Times have changed. While people 65 and older still make up only around 10 percent of active Internet users, their numbers are growing. In the last few years, the amount of these active “Silver Surfers” has increased by more than 55 percent, from 11.3 million in November 2004 to 17.5 million in November 2009, according to the latest data from Nielsen. In addition, these Senior Surfers are spending more time on the online, totaling an average of 58 hours in 2009.   What’s particularly interesting are senior’s browsing habits and what keeps them busy on the web. According to Nielsen’s research, the number one online destination for people 65 and over in 2009 was Google Search, followed by Windows Media Player, Facebook, YouTube, Amazon and others.   Top 10 Online Destinations Visited by People 65+ in November 2009 (U.S., Home and Work) RANK Site Unique Audience (000) Unique Audience Composition (%) 1 ... [More]

Forgetting where you left your keys, people’s names or what was on your shopping list are all normal consequences of getting older. While annoying, those “senior moments” are just part of the natural aging process. However, just because you forgot to pick up some onions at the store doesn’t mean your brain is turning to mush. In fact, some seniors are better than their younger peers at certain memory related tasks. Age-related memory loss does not have to get worse and seniors can even stop memory decline or reverse some of the loss by adopting some key lifestyle changes.   Exercise Mom was right when she said a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Aerobic training leads to increased blood flow to the brain, which makes all those neurons fire and connect in new ways. Something as simple as walking or swimming for 30 minutes a few times a week will help fuel your mind and also keep you in better shape.   Diet Mom was right again. Eating your v... [More]

June is Men’s Health Month and this week is National Men’s Health Week, which, along with Father’s Day, is a perfect opportunity to make sure senior men are doing all they can to prevent common health problems. Below are some simple, but effective tips on how senior men can stay in shape and stay in the game.   Exercise The notion that exercise is good for you has been around for a while, but until recently seniors had been left out of the picture. Today we know unequivocally that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of senior men and prevent or delay many diseases or disabilities. It is never too late for senior men to start exercising. Research shows that exercise can help seniors maintain or restore strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.   Get a Checkup In addition to staying fit, it’s a good idea for senior men to get regular cancer screenings because prostate, colon, lung and skin cancers all have the h... [More]

Did you know that according to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants more than 2.5 million caregivers provide daily hands-on care to our nation’s elderly, frail, or chronically challenged in long term care settings? As the Baby Boomer generation ages, more and more want to remain in their homes and enjoy an independent and active lifestyle. The AARP claims that nearly 7 out of 10 older Americans own their own residences and most have no plans of moving. However, many often have fewer resources available to help them with the daily tasks of living. Nursing assistants, which we celebrate this week, are on the frontline of in-home care and provide the predictability and stability needed for people to stay in the comfort of their homes longer. According to Dawn Thompson, director of healthcare services for Interim HealthCare Spokane, nursing assistants provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks related to a patient’s care. They often help patients to eat, dres... [More]

Safety in the home is now more important than ever. According to the National Safety Council, there are a staggering 72,600 deaths that take place in homes and in the community from unintentional injuries, as well as over 20 million disabling injuries, affecting 112 million households, costing Americans over $251.9 billion. These injuries range from falls, especially among adults 65 and older, to poisonings, overexertion, choking, drowning and many more incidents we never intended to happen.  Together, we need to think of safety not only in the workplace but also when we are in our homes and communities. By understanding the hazards we face on a daily basis, we can collectively make ourselves safer and better off for it. But sometimes, the challenges of everyday living can be beyond even the most independent-minded person. It's important to know if someone is safe, especially family and seniors. Since June is officially National Home Safety Month, here are ... [More]

When most people think of May, Memorial Day comes to mind, but did you know May is also Family Wellness Month? Everyone knows how important regular medical appointments are to stay healthy, but Family Wellness Month is more than just your routine trip to the doctor – it’s about your family’s mental well-being and lifestyle habits. Lead by example when it comes to making healthy choices for your family. Here are some great tips you and your loved ones can follow to not only keep your body healthy but your spirit as well! * Is your family active? How often do you take family bike rides or strolls along the beach? Why not take a walk around the block after dinner. The next time you are planning a vacation, try centering it on a physical activity like skiing or swimming. * Keep the TV off at dinner and eat as a family. Talk about your day and engage your children in conversation. Experts say that families reap enormous emotional benefits when they eat regular meals... [More]

It’s that time of year –the sun is shining, everyone is outdoors, and shorts and swimsuits replace jeans and sweaters. It’s also time to take extra precautions to prevent skin cancer. With summer upon us, it’s no coincidence that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation take the opportunity during the month of May to remind people of the risks of skin cancer and guidelines for prevention. Recent studies show that there’s a staggering increase in non-melanoma skin cancer numbers. Non-melanoma skin cancer involves the way either basal cell or squamous cells grow and is typically less aggressive than melanoma cancers, which originates in skin cells that produce pigment or melanin. According to a study in the Archives of Dermatology, more than two million people in the U.S. are developing at least 3.5 million non-melanoma skin cancers every year. In fact, each year there are more new cases of skin canc... [More]

As Nurses Week comes to an end, we are reminded how special and dedicated those who serve as nurses truly are.  A week simply isn’t long enough to recognize the nurses who excel in their profession. Nor, is it long enough to demonstrate our admiration and appreciation for all nurses who provide care day-in and day-out.  It’s a profession that needs to be celebrated year round.     According to the American Nurses Association, there are nearly 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States with 2.4 million of them actively employed.  While this seems like a large number of nurses who are providing care, there actually is a shortage of nurses.  With people living longer and fewer new nurses entering the workforce, the nursing profession is in dire need and must retain the qualified and talented nurses it currently has.  Whether they are emergency room nurses, school nurses or nurses who provide home health care service, they need t... [More]

Interim HealthCare's free Mother's Day e-card. [More]

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. Many people take their feet for granted until they have a problem. Once that happens, it is often hard to walk or get around. The most serious problems can become infections leading to permanent injury or even amputation. Interim Healthcare’s home caregivers help our senior citizens, cancer patients and diabetics in particular to be extra vigilant with their foot health. [More]