Q – My mom’s doctor recently recommended that she try a water aerobics class, since she suffers from arthritis and finds that her mobility is limited. There are a large number of water aerobics classes offered in fitness centers and seniors centers around Boston, but we both have one common concern about her giving this activity a try; my mom doesn’t swim. Can she still participate in water aerobics, and if she does, will she still receive the same benefits of those who know how to swim?

A – Your mom’s doctor is right, water aerobics is a fantastic way for all seniors, especially those with physical limitations or problems with joint pain who can’t engage easily in more traditional physical activities. That being said, your mom is the ideal candidate to try water aerobics, and she absolutely will receive the same benefits even though she doesn’t swim. You don’t need to swim to try water aerobics since they do provide all participants with a special buoyancy belt and all activities are designed to work within gravity!

Sources:

1. I Love India
2. Associated Content
3. Suite101

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Q – My dad’s caregiver has suggested digital photography as an activity for them to do together. I am totally on board with this since I know photography was a hobby of my dad’s in his younger days, and it’s great that she’s trying to inspire him creatively. The only problem is the caregiver doesn’t have a camera, and I don’t have one that I can lend him. With his birthday coming up, I’m thinking about buying a digital camera for him, but is there anything specific that I need to look for to ensure that the camera chosen is senior-friendly, especially since his abilities might change over the next few years while he has the camera?

- Stella, 47

A – It’s great to hear that both you and your father’s senior home caregiver are willing to inspire your dad’s creativity through photography! Shop around in Boston to find a digital camera that is a good value, but there are also specific features that you should look for in order to ensure that the choice is appropriate for your dad today, and later on in the future if he continues the hobby of taking pictures on his own or with a caregiver. Think about your dad’s technological knowledge; if it’s limited, choose a camera that has minimal features without all of the unnecessary bells and whistles. A point and shoot style camera is more than sufficient for a senior looking to take on a digital photography hobby. You also want to look for a camera that has relatively large buttons, as his dexterity could decrease with age, as well as a camera with a large display screen. Also ensure that his computer is compatible with the camera before you decide to bring it home!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. eHow

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Many Boston seniors loved to garden in their younger years and regret not being able to enjoy tending their gardens as they age.  The trick is to find a way to still have them participate but to use caution and still be safe. Many seniors can enjoy planning the plants that they would like someone else to install or by going to the nursery to pick out plantings. By using ergonomic gardening tools that seniors can use while sitting or standing, and choosing plants that will grow tall seniors of all ages and levels of mobility can receive the same enjoyment from gardening. Another alternative is to plant an indoor herb garden which requires minimal care.

Other springtime activities that Boston’s aging population may enjoy in the company of a family caregiver or close friend might include going for a walk or drive to look at spring plants or flowers; going to a local park to feed the ducks and enjoy the warmer weather; or going shopping for home items needed for spring. Seniors engaging in any of these springtime activities need to remember not to overdo physical activity; taking regular breaks, ensuring they remain well-hydrated and pay attention to physical signs of fatigue.

As spring approaches, the young and old alike look forward to the warm weather and sense of a fresh new beginning that spring brings.

Sources:
1. Disabled World
2. Seniors Resource Guide Rebecca Kolls

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.