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and/or facility.
  • Offer to help and support over-burdened caregivers

Effects of Abuse

Elder abuse frequently leads to early death. It harms the person’s physical and psychological health, destroys social and family ties and can cause devastating long-term financial loss.

Any mistreatment leaves the abused person feeling depressed and fearful. Some victims feel the abuse is his or her own fault.

Agencies generally suggest support groups and counseling to help an abused person heal emotional wounds. The practicality of this for elderly abused persons is unknown.

What is known is that once an abused elder starts to receive care, kindness, hygiene and more, they begin to perk up, especially if there are memory issues. They soon are living in the present again and they begin to calm down.

Note to Caregivers from Denise

Caregiving can be difficult and often stressful. You may need to be “on the clock” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week doing everything from preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning the home, scheduling and driving to medical appointments, paying bills, providing nursing care, etc.

You may have had to put your career and social life on the back burner to care for someone who shows little signs of improvement.

The demands of caretaking over time can take a toll. To ensure you do not become neglectful or abusive to the one you are caring for, you must make time to rest and care for your own needs.

Do not be afraid to ask for help, even if it’s just for a few hours.

More Information

Fast Facts: Preventing Elder Abuse |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC

Elder Abuse Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements (cdc.gov)

What is Elder Abuse? | ACL Administration for Community Living

Elderly Abuse Statistics: It’s More Common Than You Think! – RespectCareGivers

©July 2022 Craft LifeStyle Management.

All Rights Reserved.

Written for Craft LifeStyle Management by Linda Leier Thomason.

Why to Whip Out Pen and Paper in April

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

April is National Card & Letter Writing Month

We live in a multi-tasking, electronics communications, distracted world. Who doesn’t scroll through social media or the Internet while watching TV or resting in bed? Or, send a group email or text to quickly communicate?

We’ve become programmed to believe that if we aren’t always doing or going something bad will happen, or we will miss something. Competition will get ahead of or ruin us. We’ll miss the latest sports or news (or gossip) update. Worse yet. No one will know our thoughts, opinions or concerns in a short-hand, emoji way.

I’m here to suggest we pause a moment.

Let’s bring the focus back to relationships and communication.

Photo Credit: Linda Leier Thomason

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month. That’s right. The U.S. Postal Service officially designated April as National Card and Letter Writing Month in 2001 “to raise awareness of the importance and historical significance of card and letter writing.” Yes! That old-fashioned, heart-warming thing that rarely appears in one’s mailbox anymore: a handwritten letter or card.

Card and letter writing requires a pen, a nice piece of stationery or a card, a stamp, an envelope, and sometimes a sticker. More importantly, it requires focus and attention.

Sending a note or card means you paused your life. You slowed down enough to capture your thoughts and feelings and reflect on the love and appreciation you have for another.

Receiving handwritten letters screams, “Somebody cares!” A handwritten letter, rather than an email or text, is written specifically for the receiver. It creates an intimate exchange.

What Letter Writing Does

  • Awakens often dormant penmanship and writing skills.
  • Records moments in history.
  • Crosses time. Unique handwriting instantly helps one recall the person who wrote and sent the letter and the feelings upon initially receiving the correspondence. It allows us to reminisce and be comforted.
  • Leaves a legacy.
  • Becomes a story-telling time capsule.
  • Marks where our lives have been and with whom we’ve shared them.

Sentimental Treasures

Notecards and letters are the sentimental items that are most often kept and treasured. They are re-read and cherished. Usually when Craft LifeStyle Management is transitioning a client from location to location, these are the boxes or ribbon, or rubber banded items held dearest to the client’s hearts. They mean something, as do the words conveyed within.

At Craft LifeStyle Management we feel the same way. We treasure each and every heartfelt note of gratitude and appreciation we’ve ever received. We save them and look at them. They mean something.

To Do

During this month, I encourage you to make at least one person’s day by pausing the busyness of your life and writing that person a heartfelt letter. Maybe you write to a grandparent or parent. Perhaps it’s your child or grandchild. Or a teacher or professional who made a profound positive impact on your life. Let them know how grateful you are that they are in your life. Let them know you think of them often.

Feels Good

Emailing, texting and social media are here to stay. However, nothing replaces the enjoyment and sentiment of a handwritten card or letter. It just feels good getting one. Honestly, it feels good writing one too.

Ways to Get Involved

Cards Plus Team – Soldiers’ Angels (soldiersangels.org)

Love For Our Elders

Letter Writing Team – Soldiers’ Angels (soldiersangels.org)

Letters Against Isolation | Write letters to Self-isolating seniors

THE BIG IDEA — Write_On (writeoncampaign.com)

What cards and letters have you kept? Why? Comment below.

In April, whose day will you brighten as they open their mailbox and discover a handwritten card or letter?

©April 2022 Craft LifeStyle Management.

All Rights Reserved.

Written for Craft LifeStyle Management by Linda Leier Thomason.

For the Love of God Pay Attention to Your Spiritual Being

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ 2 Comments

8 Ways to Improve Your Spiritual Wellness

March is Spiritual Wellness Month. It’s a great time to remember we are not just a physical body. Each of us also has an inner life consisting of our mind and spirit.

It is said that the healthiest among us understand this important link between the mind and body. These people practice spiritual wellness daily as they work to relate to the world around them and discover purpose and meaning in their life. They are clear about the values, ethics and morals guiding their life and giving meaning and direction to it.

Photo Credit: Linda Leier Thomason

What is Spirituality?

Many associate spirituality with religious beliefs. But some people are spiritual without being religious. How? Well, every person has their own spiritual preferences. Some pray in a traditional way or take prayer walks or do prayer dances. Others meditate and reflect, or use crystal healing.

Whatever way you choose to define and practice spirituality, the common denominator is recognition of something greater than us that connects each of us to something good. This something greater is often referred to as a “higher power” or “superior being.”

There is no “one size fits all” way to nurture your spiritual well-being. Find a way that works best for you. And, if Craft LifeStyle Management can guide your journey, please contact us. Contact – Craft Lifestyle Management (craftlifestylemgt.com)

8 Spiritual Wellness Activities

  • Get outdoors. Connecting with nature in whatever way you enjoy (walking, biking, canoeing, rock climbing, etc.) improves spiritual health. Try to spend time outside daily.
  • Volunteer. In addition to helping others, volunteering provides a feeling of accomplishment. Find a cause you care about: Mentorship, Food Bank, Pet Shelter, Highway Litter Clean-Up, Refugees, etc. There’s a bonus: You can meet others who share your interests.
  • Write in a Journal Start recording your life events and feelings. Jot what you’re grateful for daily. Write down your dreams, fears and anxieties. Release them.  A side-benefit of this-you’re bound to become more self-aware.
  • Turn Off Electronics. Be present. Turn off the TV, computer and telephone. Focus on yourself, your friends, family and partner. Make time for relaxing in your day.
  • Pause social media. It’s great to stay updated on family and friends lives but not if it creates feelings of jealousy, anger, resentment or sadness. Take a vacation from it and learn to appreciate your life rather than compare your life to others.
  • Go on a Retreat. Take some time away from your normal routine and find a place where you will feel at peace. Some churches offer retreat centers, but this could also be the beach, mountains, a state park, or a hotel. Use this time to look within and create, or update, a vision and purpose for your life. Sort of like one does in the workplace.
  • Think Positively & Live in Harmony. Keep a positive, upbeat attitude. Be hopeful and committed to your beliefs and principles. Decide to live each day in harmony. Align your vision, purpose and guiding principles in every area of your life including social, career or business.
  • Look for Deeper Meanings. Connect with Like-Minded People.Perhaps this is in a religious community or civic organization. Find those who share your ideas and thoughts. This connection can be online, in person or over the phone. Engage in fellowship and meaningful conversations and connections.

Risk of Not Searching for Meaning & Purpose

Use this month dedicated to Spiritual Wellness to examine your systems of faith, beliefs, values, ethics, principles and morals.

It all sounds sort of deep. However, the downside of not pausing and doing this self-reflection is going through life repeating the same tasks, activities and interactions without understanding the purpose and meaning of your life.

How Will You Celebrate Spiritual Wellness Month?

Do something fun that makes you feel connected to your life’s purpose.

©March 2022 Craft LifeStyle Management.

All Rights Reserved.

Written for Craft LifeStyle Management by Linda Leier Thomason.

National Family Caregivers Month

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

In 1997, Bill Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month (NFC) Presidential Proclamation and every president since has followed by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November.

It is a time for recognizing and honoring family caregivers across the country. The month highlights all dedicated supportive caregivers as they care for others. It creates an awareness of resources available for self-care, advocacy and de-stressing for our caregivers.

2021 Theme

This year’s theme is #CaregiverAnd which encourages family caregivers to celebrate the passions and interests that enrich their own lives. It acknowledges caregivers have responsibilities in addition to caregiving.

Many times, the role of family caregiver overshadows the caregivers identity and instead emphasizes the care they provide for a loved one. Keeping one’s sense of self makes a caregiver’s life complete.

Self-care prevents caregiver burnout; therefore, caregivers must practice self-care in conjunction with family caregiving.

Family Caregivers

Families are the primary source of support to older adults and people with disabilities. Caregiving can take a significant emotional, financial and physical toll. With nearly half of all caregivers over the age of 50, many are vulnerable to decline in their own health.

An AARP study reported one in ten family caregivers had nobody to talk to about their own private matters. Additionally, one in five had nobody to ask for help. These statistics are startling. That is why NFC month is so important.

Celebrating family caregivers during NFC month allows all of us to:

  • Say thank you and give back to family caregivers
  • Educate family caregivers about self-identification
  • Increase support for family caregivers
  • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
  • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers

We See You

Craft LifeStyle Management always recognizes those who devote time and effort to providing care for a relative or other close friend.

This month, we are especially delighted to take the time to honor caregivers and shine a light on all family caregivers who are the silent superheroes of society.

We see you!

You are unspoken heroes to us.

We acknowledge all you do out of the goodness of your heart.

If we can help you as a caregiver, in any way, reach out to us. Contact – Craft Lifestyle Management (craftlifestylemgt.com)

You have all of our love and respect! –❤Denise

SHARE this post with all of the special caregivers and silent superheroes in your life.

© November 2021 Craft LifeStyle Management.

All Rights Reserved.

Written for Craft LifeStyle Management by Linda Leier Thomason.

Can I speak to your organization or group?

Contact me. Contact – Craft Lifestyle Management (craftlifestylemgt.com)

Photo: Omaha Headshot Company (omahaheadshots.com)

More Information

Home Alone Revisited: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care (aarp.org)

Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health Issue (cdc.gov)

USAging