Sing alongs
A university study shows virtual group singing can improve emotional well-being and cognition and reduce loneliness amongst older adults. The study highlights the unique opportunity for those with mobility limitations, living in rural areas or dealing with social anxiety to thrive by joining a group on-line. Benefits include: boosting mood, reducing isolation and greater social connections.
Source: The Aging Experience Substack
Be Aware of travel scams
With scams of all kinds becoming increasingly common, it’s important to consider some “too good to be true” travel scams you might come across, and be vigilant to avoid them. Scams can include:
• Fraudulent travel services online: Some services online are fronts for fraudulent activity.
• ‘Free’ trips and bargains from unsolicited sources: Emails, texts and online pop-ups are often suspect.
• Vacation rental scams: Criminals may advertise other rental listings as their own.
• Hotel credit card scams: Phone calls from scammers while you’re in your hotel asking to verify your credit card information.
Living close to your grandkids
There are numerous benefits for everyone in the family – young and old— including strengthened family bonds, opportunities for shared activities, and positive impacts on well-being when grandparents are living nearby. But if you aren’t close, try these tips to “stay in touch”:
1) Regular Communication: Set up a weekly “grandparent time” via Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp so it becomes a fun routine.
2) Shared Activities from Afar: You can read them a bedtime story over video call, or record yourself reading a favorite book. Try playing simple games together on apps, or even do scavenger hunts where you each look for things around the house.
3) Letters & Care Packages: Kids love getting mail. Sending postcards, little surprises, or stickers makes them feel special.
Processed food or poison?
A comprehensive new study has provided stronger estimates of how certain processed foods and additives can raise the risks of chronic disease – even in “small amounts” consumed over time. Experts suggest avoiding processed meats (hot dogs, deli meat, etc.), sugar-filled drinks (soda, sweetened juice, etc.) and transfats. You may quit cold turkey, or try a phased approach. Consider less processed meats, like chicken or fish. Sticking with unsweetened teas, water and milk is a best bet. Read labels carefully and watch for added nitrates/nitrites or high sugar content.
Extreme temperatures
Whether it’s extreme heat or extreme cold, there are important considerations to keep yourself and those around you healthy. In case of emergencies; call for help, stay calm and follow instruction.
In extreme heat: Keep cool: limit outdoor activity, wet your skin, wear loose clothing, close curtains and blinds and utilize fans or air conditioning. Stay hydrated: Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink water regularly. Remain vigilant: Check on vulnerable neighbour’s, prepare for emergencies and be aware of heat related illnesses.
In extreme cold: Dress accordingly: Cover your extremities, stay dry, layer up and ensure you have a windproof outer layer. Seek out shelter: Find a warm place, take regular breaks inside. If necessary create yourself a shelter using branches, leaves or snow. Maintain your body heat: Keep yourself moving, stay hydrated, eat energy-rich foods, and travel with a buddy.
The Pros & Cons of loyalty programs
Now-a-days nearly everywhere you shop has some type of loyalty program that allows you to access perks to improve your shopping experience.
Pros: Discounts and Savings • Exclusive Perks and Rewards • Personalized Experiences • Potential for Higher Tiers and Better Rewards
Cons: Can be Costly • Often Require Technology (i.e. phone apps) • Data-privacy Concerns • Complexity.
Practicing Zengosaidan
A Zen expression meaning that we must put all our efforts into each day so we have no regrets, and we must not grieve for the past or worry about the future. Never put off what you need to do until tomorrow and enjoy each and every day. Eliminate the seeds that distract your mind with unnecessary thoughts.
Images: CanStock. iStock.
