Expand Your Home and Welcome Family Members

 

With the high cost of housing in much of the United States (as well as other countries), many people are looking for ways to accommodate more family members in their existing properties.  Whether your new college graduate has returned home (but unhappy living in their childhood bedroom), or your aging parents are no longer able to live on their own, you may be wondering how you can find a way for multiple generations to live happily together in one house.  

There are many more choices available today than in the past.  In fact, some home builders are building new homes which contain a private apartment with a separate entrance for other additional relatives. I have a friend who moved into her own separate apartment in her adult daughter's home, and it has worked out well. She loves having a separate life, while being close to her daughter and grandchildren. However, if you do not want to sell your current home and move to a new location, how can you make the best use of the home and property you currently own?  Here are some ideas to get you started.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Many cities have now altered their zoning laws to allow people to build an accessory dwelling unit on a single family lot.  This has resulted in a new industry of "tiny homes" which even be purchased on sites like Amazon or from companies like Home Depot, although you have to arrange to have someone pour a slab or build a foundation, in advance, and then finish out the interior.  

Some people who are skilled at do-it-yourself work, can finish out the structures on their own.  However, most of us will need to hire a contractor to finish these buildings, including hooking up the plumbing and electricity.  

These small, backyard homes, sometimes called "granny flats" can be the perfect solution for a young adult who has returned home, or for an older family member who wants to live close to the family, but cannot afford to buy a home in the same neighborhood.  Depending on the size and amenities, they can be built and finished for about $60,000 to $250,000.

Creating a Guest Suite Inside Your Current Home

If you do not have a backyard large enough to accommodate an additional housing unit, you may be able to carve out an apartment inside your existing home.  For example, do you have an unused bedroom, dining room or formal living room next to a bedroom with a bath?  With a little redesigning, you could convert this combination into a nice little private apartment inside your current home.  Add a separate entrance and a little kitchenette, and everyone could have both the independence and the privacy they want, at an affordable price.  Many such conversions can be done for under $25,000 to $30,000, depending on how elaborate they are. 

Garage Conversions into Housing Units

If your zoning laws permit it, you may be able to convert a garage into a secondary housing unit.  This is more likely to be allowed if the garage is detached.  However, in some circumstances, even an attached garage might be converted into a cozy 300 sq. foot apartment for a family member.  Since a garage already has easy access to electricity, and plumbing is probably not too far away, the conversion could be less complicated than building an entirely new building.  The amount you spend depends on the current condition of the garage, and how fancy you wish to make it.  However, it can be a convenient way to accommodate additional family members. 

Basement Conversions

Even when I was a young woman living in the Midwest in the 1960s and 1970s, many parents set up space in their finished basement for an adult child to have their own space.  This choice is better suited to young adults, because of the stairs.  However, a healthy older person might also be able to navigate a staircase.  If the basement has an outdoor entrance, this can be particularly appealing, since it will allow for them to come and go, or entertain friends, without the need to walk through the main living area upstairs.  This is a great solution for a young adult who is just starting out and trying to save money for their own place.  In addition, many families have already finished out at least part of their basement, plus the electricity and plumbing is already available, and it may take very little effort to turn the space into a cozy apartment. 

Get Professional Design and Construction Help

Once you realize that it is possible to carve out some unused space within your home, garage, basement, or backyard for a separate apartment or housing unit, it is smart to get some professional help.  You will want to maximize the space, give everyone a sense of privacy, and make sure the new housing unit has safety features, especially if it is going to accommodate someone who is aging.  Ask about things like grab bars in the shower, or a walk-in bathtub.  You may want to have an intercom system between the two housing units, or a fall alert system.  The safer the new housing unit is, the more comfortable everyone will be. 

Include Study Area or Workspace

In addition to making sure that your new living quarters have space for cooking, eating, sleeping and watching television, make sure it also includes a small office space for studying or working.  Many people are able to work from home today.  Even if they do not officially work at home, almost everyone needs access to WiFi and plenty of electrical outlets for their computer and charging all their electronic devices. Whether the space is intended for a young adult starting out in life, or a senior citizen, it is important to make sure their living quarters have everything they need, including a workspace.  If you can accommodate a favorite hobby, or space for plants, a pet, or other activities, they will be even happier and more comfortable during the time they live there.

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Photo sources:  Pixabay, 

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Dangerous Healthcare Aide Shortages in Private Homes and Skilled Nursing Homes

 About two years before my husband died of kidney disease, he reached the point in his health decline where we decided to hire an aide to help him.  It took four tries before we found an aide who met our needs and our schedule ... someone who could take care of my husband's personal needs, and also drive him to his many medical appointments.  One of the reasons it was so difficult was because there is such a serious shortage of healthcare aides, not just in our area but across the country. 

The demand for healthcare services has risen as the population has gotten older and healthcare needs have become more complex. This has resulted in a shortage of healthcare aides in both homecare settings and skilled nursing facilities. The problem has become so severe that a June, 2022 survey of 759 nursing home providers by the American Health Care Association showed that 60% of them have had to limit new admissions because of staffing shortages. They are competing against companies such as fast food restaurants, and stores like Target and Walmart for the same pool of employees.  It is hard to attract employees because many young people would rather not work with the sick, elderly and dying.

This is especially unfortunate because healthcare aides play a vital role in providing essential care and support to individuals with physical or cognitive limitations.  This is a serious problem for people who do not have a spouse or other relative who is able to help care for them.  I do not think I could have handled all my husband's physical needs without our aide.  Many other sick and elderly caregivers feel the same way.  What is causing this shortage of healthcare aides, and what are some of the possible solutions?

Causes of Healthcare Aide Shortages: 

Aging Population: The aging population is the major reason for our shortage of healthcare aides. We simply do not have enough young people to handle all the jobs expected of them, and most of them prefer to go into better paying occupations when they can. At the same time, Americans are living longer and the demand for long-term care services, including home care and skilled nursing facilities, has increased significantly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to reach 98 million by 2060, nearly doubling the current 2024 population in this age group. 

High Turnover Rates: The healthcare aide profession often experiences high turnover rates. Factors such as physically demanding work, low wages, and limited career advancement opportunities contribute to this issue. Many healthcare aides find it challenging to sustain their careers over the long term, leading to increased vacancies and understaffing.  I understand this problem.  Our current aide works for us five hours a day, three to four days a week, but he also works nights several times a week in a skilled nursing facility.  He is forty years old.  How long will he be able to maintain a schedule like that?  If a better opportunity becomes available to him, he is certain to take it. 

Inadequate Training and Education: Inadequate training programs and limited educational opportunities also contribute to healthcare aide shortages. The lack of standardized training programs in different regions of the country reduces the availability of qualified healthcare aides.  Many people do not want to pay to take the necessary basic classes to become a healthcare aide, when they can start work immediately at a department store or fast food restaurant without spending their own money to get trained.

The Emotional Toll on Caregivers: When my husband died, our caregiver told one of our daughters that he did not think he could ever take on another private patient.  In the nearly two years that he worked with my husband, they had become very attached to each other. He would take my husband to Starbucks for a treat.  Sometimes, he would take him for a drive along the beach.  Our caregiver lost more than a part-time job when my husband died.  He lost a friend.  It was as devastating for him as it was for our family.

As a result of these problems, some people resort to hiring poorly trained or untrained aides, often just an unemployed friend who knows nothing about caregiving.  This may be OK if the patient only needs someone to watch over them, help them dress, or fix their lunch.  However, in an emergency, you need to be certain they will know what to do.  You need to be sure they know CPR, how to take someone's blood pressure, keep track of medications, bath them, keep the patient from falling, be able to transfer them to a wheelchair, and when to call 9-1-1 when something seems wrong.  For that, you need a trained healthcare aide, and they can be difficult to find.

Consequences of Healthcare Aide Shortages: 

Decreased Quality of Care: The national shortage of healthcare aides can result in a lower quality of care for patients who need assistance, either at home or in a skilled nursing facility. With inadequate staffing levels, healthcare providers such as skilled nursing homes may struggle to meet the needs of their patients or residents, leading to compromised care and reduced patient satisfaction. While my husband has me, our daughters, and his aide to provide him with the care he needs, skilled nursing homes may have one aide who works with several different people.  When they are short-handed, or a caregiver becomes ill and cannot show up to work, it creates a problem for all these patients.

Increased Workload for Existing Staff: Staff shortages place an additional burden on the existing healthcare aides and other staff members, leading to increased workload and stress. Overworked healthcare providers may become more prone to burnout, potentially compromising their own well-being and job performance. They may also be more likely to leave their jobs, which will only make the staff shortages worse.

Higher Healthcare Costs: The shortage of healthcare aides may eventually drive up healthcare costs, because the higher demand for services can result in higher costs for both home care and skilled nursing services as they both compete for the same workers. This can increase the financial strain on individuals, families, and the healthcare system as a whole. 

Potential Solutions

Increased Training Opportunities: One way to solve this problem is by expanding affordable, convenient training programs for healthcare aides. State and federal governments and healthcare organizations should work together to develop standardized training programs and increase funding for education in this field so that the necessary training is free and easy to obtain. Then, people who are interested in becoming healthcare aides can learn the skills they need to meet the growing demand.  

Improved Pay and Benefits: Offering competitive wages and benefits to healthcare aides would enhance their job satisfaction and help keep them working in the field. Adequate pay would attract more people to pursue careers in this field and encourage the existing healthcare aides to stay in their jobs. In addition, skilled nursing facilities need to provide opportunities for career advancement, such as helping their workers obtain more education and specialized certifications, including working towards becoming vocational nurses.  This would make the aides more useful to the facilities where they work, and help ease shortages in other healthcare positions. 

Seek Young, Healthy Immigrants Who are Interested in Healthcare Careers:  Another option is to recruit immigrants from other countries who are interested in being trained and working in this field. Currently, 28% of U.S. doctors and surgeons, and 24% of U.S. nurses and home health aides are immigrants.  This number may need to be expanded in order to provide enough caregivers for our aging population.  We may need to actively solicit and recruit caregivers in foreign countries. Our caregiver was from the Philippines, and he was very compassionate and good at his job.

Utilizing Technology and Automation: Although many Baby Boomers and older Americans will groan and resist this suggestion, it could be helpful if more healthcare facilities and patients would embrace technological advances, such as assistive devices and remote monitoring systems.  Automation can streamline many tasks, and allow healthcare aides to focus more on direct patient care. 

Using technology in homes and skilled nursing facilities would also increase efficiency and improve the quality of the care provided, potentially reducing the need for additional staffing.  One example of this is giving patients a fall monitor they can wear.  My husband wore one whenever I left the house if he was going to be left home alone.  I would be alerted if he fell, and the device automatically would call 9-1-1, unless he was conscious and pushed a button to stop the alarm. This brought us both peace of mind. 

Other types of technology include using Tiles or Apple tags on the belongings of senior citizens, so they can quickly be found if they wander away from their home or skilled nursing facility.  Door alarms can also notify workers if an outside door is opened unexpectedly.   Technology can make it easier for a senior citizen to be taken care of at home, or for one healthcare aide to supervise more patients in a facility at the same time.

By implementing these potential solutions, we can ensure adequate staffing levels, enhance the quality of care provided, and meet the growing healthcare needs of our aging population. 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive one weekly email containing the most current post. 

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits: Pixabay Images and the author's Etsy store.

Citations:

U.S. Census Bureau. (2018). Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time in U.S. History. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). The Burden of Chronic Diseases and Their Risk Factors: National and State Perspectives. 

Buerhaus, P. I., et al. (2009). Implications of an Aging Registered Nurse Workforce. JAMA, 304(11), 1148–1155.

Buerhaus, P. I., et al. (2020). The U.S. Nursing Workforce: Trends in Supply and Education. Health Affairs, 39(8), 1345–1352.

Stimpfel, A. W., et al. (2019). A Multistate Examination of Nurse Staffing Levels, Nurse Workforce Composition, and Hospital-Acquired Conditions. Medical Care, 57(5), 372–379.

Hsiao, C. J., et al. (2014). Costs Associated with Health Care–Associated Infections in Veterans Affairs Hospitals. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(5), 770–776.

Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.

Stone, R. (2019). Expanding and Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce for the Elder Boom. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 31(5), 430–450.

Hwang, J., et al. (2019). The Benefits of Health Information Exchange: An Updated Systematic Review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(10), 1087–1092.

Applebaum, R., et al. (2012). Nurse Burnout and Patient Safety Outcomes: Nurse Safety Perceptions Matter. American Journal of Infection Control, 40(6), 596–603.

Oldenburg, Ann (2022) Worker Shortage Crisis Hits Home, AARP Bulletin, November 2022

How to Research Health Symptoms and Treatments

You may want to research a knee replacement
or other medical problem you have.

Whenever our doctors tell my husband or me about a new health problem, the first thing we do is ask the doctor to give us as much information about it as possible. However, in a short office visit, we are limited in the amount of time they can spend with us, and we do not always remember everything they tell us.  Occasionally, they will have a brochure which contains additional information.  

In most cases, we leave the doctor's office unsatisfied with what we have learned.  That's when we turn to the internet.  Unfortunately, the internet is full of both correct and incorrect information about nearly every health condition imaginable.  Relying solely on the internet is a little like relying solely on your GPS, and ending up driving into a river or lake.  Sometimes the information you get on the internet is wrong, and it can even kill you!

Finding Reputable Medical Sources

The AARP Bulletin in May, 2020 listed several sources that are reliable and based on documented research and medical standards.  These include:

National Institute on Aging at nia.nih.gov

American Geriatric Society at healthinaging.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov

National Institutes of Health at nih.gov

American Academy of Family Physicians at familydoctor.org

Mayo Clinic at mayoclinic.org

I have also found it useful to use the website from the hospital or doctor's practice in my HMO.  This is especially important if I want to know what to expect when they treat my illness.  This is where I can find answers to questions such as the types of treatment I can expect, how long the treatment will take, and the normal length of hospital stays and physical therapy.  At the very least, the sites are a good place to start when asking specific questions of my doctor. 

In addition to the other sites mentioned above, I also like to review medical information at:

WebMD at webmd.com

The Cleveland Clinic at clevelandclinic.org

You will also want to check the information on the national organizations for your particular health problem, such as the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.  These websites often contain the most current information about their particular health topic, including recently approved medications.

When You Should Be Skeptical of So-Called Medical Sites

When it comes to researching health symptoms and treatments, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to understand that not all sources of information are created equal. Some sources may be more reliable and trustworthy than others, and it's crucial to be able to differentiate between the two.

If you type the name of your illness or your symptoms into a search engine, the top searches will be for sponsored or advertised sites.  The companies have paid large amounts of money to be placed at the top of your search page.  They may represent an advocacy group which is pushing a particular agenda.  They may be promoting products or treatments which are dangerous, risky or not backed by scientific research.  It is far better to rely on trustworthy sources and avoid these questionable sites.

Another factor to consider is the funding source of the research. Some studies may be funded by companies or organizations with a vested interest in the outcome, which could bias the results. It's important to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest and to look for studies which are independently funded.

How to Find Trustworthy Medical Sites

One of the most important things you can do when researching health symptoms and treatments is to consult reputable sources of information. This might include medical journals, academic studies, and professional medical organizations. These sources are likely to provide accurate, up-to-date information on the latest research and best practices in the field.

Not all websites or articles are created equal, and some may contain misleading or false information. When evaluating a source, consider the author's credentials, the date of publication, and whether the information is based on scientific evidence.

One of the best places to start your research is with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is the largest biomedical research agency in the world, and it is responsible for funding and conducting research on a wide range of health topics. Their website, PubMed, is a database of more than 32 million citations for biomedical literature, making it an excellent resource for finding scholarly articles and studies on various health conditions and treatments. PubMed is a free resource and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.

Another great resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is a national public health institute that is dedicated to protecting and promoting public health in the United States. Their website is a wealth of information on a variety of health topics, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and injury prevention. The CDC also provides guidance on vaccines, screenings, and other preventive measures.

What Medical Treatment is Right for You?

When researching health symptoms and treatments, it's important to keep in mind that not all treatments will work for everyone. The effectiveness of a treatment can depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's age, overall health, and medical history. It's also important to note that some treatments may have side effects or risks, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The "miracle" drug or treatment you read about online might not work for you.  Nearly all drugs and treatments have side effects, and your other medical problems may cause them to be too dangerous for you.  The older you are, the more likely this is to be true.  

Your Doctor is an Excellent Resource

Finally, after getting a diagnosis and doing your research, reach out to your doctor.  Make a list of questions you have and get answers from the person who will actually be treating you for your health problem.  Sample questions might include:

How will my condition be treated?

If that treatment doesn't work, what others might be tried?

Should I consider applying to be in a trial?

Is there a reason why alternative treatments are not being considered?

What can I do to improve my outcome ... diet, supplements, exercise programs, etc?

By the time you have done your research and received answers to you questions, you should have a good idea what to expect in the coming weeks and months while dealing with a new health diagnosis.

Sometimes, no matter what you learn and how much information you get, you are still frustrated with your health problems.  It is OK to feel disappointed when you think your body has let you down.  

Try to fight back with a positive attitude.  Get counseling if necessary.  Sign up for meditation or yoga classes.  Practice deep breathing.  All these things will help you get through the hard days.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive one occasional email containing the most current post. 

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits: Knee x-ray and the author's Etsy store.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health. (2021). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). About CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/about/default.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Finding and Evaluating Online Resources. https://www.hhs.gov/programs/prevention-and-wellness/finding-and-evaluating-online-resources/index.html

AARP Bulletin, May 2023, "Health research Safety Tips"

Free e-Books for Everyone Who Love to Read

 

Thousands of books are available as free e-books

Do you love to read, but cannot afford to constantly buy new books?  Did you know that there are ways to satisfy your needs with all the free e-books you could possibly read, including new releases, best sellers, romance novels, and classics? The list below should help you find quality books which you will enjoy reading.

Sign Up at Your Local Library

Most public libraries today are a great source of all types of free reading material.  Of course, there are the traditional books you can check out and enjoy.  However, many of them also will arrange for you to check out e-books which you can read on your own tablet or phone.  Your local librarian can show you how to download them.  This is especially useful for people who are home-bound and find it hard to make frequent in-person trips to the library.  You can sit at home, browse through the selection available from your library system, and download the ones you want to read, including many best sellers which are "hot off the press."

Romance Novels

Many people love to read a great romance novel, but cannot afford the cost of constantly buying new ones. The best place to find free copies of this type of e-book is:

harlequin.com/articlelist.html

Once a week, Harlequin posts chapters of their new books.  You can open a free account on your computer, or download the free Book Breaks app on your tablet or phone.  The site will even ask you what type of "mood" you are looking for in a novel, to help you narrow your search.

Classic Books

Older books with expired copyrights are in the public domain.  Project Gutenberg has digitized many of these books and you can download them to your computer, tablet or phone in HTML format.  Check out their list of the the Top 100 eBooks at:

gutenberg.org

However, do not limit yourself to the most popular ones. They have a library of over 70,000 books including titles like Moby Dick, Little Women, the Complete Works of Shakespeare, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the Kama Sutra, Jane Eyre, Peter Pan and thousands more!  So, if you missed reading a classic, or want to re-read a favorite, this is a good way to read them for free!

History Books and Other Reading Materials

Do you love reading rare and hard to obtain books from the past?  You do not have to go to Washington, DC to see what is available from the Library of Congress.  Browse through their catalogue at:

loc.gov/collections

There is simply no way of telling what unusual works you may be able to download and read, including old newspapers.

Free Newly Released Books

Want to be among the first to discover a new title or author?  If you are already a member of Amazon Prime, be sure to sign up for Amazon Prime Reads.  It is a wonderful perk that comes with your Amazon Prime membership.  Every month, Amazon will send you an email with a selection of free books.  You can download one or two of them to your Kindle or Kindle app on your phone or tablet.  That means you will have a steady stream of new books every month for you to enjoy.  Sign up at:

amazon.com/firstreads (Ad)

If you don't belong to Amazon Prime, another good source of newly released books is the Goodreads Free Shelves site.  They let you preview free e-books and excerpts.  You can find them at:

goodreads.com

Audio Books

Do you enjoy listening to books instead of reading?  Go to your local library and see if they offer that option, in addition to allowing you to download free e-books.  Many people have discovered the joy of listening to novels, instead of reading them, and many library systems are now making that option available at no cost to their members, too.  They will also teach you how to do it, and provide you with written instructions.  Listening to books is particularly delightful for people with limited vision.  There is no reason for them to give up enjoying books.

No matter where you live, how limited your finances, or how difficult it is for you to get out of the house, there is no reason why you should have to give up enjoying your favorite books.  There are a wide variety of ways for you to access an almost limitless supply of high quality books for free!

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive one weekly email containing the most current post. 

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  https://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits: Pixabay images and DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com 

Favorite Gifts for Senior Citizens and People of All Ages

 

When I was a young woman, and my parents and grandparents were still alive, I could never figure out what to give them for holidays and special occasions.  "Not another sweater," they would say to me.  "We do not need more coffee mugs," they commented on another occasion.  So, I knew what they did not want, but had no idea what kind of gifts they did want.  

Now that I am retired myself, with a house full of more things than I really need, I understand why my parents and grandparents did not want more sweaters and coffee mugs as they aged.  I also know what types of items I am more likely to purchase for myself, my friends, and my relatives who are near my age.  I have a much better idea what they will like, and decided to share some ideas.  There are so many gift-giving opportunities during the year, and most of us struggle with deciding what to give someone else, especially if they seem to already have everything they need!  I've included Amazon links (Ad) for all of them, but you can easily find them in person or online at other shops, too.  

Food Baskets and Gifts

Most senior citizens enjoy food gifts for two reasons.  First of all, food is something which can be consumed and there is nothing left to store.  It will not be stuck in a closet for the next five years.  Secondly, many senior citizens are on a fixed income.  Sending them food treats which they like, but may not want to splurge on for themselves, is a thoughtful gift.  Here are a couple of examples.

The Swiss Colony 27 Favorite Foods Gift Box (Ad) with Assorted Cheeses, Chocolates, Candies, Petits Fours, and Summer Sausage Meats from Amazon (Ad)

I recently sent this gift box to my 76 year old brother-in-law, who lives alone, and he loved it.  It was just what he needed to entertain a few of his friends during the holidays, without needing to dip into his own budget.  It was a nice treat for both him and his friends.

Broadway Basketeers Chocolate Gift Basket Tower  (Ad) from Amazon with Mint Chocolate Cookies, Cinnamon Yogurt Pretzels, Gourmet Popcorn, Snack Mix, Peanut Butter filled Pretzel Nuggets, Truffles and Lemon Blueberry Cookies.  This package is obviously for the person with a sweet tooth.  If they love cookies, chocolates, and other treats, this could be an ideal gift for them!  

You'll find a nice assortment of other food baskets if you search Amazon (Ad) and other online shops.  The advantage of ordering online is that you do not have to ship it yourself.  It makes like much simpler for you, and, if you have Amazon Prime, you can even get free shipping. At the current price of shipping, that can be a great deal for out-of-town family members.  

However, some elderly people have problems with certain types of food.  Perhaps they have to watch their sodium or their sugar.  They may have difficulty with nuts, soy or other types of food. As a result, you may decide to avoid purchasing a food basket for them.  What are some other favorite gifts for senior citizens?  Below are a few more gifts they are likely to love!

Practical Gifts for a Senior Citizen

Magnifying Glass with Light from JMH on Amazon (Ad). Many people have trouble reading the fine print on labels, medicine bottles, and the instructions which come with a variety of products.  As a result, they are going to LOVE this magnifying glass. It is able to magnify up to 30 times the regular size.  It is a particularly popular item with people who want to enlarge what they are reading, as well as people who collect coins and stamps, make jewelry, or have other hobbies which require them to focus on something which can be very tiny. 

This is a gift which could help end their frustration and solve a huge problem for many seniors who have given up reading or pursuing their favorite hobbies because of the difficulty they have seeing the work.  Help keep them active and involved with a simple gift of clearer vision!

Higher Torque Electric Jar Opener on Amazon (Ad) can help you easily unscrew almost any jar.  It is promoted as a product for people with arthritis.  However, almost all seniors have weaker hands as they age.  I have even heard of seniors who had so much trouble opening jars that they gave up eating some of their favorite foods.  That is such a shame, and with this jar opener, there should be no reason for anyone to fear purchasing a favorite food that comes in a jar.  

It will open any jar between 1.2 and 3.5 inches.  Just fit the jar opener over the lid, push the button, and it will automatically turn the lid so you can easily open it.  You do not have to press down on it, and it will not cause you to have palm pain.  What a thoughtful gift for a senior in your family!

Mini Exercise Bike from Himalay on Amazon (Ad) is a gift I purchased for myself, after knee replacement surgery.  The surgeon and my physical therapist both encouraged me to use a stationary bicycle in order to move my knee into various positions after the surgery, straightening and bending it repeatedly.  However, I did not have a stationary bike at home, and was not supposed to drive for a few weeks after the surgery, making it difficult for me to get to the gym.  

This Mini Exercise Bike solved my problem.  I sit in a chair at home and use it.  The constant bending and straightening of my knee for 10 to 30 minutes a day was very helpful in improving the range of motion in my knee.  In addition, it enables me to get exercise, even during those times when I cannot get outside and walk very much.  Although my knee has now healed, this mini exercise bike is something I continue to use at home when the weather is bad and I do not want to go outside or drive somewhere to exercise.  It has been an excellent way to keep me from becoming too sedentary. 

There are many others gifts which senior citizens will appreciate receiving from their loved ones.  These are helpful gifts which are designed to either be consumed (like the food baskets), or to make their lives better.  Getting old is hard, and having tools to make life easier are greatly appreciated. 

I will do another product article in about six months, with new gift ideas for seniors, so follow Baby-Boomer-Retirement.com to get more ideas.

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Photo credits:  Etsy Photo by Author; Pixabay for top photo; manufacturer sites for product photos