Interesting Books for Seniors

If you’re looking for your next book to read, we’ve compiled an array of interesting suggestions that will get you informed and entertained in no-time! Check out the list below:

The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life by Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald — This fascinating and informative read presents all your options for retirement, from exotic travel to close-to-home volunteerism. In addition, you'll also learn how to Assess Your Estate, Make Money Last, Gauge Your Biological (not chronological) Age. This book truly teaches you how to retire right and enjoy the rest of your years.

American Nightingale: The Story of Frances Slanger, Forgotten Heroine of Normandy by Bob Welch – If you’re a history buff, this book is for you. This outstanding biography tells that tale of Frances Slanger, a battlefield nurse during WWII. Slanger, despite facing anti-Semitism and the objections of her own family, rose to her true potential. This inspiring book is a must-read.

Overdosed America: The Broken Promise of American Medicine by John Abramson, M.D – For anyone who’s interested in their health and wellness, this book will captivate you. Written by an award winning doctor on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, this book uncovers the truth about the American medical system. In clear, easy to understand language, Abramson explains how the corporate takeover of clinical research and medical practice is negatively affecting the health of  Americans.

Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home by Paul and Sarah Edwards – This entertaining, witty guidebook will teach you how to Get Rid of Stuff, Keep The Memories, Maintain the Family Peace, and finally Get On With Your Life. By offering practical suggestions, this book will serve to keep you sane as you move toward a simpler, downsized home environment.

 

Simple Stress Relievers

Stress is something that can affect us at any age. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, and are looking to relieve your stress, we’ve got some simple solutions for you. Below are helpful suggestions to help reduce stress and bring more calm back to your life.

  • Journaling has been proven to bring several health benefits, including stress relief. Take a moment in a quiet place to write down your worries and clear your head – just getting your thoughts on paper will make you feel instantly better. Then, begin a list of what you’re grateful for to switch your attitude into a more positive place.
  • Breathing exercises can be performed anywhere and provide convenient and simple stress relief. Focus on the breath for a few minutes as you smooth out and elongate your inhales and exhales, and feel your stress melt away.
  • Laughter is a fabulous tension reliever, and it also brings about positive physiological changes. Put on your favorite funny movie or TV show, or call up a friend who always makes you laugh and giggle your worries away.
  • Meditation brings both short-term stress relief as well as long-lasting stress management. If you’re new to meditation, find a quiet place to sit and begin by focusing on the breath, drawing it in and out through your nose. See if you can count 10 breaths without the mind wandering off.
  • Yoga combines breathing and meditation with light exercise. One yoga class can leave you feeling instantly better, and a consistent practice will bring about greater resiliency to stress. If you’re new to yoga, look for a “gentle yoga” class or one that says it’s “restorative”.
  • Music can change your physiology in amazing ways – if you’re feeling run-down, put on a soothing CD and allow the calming tones to seep in. If you’re interested, you can also make an appointment for a music therapy session, which can help with a variety of stress-related issues.
  • Mild Exercise, such as walking, is a great stress reliever that can work in no-time. Stepping out and taking a walk provides you with a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind altogether. Plus, you reap the benefits of exercise as well.

Daily Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy

For a long and healthy life, it’s essential to consider your heart health. Below are some effective ways to address your heart health every day:

  1. Stop smoking! Quitting smoking is the number one thing you can do to boost your heart health. Did you know that the threat of heart attack for former smokers is the same as it is for non-smokers within three years of quitting?!If you’ve been putting it off, make it your goal to quit this year!
  2. Get Moving! The chance of heart disease increases significantly in sedentary people versus people who get regular physical activity. No need to run a marathon – moderate intensity exercise such as walking, swimming or biking are great choices. The key is to keep it regular, and make sure you move every day.
  3. Brush & Floss. Did you know that taking care of your teeth is an essential element of heart health? The risk of experiencing a heart attack or a stroke increases by 50% if you have gum disease.
  4. Eat Your Fruits & Veggies. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Be sure to enjoy foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber. A healthy, balanced diet helps to prevent high blood cholesterol, and the less sodium you have in your diet, the better.
  5. Start Laughing! Laughing can be a great workout for your heart. Each time you chuckle, the blood flow in your heart increases for up to 45 minutes, which is an excellent way to promote heart health.

Great Hobbies for Seniors

Hobbies aren’t just for kids – they are fun and worthwhile no matter what your age! Plus, they encourage socialization, physical activity, and promote mental function. Developing new skills is also a great way to build confidence and maintain healthy relationships.

Photography
Photography is wonderful activity that lets you capture beauty as seen through your eyes. Though cameras can be expensive, you don’t need to go out and load up on expensive equipment to reap the benefits of this enjoyable hobby. What matters most is finding a subject you love, whether it be lovely spring flowers, interior shots, or images of your grandkids.

Scrapbooking
Another great way to express creativity is through scrapbooking. Rummaging through old, family photos as well as new pictures of family and friends will definitely put a smile on your face. Plus, making a scrapbook is a nice way of giving those old pictures a fresher look, and scrapbooks also make for wonderful gifts at the holidays.

Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts make for a popular hobby whether you’re 8 or 80. If you haven’t indulged your inner artist in a while, pick up a paint set or invest in some sketching pencils and get to work!  

Nature Walks
Getting outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty that exists all around is a wonderful way to stay healthy. Invite your friends to join you and start up a walking group. It’s a great way to connect with people while moving your body.

Reading
If your reading materials tend to consist of newspapers and magazines, think about picking up a good book instead. If you’re feeling motivated, perhaps you could start a monthly book club so that you and your friends can discuss the novel together.

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