The number of senior adults who are now receiving some type of intervention, assistance, or help from their adult children is increasing dramatically. This parental need for assistance brings the possibility of additional strain in family relationships.

You care for your aging parents because you love them. The problem is that occasionally not all of the siblings will help to the same degree, may totally disagree with what type of help is needed, what options to pursue, or may even use their parent’s decreasing abilities for their own advantage.

At some point, the ‘family’ becomes aware that there are issues or problems and that their elderly parents need help. Don’t expect everyone to agree on the amount of help that will be required to get the job done.

 Let’s imagine that the family knows that things should be addressed, now what should be done?

•  Keep the conversations and actions focused on your elderly parents and treat them with respect.
• This is not a time to allow personal agendas or past problems to be discussed.
• Arguments will arise, not everyone will agree on everything but KEEP YOUR EYE and FOCUS on your parents and what they want and what is in their best interest.
• Create a log and keep it updated with tasks/responsibilities that each family member agrees to do. Once a task is completed, log it. If needs are not being met, log it and bring it to the attention of other family members/caregivers to ensure future follow thru.
• Utilize each family member’s strengths and try to distribute tasks as evenly as possible. Sometimes a sibling may live too far to contribute in person on a regular basis. They could spend vacation weeks providing care to give the primary caregiver a break. If these two options aren’t possible, they could financially contribute to hire more help to reduce the burden on other active caregivers.
• Be creative in the way that someone can actually contribute to caregiving and it will go a long way towards decreasing harsh feelings and help to protect your parents and their assets.
• Work to gain the support of your spouse, significant other, and whoever may be of assistance. Keep communication with them open and use them for not only support, but as sounding board for your feelings and actions.
• Realize that there may come a time that no matter what you do, things are not going to work out well in a specific area or even in general. Health and care needs change frequently and you have to adapt to the needs at the present time.
• Be honest and realistic on what your limits are and what you will do when you reach them.

Example:

Since I lived beside my parents, I ended up assuming 85% of the responsibility of helping/caregiving. One day we had to take Mom to the hospital. The hospital told us what they wanted to do. My Dad and sister agreed to only a portion of it, as the other part was something Mom didn’t want. (She no longer could communicate.) I disagreed and stated that none of what the hospital wanted to do should be done. Mom and I had talked before she was ill, and I had made promises to her that I would make sure her wishes would be done. (This was difficult because I was the ‘black sheep’ of the family and least favorite child.) I explained my reasoning and stated that it didn’t matter what I wanted, but that I had to carry out Mom’s wishes and uphold my promise to her. My sister and father knew deep down that I was right. Mom wouldn’t have wanted to receive that type of care. The result? Mom did die three days later, but she died on her terms and that was because I had to face my family on her behalf. It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done.

Years later, while caring for my father, it got to a point where I just couldn’t handle everything. Even with the help of PCA’s, a housekeeper, and a sister who tried a little harder to help, I was still exhausted and overwhelmed.

I called a family meeting. I told them that other living arrangements had to be made for Dad’s well-being and safety because I could no longer continue with this level of physical and emotional strain. My father didn’t want anything to change, my sister didn’t want anything to change, and even some other family members didn’t want things to change. But I had to look out for my family and myself.

I had reached the end of what I could do. I had to stick to that in the face of considerable anger, accusations, and more. I didn’t like having to say ‘no more’ or being portrayed as “not willing” to care for his needs when I had already done a lot. Dad never did really forgive me for having him move but I do understand his feelings. However, I had to do what was right for my family and me. It was not my fault that other options or people to help were not available. I had done the best I could, for as long as I could.

 When all is said and done, you must be prepared for some very tough occasions. Recognize that you will have limits and that others may not respect them even though they aren’t willing to take on more of the burden. Prepare yourself to become emotionally strong to deal with those negative comments. You have to learn to let things ‘roll’ off of your back and be at peace with your decisions. This is very difficult, but it is essential for you to survive as a good caregiver.

As a life coach specializing in helping families and/or individuals to care for their aging parents, they find that a coach is a great addition. A good coach can lend objectivity, creative problem solving, keeping the family focused and held accountable, and allow each member to address his or her own concerns in relation to everything. With this combination of support, you will be able to take better care of yourself and your parents, find more ease in caregiving, and reduce disagreements or hard feelings.

Services of a coach are not meant to replace services for the parents and their needs. I’ve faced having siblings not ‘pulling their weight’, family members in it for money, etc. Don’t go through the strain of caregiving alone. A little life coaching can make a big difference to everyone involved in this situation, most importantly and especially the parent.

It is not uncommon for people who are experiencing disabilities, depression, or loss of mental and/or physical abilities to suddenly spend uncontrollably. They often even realize it, but can’t stop.

One of the most often reasons causing compulsive spending is depression. It can be hard to recognize that it is happening, especially when other physical and/or mental issues often mask things. Learn the signs of depression to see if this may be the reason for excessive spending.

But depression may not be the reason for compulsive shopping either.

Other reasons for excessive spending are due to several aging factors:

Mobility – whether it is because of the lack of a driver’s license or because walking is much harder, especially in large box stores.

Sensory overload – stores are filled with so much noise, confusion, people, and more, that shopping from home is much easier and faster.

Lack of socialization – if a spouse has died; spending a lot of time alone is a prime reason to have contact on the phone calling customer service to place an order, and then the interaction with deliveries.

Advertising Psychology – the art of marketing has evolved in to a slick selling machine that can talk people into buying just about anything, whether you need it or not. Seniors are especially prone to sales gimmicks on TV that are just a call away with their “ACT NOW” shouts, and easy prey for local and phone unscrupulous salespeople.

For many people, shopping is a way to control. It makes you feel good that you are buying something. It is delightful when the mailman/UPS/FedEx or other shipper arrives with packages. Soon after the purchases are opened, they are hidden away so that no one finds them or left in a corner to be forgotten and never used. It’s then onto the next BUY NOW button or telephone order number for the thrill!

Remember, too much of anything can become an addiction and thus even harder to control, let alone stop. Investigate the situation of spending carefully and thoroughly in order to be clear about what is really going on and this will lead to the actions you need to take to help your senior with their excessive spending habit.

What can you do?

Find a doctor or mental health professional who will administer a depression-screening test if you think your senior is depressed.

Unless you have been legally appointed Conservator by Probate Court or are the Representative Payee per Social Security, you actually have no legal right to restrict any access to the funds of a person over the age of 18. Delicate discussions need to be held with the parent or spouse, and family. The  first opening discussions on the issue of spending (no pointing of fingers, yelling, harsh words or emotions – keep it logic based), find common ground you both can agree on, and then brainstorm on how you will approach things.

Develop a plan and put it in writing. This is where you have an agreement of how much money the person has weekly (don’t go monthly, as it is too long) to spend is an example of one way to limit the spending.

 Ideas to slow down the spending:

• Get the person out of the house more.
• Help alleviate the depression through the senior having access and engaging in more social interactions.
• Keep the senior busy with fun and useful activities eliminating less time to spend purchasing.
• Limit time on the computer.
• Send back items and purchases if not used within one week. They must be in agreement with this, but you’ll have to do the returning.
• Have the spender put internet items in the “Wish List” box of the store. This often will actually keep the person from buying because they feel as though they are buying. You can empty the list at the end of every week when the new allowance starts.
• Catalogs – have the spender bend down pages of items they like. Review the items after 3 days. If they still think, they need the item you can order it, but keep to the allowance. Remember to take advantage of sales and % off, clear out magazines every two-week, and return unused items.

Even if you are unable to come to an agreement with your senior on spending habits, there are ways to redirect it or diminish it. It is a trial and error process but hopefully this article has given you some starting points.

If you need more information on depression in the elderly, check out The Help With Aging Parents e-book…  available at www.HelpWithAgingParents.com

The Dignity of Risk is a mindset that whether you are a professional caregiver, a residential facility, or a family member caring for your loved one, you need to keep in mind as you care for seniors. Respecting the rights and freedom of every senior is something we all need to strive for.

What is The Dignity of Risk?

The Dignity of Risk means allowing a person to make choices in his/her life with which you might not agree. Think back, did you follow every advice your parents gave you to prevent accidents or to keep you safe from possible harm? Think back.

Did you always wear your seat belt, ride a motorcycle with your helmet on, or hang around with the “right” people? Did you ever try drugs, get caught breaking the law, spend your paycheck before you paid your bills?

I don’t believe any of us can answer these questions except with a resounding, “No”. We all learned from our mistakes, from the decisions we made, and learned from the consequences of the risks we took.

The Dignity of Risk is about not taking away a senior’s right to make decisions that you may not agree with, just because you or others may not like the risks or consequences of the decisions made by the senior.

Why is it so common for people to think they should take over an elderly person’s decision-making?

Yes, the senior is getting older and he or she might be more forgetful or might make decisions family members or residential staff don’t like. But does that give someone the right to step in and make decisions for the senior? Even safety and life-or-death issues are not reason enough for someone else to take control—unless the person’s actions are life threatening to others.

That said, there is nothing wrong with discussing issues with a senior to help him or her see all sides of an issue and try to make a sound decision. The end decision needs to rest with the senior though, it is their life, and if they want to take a risk, respect it.

Example: my father smoked and frequently dropped hot ashes onto his blanket he habitually had over him. The situation was one of a fire hazard and could cause my father catching on fire and dying. Some people would have said to take away the smoking materials or even place him in a ‘home’. Instead, when possible, find a way to solve the problem; we did by finding a fireproof blanket. Relief for him that others were not trying to impose their will onto him, and relief for us that he wouldn’t be as likely to catch himself on fire.

Now don’t try to justify taking away someone’s independence or freedom to ‘keep’ him or her safe. Who is anyone to have the right to do that for another person? Do you do everything ‘right’ in other people’s minds? The saying, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” really applies, and is something our society has to remember. In this day and age of desiring risk free lives, it remains that risk in life for each of us is something we each have the freedom to decide.

Please keep The Dignity of Risk mindset in the forefront of your mind as you care for any senior, as you establish the rules of your residential facility, and how you treat others. Beware; it might be you that someone imposes his or her values and viewpoint on, someday.

One of the most compelling points of creating and living a quality life is being independent, making the decisions that affect your life, and living with the consequences of those decisions.

The Dignity of Risk is about freedom, happiness, and living a quality life on each person’s own terms.

Please bare with us as we are in the process of up-dating our website, services, and blog.  Lots of new and exciting things happening that you won’t want to miss.

New Coaching Services:

Need someone to talk to that can help with solutions and options to your challenges caring for your aging parents or senior?

Strategic Coaching Session with the focus totally on solutions to help you and your aging parent(s) create an easier and better quality life.  Caring for your seniors and especially family members is not easy, and you can’t do it alone.  Often you just don’t know what to ask or where to get answers that could dramatically change how things are going.

Let me help you with solutions you never would have thought of, to know of multiple options to choose from, and to develop a plan of action that you can take to create positive change in your life as the care giver but also for your aging parent(s).

With 28 years of experience professionally and having cared for both of my parents and mother in-law, I know I can help.  Call 617-895-0249 EST.  Cost of having immediate and priceless solutions that will make a difference – $150 for an hour laser focused session that will emotionally re-energize you, give you options for the challenges you face, save time and heartache, lessen guilt, and begin to immediately feel less overwhelm.

25 Driving Safety Tips for Seniors

By Tonia Boterf

Driving for any Senior means freedom and it is a freedom they hold onto tightly and do not want to let go.  As a part of aging, our driving ability can change for a variety of reasons.  I’ve known seniors who gave up driving at night on their own and totally gave up driving while in their 70s because they thought it was safer to do so.  I’ve also seen 90+ yr old drivers that I prefer to have on the road than some 30 something’s!

So how can we keep more seniors safe on the roads while maintaining their freedom?  Here is a checklist of ideas to explore:

1. Take a senior driver safety class before it is needed or discussions have occurred about taking the license away. Include the fact that taking such a course will decrease auto insurance cost!
2. Only drive during the day. As we age, our eyes do not focus as easily with the glare of headlights in our eyes at night.
3. Restrict driving to familiar roads and areas
4. Put a larger rearview mirror in the car
5. Install back-up camera
6. Install larger side view mirrors or add small round mirrors onto the side view mirrors for more viewing coverage
7. Swivel seat pad which makes getting in and out of the car easier but also allows the driver to more easily turn to look behind them
8. A lot of new cars can basically parallel part themselves, consider trading in for one
9. Put a cut tennis ball on the trailer hitch, if applicable.  It will save on damage done when car backs up and hits something
10. Make sure wiper blades are the best you can afford for clear windshield viewing
11. Invest in good quality tires to prevent accidents, dealing with weather conditions and for breaking safety
12. Consider the blind spots every car has – is there a way to adapt to them or is a different vehicle with better visibility the best option
13. Have a car who’s headlights go auto ‘on’ when driving and auto ‘off’ when car is turned off
14. Digital or easy to read tire air pressure caps to replace standard ones.  Easy for driver to check air pressure visually and thus keep tires inflated properly and stay safe
15. Hang a tennis ball from a string in the garage so it hits the car windshield at the best place for the car to stop.  Prevents oops from happening!
16. Make sure your senior has some type of cell phone for emergency road needs
17. They now have a strap you can easily put on your door that drivers and passengers can use to easily pull themselves up from the seat to a standing position.  Not so much on improving driver safety but does help getting in and out of the car and may prevent falling
18. Evaluate to see if your senior needs to have a their seat adjusted manually or equipment added, like a back cushion or sitting cushion, for proper driving position and visibility
19. Get a handicap placard to help with using less energy while out and more energy for driving, plus the handicap parking spots are wider and thus allow more room for parking maneuvers.  A placard can go from car to car the senior rides in too, vs. a disabled license plate
20. Open communication on how driving is going and discussing when it might be time to stop but also know what options are available if the senior does agree or must stop driving
21. Continue to go out and drive in traffic, as when you stop doing so, it is harder to return to driving in it with all of the road lanes, traffic, crazy drivers, auditory and visual stimulation.  Keeping the skills up of driving in traffic is important
22. For cold climates, an automatic car start for the heater is almost a must.  Many medical conditions are made worse by the cold, so going from a warm building to a warm car really is a driving safety issue.  Think about this in reverse too for those in high heat climates – be able to turn on the air conditioning in the car in advance
23. Cars that have dropped noses – in the front seats you can’t see the front of car, are dangerous for seniors in that they cannot see the vehicle to know where it is in space and thus prevent hitting objects, parking in a spot in the middle and other situations
24. Smaller cars for seniors are great because it is easier to know where the car is in space.  That means it is easier to drive in the center of the lane, parking straighter, not having as many fender benders, etc.
25. For the guys with trailers – install neon orange flexible posts on the back of the trailer, boat trailer, truck, etc. so you know where the back end is more easily.  Check your local auto supply place

We all look at the privilege of driving as a must from being a child, getting our license and right through to the point when we stop driving.  Driving is freedom and often a necessity but even though we may age and lose some of our physical and mental abilities, there are ways we can try to compensate for them.

If we focus more on how to make driving safely the focus, we can help more seniors maintain their freedom through driving longer but also increased safety while doing it.  That is a Win-Win situation to strive for.

Copyright 2011, The Practical Expert™, Help With Aging Parents.com, 617-895-0249 .  All Rights Reserved.  If you wish to reprint this article, just contact me and I’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Each and every day Boomers are faced with an increasing need to manage the health and day-to-day affairs of their aging parents.  All too typical is the story of Nance, a new caregiver who is, unfortunately, a single woman who already struggles with trying to make ends meet both financially and creating quality family time. Her plaintiff cry to me one morning… “Is there any way that I can get paid for the caregiving services I provide to my parents to help buffer this growing gap of time and energy?”

The response to Nance was not short, nor clear cut… the programs and assistance made available vary from state to state, and according to individual circumstances that come before them. Following my discussion with Nance, I realized the value of providing others in her shoes the same options for which to search, with the caveat that not every state will have the exact program or organization.

Administration on Aging

An organization administering national programs and services for the aging, including health insurance, long term care, caregiver training, counseling, and elder abuse protection.

Area Agency on Aging

A federally mandated program in each county –  the organization is staffed by professionals knowledgeable about all elder programs, services and funding sources in the area.

Veterans

A Pension program established to help veterans in financial need. To be eligible, the veteran needs only to have been in service for at least 90 days of active duty with 1 day beginning or ending during a period of War and have been discharged honorably. There are multiple layers of assistance ranging from a basic pension to the highest benefit which  may be granted when the veteran or the surviving spouse requires the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing. It may also include individuals who are blind, in a nursing home or assisted living facility due to mental or physical incapacity.

Cash and Counseling

At such point as the parent becomes eligible for Medicaid, they might also quality for the “Cash and Counseling program,” which may provide direct payments to you, the caregiver . (Note: The program is currently only available in the following states: Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.)

Medicaid

If your aging parent presents with low income and few assets other than their home, they may be eligible for Medicaid health care coverage. Most caregivers, new to the process, are not aware this benefit includes in-home care and personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, eating, moving around, and similar activities of daily living.

A state-run program, Medicaid does cover some of the costs of long-term care; however, your aging parents will be called upon to meet a great number of eligibility requirements, including functional and financial requirements.

Each state’s requirements vary, and the option should be assessed with your parents’ overall planning – which requires serious forethought – to ensure any necessary “spend down” is best managed to your parents’ benefit in fulfilling eligibility requirements .

Medicare

I doubt seriously there are caregivers who not aware of our country’s primary health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some disabled people under age 65, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare provides Part A which offers Hospital Insurance and Part B, covering Medical Insurance.  Your elderly parents may actually be eligible Medicare prescription drug coverage – regardless their income, health status, or current prescription expenses

Supplement Security Income (SSI)

If your parents were identified as disabled adults – this benefit should be assessed. The benefits for this program are also available to people age 65 and older – even without disabilities – if they meet the financial limits. In states other than California, these benefits are expanded to include food stamps.

As you are making the assessment for requesting this particular benefit, bear in mind the benefits vary depending on whether your aging parent resides:

• In their own home
• In someone else’s household
• In a group care facility
• In an institution

Family Caregiver Support Program

This particular program offers support services to family caregivers when your parent is age 60 and older, or a parent of any age diagnosed with dementia. The benefits include:

• Information to caregivers about available support services;
• assistance to caregivers in gaining access to supportive services;
• individual counseling,
• support groups and caregiver training;
• respite care; and
• supplemental services (such as emergency response systems and home modifications).

Contact for this program is normally through the local Area Agency on Aging.

Tax Breaks

Pick up a copy of the IRS Publication 501 and  review the dependency details when you feel you are providing significant support to your aging parents and seeking tax relief by claiming your parent(s) as a dependent on your return. If you are relatively certain you are providing over half of your parents’ support for food, housing, transportation, medical, etc., you may be able to include a reasonable percentage of your own expenses for mortgage, utilities and other household costs to calculate your level of support. Furthermore, you will find that even if your parent(s) reside in an assisted living or long term care facility – they may still qualify as dependents, if your income and support levels are met.

Counseling for the Elderly

If you find yourself immobilized with fear of the unknown when it comes to assisting with your parents’ taxes, The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program will provide provides free tax assistance to them. This network of volunteers are trained with IRS materials and certified by an IRS examination to provide tax counseling and basic Federal income tax return preparation services at community locations across the nation – many of which offer free electronic filing services.

Benefits Checkup

Sometimes life just treats you kindly!  Including more than 1,700 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia – Benefits Checkup can rightfully be considered our nation’s most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for your parents should they have limited income and resources.  The following may apply, and should certainly be considered as an overall strategy for assisting your parent(s) or bridging the gap which may currently exist between what you want to provide and what is financially feasible for you:

• Prescription drugs
• Nutrition (including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)/Food Stamps)
• Energy/utility assistance
• Financial assistance
• Legal aid
• Health care
• Housing
• In-home services
• Transportation

Government Benefits

Another little known information site includes government information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. You will need to have readily available all the information you can on your aging parent’s health, disability, income, wealth (as in property owned), whether a military veteran, education level, etc. Once you have the information together, you access the site, respond appropriately to the questions – the final result will be a very useful list of details and access information for government programs and services of which you might not otherwise be aware.

This list is fairly comprehensive, and I trust will give you insight and information that expands your capacity to also better manage the care of your aging parent(s).  Should you have further questions with which I may assist  you, please feel free to leave a comment below; I will respond at my earliest convenience.

One of the challenges in caring for aging parents is making sure their space does not become a depressing environment, especially if the parent is chronically ill.  The most important focus remains to have them get out of bed as frequently as is healthy and possible to ensure that the body’s system does not become “lazy” and start to shut down.  It is a travesty to see the someone’s mood go “dark”  - or to witness muscles wasting away, kidney’s malfunctioning, or fluids begin collecting in the lungs.  These are just a few of the health issues that crop up when someone emotionally falls prey to the “sickroom.”

The following tips are simple steps that  can be taken, and many of which are just overlooked by family members trying to make it through the day with careers and family obligations.  They will, however, change the dynamics of many people, if the effort is made to create surroundings that are more motivating – and not so much characterized by the pill bottles, medical supplies and drawn drapes.  Make that space come alive!

1.  If  the parent does not independently take medications; place those pill bottles out of view – on a shelf in a nearby closet or in a drawer set aside for that use.  Even if they do take the daily doses – it is less depressing to use daily pill dispensers, which are far less unsightly - and help avoid confusion about when to take each medication.
2. At such point in time when your parent finds it difficult to get in and out of bed by themselves, consider it time to secure a hospital bed.  Note that medicare usually covers the cost, but it is always wise to check first.
3. Clutter can really mess with a person’s mind!  Ridding the room of the kind of clutter and supplies that are a daily reminder of being ill is as simple as putting supplies in a closet that is close and easy to assess.  A handy basket to carry them from the closet to the room is also a good suggestion.
4. There is just something really calming when the room is large enough to set it up more as a visiting room, replete with a small table to hold fresh water, television controls, telephone, and other items which make for a more comfortable day.  Adding a comfy chair or two will also make the room more inviting for visitors, and encourage the person to get up out of bed and experience reading or television viewing in a more healthy, normal position.
5. Do all that is possible to eliminate bedsores. This might be easily achieved with the purchase of a memory foam mattress, or taking care someone facilitates re-positioning every few hours.
6. Security monitors, such as used for babies, are a very inexpensive way to encourage confidence in being alone and remove the fear of feeling like they are imposing on other family members.
7. If the home is not designed with an attached bathroom, check with Medicare for coverage to purchase a portable commode – and if space allows – screen it off for privacy.
8. Infuse the room with other forms of life!  Plants, small waterfalls or fountains or perhaps an aquarium filled with goldfish.
9. Days can become long when a person has to be isolated in one room – making it easy to become disoriented. Clocks, calendars, and magic marker boards to post memos and interactive games are just a few items that can easily remove both the feeling of isolation and being disoriented.
10. The interior design items selected for a room can have a large bearing on how comfortable your parent will feel – spending vast amounts of time in their “room!”  Spend a few dollars on bedding, curtains, etc. that you know will please them – relative to color and design.  Note:  If your parent experiences dementia, don’t select large, bold patterns  which may be confusing or aggravating.

Warm summer days and children out of school – now issues surrounding family care giving heats up as naturally as the weather when caregiving issues impact the entire family and the whole of family dynamics. Families with school-age children, especially those who have teens, may find it necessary to have a heart-felt family discussion – if there is a vast amount of hesitancy by any family member, it may become a long, hot summer where no one gets reprieve.

We all want to step up to the plate and care for Mom or Dad, but if you visit with any friends who have first-hand experience with living with elderly relatives, especially those requiring care, they will all tell you the experience will be a much happier, healthier one if you clean up any underlying “issues” before taking that big step.  As an aside… it is also very important to have absolute clarity before making the move to understand how such a relocation will affect health insurance coverage and medical care?  The final key point of absolute clarity is discussing – up front – the expectations of all adults about the financial support, or lack thereof, expected of your soon-to-be new housemate(s).

The following are additional considerations that should be open for full discussion and disclosure:

1. How will the move impact the quality of life for your parent? Will it require additional transportation be made available on a daily basis and will that further impact the dynamics of your current household?  How will it impact activities such as attending church or maintaining social connections?
2.  Another big question is, “How will this life change affect your family as a unit… your marriage, your finances and your emotional stability?”

If you just need someone to head you in the right direction… the comments section here is a good place to start!

Tonia Boterg | The Practical Expert

I had the fortune recently to read an article by a 60-year old gentleman who has experienced the merits of “exercising with a purpose.” Karl Knopf shares the transition of our attitudes about exercise… shifting from the aesthetics of it in our early years to the mere function of it as we enter those golden years where we want to have the agility to at least pick up our grandchildren!

Knopf is apparently quite passionate about teaching exercise – he has been serving the senior adult and disabled communities for 35 years – using an exercise tool known as the kettleball – a cast iron mini cannonball with a handle! Although I have never heard of the kettleball, according to Knopf’s article, it has been around for well over 100 years – being used by Russian athletes and strongmen. According to the author of this article, it has gained popularity with the likes of Lance Armstrong and Penelope Cruz.

 I know that as I age, I am protective of my body – concerned with over-doing things and experiencing more pain than gain! It is comforting to know there are trainers who cater to the needs of the aging community. Knopf also acknowledges that others share my fear, but he encourages us to find… “some method of exercise that’s both enjoyable and beneficial.” According to this life-long exercise guru, it is the strength training we gain from the use of the kettleballs that helps us maintain life quality and successful aging.

I really enjoyed how Knopf wrapped up his article… noting important information about genetics, exercise and food – stating,  “About 30% of how you age is in your genes,” he adds. “But that means 70% is how you eat, how you think and what do you do. We have a great ability to determine how we age. We can let aging happen to us or we can be proactive.”

There you have it…   another Practical Expert tidbit.

Tonia Boterf | The Practical Expert

Author of Real Life Solutions to Help Care for Aging Parents

Click here to read the rest of Knopf’s article