Every October, the world comes together to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. According to BreastCancer.org, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women and the second-most common in Canada. The death rate for breast cancer goes down about 1% a year due to early detection and better treatment but we still don’t have a cure.
Breast cancer starts in the cells, usually forming a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. It’s important to remember that breast tissue cells cover a larger area than just the breast, extending up to the collarbone and from the armpit to the breastbone. Unfortunately, the most significant risk factors are being a woman and being over 70 years old, which means seniors need to be aware of symptoms and how to detect them.
Early Detection
When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the survival rate is almost 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies are linked to breast cancer, among other diseases.
Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle also increases risk. Senior women who get regular exercise may be able to lower their breast cancer risk by as much as 20%.
We understand how important it is to support those affected by breast cancer. As a reminder, if you or a loved one discovers any breast lump or change, it needs to be checked by a doctor to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Indulge in Fall Flavors with the Easy Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Recipes
Imagine a cozy day inside with the smell of pumpkin, chocolate, and spices in the air. This scenario can easily be yours with our spiced chocolate pumpkin cake recipe. Nothing is sweeter than a slice of chocolate cake, so why not add the flavors of fall to make it really special.
INGREDIENTS:
1 box chocolate cake mix
16 oz canned pumpkin
2 eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
16 oz chocolate frosting
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of cayenne
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13” baking dish, set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, spices, pumpkin, eggs, and oil for 2 minutes, or whisk.
Pour and spread evenly into the baking dish, then bake for 30-35 minutes.
Let the cake cool completely, then spread with the frosting.
Stay Cozy This Fall: 6 Simple Tricks to Keep Warm Without Blasting the Heat
Many people around the world celebrate the coming of fall and all its seasonal quirks, including crisp mornings and chilly nights. Older adults are sensitive to both heat and cold, so as the seasons start to change from summer to fall, seniors will need to find easy ways to stay comfortable and healthy. Since the afternoons can remain pretty temperate, it’s not quite time to turn on the heater, but it can be time to start introducing tricks to help regulate temperature. Here are six ways to add a little warmth to your body when needed:
Hot Water Bottle
The hot water bottle is an easy, inexpensive way to keep warm with countless ways to use it. Try it in bed to keep feet warm at night, on the lower back during the day or cuddle up to it in the morning. Hot water bottle owners like to make or buy soft covers for them, too.
Electric Blankets and Pads
Not all electric blankets and pads are created equal and safe. It’s important that seniors get electric blankets and pads that are new (older versions have fewer safety measures), have automatic shutoff functions and can be cleaned. Once you have your hands on a safe version, older adults can easily feel warm for hours without turning on the heat.
Hot Beverages
Drinking hot beverages like tea, coffee and lemon water can help seniors feel warm from the inside out. As a bonus, holding a hot mug also warms up your hands. Sipping hot broth can also do the trick — and adds nutritional value!
Hand and Feet Warmers
Disposable and reusable hand and feet warmers are game changers for seniors who have trouble with poor circulation. Activate hand warmers during walks outside when it’s chilly or feet warmers for your slippers while you’re watching a movie at home. The best thing about these is they’re portable and can easily fit in a purse or jacket.
Wool and Warmth Tech Fabrics
Certain fabrics conduct heat better than others, including wool and warmth tech fabrics that involve spandex or polyester. Try getting socks and jackets out of these fabrics to wear when you feel chilled. They will be sure to help seniors regulate their temperature better than others.
Exercise
Good old-fashioned exercise is proven to raise your heart rate, increase circulation and even cause a sweat. These things typically make you feel warmer, too. If you’re feeling chilly in the morning, try doing a few of your favorite exercises to get blood flowing and extremities warming.
There are many factors that contribute to the inability to regulate temperatures as we age, including thinner skin, slower metabolism, medical conditions, and medications. If you or your loved one experience signs of hyperthermia such as a body temperature below 95 degrees, shivering, sleepiness, and slurred speech, contact the doctor immediately.
Boost Your Mental Health: 3 Effective Strategies for Improvement
Mental health is extremely important for older adults because poor mental health can have an adverse effect on the overall health of the body. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 20% of seniors have had a mental health concern but only about two out of three received treatments. Seniors are at a huge risk for anxiety and depression due to chronic disease, isolation, and loneliness.
Each October 10th, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Mental Health Day with the goal to help raise awareness and help people dealing with problems concerning mental health live better lives with dignity.
Here are three ways seniors and their loved ones can improve their mental health:
Here are a few ways to help reduce anxiety during periods of stress due to uncertain times. We’re not out of the woods yet, which means the pandemic can be extremely taxing on your mental health.
Be sure to flex that muscle daily! Whether it’s puzzles with a loved one, reading a new novel or flying a kite, routine brain exercises help you maintain healthy cognitive function.
DIY Fall Decor: Create Beautiful Leaf Lanterns with These Easy Craft Ideas
With fall finally in the air, it’s time to spread a little autumn cheer and upgrade your candle holders to beautiful fall leaf lanterns. You’ll be able to start this project as soon as there are fallen leaves to choose from. Or you can start right away by using fabric leaves from the craft store. These easy lanterns add a warm element of fall to your decor and make nice gifts for your friends and family.
Supplies:
1 large jar, vase, or bowl, cleaned
Modge Podge
3-8 real or fabric fall leaves
Sponge brush
Directions:
Flatten leaves as much as possible. Put real leaves in a heavy book and remove the plastic stems from fabric leaves.
Paint area of glass you want the first leaf to go with Modge Podge on the sponge brush and let dry until tacky, 1-2 minutes.
Add leaf and thin layer of Modge Podge on top of it to lay it flat to the glass.
Repeat the last two steps until the glass is decorated how you want it to look, let dry for 15-20 minutes.
Add one full layer of Modge Podge on top of everything, let dry overnight.
Wake up to your beautiful new fall lantern!
The final product isn’t always the main reason why we craft. Creating something also improves cognitive function, mood, and motor skills along with increasing feelings of self-worth. Often, seniors will get together and craft, creating friendships and broadening their social and communication skills as well. If you’re looking for other craft ideas, go here.
Understanding Alzheimer’s: Detecting the Signs and Raising Awareness
Every September, the world comes together to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around dementia and its most common form: Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million people are living with the disease in the U.S. and over 500,000 in Canada. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease with its causes not fully known, affecting memory, thinking and behavior.
Early Signs
There are six main early signs of Alzheimer’s disease to be aware of. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, please discuss them with a medical professional. Eventually, symptoms grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Classic Card Games for Seniors: Enjoy Fun and Social Entertainment with These 3 Easy Games
Back when we were kids, stuck inside during a summer thunderstorm — we played cards. There was Go Fish, Poker, Pinochle, Crazy Eights, Blackjack, and the list goes on. Today, we might choose to read from our tablets or play Solitaire by ourselves, but card games still hold a lot of joy. They also help boost cognitive functions like memory and problem solving. Most importantly, they’re an invaluable way for seniors to beat feelings of isolation and loneliness by interacting with others, socializing, and developing friendships.
Rummy
2-6 players
To begin, deal each player seven cards (10 for a two-player game). Use the remainder of the deck as the stockpile and turn the top card face up to create the discard pile.
Going clockwise, each player draws from either the face down stockpile or from the face up discard pile. After picking up a new card, each player must then discard. The idea is to create sets or runs using the cards in hand. A set is a group of three or more cards of the same number. A run is a consecutive sequence of three or more cards of the same suit.
The first player to run out of cards wins the round but not the game yet. Both players must tally their points: Numbered cards are worth five points, face cards are worth 10 and aces are worth 15. The first player to reach 100 points wins the game.
Crazy Eights
2-5 players
To get started, deal each player five cards (seven for two-player games). Place the rest of the deck in the center of the table. This is the stockpile players will draw from. Turn the top card face up and place it to the side. This is now the discard pile.
Going clockwise, each player lays a card on top of the discard pile. The card played must match either the number or the suit of the card beneath it. If you can’t play on the discard pile, you must draw from the stockpile until you get a playable card.
Eights are wild, meaning the player who uses it can determine the suit they want it to represent. All other players must then follow suit. The first player to run out of cards wins the game.
Slapjack
2-8 players
To begin, deal the entire deck as evenly as possible between each player. Keep your cards face down and don’t look at them
The Importance of Friendship for Seniors: 4 Key Health Benefits
Time and again, research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer than people who don’t. Creating, nurturing, and maintaining friendships is hard in adulthood but the health benefits outweigh the potential stress that comes with fostering new relationships. Here are four health benefits of friendship for older adults:
No More Loneliness
Loneliness is a common feeling among seniors, even those in senior living facilities. Studies have revealed that 17% of seniors are in contact with friends, relatives, or neighbors once a week, with 11% in contact just once a month. In fact, millions of older adults say their television is their main form of company. And loneliness can have a big impact on a person’s mental health and awareness.
Cognitive Ability
One of the most important benefits of friendship in older adults is it can boost your cognitive ability. Social interactions with other people stimulate the brain in an array of cognitive functions. Communication skills, for instance, are an integral part of successful relationships and you will keep your communication skills sharp by talking to your friends.
Navigate Trauma
Everyone experiences trauma, big or small, so it’s important to find healthy ways to navigate events such as illness, loss, grief, or divorce. Having a friend — or two — can help older adults cope with trauma, connect on similar issues, and heal.
Be More Active
Friends can also encourage each other to be more active! While you might not be inclined to take a daily walk normally, with the company of a friend, you might both start walking every day. It stops feeling like exercise and starts feeling like time to catch up with your friend. Friendships also increase a person’s sense of belonging and purpose, an element that’s extremely important for your mental health. The value friends bring to seniors is priceless, so next time you second-guess starting up a new relationship, think about all the benefits you will see from it!
Refreshingly Delicious: Summer Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Salad Recipe
One of the easiest potted herbs to grow inside near a window or outside on the patio is mint. Not only is it so easy to grow but sometimes the plant produces more than you can eat! A light, summertime salad of fresh watermelon, your mint harvest and feta are a great way to incorporate the herb. Because this salad perfectly combines sweet and savory, it’s an excellent side dish, appetizer, or dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cubed watermelon
1 tbsp lemon juice with zest
¼ c. chopped mint leaves
3 tbsp olive oil
4 oz feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients except feta into a large bowl and toss evenly
Serve in a shallow bowl with feta sprinkled on top
Summer Reading List: 10 Must-Read Books to Add to Your Collection
Whether you’re at the lake, inside enjoying the air conditioning or simply on the patio, summer is an excellent time of year to curl up with a good book. We put together a list of ten new book options, including historical fiction, action thrillers, a cookbook of exotic fruits, memoirs and collections of short stories.
1. The Land of Big Numbers
by Te-Ping Chen
Fiction Short Stories
Formerly a reporter in Beijing and Hong Kong, Chen’s experience as a foreign correspondent provided inspiration for this short story collection. These ten stories chronicle the realities of life, society and culture in contemporary China, one of the world’s most complex nations.
2. The Last Thing He Told Me
by Laura Dave
Mystery Fiction
Best-selling author Dave explores the theme that we all have stories we never tell. A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, this heart-pounding mystery begins with a husband’s disappearance and ends with a devastating twist.
3. Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR
by Lisa Napoli
Nonfiction Biography
This is the story of four female journalists who banded together in nonprofit public radio’s (NPR) early days. Napoli tracks the careers of Susan Stamberg, Linda Wertheimer, Nina Totenberg and Cokie Roberts from the early 1970s to the funding crisis that nearly bankrupted NPR in 1983.
4. Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
by Jessica Bruder
Nonfiction Sociology
A growing community of American nomad workers are taking to the road in thousands of RVs and vans in search of work. In this book, Bruder explores how employers discovered a new, low-cost labor pool made up of transient adults. It’s a tale of the U.S. economy and how this will impact the future of survival and labor for these Americans. The book is also the inspiration for Chloé Zhao’s 2020 Golden Lion award-winning film of the same name, starring Frances McDormand.
5. The President’s Daughter
by President Bill Clinton and James Paterson
Action Thriller Fiction
After their wildly successful book together, The President Is Missing, these two powerhouses are back with an action-packed novel about a former POTUS and Navy SEAL whose daughter is held hostage. It’s an entirely new cast of characters from the duo’s first book but you can expect the same fun.
6. The Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship
by Catherine Raven
Nonfiction Memoir
After completing a Ph.D. in biology and moving to a tiny cottage in rural Montana, she is visited by a persistent, mangy-looking fox. Raven’s memoir is great for those struggling with loneliness. An unlikely friendship develops with the fox while she overcomes feelings of isolation, bursting with tenderness and understanding.
7. Palace of the Drowned
by Christine Mangan
Historical Fiction
Mangan writes a stunning historical mystery set in 1960s Venice, Italy. A novelist escapes to a friend’s palazzo to hide away after a disastrous book release, when she meets a potentially suspicious fan. The allure of Venice combined with a twisted tale of ambition and human nature will definitely keep you enthralled.
8. The Book of Difficult Fruit: Arguments for the Tart, Tender and Unruly (with recipes)
by Kate Lebo
Nonfiction Memoir Cookbook
Cookbook author and essayist Lebo covers a different fruit for every letter of the alphabet in this fun take on exotic fruits and their recipes. You’ll learn about humanity’s history of turning fruits into useful entities capable of tightening our skin, supercharging our diets and making sense of the world.
9. Objects of Desire
by Clare Sestanovich
Fiction Short Stories
In this debut story collection of the rarest kind, critics say you’ll wish every single entry could be an entire novel. Sestanovich, who works for The New Yorker, takes everyday situations and dives in deep to reveal the sort of universal truths about society that we’re always hungering for.
10. A Slow Fire Burning
by Paula Hawkins
Suspense Mystery Fiction
From the author of The Girl on the Train, Hawkins is back with this slow burn of a thriller. Three women are under investigation for the murder of a young man on a London houseboat. If you like a good murder mystery, be sure to pre-order this one for it’s release on August 31.
All of these books are available for purchase at your favorite bookstores and are also available as audiobooks. If you need a refresher, go here for instructions on how to listen to audiobooks.
