Senior Citizen Ideas and Information

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Useful and Fun Activities for Seniors: Gifts, Health Info, Quotes and More


Great Resources for Seniors, Senior Caregivers, Adult Home Activity Directors, and Friends & Family of Seniors, Grandmas & Grandpas.

Lots of senior citizen articles about all kinds of subjects, online college Info, helpful links, senior gifts and products along with fun activities for seniors, older adults and the elderly.

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Three Quick Tips to Taking Better Family Photographs

ARTICLE *** Picture Taking Ideas *** ARTICLE


Three Quick Tips to Taking Better Family Photographs
by Janienne Jennrich

1. Take pictures in places with one type of light. Cameras have trouble getting the exposure right when the people are in the shade and the sun is bright behind them, for instance. By adjusting the picture subjects or the angle from which the photo is taken, it may be possible to get mainly shade or mainly sun in the photo. This will make for a more evenly lit photograph.

2. Really look closely (through the camera) at each person before snapping the picture. Is everyone smiling? Are they looking at the camera? Is anyone being blocked by anyone else? Do a countdown and announce something like "Okay, everyone look at me and smile on the count of three... 1,2,3 (Click)." This avoids someone saying "I wasn't ready!" right after the photo is taken.

3. Pictures of people are generally more interesting at closer range. Leave out the knees and feet and try to frame the photo to get mainly a mainly portrait type shot. For single subjects (like a toddler), a whole body shot may work. When framing the photo, be sure to use the "zoom in" feature on the camera, rather than standing too close if a flash is being used. Flashing closer than about 5 feet will wash out the look of your subject with too bright of lighting.


(photo by Rayanne Alves, SXC.hu/)

Gift Baskets to Send Online or Hand Deliver Yourself

Part of all Proceeds from ANYTHING purchased at Amazon beginning with these links will go to the American Heart Association at no cost to you! Thanks!
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Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.

Sweet Quotes about Grandmother, Grandma, Nana, Grammy

Kind Words about Grandmas for Scrapbooking, Cards, Gifts, etc.


Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting. ~Author Unknown

What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~Gene Perret

Grandmothers are just antique little girls. ~Author Unknown

A child needs a grandparent, anybody's grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world. ~Charles and Ann Morse

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. ~Rudolph Giuliani

Being grandparents sufficiently removes us from the responsibilities so that we can be friends. ~Allan Frome

A house needs a grandma in it. ~Louisa May Alcott

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~Marcy DeMaree

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children. ~Ruth Goode

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies. ~Author Unknown

When a child is born, so are grandmothers. ~Judith Levy

If God had intended us to follow recipes,
He wouldn't have given us grandmothers.
~Linda Henley

Uncles and aunts, and cousins, are all very well, and fathers and mothers are not to be despised; but a grandmother, at holiday time, is worth them all. ~Fanny Fern

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric. ~Pam Brown

If nothing is going well, call your grandmother. ~Italian Proverb

(Grandmother Photo by Martyna Adamczyk, SXC.hu/)


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A Gift Idea for Seniors:





Cheese, Crackers & Fruit Basket Sale! $5 off

Fun Gift Apparel Products For Seniors

Fun, Funny, Senior T-shirts and Hats (Great Gifts!)


Perfect Gifts for a Senior Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Great Retirement Present Ideas!


Part of all Proceeds from ANYTHING purchased at Amazon beginning with these links will go to the American Heart Association at no cost to you! Thanks!
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INFORMATION FROM SENIOR JOURNAL (ONLINE)
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Oxo Kitchen Items - Easy to Use for Seniors

Helpful and Nice Senior Kitchen Products to Order Online


Perfect Gifts for Senior Citizens and Older Adults


Part of all Proceeds from ANYTHING purchased at Amazon beginning with these links will go to the American Heart Association at no cost to you! Thanks!
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Fun Activities for Senior Citizens

©2007, Janienne Jennrich


Fun Activities for Limited Ability Senior Citizens



Improve Visits - Easy Games and Ideas to Keep Seniors Active & Alert


Frail elderly people need games, exercise, and things to do to help keep minds working and bodies strong. Activities to help senior citizen health.

Engaging and taking pleasure in visits with failing, forgetful, or weak senior citizens is possible with a little effort and creativity. Following are tips for bringing out the personality, energy, and humor in your older family members or friends with simple activities.



Introduce New Gadgets to Engage Elders



* A digital camera isn't much of a novelty for younger folk, but for a senior citizen, one can be quite interesting.
* Take pictures of their favorite items and show them a little slide show (If needed, provide a magnifying glass).
* Ask questions and take notes to begin a history and journal to turn into a scrapbook.
* Let the senior take pictures too.



Keeping Older People Active for Senior Citizen Health



* For older Americans, reversal of the brain shrinkage that occurs as people age is just one benefit of greater physical activity, according to research published in The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences (Vol. 61A, No. 11).
* Another article in this same journal showed that seniors who are at risk of losing independent functioning can benefit from a structured exercise program.
* Try to encourage regular exercise by asking an expert (a medical professional such as a physical therapist) for appropriate equipment and movements. If walks are appropriate, a stroll on a nice day is a fun and easy way to pass time.



Ideas for Physically Frail Senior Citizens



* Baby toys can be a good option for keeping seniors active while encouraging hand-eye coordination. Baby and infant toys are generally colorful, soft-cornered, easy to grasp, and mind stimulating.
* Soft clay-like products made for children can be squeezed to help strengthen the hands.
* Simple games can help seniors stimulate the mind. The Tangle toy pictured below is available at Target Stores, online.
* See what types of exercise a frail senior can tolerate. According to April 2002 issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences, resistance training exercise just one day a week can give older adults the strength to maintain their independence and to avoid injuries (Researchers Scott Trappe, David Williamson, and Michael Godard).



Put Something Amusing on TV for Senior Citizen Care



* Shows like those on Animal Planet (a cable channel) shows, videos of young children or baby animals, and classic musicals are good for all ages and can be funny and uplifting. Watch along with your senior. It's much more fun to laugh with a companion.
* Some great musicals include The Music Man (1962), The Sound of Music (1965), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Brigadoon (1954), and Singin' in the Rain (1952).



Ask Questions about the Senior's Childhood



* Who was their best friend and why?
* What games did they like to play?
* What was the best birthday present they ever got?
* Did they ever have a nickname?
* Put on a tape recorder or camcorder and save priceless memories to keep forever. Add to it on each visit.



Bring Children and Small, Safe Animals to Visit Senor Citizens



* Children and babies can be a rare sight for older folks confined in a home or other institution. There are significant benefits to old and young that might come from greater age integration ( Uhlenberg, P, The Gerontologist; v40 n3 , p276-279 ; Mar 2000). In lieu of the real thing, bring pictures or videos.
* Many older folks miss their companion pets. Borrow a puppy, kitten or baby chick for the day and bring it in an appropriate box. Be careful to avoid scratches or bites as elders often have fragile skin. The July 2002 issue of Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, found that even one animal-assisted therapy session of 30 minutes per week was effective in reducing loneliness. See Dogplay online for more information on this type of therapy.



Activities and Ideas for Musical Seniors



* Try singing old-time songs like In the Good Ol' Summertime.
* Search online for words to hymns, early barbershop quartet songs, and classic camping tunes. A highly rated campfire songbook on Amazon.com is Campfire Songs by Irene Maddox (Globe Pequot Pr; 2nd edition, April 1994) or you can look at the book The American Song Treasury: 100 Favorites by Theodore Raph (Dover Publications,October 1986).
* Just about everyone knows childrens' tunes such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How Much is That Doggie in the Window, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game.



The Brain and Body Connection



Treatments to keep the brain healthy can be just as effective as exercise is for the body, according to the latest special issue of The Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences (according to the June 15, 2007 press release from The Gerontological Society (by guest editor Neil Charness, PhD of Florida State University)

When visiting with seniors at home or in an elderly care home, it's important to bring up old memories, delight them with things that will engage their senses, and just have a little fun. Enjoying visits with a senior will enrich two lives at once.










Money and Finance Books for Senior Citizens


Click on the links for more information or to order

Part of all Proceeds from ANYTHING purchased at Amazon beginning with these links will go to the American Heart Association at no cost to you. Thank you for helping!

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LOOK AT THESE WONDERFUL PHOTOS OF SENIOR CITIZENS

Seniors in excellent photos from Flickr Photos

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland with a delegation of the Greater Belfast Seniors Forum.  They discussed a number of issued including fuel poverty. by Northern Ireland Executive
Guitar Man by wayne's eye view
Belgian Breakfast by Jellaluna
Prime Flight by Keoni Cabral
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"...remarkable findings suggest stimulating the mind with activities such as reading books or completing crossword puzzles may help delay and/or prevent Alzheimer's disease in senior citizens."
Professor LaFerla, Journal of Neuroscience

FUN GAMES - SENIOR GIFT IDEAS on Amazon

Birthday Presents for Seniors


Fun Present/Gift Ideas for Older Adults and the Elderly!
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GREAT SENIOR CITIZENS BOOKS

Save Money! Live More Cheaply! Free Money!


THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS PAGE BY PURCHASING ANY OF THESE WONDERFUL AMAZON MONEY BOOKS HAND-PICKED TO BE OF INTEREST TO SENIORS!
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Senior Citizen News!


Latest and Best News Articles for Older Adults, Seniors and the Elderly
New Drug Treatment Could Cure Alzheimer's Disease in Minutes

New Drug Treatment Could Cure Alzheimer's Disease in Minutes!

Doctors are calling for a clinical trial of an experimental drug treatment that it is claimed can reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease "in minutes". U.S. researchers say the treatment allowed an 82-year- old sufferer to recognise his wife for the first time in years.
dailymail.co.uk
Health calculators

Health calculator
Everything you need to stay healthy

Want to revitalise your health, but don't know where to start? Well, you've come to the right place. Just choose one or more of the options below and we will calculate your fitness and provide you with a personal action plan to improve your health.

- dailymail.co.uk

MORE Free Articles of Interest to Senior Citizens

Information, Ideas, and Links of Interest to Older Adults


I HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE ARTICLES I WROTE ABOUT SENIORS, FUN ACTIVITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, INFORMATION FOR CARETAKERS OR CAREGIVERS OF THE ELDERLY, HOLIDAY INFORMATION, THINGS FOR SENIORS TO DO, MEMORY HELP AND BRAIN BOOSTERS, AND MORE!
Television Changes in JUNE 2009
TV Watchers Need to Prepare to Switch to Digital Broadcasting Soon

Read how to prepare for Feb. 17, 2009, when TV stations will begin broadcasting only digital signals, meaning older analog TVs will no longer work without converters.
Hawaiian Vacation with Grandkids
Hawaii: A Great Trip Destination for Grandparents and Grandchildren

The beautiful Hawaiian Islands are a fun family vacation spot for grandparents with grandchildren. Share a getaway in the paradise of Hawaii with travel tips and ideas.
A Seniors Reverse Mortgage Primer
Facts and Tips About Mortgages that Pay Income to Senior Citizens

Facts, information, advice and tips about reverse home mortgages, popular with senior citizens as a way to provide "income" from value of a house in which one lives.
Active Seniors Unique Adventures
Are you up for a challenge? Getting older doesn't mean getting boring or useless! Check out these unique senior volunteer and senior citizen travel opportunities where one can volunteer and help our world become a little better place.

Not up for travel? It also lists hometown opportunities where senior citizen volunteers can make a difference close to home. Share your experience and life skills!
Retirement Planning for Seniors
Article about Senior Citizen Resources for Retiring
Fun Activities for Senior Citizens
Improve Visits with Easy Games & Idea to Keep Seniors Active & Alert

Frail or failing elderly people need games, exercise, and things to do to keep their minds working and bodies strong. In this article, learn activities to engage elders.

Read about some fun activities for senior citizens looking for something new to try. Also included are ideas for caretakers and senior group homes to get the elderly active and interested.
Memory Help for Senior Citizens
Simple Ideas to Help Elderly People Retain and Recall Memories

Elderly seniors can forget even people and places they love. Read how to gently jog memory and relate to forgetful senior citizens with easy everyday activities.
Fun Visits With Senior Citizens
Tips for Visiting Seniors Using Easy Activity Ideas and Games

Elderly people need enjoyable games and activities to keep their minds and bodies strong. Here are simple ways to enhance and have fun visits with senior citizens
English Afternoon Tea for Seniors
Easy Tea Party Tips & Activity Ideas for Senior Citizens

Having a tea party can be a fun event for a small group of gal pals, a club, an organization, or a larger group of senior citizens in a group living facility. Read about preparation ideas, invitation suggestions, delicious menu suggestions, and ideas on how to accommodate those seniors with special needs. A tea party is perfect for spring, Easter or Mother's Day!
Old-Fashioned Ginger Snaps Recipe
This near 100 year-old recipe for ginger snap cookies will become a holiday family favorite. Delicious & crisp, rich & simple, these treats are great for gifts & snack.
Long Distance Grandparents Tips
Keeping in Touch and Staying Close to Grandchildren Living Far Away

Ideas for grandparents who want to stay involved with their long distance grandkids. Tips for fun activities and games between Grandmothers, Grandfathers & Grandchildren.
Fun Activities for Active Seniors
Crafts, Games, Party Ideas, and Holiday Tips for Senior Citizens

Ideas and tips for older adults at senior centers, in active-living situations, in senior citizen group homes, and at home. Fun activities for groups, the holidays, etc.
Online Senior Citizen Gift Ideas
Looking for a gift for a homebound elderly senior citizen? This article is full ideas for clever and helpful items you probably don't even know exist!
Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors
Best presents for elderly, inactive, or homebound seniors. Good online gift ideas and tips for buying thoughtful gifts for less active, yet alert, older grandparents.
Best Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts
Ideas of Presents to Buy for Newborn Babies and Give to New Mommies

Need to buy a baby gift? New parents appreciate thoughtful, useful presents their infant can enjoy for a long time. Here are some great ideas for choosing gifts for Baby.
Great Thinkers' Friendship Quotes
Wise Words & Quotations on Good Friends & Friendly Relationships

If you like thoughtful quotations for use in friendship cards, you will enjoy these special hand picked quotes. Perfect for writing in calligraphy, adding to a card, or using in scrapbooking or other crafts.
How to Buy Diamond Jewelry
Purchase a Beautiful Diamond Engagement Ring, Necklace, or Earrings

Tips for buying good diamonds for an engagement ring, anniversary 3-diamond ring, a Journey necklace, wedding ring or a gemstone jewelry gift.
March for Meals by Meals on Wheels
Senior Citizens Volunteer Home Food-Delivery Program Fundraiser

Meals On Wheels, a volunteer home-delivery senior citizen meal and nutrition program, needs help with its awareness and charity fundraiser, "March For Meals."
Restaurant Discounts for Seniors
Fast Food and Cafe Money-Off Deals for Older Adults and Seniors

Many popular restaurants and fast food places offer special money saving deals for senior citizens. There are great deals to be found for those fifty and older.
Remember Seniors on February 14
Thoughtful Ideas and Gifts for the Aging on St. Valentine's Day

Here is an article about great ways to remember senior citizens on Valentine's Day (or some ideas would work for any holiday). Everybody needs a little love.
Senior Citizens Going to College
Seniors Get an Education, Learn Skills and Expand Brain Power

Many seniors are embarrassed at the idea of going to college classes at an 'advanced' age. Will they stand out being older than the late teens and twenty-somethings?
Birthday Party Ideas for Grandma
Best Birthday Celebration Themes for Grandmother, Gma, Granny or Nana

Senior citizens love a good b-day party as much as anyone. Here are lovely and fun birthday party themes and ideas fit for a senior grandmother.
Birthday Party Ideas for Grandpa
Fun B-day Themes for Grandfather, Granddad, or a Senior Man

Find fun and unique senior men's birthday party ideas and themes for Grandpa. Grandfathers will love these family-friendly ideas to celebrate his special day.
Senior Citizen College Discounts: Financial Aid for Seniors for BA Degree Programs & Online Courses
Ways for senior citizens & adults to save on college courses through searching for financial aid, student loans, online degree programs, grants, & life experience credit.
Free Museum Day Passes and Deals: Reduced and No-Cost Admission Offers for Cultural and Art Exhibits
Get free or cheap entrance to science centers, aquariums, children's, art, historic & other places everyday and on Smithsonian Free Museum Day 2008 with these specials.
Senior Citizen Runs Marathon: 80 Year-Old Completes Major Run with Granddaughter in San Diego | Suite101.com
San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon includes seniors competing with runners of all ages. One older adult and granddaughter ran together in 2008 in Grandpa's longest run.

SENIOR CITIZEN SAFETY AND SAFE LIVING PRODUCTS STORE

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Great products to help seniors stay safe and comfortable. These are also great gift ideas for a senior or elderly person's birthday or a holiday!
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Fun and Useful Senior Citizen Link List

Great Places to Visit on the Internet

Seniors/Grandparents Section of Suite 101

LOTS of great professional articles on senior citizen subjects and all kinds of interesting reading. Learn, Laugh, Enjoy!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandma
Best Holiday Presents for Grandmother! Great Gifts for Grandma!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandpa
Buy Great Gifts for Grandpa Online! Senior Products and Thoughtful Items.
Best Laptop Bags for Senior Citizens
What is the Best Laptop Case for Seniors? Every Senior and Bag is Different.Here are Reviews, Information, and Laptop and Notebook Bags to see.
Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens
Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens, the Elderly, Presents for Homebound Seniors, Birthday Gifts for Grandparents (Grandma or Grandpa), Helpful Items for the Disabled, and more!
Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens
Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens, the Elderly, Presents for Homebound Seniors, Birthday Gifts for Grandparents (Grandma or Grandpa), Helpful Items for the Disabled, and more!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandma
Best Holiday Presents for Grandmother! Great Gifts for Grandma!
Loving Words and Quotes for Grandma or Grandpa
Sweet Quotations and Words of Love for and about Grandparents.These are kind sayings for Grandma and Grandpa to put in cards, to use in scrapbooking, or to use on crafts.
Christmas Tea Party Ideas - Another Squidoo Page
'Tis the Season for Lovely Tea Parties! Tea Party Ideas and Themes, Recipes, Tea Gifts, Teapots and Teacups and so much more!Whether a traditional English Afternoon Tea, a casual treat of tea and cookies, a charming meal of High Tea, or just a hot 'cuppa' to relax.

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