For many seniors from Oakland, cruise vacations for their demographic are the ideal way to get away from home without the stresses of more traditional vacations that cater to people of all ages. Many of the big names in cruising offer cruises just for seniors that fall into the 55+ age group at retirement age so that they can cater to the specific vacation needs of the demographic. Cruise ships for seniors offer entertainment that would appeal to the age group, have additional accommodation for those with disabilities and mobility problems, and have the ability to cater to specific senior dietary needs.

Senior cruises may also have increased capacity to provide for medical needs, with both doctors and nurses on board; and can even ensure they have provisions in stock to meet a senior’s specific medical needs should the situation arise (for example, a supply of insulin for diabetic emergencies). While on most cruise ships, shore excursions are optional, outings off the ship are designed to meet a senior’s mobility needs through the selection of wheelchair accessible destinations.

To promote senior bonding with younger generations, some cruise lines also offer cruises for grandparents and grandchildren alike; with activities to suit the needs of both generations independently or together when traveling from Oakland.

Sources:
1.    Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
2.    About
Images: mustcruise.com

With spring in the air, Oakland senior caregivers and family members of the elderly are looking for safe and fun outdoor activities to entertain their loved ones in the fresh air and sunshine. Looking for an Easter present for your Grandma? Consider getting her a digital camera and taking her on digital photography excursions to take photographs of nature and the other fun elements of spring. Not only will it make for a fun outdoor activity, you can relive the memories that you shared together through the photos and get creative by displaying them around the senior’s home!

When choosing a digital camera for a senior, keep in mind their familiarity with technology and choose something that will be user-friendly. A digital camera that has a larger display screen, and large easy to push buttons will make it easy and fun to operate. If purchasing a digital camera for your elderly loved one just isn’t in the budget, you can still have fun this spring with digital photography by borrowing a camera from a family member or friend on your photography outings or renting one from a local Oakland photography store.

Sources:
1.    Ehow

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with your senior mother or grandmother with fun and inexpensive activities that are enjoyable for you to do together in Oakland, or purchase a special gift that you know she’s been dying for. Mother’s Day is about making a female relative feel special and appreciated, and seniors are a demographic who can appreciate your efforts the most. When planning Mother’s Day activities for you and your senior, or shopping for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, keep these ideas in mind.

Gifts:

•    The perfect gift for each senior, varies upon personal taste, but consider one of the following ideas depending upon interest and budget
•    Improve their home – providing a Oakland senior with independence they feel they’re loosing can be one of the best gifts – install personal safety devices in the bathroom and kitchen, or place a walk-in tub in the bathroom
•    Provide help – hire an in-home caregiver, or someone to clean their home or take care of the landscaping. You can even offer assistance from you for caregiving assistance on a budget in order to allow a senior to remain at home longer
•    Senior-friendly reading – for those seniors who love to read, enroll them in a large-print book club
•    Functional clothing – buy clothing that has minimal snaps or buttons which can cause dexterity challenges
•    Send her away – if she’s always wanted to take a trip, purchase a prepaid ticket to her destination of choice
•    Pamper her – purchase a spa service so she can be pampered

Sources:
1.    Associated Content Rose Alexis
2.    Chiff

Image: www.savvy-mothers-day-gifts.com

Q – How can I help retain a good memory into my senior years?

A - A healthy, active brain in older adulthood can prevent the onset and symptoms that relate to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and the natural process of aging upon memory. Some simple tips, which you can implement into your daily routine, can help to keep your mind sharp and active. These tips will not only help you to remember information, it will ensure that your brain remains active and can help you maintain your cognitive capacities into old age.

1. Use the art of focusing and meditation
2. If you want to memorize information, mentally repeat it
3. Summarize the information you’d like to remember
4. Create acronyms to help you remember details
5. Create associations
6. Use landmarks and objects to help you remember, especially when driving and practicing routes
7. If you have a daily routine, make it into a ritual instead, to help you remember simple daily tasks

A healthy, fit brain into older adulthood, whether you are developing early Alzheimer’s or simply want to prevent the development of future cognitive issues, may start with brain fitness. But like with the body, brain fitness does not only involve exercising the mind directly. Ensure that you incorporate these tips into your daily routine as well, for a sharp mind.

Sources:
1. Prevention
2. Third Age
3. Reader’s Digest