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The importance of daily exercise gets even higher as you get older. According to a study by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, elderly women with minimal physical activity, and who sit for at least ten hours a day, develop cells that can be eight years older than other more active women of the same age. Not to mention that prolonged sitting can lead to other conditions like heart disease, elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and more. If you or a loved one spend a lot of time sitting, developing good habits can be made easier by following these tips.

Invest In A Fitness Tracker

Investing in a fitness tracker is a good strategy for people who have a competitive nature. You can set daily goals for how many steps you take, how many calories you burn and it can even alert you if you’ve been sitting or not moving for too long. It may take some discipline at first, but wearing a fitness tracker provides a constant reminder that you need to be moving more.

Take Breaks To Stretch

Whether you’re sitting on the couch watching television or at your desk chair looking at the computer, taking breaks to stretch is important. A problem elderly people have is getting up and down frequently can be challenging if they have balance issues or weak muscles. A chair lift is a good solution to make the transition from sitting down to standing up, and vice versa, much easier.

Get A Dog

Dogs can make you more active without even realizing it. Seniors often get older dogs that don’t have as much energy as a younger pup would. However, they still need to be walked to stay healthy, like to play occasionally and need to go outside often to do their business. All of these things combine can make you get up and move around more than you think. Plus, you’ll have the great companionship of a friend who benefits from you moving around just as much as you do.

Don’t Sit Down While Talking On The Phone

If you talk on the phone often, make it a rule that you can’t sit down while doing so. Either stand and lean against the wall, walk around, do some squats or anything else on your feet. Small good habits like these make a huge difference since they get your blood flowing and keep your muscles engaged.

Be Around Children As Much As Possible

Children can keep you young in your mind, heart and body. If you don’t have grandchildren, consider volunteering at an organization offering child care. The benefits you get from being around children are good for your health and wellbeing.

Next Day Access is here to help you get up and move even if you have a hard time doing so. A popular product is our chair lift to help you easily transition from sitting to standing. We also install grab bars around different areas of the home to keep you safe wherever you walk. Sitting too much is dangerous for your health, so Nous contacter today to see how we can make moving easier for you.

It doesn’t take long for the UV rays from the sun to damage your skin. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the skin can suffer sun damage in just 15 minutes when exposed to UV rays. It’s critical for seniors to protect their skin from the sun as much as possible since they tend to have more sensitive skin. Previous sun damage or certain medications can increase the sensitivity, so it’s recommended to develop healthy habits for your skin as the summer season approaches. Here are some tips to consider.

Always Wear Sunscreen

If you’re planning on going outside for any amount of time, protect your skin with at least 30 SPF sunscreen. And if your outdoor outing will keep you outside for several hours, consider reapplying the sunscreen every hour or two. Water and sweat can wash away the sunscreen so you want to make sure you’re protected at all times. Consider investing in sunscreen that protects you from both UVB and UVA rays for the ultimate protection.

Remember To Protect Your Eyes And Lips

The eyes and lips often get overlooked when applying sun protection. You may be reminded to grab your sunglasses when walking out into the bright sun, but you may not remember lip protection until you feel them start burning. The same recommendation applies to the lips, which is to wear a 30 SPF lip balm for sufficient protection. Your eyes and lips are sensitive parts of your body as well, so it’s important not to neglect them when exposed to the sun.

Shade Your Skin With A Hat Or Protective Clothing

It’s easy to find a wide-brimmed hat that looks great also. Just be sure to find one that isn’t weaved too loosely and lets too much sunlight through as a result. A quality wide-brimmed hat can shade your entire face, neck and even your shoulders. And when it comes to protective clothing, a common misconception is long sleeves will keep you too hot during the summer. Depending on the material of the clothing, loose-fitting shirts may keep you cooler and some materials today have SPF made within the fabric.

Find Shade As Much As Possible

Even when you’re just spending time outdoors at your home, stay in the shade as much as possible. If you have a porch lift on your back porch, keep it shaded or covered somehow to protect it and yourself. While it’s still possible to experience sun damage or other heat-related illnesses in the shade on hot summer days, the shade will keep you much safer in general.

Next Day Access can help you feel safe all summer long with the appropriate mobility products you need. If you travel a lot, an auto lift is a great investment. And if you stay home and enjoy the sun in your yard, a porch lift can help you access every area with ease. One of the keys for seniors staying safe during the summer is to be proactive with sun protection and developing healthy habits for their skin. If you have any questions about how we can help, don’t hesitate to Nous contacter at any time.

As the weather continues turning hotter and more humid, it’s important for seniors practicing independent living to become aware of their body and environment. Heat exhaustion can occur quickly, so you can’t ignore any of the signs that develop indicating you’re becoming overheated. Seniors with underlying conditions are at an even higher risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, as outlined by this AARP article. Knowing the facts about heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save your life or the lives of others you’re with.

How A Heat Stroke Differs From Heat Exhaustion

If you or a loved one are experiencing heat-related illnesses, trying to determine whether it’s a heat stroke or heat exhaustion should not be the priority. Heat exhaustion can lead to having a heat stroke quickly if immediate action is not taken when signs are detected. For example, if you’re experiencing changes in your mental state or are sweating excessively, you may be suffering from heat exhaustion. However, these symptoms could turn into lethargy, confusion, seizures, dry skin, and not sweating at all, which are signs you are having a heat stroke.

Detecting Heat Exhaustion In Seniors

Seniors practicing independent living need to know the signs of heat exhaustion better than anyone. Any time you are feeling weak, nauseous, sweating excessively, experiencing cramps or anything else out of the ordinary, seek help or get indoors immediately. Having an electric scooter nearby is beneficial so you don’t have to put forth as much effort walking to get to a safe place. And if you have any underlying health conditions, you need to keep your radar up for any kind of different physical feelings you have and seek a cool area and water immediately.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion

Seniors have to be aware of their environment and take proactive measures to protect themselves from hot and humid weather. Sometimes this means avoiding outdoor activities altogether if the heat index is high any given day. If you have to travel somewhere, take the time to load your electric scooter on your auto lift for ease of accessibility. It’s much more ideal to use an electric scooter for mobility rather than the strain of walking. And hydration is the number one thing to prioritize as well. Keeping cold water with you at all times and drinking more than you think you need will go a long way in keeping your body safe and preventing heat-related illnesses.

At Next Day Access, we want to keep seniors focusing on independent living as safe as possible. Heat exhaustion can occur quickly during excessively hot and humid days, so it’s recommended to have your home equipped with the necessary mobility equipment to prevent you from having to exert yourself too much on those days. And if you do happen to experience signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical attention immediately so it does not turn into a heat stroke. Be sure to Nous contacter at any time to schedule a free home assessment and learn more about how we can help you stay safe this summer.

Boredom happens at all stages of life. Kids can get bored playing with toys, adults can get bored with their job and people of retirement age can get bored trying to find things to do. Too much boredom can have unintended consequences like eating unhealthy or becoming sedentary, which could lead to health issues later on. Curing boredom goes beyond investing in a mobility scooter to improve mobility, and here are some great activities for curing boredom.

Put Together A Music Playlist

We may not realize it, but anyone who listens to music likely knows thousands of song titles. A great activity that can take hours over several days and weeks is putting together a music playlist of your favorite songs. Think about the newest hits you enjoy as well as the old classic songs and you can listen to your playlist for hours on end.

Learn How To Craft

Crafting is a great way to keep the mind sharp. Anything from scrapbooking to knitting and anything in between are great activities to spark creativity. If you have grandchildren, make something memorable for each of them. Challenge yourself in new ways and you’ll be entertained throughout the process. There are plenty of tutorials and online resources available to help you pursue whatever you are passionate about.

Relax In A Swimming Pool

There’s nothing like relaxing in a nice swimming pool on a warm summer day. If you have a hard time getting to your backyard pool safely without assistance, consider investing in a porch lift or wheelchair ramp to make it more accessible. Grab a good book to read or invite a friend over to talk to and relax with you. 

Reorganize Your House

Sometimes boredom can be compounded when you look at the same things in your home every day. Reorganizing your house can mean changing out photos, moving furniture, upgrading furniture, painting walls a new color and much more. While you’re in the mode of reorganization, think of other upgrades that could benefit your home life, like a porch lift or a mobility scooter. 

Take A Walk

Taking a walk through neighborhoods or other places can be relaxing and peaceful. Depending on where you live, there may be alternate routes you can take to see new things and enjoy the great outdoors. Look for different trees, animals and other things while you walk and you’ll be entertained and exercising at the same time.

Life is too precious to be bored all the time. If you’re experiencing boredom living in your home, it may be time for a change. Next Day Access offers an extensive line of accessibility products to help you enjoy every aspect of your home. Sometimes a simple wheelchair ramp can make a huge difference for people, and we’ve got multiple options to choose from. We are here for you when you need us, so Nous contacter today to schedule a free home assessment.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced people across the world to alter their lifestyles to some extent. Seniors living at home particularly have had to make some lifestyle changes due to social distancing guidelines. However, according to a Gallup poll and reported by AARP, people are more worried about their mental health than their physical health as it relates to the effects of the pandemic. One way to boost your mental health is to become engaged in new creative activities to keep you busy. Here are some great ideas to consider.

Gardening

Many seniors living at home love spending time outdoors, but may not have the resources available to help them enjoy it safely. Anything from a threshold ramp to a mobility scooter and everything in between can be installed to make you feel safe outside. Making a garden is a good activity to boost your mental and physical health. Plus, you get to reap the benefits of your beautiful flowers, fruits or vegetables throughout and at the end of the growing season.

Learn Something New

Repeating the same activities can get boring and cause you to lose interest. Think of different activities you can do, like cooking, crafting, painting, writing or anything else you may have interest in. Plenty of classes and courses are available for these activities, whether you like to do them in person or online. You may not know what you like until you try something, so explore new possibilities and see where they lead you.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way for seniors living at home to stay engaged within their community. If you can’t get out of the house or are choosing to stay inside, call local organizations and see if there are any activities you can help with from home. Many seniors experience a great sense of pride when they know they are making a difference. The actual task you help with isn’t as important as being helpful in any way needed.

Get Creative With Exercising

Exercising is critically important for seniors living at home. Walking around the neighborhood every day could get boring, though. Consider signing up for swim classes or exercise courses designed for seniors. Yoga and aerobics are also great options for seniors to keep their blood flowing and continuously strengthening their muscles. When you get creative with incorporating fun exercises, you may end up looking forward to participating in them every day.

When you’re ready to take on new activities in or around your home, don’t let limited mobility hold you back. Next Day Access offers a wide range of mobility devices and products to make your home more accessible than it has ever been. A simple threshold ramp can bring you more peace of mind than you think, and a mobility scooter can get you where you need to be quickly and safely. We look forward to helping you in any way we can, so Nous contacter today to schedule your free home assessment and see how we can improve accessibility in your home.

Independent living for seniors is all about being comfortable at home. When you spend the majority of your time at your home, the convenience of having a stair lift or other mobility device is worth the investment. But you also have to think about aesthetics. It’s easy to get bored with your home decor, especially if it’s outdated or the color scheme doesn’t match the current season. Part of successful independent living is being active, and changing up your decor periodically is a safe and fun way to do it. Here are some ideas to make your house decor ready for the summer season.

Choose A Theme And Color Scheme

Some people want to have an overarching theme throughout their home or in individual rooms, while others prefer to simply have an aesthetically pleasing color scheme. Visualizing color schemes can be challenging when you have all of your current colors present, so consider moving out any furniture or items that can be moved easily. Everything from accent walls to throw rugs, lighting and accent pillows should be considered in your color scheme and theme. Think about what types of indoor plants may look great as well and you can plan your theme around them.

Introduce Bright And Colorful Elements To Every Room

A common summer theme for house decor is bright and colorful with subtle accents. Light green or blue with gold accents can brighten up any room. You can use different shades of these colors to add more depth and style as well. Everything from vases to lampshades, curtains and throw pillows make an impact on the overall environment, so be sure to focus on every detail to achieve the look you desire. Find some tropical plants that can survive indoors with limited sun exposure and you’ll make your home feel like a relaxing oasis for independent living.

Incorporate Natural Light Wherever Possible

Every design theme should consider the amount of natural light you have. Look at how light enters every room throughout the day and place certain pieces of decor accordingly. For example, you may not want a mirror on a wall that gets evening sunlight since the reflection can be distracting. Use natural sunlight to your advantage to highlight various features throughout your home. You may even consider having a skylight installed if a room doesn’t have windows or is naturally darker.

Next Day Access can help make your home decorating adventures safer and more convenient. As you are coming back from stores with your new decor, we can install a threshold ramp in your entryways for extra safety. And moving plants, picture frames or other items up the stairs can be much easier when you ride a stair lift rather than walk up the stairs. Senior independent living is all about enjoying your living space safely and we are here to help. Before you start your summer decorating, Nous contacter to see how we can help make your space easier to navigate.

A great activity for senior living is planting a garden of flowers or having flowers located around your home. The process of planting the flowers helps keep you active, and having a porch lift can help increase your mobility and see the beautiful colors in your yard all summer long.

Choosing the right flowers is important and these ten summer flowers are easy to plant and grow no matter how skilled of a gardener you are.

Marigolds

Marigolds are durable flowers that need full sun. You’ve likely seen marigolds planted in different places before because they are so resistant to getting damaged or torn up by pests.

Begonias

One of the reasons why begonias are so popular is because of the various colors they have. These flowers like shady areas and will produce vibrant colors all summer long as a result.

Lavender

Lavender likes being planted in the sun and can thrive in various environments. The vibrant purple color is attractive and can make your outdoor space smell wonderful.

Caladium

Caladiums are sensitive to the sun. They need to be mostly in the shade and can even survive indoors with minimal sun exposure. These are often used in landscaping since their green and pink leaves are subtly attractive.

Lantana

Lantanas are virtually indestructible and are tolerant of the heat and drought. If you have a corner in your yard that looks bare and you don’t know what to plant there, chances are lantanas will survive and make your backyard look great at the same time.

Succulents

Succulents are unusual due to their shapes and sizes and can add a unique aspect to your flower garden. When you’re enjoying senior living by watching your flowers grow, a succulent is pleasing and interesting to look at.

Landscape Roses

Landscape roses will likely bloom all summer long if they get enough sun. And since they come in a variety of colors, you can plant different ones around your yard for a colorful environment.

Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is a classic flower that looks great in virtually any environment. As you’re enjoying senior living in your backyard, you won’t regret having this flower to look at.

Calla Lilies

Calla Lilies have a unique vase-shaped structure and come in various colors. They are easy to plant and thrive when they have full sun.

Portulacas

Portulacas grow low to the ground and can essentially cover the entire ground where you plant them. They are heat-tolerant and don’t need a lot of care to thrive in different environments.

If you want to grow some amazing flowers in your yard this summer, but are worried about your mobility limitations, let Next Day Access help. We can quickly and securely install a stair lift to help you get from your porch or deck down to your yard without lifting a foot. One of the great parts about senior living is having the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, so Nous contacter at any time to see how we can help.

It can be difficult to watch an elderly loved one have mobility limitations. The good news is mobility aids can significantly improve their range and boost their quality of life at the same time. The hardest part is convincing them that a mobility device can do those things. According to Disabled-World.com, nearly seven million Americans use assistive devices to boost their mobility, but chances are your loved one will still think they can get by without one. There are plenty of wrong ways to begin the conversation with them, but we’ve focused on some of the most effective ways to recommend a mobility aid to them.

Discuss The Independence A Mobility Aid Offers

Telling your elderly loved one they need a mobility aid at home to prevent them from living in a nursing home isn’t the ideal approach. Instead, tell them how a wheelchair ramp or a stair lift could improve their independence so they won’t have to rely on help as much. It can be tough for an elderly loved one to admit they need help, but if they can understand a mobility device can prevent them from asking you for help, then they may be more open to looking into different options.

Talk About Available Options

Your elderly loved one may have a negative perception of what a mobility aid is. Provide them with information about what you believe could be beneficial for them, including a stair lift, mobility scooter, platform lift or other options. Using a cane or a walker may not be attractive to them, so presenting them with more attractive options may help them think differently. 

Test Or Rent A Mobility Device Before Buying It

The last thing you want to do is surprise them with a stair lift or other device and they resent it as a result. When you’ve recommended a certain product, ask a reputable provider if you can test it or rent it as a trial before investing in one. Allow your elderly loved one to try it out and point out the benefits to them as they use it. Again, the focus should be on the independence it offers, which is one of the most attractive aspects of living at home for seniors.

Give Them Some Freedom When Making A Decision

Let your loved one play a role in the decision of investing in a mobility aid. They will be more likely to use it and enjoy it if they feel like the decision was theirs rather than someone else making it for them. If you believe a mobility scooter is right for them, allow them to customize it to their liking. Making the process as fun as possible and giving them some freedom will increase the chances of them using and enjoying the product more often.

Next Day Access offers a wide range of mobility solutions to provide you and your loved one with peace of mind. Our experts can answer any questions and even demonstrate how products work so you can have a clear vision for the benefits offered. It all starts with a free home assessment, so Nous contacter today to see how we can help.

Seniors are often more vulnerable than people think with certain things. They may worry quietly about issues surrounding politics, family struggles, global concerns and other things. It’s particularly common in seniors practicing independent living since they may not socialize as much with other people. As someone providing senior care, it’s important to understand your loved one’s true thoughts and feelings so you can step in and provide help if needed. These are some great questions to start with.

Are You Stocked With Food And Other Essentials?

The times we live in today can be mentally stressful, even with just a simple task like going to the grocery store. Many seniors may worry about going to get groceries, but they don’t want to bother asking anyone else to do it for them. Take a proactive step in asking them how their food situation is, as well as their medication supply and other household supplies. If you get a sense they are sacrificing certain things to make their supplies last longer, do them a favor and restock them so they can have peace of mind.

How Are You Feeling Physically?

Detecting any illness as early as possible is crucial for senior care. If your loved one isn’t feeling well for some reason, ask about their symptoms. You don’t have to expect the worst with what their symptoms are, but determining whether they have a common cold or something more serious needs to be identified early. Use your resources to get a doctor’s opinion so you can both feel confident in your loved one’s physical health.

Are You Sleeping Well?

A sign that someone is dealing with anxiety or other similar issues is if they aren’t sleeping well. This, in turn, could lead to other health complications. If your loved one indicates sleep is a challenge, ask them a follow-up question on how their typical day goes. Getting better sleep may involve something as simple as watching less television, reading fewer news articles or even getting more physical exercise. Poor sleep is not something that should be prolonged, so take action to help as quickly as possible.

Do You Have Any Fears Or Worries?

While senior living may be wonderful for some people, others may be fearful about their health or other concerns outside of their control. The hope is your loved one will be honest with you when you ask this question so you can work together to alleviate some of the fears and worries. Constantly worrying about something can increase anxiety levels, which could lead to poor eating habits, lack of exercise and the potential for many health issues later on.

What Can I Help With?

Seniors who strive for independent living often don’t like asking for help. A good strategy to consider when asking this question is to preface it by saying you are asking just to see if you can lend a helping hand. You don’t want your loved one to think they are incapable of doing certain tasks because they may think you’re considering putting them in a senior care facility as a result.

A stair lift can be the ultimate assistive device for a senior living at home. Tripping and falling scenarios are more likely when stairs are involved. Improving your overall balance, strengthening your muscles and taking care of other health concerns can reduce the risk of falling. However, your physical environment also plays a major factor in your risk of falling, according to the National Council on Aging. A stair lift can be modified to fit your specific staircase and your individual needs to provide the most comfort possible. Consider these options and how to go through the process of stair lift installation.

Can Homeowners Take Their Own Measurements?

If you want to get an idea of how much space your stair lift will take up on your staircase, then feel free to take some measurements for your knowledge. However, if a company tells you they will offer discounted services if you take measurements on your own for them to use for the installation process, you should not do so. A professional will need to take precise measurements, including the staircase length, the rise of the stairs, the net tread and the staircase width. These measurements can be even more detailed with a curved staircase. The bottom line is the official measurements should be taken by the professional doing the installation to provide the safest environment for a senior living at home.

Potential Modification Options For A Stair Lift

Stair lifts are available in various models, styles and price points. Sometimes you will still need specific modifications based on your situation and a reputable home accessibility professional can help. Some of the modification options can include powered swivel chairs, folding rails at the bottom of the staircase, different controls, seating and security offerings to help seniors feel as safe as possible. If there is any aspect of your stair lift that could make operating it easier, contact the professional installer to see if it’s possible.

Enjoy Your Stair Lift Indoors Or Outdoors

Many people aren’t aware stair lifts are available in indoor and outdoor models. They are most popular indoors to get from one level of the home to another, but an outdoor stair lift can be just as useful if you spend a lot of time outside. Outdoor stair lifts are typically made with waterproof materials and come with a cover for protection. With the options and flexibility stair lifts have, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular assistive devices for senior care.

Every stair lift purchased from Next Day Access is delivered and installed by certified and highly-trained home accessibility professionals. We will take all of the necessary measurements, anticipate potential issues and find solutions for them, make recommendations and install your stair lift securely for you. Our goal is to provide the safest possible environment for a senior living at home, and a stair lift is a great way to do it. Contact us today to schedule your free home assessment to get started.