 As people grow older, they may experience loss of hearing. In fact, nearly one-third of people above 65 years have some hearing loss. For older adults, hearing loss can negatively affect their quality of life because it can result in social isolation. And if you suffer from any chronic disease, hearing loss can interfere with your ability to properly manage all aspects of your condition, further affecting your quality of life. Therefore, proper screening of your hearing problem ensures early treatment and improved quality of life. If you keep telling people to repeat themselves, have difficulties hearing high-pitched sounds, or need to raise your TV volume, you should undergo an online hearing test to determine whether you have a hearing problem. The good thing about an online hearing test for older adults is that it’s more convenient, free, saves time, and feels less intimidating than in-person tests. Here are the most effective hearing tests online used to screen for hearing loss in older adults: A Short Quiz TestOnline hearing tests begin with a brief questionnaire to gather some basic background information about your hearing. Your audiologist will ask your age and gender since it influences the ideal range to use when evaluating you. For instance, a high-pitched noise can be used to test the hearing capability of a younger person but can’t be used on a 60-year-old adult. Online tests may also want to know how comfortable you are or your hearing ability in noisy situations. The answers you provide will then be used to test your ability to detect different tones and speeches through your computer’s audio setup. Speech and Noise TestsThese tests check your ability to hear spoken words at different volumes. During the test, you’re required to put on headphones. Then, your audiologist talks to you or plays speech excerpts through the headphones at different volumes. The audiologist records the softest speech you can hear as you repeat the spoken words. The tests can be conducted with background noises that mimic real-life background conversations or street sounds. This is important because most people with hearing problems have difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments. The test will play soft and loud spoken words with no background noise and then harder, more confusing words with background noises. Tone testsThese tests involve playing a series of tones through your headphones. Your audiologist will change the volumes and frequencies of the tones at specific points during the test. You will need to respond whenever you hear or detect the tones by pressing a button on your laptop or raising your hand. This identifies the softest sounds you can hear at varying pitches, helping track early-onset or mild hearing loss. EndnoteIf you’re not sure about your hearing health, undergoing a home hearing test is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to establish whether you have hearing loss. Based on your test results, your audiologist can recommend appropriate treatment or in-person hearing tests to conduct a more comprehensive examination. This way, they can identify the main cause of your problem and provide the best solution to improve your unique hearing difficulties.
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The department of transportation is a department that regulates the rules and regulations for commercial vehicles. A department of transportation number is a number motor carrier safety administration assigns to a commercial vehicle that applies for the registration. You must register for the Iowa DOT Number for a vehicle that you will use for your commercial business purposes. The weight of the vehicle must be more than 26000 lbs. If your vehicle, truck or trailer is having a weight, of less than 26000 lbs. then you are not required to have a DOT number. If you have a DOT number, you will face no trouble while you cross the state lines. The DOT number is necessary to cross state lines. With a DOT number, you can run your business operations smoothly. IFTA Fuel TaxWhen you have to cross the state lines with your vehicle that have a weight of more than 26000 lbs., you must also need to register for an IFTA fuel tax along with a DOT number. IFTA is an international fuel tax agreement. You will be required to pay the fuel taxes according to the mileage covered by your vehicle. Business people who have a commercial vehicle for regular use must obtain an IFTA license and file their returns at the given time. The commercial vehicle using fuels like CNG, LPG, diesel, etc. must submit this special fuel tax. Other fuel categories that are not used to operate commercial vehicles are exempt from paying special IFTA fuel tax. Iowa DOT NumberAn Iowa DOT number is necessary to drive in Iowa and to cross other states. It is compulsory for vehicles that move from one state to another. Vehicles that transport hazardous materials and construction equipment must have a DOT number for their smooth travel. This is necessary to meet on-time delivery of goods and products. A DOT number will make your travel safer, less complicated, and legal in all aspects. With a valid DOT registration, you will be able to transport and deliver your goods and products across the state. Unified Carrier RegistrationUnified carrier registration (UCR) is a system used to register and collect fees from the transportation businesses and operators of vehicles engaged in interstate travel and transportation. UCR imposes safety rules and regulations across states and provides intrastate trucking registration to their clients. They renew and update their fees after every 12 months so before you apply, check for the latest updates and packages they are offering. If you have a valid DOT number, it means that you are subject to the unified carrier registration (UCR). The unified carrier registration period starts from 1st October every year. Contact DetailsIf you want to get an Iowa DOT number, you can call at 765-742-2610. You can also call for general inquiries and discussions regarding commercial vehicles. The dedicated and professional staff will help you with your vehicle registration. The authorized officer and the team will answer all of your queries regarding the DOT number, unified carrier registration (UCR), and state fuel tax. They will also tell you about the latest information and updates. Customer ReviewsJames Cameron, an owner of a moving company, said that FMCSA Registration LLC has played the role of a lifesaver for my business. They make sure that my team and staff comply with all imposed rules and regulations. We have paid no fines and penalties yet in many years. Moreover, he gave all credit to the authorized registration office and DOT issuing authority, as they are the only third-party registration service that I trust for my business.
Another client, Alicia Walker, vice president of an interstate carrier said that her company has secured DOT Numbers, MC Numbers, UCR Registration, and fulfilled all other requirements for their commercial vehicles. They said that they got the top-class services from issuing author and the registration team is so generous and professional. They offered quick and fast services to their clients. Their customer service is excellent and they go the extra mile to make sure that we maintain full compliance at all times. They provide guidance and give all necessary information to the team and drivers for their smooth business operations.  Now that you've decided to become a caregiver for your senior loved one, it is important to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. While caregiving can be a challenging task, you only need the right mindset and preparation to make it through. Below, we share five practical ways you can get ready for senior caregiving. Educate YourselfOne of the most important things you can do to prepare for senior caregiving is to educate yourself on the topic. This means learning about the common health conditions that affect seniors and understanding the aging process and what changes you can expect to see in your loved one. You should also be aware of the different types of caregiving services available and what each of them entails. To acquire the best skills, you can also enroll for a relevant training course like the CPR first aid training in Tacoma. This will help you make informed decisions about the care your loved one needs. Prep Your Home for SeniorsAnother way to prepare for senior caregiving is to make your home senior-friendly. This means making some adjustments so that your loved one will be able to move around safely and comfortably. For instance, you might need to install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on staircases. You might also need to rearrange furniture to create a clear path from one room to another. Enlist the Help of Family and FriendIf you're going to be a caregiver, it's important to ask for help when you need it. Family and friends can pitch in by running errands, helping with housework, or simply providing emotional support. Even if you're doing an excellent job providing care to your loved one, you're going to need some helping hands at one point or the other. This is important so you can take some time off and unwind before picking up again. Talk to Other CaregiversThere are certainly a lot of other families taking good care of their senior loved ones, and you can talk to them to learn a thing or two. You can ask for advice, share tips, or just plain vent about the challenges you're facing. Laying off your burdens or challenges in your caregiving journey can help you understand how to overcome those challenges or lighten your load. You can also learn from the other caregivers how they've successfully managed their caregiving journeys. It's always helpful to have someone who understands what you're going through and can boost your morale. Create Realistic Caregiving ObligationsTo be the best caregiver you can be, you need to ensure that you're taking care of yourself first and foremost. This means setting realistic expectations for what you can handle and being honest with yourself about when you need a break.
If possible, try to set up a regular schedule with your senior loved one where you can have some time off each week. You could also invest in tools or products to keep them occupied while you're away, so you don't have to be with them throughout. This will help you avoid burnout and give you the chance to recharge. Caregiving can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's also important to be prepared for the challenges that come along with it. By following these five tips, you'll be setting yourself up for success as a caregiver, giving your loved ones the best life they yearn for after retirement. If you've just entered your golden years and you're due for a well-deserved vacation, it's worthwhile to consider extending your stay. Long-term refers to vacations that are typically three to six months long. And while this stay term might initially seem somewhat excessive, we have listed the most compelling reasons why you should consider a long-term holiday. Get A Deeper PerspectiveWhen visiting a region for a short period, you only really have time to experience the tourist hotspots. As a result, you will only get a surface perspective of the place. On the other hand, by staying longer, you will have more time to explore the environment and get to know the locals, gaining a more profound perspective. It's Not As Expensive As You ThinkYou might be thinking an extended vacation will cost substantially more than a regular vacation. However, you might spend less on flight tickets as you will be able to wait for discounts. Furthermore, short-term rental apartments, Toronto and various other areas offer long-term travelers the option of saving on accommodation costs for longer stays. Beyond these costs, your daily expenses will typically be the same, so you might end up saving on the total vacation cost by saving on flights and accommodation. In addition, there are also several ways to lower your travel expenses, such as traveling off-season and being flexible with flights. A Time To Truly UnwindMost of us already know that even though travel is rewarding, vacations can often be stressful; we tend to try our best to get the most out of every day of your stay. On the other hand, if you stay longer, you will have more time to experience the environment at your own pace. You really won't need to worry about not having enough time to do everything you want to do. As a result, long-term travel is likely the most suitable vacation type for seniors. Assess Potential RelocationMany retirees consider the solution of relocating to get the most out of their golden years and their retirement funds. Because some regions are more affordable and offer excellent pensioner benefits, relocating is often the best option for seniors. If you are considering relocation, it's worthwhile to opt for a long-term visit to your destination of choice. This way, you will have time to determine if relocation really is suitable and practical. Learn A New LanguageIf you opt for a foreign country for a long-term vacation, you'll have the opportunity to learn a new language. Just from experiencing the locals and their language during your stay, you will pick up on some words and form the base for a new language.
However, you will still need to invest time in learning any language. Let's say you've decided to learn French, French lessons are a great way to get started, and you can even learn the language with native-level teachers online, who will encourage you to stay focused and motivated. Long-term travel is often considered cheaper, and travelers enjoy a more profound experience of the culture and locals. Nevertheless, as a senior, long-term travel gives you the opportunity to enjoy your vacation at your own pace, free of time restraints. That said, it's worthwhile to consider travel insurance when visiting foreign regions for extended periods, as this insurance will provide access to quality medical care and protect your pocket from various travel mishaps such as lost baggage and others. Is your employer force-delaying your retirement? If yes, you have come to the right place. Retirement is one of life's biggest chapters for most individuals. It is a step that every working person prepares for their whole life. The whole idea of stepping away from work might sound bizarre, but it is an essential step you should take to improve your health, spend time with family, travel the world and do all the other things you would not have done while at work. Typically, an employer is required to let you go whenever you wish to retire. However, that is not always the case for some individuals. Some employers may force-delay your retirement for several different reasons. One of the most common reasons your employee may want to extend your tenure is to retain your experience. Hiring and grooming a new employee to understand the company's culture can take lots of time and money. That's why some employers might be reluctant to let you retire when your time comes. If you are not in a rush to retire, having an employer that won't let you leave can be a good thing. However, other employers might retain you against your will. They often do that by creating difficult situations that prevent you from retiring. For instance, there have been cases where companies delay payments or the distribution of 401(k) benefits. If you find yourself in any of the situations mentioned above, it might be a good idea to take a few steps to fix the issue. Here are a few steps you should follow when your employer would not let you retire. As For ExplanationIf your employer is force-delaying your retirement, the first step you should take is to give them a chance to explain themselves. Sometimes, a company might try to retain an employee for good reasons. Also, the employer might delay your 401(k) distributions due to a legitimate reason. Here are some of the reasons:
Hire an Employment LawyerSeeking the help of workplace lawyers might be the best course of action to follow if your employer is deliberately delaying your retirement. It is illegal to force-delay someone's retirement, especially when an employer uses tactics such as delaying payments or 401(k) withdrawals.
Workplace attorneys know their way around the employment laws and can help you file an appeal for denied claims. Their expertise will convince your employer to release you and give you what the company owes you. Conclusion If you are a valuable employee, some employers might go out of their way to retain your services. However, the decision of whether to remain at work or retire depends on you. So, you should take action if a company won't let you retire.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has seen a 60% increase in older drivers between 2000 and 2018, with more than 45 million drivers on the road aged 65 and above. Although older adults tend to drive more safely than younger drivers by adhering to safety rules, driving in safe conditions and refraining from drinking and driving, age-related factors can affect their driving abilities. With declining cognitive function as well as vision it’s important older adults do what they can to stay safe on the road. Below are some tips that you can take to ensure your own safety and that of other road users. Stay ActiveStaying physically fit as you get older will help your muscles retain their flexibility and strength which can aid your driving abilities, making it easier to get in and out of the car, grip the steering wheel, turn your neck or look over your shoulder. Studies have shown that shoulder and forearm rotation are key movements in driving safely so exercises that increase mobility such as yoga or stretching can help keep your joints agile and strong. Physical activity can be incorporated as part of your daily routine, whether it be going for a short walk, sit-to-stand exercises at home or light strength exercises to condition and strengthen your muscles. Sight and Hearing TestsAging can have an effect on the senses, with hearing and vision declining in particular. This can present a significant risk when it comes to driving as the senses need to be alert for a driver to respond quickly and effectively in situations such as oncoming emergency vehicles or to unusual sounds from within the car. This can be particularly hazardous in more populous areas as according to the website of Caffee Accident & Injury Lawyers car accidents frequently occur in cities. Common eye issues such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts can lead to impaired vision as you age, which can blur vision making it more difficult to drive in reduced light conditions and may also intensify the glare from other car headlights as well as the sun. It is important to have regular eye and hearing tests with a specialist to ensure there are no issues or to detect them in their infancy. Often, improvements can be made with corrective eyewear or hearing aids to reduce the risk of an accident while on the road. Manage Your MedicationsSome medications can have side effects such as drowsiness, inability to concentrate and blurred vision which may have a detrimental effect on your driving abilities. Review the guidance on your medication for any adverse side effects and whether it advises against driving while taking it. If you are unsure, it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist. Refresh Your Road SkillsYou can improve your road safety and driver skills by taking a refresher course aimed specifically for older adults. This might involve driving lessons in your own car with advice from a qualified instructor on how to improve your driving and remove any bad habits. By improving your driving skills you will also increase your confidence on the road, making you a safer and better driver.
By following the tips in this article, you can enhance your driving abilities and ensure many more years of motoring.  Sleep has many benefits to our mental and physical health. However, the connection between sleep and eye health is still unclear, partly because vision isn’t a priority to many people when it comes to proactive self-care. How does sleep affect our vision? What does lack of sleep do to our eye health? How much sleep do you need to maintain good eyesight? This article answers these and more questions that you might have regarding the sleep-vision connection. What happens to your eyes when you sleep? When you sleep, your eyes close. This is except for about 20% of people who suffer from a condition known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. Your eyes will retain the ability to sense light after you fall asleep, whether you close them or not, explaining why you will almost always wake you up if someone flashes a bright light in your face. Beyond that, your brain will not receive any signal from your eyes while you sleep. Even after you kip, it will take up to 30 seconds for the connection to be restored. Our bodies experience five sleep phases, grouped into the non-REM and REM (rapid eye movement) stages. We experience eye movement during sleep in the REM stage, which is the shorter and latter of the two. The first stage, non-REM, is further divided into four stages, which combined make up 80% of the sleep cycle. Is sleep deprivation bad for your eye health?Dark circles below your eyes are one of the most common signs that you didn’t get enough sleep the previous night. The more significant damage is usually concealed and may not be felt until it has piled enough to affect your overall eye health. Eye Spasms Anything less than six to eight hours of sleep per night will take a toll on your vision, even if marginally, and the effects may be long-term. Eye spasms are among the most common effects of insufficient sleep. These are rapid eye twitches that happen when you have eyelid spasms. The spams, also known as myokymia, are typically painless and do not affect your vision. However, they’re highly disruptive and can affect your productivity during the day. Dry eyes Without at least seven hours of sleep per day, fluid circulation takes a dip, and the eyes may fail to get enough lubrication. This leads to dry eyes or the worsening of dry eye syndrome if you have it. Usually, you will experience irritation and become more sensitive to light. Some people’s vision becomes blurry until they sleep again. Also worth noting is that people tend to rub their eyes a lot when they have dryness, which worsens the situation and can cause infection. Red eyes Insufficient sleep can also result in the bursting of blood capillaries in your eyes. This is not as painful or grave as it sounds, but the unsightly look of bloodshot eyes can cause self-consciousness. Glaucoma Glaucoma is one of the more severe conditions that can result from sleep deprivation. Its sleep-related causes are poor sleep quality, low sleep efficiency, prolonged sleep latency, and short sleep duration. A severe case of glaucoma can cause vision loss. It’s advisable to go for regular eye checkups if you haven’t been sleeping enough. Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Consistently getting insufficient sleep deprives your eyes of proper blood flow, putting you at risk for ischemic optic neuropathy (ION). ION is a condition characterized by optic nerve damage, unclear sight, and sharp pain. How to protect your eyes from sleep deprivationThere is no way to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation on your eye health other than getting enough sleep. Here are tips to help you with that:
EndnoteEyesight is considered our most important sense. By getting enough, quality sleep, you bolster its functioning, keep it healthy, and improve your life.
Remember the days when you only had two weeks of summer vacation? Well, those days are long gone. You just retired and are ready to see the world. The question is, where do you go first? Pre-Vacation PrepPrepping for your vacation is just as important as where you go and what you do when you're there. In fact, how you plan on paying for your retirement vacation needs to be settled prior to booking ticket. If you've been saving up, then all you need to do is check that you have enough to cover everything. If you short on cash and don't want to tap into your retirement fund, you could apply for a personal loan to pay for your vacation. To get the best rates, apply through a private lender instead of going through your bank. They tailor to terms that can fit your budget, and the interest rates are usually lower too. AlaskaIf you’re ready to see the world but aren’t ready to go abroad, Alaska is a good start point. It’s a completely different place than where you currently live, and you can customize your vacation any way you like. You can go hiking and kayaking, or you can choose to relax in nature and take in Alaska’s beauty. Just remember that it gets extremely cold in winter, so plan your travels to this utopia accordingly. MiamiHow can you not want to visit Miami? It’s home to beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and an eclectic arts district. You can spend your days working in your tan, or choose to explore the city and do a little retail therapy. Miami has hundreds of quaint boutiques and shops to choose from. If you really want to go all out, you should book a stay at the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental. Both hotels are beachfront properties, and offer luxury vacation packages. It’s important to note that as beautiful as Miami is, it can also be expensive. CaribbeanThe Caribbean is another great place to kick off your retirement. There are numerous idyllic islands to choose from, so do your research and figure out which island is for you and best suits your plans. The food is delicious, and the locals are warm and welcoming. If you want to spend time playing golf, you should check out the Four Seasons resort in Nevis. ItalyWhat can you say about Italy? It’s rich in history, culture and its Mediterranean climate is perfect. There are plenty of places to visit in Italy, so if you’re planning on spending a few here, you could go on a tour. The top spots to visit include Rome, Milan, Venice and Positano. There are plenty of other regions worth visiting as well. Just keep in mind that major metropolitan areas are better if you don’t speak the language. In smaller towns, it might be difficult to communicate with the locals. FranceParis is another international destination you should visit. In fact, it’s only a four-hour train ride from Paris to Milan, so you could combine the two trips into one longer vacation. Paris is full of expats, so finding someone who speaks English won’t be hard. You should visit the Louvre Museum, sample French cuisine and also try to see the beaches in Normandy. PortugalLisbon and Algarve are just two must-see regions to visit but there are tons of opportunities to explore Portugal’s best kept secrets also. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal whereas Algarve is more of a laidback beach town. Both have stunning architecture and landscapes to enjoy, in addition to plenty of shopping and entertainment options. There’s a huge digital nomad and expat community in Portugal, so you’ll have no problem finding someone who speaks English.
Many people who retire from their full-time jobs find that they are not quite ready to sit back and do nothing. A lot of those who retire do so because they have reached that age, but this does not mean that you cannot continue to do some work even if it is on a part-time basis to supplement your pension and to keep you busy. In fact, more and more people who retire are starting to take on part-time work, as this is a good way to break yourself into the new way of life with no full-time job commitments. Going directly from full-time work to retirement can be a shock to the system but getting something part-time can make it easier to transition. In addition, this means you can boost your income and enjoy the flexibility of part-time working for a while before you retire completely. What Can You Do?There are lots of options available if you want a part-time career, so you need to consider your interests and preference. You can get resume help and create a great resume to help you to get work with an employer, or you can even work for yourself from the comfort of your own home. Below are some options you can consider: Simple Part-Time WorkOne of the things that you can consider is getting a simple part-time job with an employer. This means that you won’t have the stress of your full-time job and you can enjoy more free time. At the same time, you can break yourself into retirement gently and continue to earn money in addition to your pension. You can apply for jobs based on your experience and qualifications or simply based on ease and convenience. Working for YourselfAnother thing that you can do is to work for yourself offering services to others. For instance, if you consider yourself good with DIY, you could offer basic repair services and DIY services in your local area. If you are a great cook, you could offer part-time catering or cake-baking services. You could even put your creative skills to good use and do things such as selling homemade greetings cards to others. There are plenty of options that you can consider if you want to set up your own little home business. Working OnlineFor those who are confident about using the internet, you could also consider part-time online working, and you can offer services based on your skills and qualifications. There are all sorts of services that you can offer online on a part-time basis such as content writing, bookkeeping and accountancy, or even becoming an online seller. You only need a computer and internet access to get started with many online jobs, so it is well worth considering whether this is something that you can do.
These are just some of the options that you can consider if you want to stay busy and earn money after you retire.  When we’re injured or unwell, we may not recover as quickly as we might have when we were younger with faster cell regeneration. However, even though getting older may mean your recovery journey is slower, that doesn’t mean it has to come to a grinding halt. You may be able to help yourself by doing some of the following things: Get Expert HelpYou may be surprised at how beneficial it can be to rely on experts for help while recovering from an accident. For example, a law firm like Onder Law can fight for your right to compensation so that you can afford the care you need. You can also tap into many different resources like home help for meal preparation, cleaning, and gardening, and specialists for health and medical treatments. People with expertise in recovering from an accident or injury can be a guiding light through what may be one of the most challenging times of your life. Take It SlowIf a medical professional has advised you to rest, relax, and take it easy while recovering, try not to go against doctors’ orders. You might need to hire someone to take care of your property to avoid hurting yourself and even stop engaging in your regular exercise routines for a while, such as long walks, cycling, swimming, and intensive social activities. While a slow transition back into these activities is likely sensible for muscular strength, allow medical professionals to advise when it’s safe to do so. Eat Healthy FoodAs your body recovers from painful injuries, it never hurts to give it a helping hand. Encourage the healing process through healthy food choices. For example, you might eat more leafy greens that are packed full of folate, magnesium, and manganese, and even include more vitamin C-rich food that helps with wound healing. Some excellent foods to include in your diet during the recovery process and at any other time are green vegetables, eggs, salmon, berries, poultry, and nuts and seeds. Get Support from Family and FriendsIt’s never easy trying to recover after an injury or even surgery, especially when you can feel like your independence has been taken away. Don’t be afraid to rely on friends, family, and partners for support during this challenging time. Social visits may help you cheer up, and you may even be able to rely on them for errands like groceries and medication. Talk to Mental Health ProfessionalsDepending on how you were injured, you may be suffering mentally as well as physically. While you likely have plenty of medical professionals assisting with wound care and physiotherapy, don’t underestimate the importance of mental health support to help with depression, sadness, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
If you need to, make an appointment with a therapist who can listen to your concerns and provide helpful tools and coping mechanisms. While you’re healing physically, you can also be healing mentally at the same time. Recovering from an injury or surgery can be challenging, especially when you don’t recover as well as you used to. However, by focusing on your diet, surrounding yourself with a support network, and taking it slow, you may be on the journey to improved health in no time.  Also referred to as a life plan community, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers everything that older adults need during various stages of aging. These communities address seniors' unique needs after retirement, such as housekeeping, transport, meals, fitness, and wellness programs. Below are important things you might not know about CCRCs. Couples and Pets Are WelcomeEven couples that have lived together and aged together won't develop the same conditions or have the exact same needs. The declining health of one partner shouldn't be a cause for separation, and many retirement communities accept and accommodate couples. If one partner is in good health, but the other suffers a stroke or develops a chronic condition, caring for their partner might prove difficult. Juggling between doctor's visits, timing medications, providing personal care, and maintaining the house is overwhelming, and might lead to isolation and the onset of health problems. If sending your spouse to a retirement facility alone isn't appealing, most facilities have options that allow couples to share with the residence while receiving care and assistance. Most retirement communities have one and two-bedroom units with different floor plans for couples. Similarly, pets are also welcomed to these centers. Generally, animals help reduce stress and blood pressure while increasing physical activity and social interactions for old adults. You Can Customize Your ExperienceMost retirement communities don't provide a general experience to all residents. Instead, you get to choose the level of care based on your unique needs. At Riverview Retirement Community, residents can choose between:
The benefit of choosing a community with all levels of care is that you won't have to move if your status changes. For instance, suppose you chose the independent living option on admission, but your health condition changes some years later, necessitating assisted living services, you will get these services within the community. Senior Living Isn't What You ThinkMost people mistake retirement communities for nursing homes. Unknown to them, retirement communities and senior apartments are far from their antiquated misconceptions. Modern retirement communities are designed to meet aging adults' physical, emotional, mental, and social needs. This loosely translates to beautiful décor, good meals, exercising opportunities, professional staff, onsite entertainment, and endless opportunities of connecting with peers. A recent report concluded that seniors consider the quality of services when choosing a retirement community. Fortunately, this is what current retirement communities focus on. EndnoteWhether you are looking for perfect retirement ideas for you, your spouse, or your parents, which allow them to maintain their independence, retirement communities are an ideal solution. These facilities also care for seniors who need assisted living services, memory issues, such as dementia, and other old-age associated conditions.
It's essential to communicate with your colleagues and clients in their language when traveling for business. You can do some tricks if you're looking to improve your spoken French for business. First, try to find opportunities to speak French as often as possible. It could mean watching French movies or TV shows, listening to French podcasts, or attending online French courses. You can also practice speaking with a person or tutor who is fluent in the language. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! The more you learn the language, the better you'll become at it.  Work on ListeningThe key to fluency in a new language is practice. It's not enough just listening. You have got control over what comes out of your mouth and how it sounds by practicing the process of hearing then understanding before speaking again. The best way we've found ways to use French audio materials as songs or podcasts recorded is because they're more natural than ones from France, making learning much easier for you. You can also memorize what you heard while watching a French movie or TV show. You might make an index card with French key phrases and the most common French adverbs on it and review them frequently throughout your studies so that they become ingrained in how you communicate. There are many different ways to study French, but there may be a better alternative depending on your level. Podcasts would work great if you want something portable and help with language learning while walking or going about the day. Suppose we were looking for an app specifically designed for beginners who need a more tailored experience. In that case, nothing beats Français Authentique, though, because it also offers video lessons. Get Yourself a PartnerAre you looking to practice your French? Why not try speaking with a native speaker! You will get more than just words, and you'll also learn how they say things in real life. And suppose that doesn't work out for some reason or another (maybe because of difficulty understanding one another). They're always asking them to repeat themselves slowly, so no conversation goes by without an answer being given at least once. Get a PhrasebookThe more personalized your French phrasebook, the faster you'll learn to speak and understand. You can use it for everyday conversations or when traveling abroad so that people know what language you're saying and how they should be addressing/referring back to whichever country's customs are being discussed. Learn Some Words Every DayWords are crucial because they allow us to communicate our thoughts and feelings. They provide insight into the world around us, but words can also be difficult for some people who have trouble remembering them or using the right ones at just the right time. To help you out with this problem, you can create a list of the most used French words in business. Prepare Yourself for Uneasy SoundsIt can be difficult at first to make the unfamiliar sounds of that country's native tongue when learning a new language. However, some people find this challenge more daunting than others and let their embarrassment hold them back from saying something correctly or making mistakes when speaking French, for example. Feeling stupid is a typical response when people start speaking another language. They're afraid they will make mistakes and feel embarrassed about it, but don't let this hold you back! Keep going in your online French classes even if, at first glance, everything feels silly or challenging to say. Eventually, these feelings won't matter – the skill itself will become second nature with practice (and sometimes third). To Wrap It UpLearning French for business is not an easy task, but with the help of some tips we've provided, you should be able to improve your skills in no time. The first thing you'll need to do is find a way to motivate yourself and keep practicing while simultaneously looking at other successful people with their language learning goals. Secondly, make sure that you're listening when people speak so that it becomes easier for you to understand what they're saying, even if it's just tiny sentences or phrases here and there, and thirdly keep on moving forward!
Portugal is an enchanting destination, known to most for the abundance of attraction points in Porto, bustling streets of Lisbon, and awe-inspiring beaches of Algarve, which are all undeniably worthy of your attention. However, there is so much more to uncover in this beautiful country, especially once you set off to explore its wonders off the beaten track. If you have finished touring the major attractions or if you prefer to search for the hidden gems, here are ten best-kept secrets of Portugal that are as attention-worthy as the renowned popular sites. 1. BerlengasBerlengas is an archipelago consisting of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Peniche. Known for being one of the best spots for surfing in Portugal, Peniche itself is quite popular; however, not many people know about the unique set of islands just a short ferry ride away. Berlenga Grande is the one of the islands which is accessible to tourists, but it boasts an unparalleled fortress that now houses a tiny bed and breakfast for those wanting to stay away from the big city hustle. 2. ComportaComporta is a one-of-a-kind village located less than a two-hour drive away from Lisbon. This little piece of heaven on earth provides spectacular sceneries and a serene ambiance unbeknownst to masses of tourists and is home to a tight-knit community that ensures the well-being of this beautiful gem.  3. Peneda-Gerês National ParkThe Peneda-Gerês National Park is the perfect refuge for those seeking a nature escape. Located near the Spanish border in Northern Portugal, it is the only national park in the country, covering an area of over 70 000 hectares. It is home to several Portuguese villages, as well as domesticated animals and wildlife likewise. The park provides an abundance of hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits to choose from. 4. Trilho dos PescadoreTalking about trails in Portugal, it is important to mention the Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s trail), one of the best coastal routes in the country providing spectacular views every step of the way. Even though the views are undoubtedly worth it, get ready for a rather challenging walk, as battling the wind and the sand can sometimes be physically demanding. 5. Buracas do CasmiloAnother under-the-radar location in Portugal, that also provides a trekking trail for those interested in reaching their daily step goals, is Buracas do Casmilo. Located in Condeixa-a-Nova, Buracas do Casmilo is a set of caves situated amid lush nature and rock formations. 6. PiodaoThe one-of-a-kind Piodao village is the perfect location to marvel at some authentic architecture as well as get acquainted with the lifestyle of the locals far away from the herds of tourists. Get lost wandering its narrow streets, soak up the beautiful sceneries around you, and delve deeper into the unique stories about Piodao; it is all ensured to add up to quite a unique travel experience. 7. LamegoLocated in the Viseu District, Lamego is another secret that ought to be unveiled by those interested in the authenticity of Portugal. The charming town is located nearby the beautiful vineyards of Douro Valley and boasts an abundance of sites representing the beauty of Portuguese culture; thus, guaranteeing some lovely views without a doubt.  8. SilvesSilves is another overlooked destination in the country, perfectly summing up its charm. Once the capital of the sunny region of Algarve, the town was a major trading center during the Moorish rule in Portugal influences of which can be seen to this day. 9. FerragudoWhile on the topic of delightful locations in Algarve, it would be a sin not to mention the village of Ferragudo. It is one of the main hidden jewels of the region, boasting white-washed architecture, narrow winding streets, and waters dotted by charming fishing boats. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? 10. Praia da AdragaTaking a Faro to Lisbon train from sunny Algarve takes you to the last but definitely not least stop on the list, the spectacular Praia da Adraga. Located less than an hour away from Lisbon, the beautiful beach has somehow still been undetected by masses of tourists, allowing the irregular visitor to enjoy a calm day at the beach and admire the dramatic coastline.  When it comes to Portugal, the list of hidden gems is actually never-ending, as any turn off the beaten path will take you to some charming village, breathtaking stretch of coastline, or a patch of beautiful nature. Make your way to the spectacular destination and find new locations that can be your best-kept secret in Portugal!
 Traveling is always a fulfilling experience, irrespective of your age. When traveling, it always helps to know what to expect from your travels. It also helps knowing how you can make the most of your traveling experience, especially in trying times like this. With that in mind, here are a few super helpful tips for seniors who plan on traveling in 2022. #1 Health and Safety Comes FirstAt the start of 2021, the average number of daily COVID cases was around 200,000. Between March and September of the same year, the number dropped to less than 100,000 a day. As we enter 2022, that number has crossed 500,000 per day. The trend with COVID, therefore, is difficult to understand. And with the Omicron variant causing havoc around the world, things are more unpredictable than ever. Hence, it is important to know about these numbers before you decide to travel. Researchers have put forward the notion that the elderly are more at risk if COVID infects them. Thus, you will have to be extra careful about your health and safety when going on trips in 2022. #2 Know Which Places You Can VisitCountries are opening and closing their borders for tourists based on the worldwide situation with COVID. Some are welcoming tourists despite the rise in cases, while others close their borders the moment the numbers see an increase. You need to look up each country separately before you plan your travels. The same goes for any state in the US that you might be looking to visit. While you research that, look up the COVID numbers in those areas, as well as their daily COVID case rates. That will give you an idea of whether or not they plan on closing their borders anytime soon. #3 Keep An Eye On the weatherPlanning any trip often depends on the weather. Based on the weather data of that place, you can decide whether or not you want to visit that place. Some places are better during the rainy or winter season. Others are more enjoyable during the sunny summer days. Even on your trip, you will have to make your outdoor plans based on the weather forecasts. It always helps to have a weather app at hand when traveling. Using real-time weather data, these apps can help you clear out any confusions you might have. You can even check with the area’s pollen reports by using these weather apps. That is especially helpful information for seniors allergic to pollen. The last thing you would want on your trip is to get an allergic reaction to pollen. #4 Avoid Traveling in Public TransportHire a personal car for you and your travel partners when going on your trip. Avoid public transportation as much as possible. That way, you will be minimizing your exposure to people, which in turn will lower the chances of you getting COVID. #5 Spend More Time OutdoorsExperts suggest seniors spend more time outdoors amidst nature. That helps them get some physical activity done and increase their energy. Apart from improving your physical health, staying outdoors also helps fight depression. It also improves memory. Because of COVID, our outdoor time has been cut short by a huge amount. This is extremely bad for our health. As for seniors, the lack of outdoor time amidst nature can cause severe health problems. Memory loss, dementia, and depression are just some of the many mental illnesses that can pop up because of this. Besides, missing out on outdoor time means a drop in your physical health as well. So make the most of your travels and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Of course, wear a mask, and keep yourself safe first. #6 Avoid Cruise ShipsWhen you are in a different country or state, you can leave the place if there is a lockdown. Although the process is difficult, you can still manage to return home. The same is not possible on a cruise ship. We have seen this in the past where these ships had to quarantine at a port, while everyone on-board was barred from leaving their rooms. Hence, avoid cruise ships for the time being.
That is all for now. A lot of the tips here are more related to your health and wellbeing than travel itself. However, health is important, which is why we are emphasizing it. And as long as you take these suggestions into account, you can surely enjoy your trip to the fullest. Most people are used to thinking that successful individuals are just born under a lucky star. Still, such an opinion is a delusion, no matter how much we want to believe it. Success depends on one’s purposefulness, effort, and accomplishments to a large extent. So, all those stories of famous people are not just a product of luck. Elbow grease and confidence in oneself play a great role in getting a dream job. Of course, sometimes other important factors can influence the situation. This can mean the ability to craft a winning resume despite the lack of work experience. To increase the chances of employment, use resume writing services like Skillhub and get professional help. Everything is possible, so receiving an invitation for an interview with a recruiter from your dream company is easier than it may seem. To prove to you that career growth depends only on personal effort, this article reveals the story of one of the most famous show hosts in the whole world. Oprah Winfrey’s career path wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Let’s delve into it and discuss some of her preliminary occupations. Grocery Store AssistantIt may come as a shock for many people, but Oprah’s first work was in a local grocery store. She worked there as a teenager to get some pocket money, but we can still consider her career path began in a shop. Over the past decades, the sales profession has undergone many changes, and the requirements for recruiting in this specialization have increased significantly. Of course, no one says that you can grow to the director of a store in a couple of months. The career growth of a seller is quite long, but the prospects are significant. It is worth considering that even in this profession, you will constantly have to develop and grow. If you choose not to upgrade your key skills, then you should not think about career growth and an increase in salary. Part-Time News ReporterJohn Heidelberg from the local radio station WVOL noted Oprah’s abilities and hired her to read the latest news on weekends. She worked as a part-time news reporter during her high school years. In addition, she was not just a presenter but the first African-American woman to occupy such a position. She managed to do a good job and made nearly a hundred dollars a week. However, it was not always a success. In her early days on television, Winfrey was scared and felt the news was not her field of occupation. The exceptional compassion, which, in fact, brought her later success and money, was not the best professional quality for the commentator. She kept repeating to herself, “I’ll just pretend I’m Barbara Walters,” and it worked. Walters became her professional leader. Oprah earned $15,000 a year while still a college student. This story shows that despite the fear and lack of confidence, there is no use in giving up. This refers not only to the growth in a particular career field but also to the process of a job application. If no recruiters land an interview with you or you are fed up with constantly trying to land a job, this does not mean it will always be like that. Just be persistent and send as many applications as possible.  Host of the Morning Talk ShowBefore graduating from college in 1976, Winfrey was offered a chance to be a reporter for “Baltimore is Talking” and the second six-hour news broadcaster on WJZ Television. Winfrey accepted the proposal and was on her way to the big times. It is worth noting that this role was performed by her flawlessly. The ratings of the program went off the scale, and this was the very success that the girl dreamed of so much. Two years later, she became the host of the show “People Are Talking.” Oprah’s rating began to rise sharply as the audience warmly and enthusiastically welcomed her. Indeed, when a person loves their job and invests all their energy and effort in the development of their career, it is appreciated by the community. Hard-working people are noticed by employers and hiring managers and have better chances to get “yes” at the interview. Acting ExperienceIn 1985, Quincy Jones, a famous American film producer, was looking for someone to perform a role in his film. Winfrey had no acting experience other than a college drama club, but Jones chose her for the job. The motion picture was released in December 1985 to the delight of the audience. It is said that a talented person is talented in everything. Perhaps, this phrase has a grain of truth. But most importantly, to expand career opportunities, one must use any chance they are offered.  Host of a Personal ShowHaving managed to succeed on such a rich career path, Oprah came close to creating what we know her for. In 1986, the most famous “The Oprah Winfrey Show” appeared. This instant turn of events made Winfrey the highest-paid performer in show business. Final WordsSuccess never comes out of the blue. It is a constant process of self-development through significant effort and perseverance. As you can see from Oprah’s experience, to get something, one needs to put their back into it and never stop moving forward.
Conscious living, conscious exercising, conscious breathing - everything has now become conscious. Even hobbies can be conscious, meaning that you should take them up because you want to do so. During your life, there have certainly been situations where you wanted to do something just because other people did that. As you have reached your fifties or sixties, you finally have the cognitive basis and wisdom to opt for what you like. Read on to choose something new from the list below. 1. Playing a Musical InstrumentIf you ask ten random people about their childhood dream, the chances are high that half of them would remember wanting to become an artist. Some of them would specify that they wanted to play a musical instrument, but the parents told them not to do so. The same could have happened to you. At any given time of your life, you might have wanted to start a musical career. However, you were afraid of those uncharted waters, questioned your abilities, or thought that the number of successful artists was already high. Those were and are only thoughts: you can start little by little right now. You have the skills to give your musical self a try and experiment. Whether you go to a music school or begin watching a virtuoso Youtuber, the music in your mind is waiting to be heard. 2. Reading, Reading, ReadingReading makes for a hobby that everyone has considered at least once. Why? It helps you be equipped with knowledge in different aspects. As you already have extensive life experience, you would certify that multifaceted knowledge is an asset. The more you read, the more situations and scenarios you can live with the help of the characters. You keep your imagination and feelings working: they keep you alive inside. All the things you can dream about nurture your inner child who provides you with enthusiasm and strength to continue exploring life. So often, seniors fall into depression as they don’t know what to do next, and they long for the past. Reading can serve as a key to studying more opportunities and biographies of others to find clues to what you can do next. 3. MeditatingSometimes meditation seems like a scam to unprepared seniors: you sit and imagine. What’s the point? Instead of that, you can do something in the real world. What those seniors don’t know is that meditation is the key to the inner world, and the world that surrounds you is the projection of it. You spot outside what you have inside, not the other way around. Meditation helps you stay connected with your true self, your sincere wants, and needs, but also acknowledge your fears. While meditating, you dig deep into yourself, trying to find answers to existential questions that you long had but didn’t allocate time to answer. So, when you have the answers in you and have calmed down inside, you will notice how the outside world changes in response to your updated state of mind. 4. Learning a New LanguageInterestingly, learning a new language has become easy today, yet many hardly consider it seriously. In the abundance of language learning apps, you can start today with one language, tomorrow learn another, and decide that your tongue is the one and only. Think of a language that would help you in a specific field to prevent such a dilemma. For example, you want to relocate, or you want to travel. Yes, the world speaks English, but isn’t it better to know the native tongue of the country and culture you have always admired? Also, learning something new keeps your brain active and pushes it to develop new neural connections. Some studies have shown that this can hinder the development of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's. 5. Training Financial LiteracySeniors are known for having some savings that can help them afford to live the way they used to. However, this also makes them an easy target for those agencies that want to sell seniors things they don’t need. Marketers know that seniors have those funds and can buy items for their children or grandchildren. Training financial literacy and knowing that such scams can occur helps seniors be more aware of what their money should be used for. On the other hand, seniors who are still working, need to file tax documents, and applying for professional assistance would be the right step. Tax preparation, especially when it comes to tax refund files, requires professionalism and experience. This can help seniors pay as much as they need and use the tax breaks and advantages the government usually provides them.
When we walk over the hill to middle age, we find that our body and mind isn't what it used to be. We may notice a few wrinkles around our eyes, some aches and pains, or we may not be as mentally alert as we were twenty years ago. Time catches up with all of us, and there is no point in trying to avoid it. Fortunately, we can do things to slow down Old Father Time, such as taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting stress, and taking certain nutritional supplements. Here are 5 of the best nutritional supplements for the over 50s. CalciumCalcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and protecting against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Women over the age of 50 are highly susceptible to developing osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and causes them to break more easily. Men can develop osteoporosis, but it's far more common in women. Calcium can be found in dairy products and green leafy vegetables. BerberineBerberine is a substance found in plants such as goldenthreads, tree turmerics, and Oregon grapes. It has an endless list of medicinal properties such as lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar in people with diabetes, reducing symptoms of menopause, treating the side effects of heart failure, healing stomach ulcers caused by H.Pylori, and preventing bone loss in menopausal women. Berberine is best taken as an oral supplement to get its full benefit. Luma Nutrition berberine is an example of a quality product using the best ingredients. Ginkgo BilobaAs we age, our brain function can diminish due to insufficient blood circulation, among other factors. Ginkgo biloba is rich in phytochemicals that improve circulation. This wonder plant can improve brain function and slow cognitive decline, thus reducing the risk of dementia. Because ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation, it can ease painful legs and help older people become more mobile and pain-free. Vitamin DVitamin D is vital for good health. We need it to maintain strong bones and teeth, keep our muscles functioning properly, and to make our immune system robust. We obtain most of our daily vitamin D requirements from the sun. Our body absorbs it from the sun's rays, and it is synthesized in the skin. Living in a country with limited daily sunshine can deplete a person's natural vitamin D levels, as can the aging process, so health experts recommend that older people take vitamin D in supplement form. Vitamin D is a nootropic, meaning it can help improve cognitive function. Nootropics are essential to take as we get older. With this comprehensive list of nootropics, you can ensure you're taking the right vitamins and minerals for improved brain function. GlucosamineMost people over the age of 50 have heard of glucosamine as it is the most widely used supplement in older people.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar found naturally in human and animal tissues. It develops and maintains cartilage within the joints, so with age, this substance can deplete, leading to sore joints and osteoarthritis. It can also reduce inflammation, so it is an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and glaucoma. It is essential to consult your doctor before taking any supplements because some may cause side effects when taken with prescription medications. While everyone is striving for retirement, many retirees later find themselves looking for things to do to keep busy, which is why so many retirees start working part-time. Although many retirees need to create an income to make ends meet, living costs keep on rising. So, whether you are hoping to create a worthwhile extra income or you want to pursue something that will keep you busy, we've rounded up five great ideas for you to consider. Sell Home-Made Goods OnlineStarting an e-commerce business is pretty pocket-friendly, especially when considering how many free resources are at your disposal. You can use free website builders, free logo design apps, and online tutorials to create your brand. And if you aren't too sure what kinds of things you should sell, you should consider your hobbies; if you enjoy gardening, you can sell plants online, or if you enjoy sewing, you could sell clothing, garments, or home decor items. Freelance TutoringFreelance tutoring is an excellent opportunity for retirees who want to earn extra money, although they don't want to start a business. Because seniors tend to develop patience along the way, retirees are typically great tutors. That said, tutoring opportunities are amble, as you can tutor remotely from home if you have a laptop and a stable internet connection. Furthermore, you can also work your own hours as one of many perks of freelancing. House SittingOffering services such as babysitting or pet sitting is not always the most suitable decision for seniors, as these services can be mentally and physically taxing. Although, services such as house sitting are possible. Looking after someone's property while they are away is hardly an effort at all, and you'll make extra money. Rent Your SpaceAlternatively, you could consider renting out some of your homes if your property is large enough for a roommate. Although you should use rental agent services to rent out your space safely, particular processes will be put in place to ensure your home is shared with an individual that meets the criteria. Finding a roommate on your own could have you living with a tenant you cannot get rid of and who does not pay their rent. Freelance WritingFreelance tutoring is not the only freelance opportunity out there that seniors can take advantage of. If you enjoy writing, you can find opportunities with the help of online job boards for remote freelance positions.
Freelancing is one of the most suitable forms of employment for seniors, as the advantages allow for a comfortable work-life balance that won't be too demanding. As a retiree, there's no doubt that you don't want to overwork yourself just to earn a bit of extra money. Of course, you need to manage your health and wellbeing as you age. And while investing in healthcare and avoiding lousy dietary habits are just a couple of ways to manage your health, keeping busy is also essential for your mental and emotional wellbeing.  Our life as young and then mature adults is tightly connected with our work and our family. The things we do and the people we care for provide us with purpose and meaning. Plus, you get a feeling of being useful and wanted; you have a place in society. However, once the kids move out and become self-sufficient, you start to feel less needed. Also, as you move forward in age, and retire, you get a second blow from society. Now you’re no longer a manager or an advisor - you’re just a retired old person with a whole bunch of time on your hands and a lot of aching body parts. As a result, more people fall into depression after retirement. The sudden change in their life dynamics leaves them feeling empty and shunned by society. Still, there is hope for a good and fun life after retirement - you just have to prepare for it. You can do so by strengthening family ties (taking care of grandchildren from time to time), making new friends (other retired people with a lot of free time), and finding fun and interesting activities to do. For instance, if you like flowers, there are a ton of interesting activities you can do on your own or with friends. Here are a few ideas: Gardening and Growing FlowersMaybe you’ve always wanted a beautiful garden filled with gorgeous flowers from all over the world but there was no time for such a hobby. Well, now that you are retired and the kids are all grown up, you have all the time in the world! Sure, your joints are not what they used to be, but you can hire someone to do the digging and the planning in the spring. Plus, there are a lot of tools you can use to make your job easier. Gardening is a great activity for the body and the soul as it helps you stay active while doing something you love! Flower ArrangementsIf you just like playing with flowers and colors, you can dig into flower arrangements. After all, it takes skill and attention to detail to put together a beautiful yellow flower bouquet! For this, you can purchase the flowers fresh from the market or you can collaborate with local gardeners. Who knows, maybe you can make some new friends who share the same love for flowers! Arrangements help you exercise your dexterity and stimulate the brain by engaging several sensory systems. Plus, they’re nice to look at and brighten any place! Collect Pressed FlowersWhile they don’t have a very long life when fresh, pressed flowers will stay with you for as long as you want. Plus, you can display them in various crafts or you can offer them to loved ones as gifts or as cards on special occasions. It takes a bit to learn the flower pressing technique, but it is an extremely fun and interesting skill to add to the toolkit. Plus, it helps you keep the brain young (learning a new skill) and helps you discover new hobbies and passionate people. Key TakeawayOverall, whether it’s flowers or anything else, it’s important to find ways to entertain yourself during retirement. This way, your brain will stay active and you will continue to have a fun and full life.
How many times in a day do you find yourself feeling completely exhausted as a man? You might be experiencing mental exhaustion.
Mental exhaustion is a misunderstood disorder that can be caused by a number of things, including tiredness from lack of sleep, stress at work or home, and overworking your brain. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 reasons why men experience mental exhaustion and break down the symptoms so you can pinpoint what's causing yours!
Conclusion Mental exhaustion can be caused by a number of things, including diet, lifestyle, and illness. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to talk to a doctor about what might be causing it. Mental exhaustion can lead to other mental health disorders if left untreated. Try to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and avoid overworking your brain. Retirement can be an enjoyable time in your life, but it can also be a time that you welcome and embrace change. Just because you have retired from a previous career or occupation, it does not mean that you cannot embark on something new. No matter what age you are, you still have the time and the opportunities available to embark on a new career path. A second, or even third career is perfectly acceptable, so what are you waiting for? What is holding you back from embarking on a new career? Why You Need to Step Out of RetirementPerhaps you retired earlier than you wanted to, or maybe you retired from a previous career or occupation because you were no longer getting the satisfaction or rewards that you needed. Whatever your reasons for retiring, it is essential to realize that they change, and you’re thinking changes too. Retirement can last a long time, and if you feel that you have more to offer, you will end up feeling like you have never realized your full potential. You need to step out of retirement to make a difference, and you need to embark on a new journey that is unfulfilled. You Are Never too Old to Embark on a New JourneyRetirement can make you feel old, and it can age you unnecessarily. If you feel that you can add something (or bring something) to the world of nursing, then age is truly a number that must be overcome. Far too often, numbers are spun out negatively, and this can leave you feeling like you have to be in a career by a certain age, perhaps when you are in your 30’s or 40’s. However, this is simply not true, there is no upper age limit by which you must abide by when it comes to starting a new career such as nursing, and as a result, you are never too “old” to start on a new and exciting journey. Planning For a New JourneyOf course, you want to plan out your journey into nursing to ensure that it is successful and as smooth as possible. When you take time out to plan, you can ensure that you fit in everything you want to (and need to) within a timescale that works for you. Having a plan to follow can also give you more control and power over the route you are taking. It can also give you guidance and direction, perhaps for those times when you feel that you don’t know which direction to go in and why. To successfully plan for a new journey, you have to think about your end goal. What do you want to achieve, and by when? Once you have established what your end goal is, you can then begin working backwards to ensure success. Your Experience and Knowledge is ValuableWithin nursing, experience is key, and it is valuable too. Whether you have personal experience or knowledge of nursing and healthcare, or whether you are a newbie, your life experience and life skills matter. Being able to speak to a wide variety of patients (of all ages) and being able to relate and empathize with patients and with what they are going through will help you become a successful nurse. Your life experience and your knowledge can come into use during everyday situations and scenarios when you are working, and it can also be useful too when you are studying for your nursing qualifications. Do not dismiss your previous experiences as they may help you push your new career forwards in the right direction. You Have a Great Skill SetOver the years, you have built up a skill set that is hard to beat, and this is another reason why you need to embark on a new journey. Your skillset that has been developed and enhanced over several years will come into use within a nursing career. Skills such as great communication are essential, as too are the time-management skills you have acquired over time. Writing down and then breaking down your skillset will show you that you are well equipped to handle the roles and responsibilities that come with a nursing position. Those Within Nursing and Healthcare are In DemandIt is always nice to know that you are wanted, and within nursing and healthcare, you can be sure that this is true. With increasing population numbers comes increasing demand, and this is something that has never been clearer or truer. Populations growing and even living longer has meant that healthcare workers and nurses are in high demand. When you undertake a role that is highly in demand, you can be sure that you will be fairly compensated and remunerated for your efforts. Although nursing is not about the financial rewards, it is nice knowing that you are being fairly compensated for your time and efforts. Studying and Getting Qualified Can Be EnjoyableReturning to education and gaining new skills and qualifications can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Learning and education can be fun, rewarding, and enjoyable. There are lots of accelerated nursing programs online that you can undertake and complete quickly from the comfort of your own home around your existing commitments. Pushing yourself and absorbing a lot of new information can keep you feeling young, and it can keep you feeling focused too. You Can Make a DifferenceA new career in nursing is beneficial to you, but it will also be beneficial to others too. As a nursing professional, you will be aiding and assisting others within their care and rehabilitation. Having an impact on patients care and also having an impact on their lives will leave a lasting impact on your life and your journey too. Knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of others and being prepared to make a change will leave you feeling fulfilled in many ways.
 When you reach the age of 65, prudent, low-risk investment becomes more essential. It directly influences your retirement and the legacy you pass to family members. Gold IRAs are among the numerous low-risk investment options available to seniors. These unique retirement accounts enable you to invest in gold instead of more conventional assets such as equities and bonds. Many companies also offer these retirement accounts, such as the Oxford Gold Group and others like it. Find out more about gold IRAs, including how they function and the best uses for them in this comprehensive guide. What Is a Gold IRA?A gold IRA is a special kind of individual retirement account (IRA) that allows for the ownership of gold bullion. Additionally, investors may use a gold IRA to acquire real estate, artwork, and more. It's worth noting that you can't possess real gold in a traditional IRA, unlike gold IRAs. However, you may invest in a number of gold-related assets such as stocks of gold mining firms or gold exchange-traded funds. A gold IRA is also like a traditional IRA, but with the additional advantage of providing you better control in your investments. Opening a Gold IRAA gold IRA requires a broker to purchase the gold. It also requires a custodian to establish and manage the account. This custodian will keep or retain your physical bullion in a secure environment. A custodian refers to an IRS-approved firm or bank that manages these accounts and handles all of the paperwork. They help you open an account and walk you through the whole investment process. After you've opened and financed your account, you'll select the precious metals you’d like to acquire and the dealer from whom you like to acquire them. Custodians don't pre-select a dealer for their clients. However, experienced custodians may be glad to offer their list of dealers around the nation. After selecting your precious metals and dealer, you may instruct your custodian to purchase the metals with the funds from your account. Once you acquire your metals, they must be transferred and stored in an IRS-approved depository. As part of the process, your custodian can direct you to an accredited institution and manage the gold transfer for you. There are also fees in opening and maintaining a gold IRA. Custodians and depositories charge different fees for gold IRAs. If you want to obtain the greatest rate, check at least a few suppliers and custodians before opening an account. Choosing Your CustodianChoosing a custodian to work with is challenging since it’s a specialist service that most large brokerage companies don’t provide. However, you may use the following criteria in choosing a custodian:
Look Out for Gold IRA Scams If you decide to create a gold IRA account, be on the lookout for scammers. When it comes to the investment industry, scams are rampant, and they might jeopardize your whole retirement. The following are the most typical warning signs of a scam:
Funding Your Gold IRAFunding your gold IRA is simple after you've opened an account. Moreover, it can be done in several ways:
How Does a Gold IRA Work for Seniors? Seniors may benefit from gold IRAs in the same way that younger individuals can. The only difference is you may increase your yearly contribution. You may invest $1,000 more as a senior compared to the younger investors. As long as you're 70.5 years old or older by the year 2020, you're allowed to continue making payments indefinitely. Gold IRA contributions might be an excellent way to increase and protect your money throughout those years. Don't forget to consider that even though you may begin receiving distributions at the age of 59.5 without incurring a penalty, you may opt not to. If you want to hold onto your gold for the long term, you have until the age of 72 to do so. At that point, you must begin collecting contributions as mandated by IRS regulations. Is a Gold IRA for Seniors a Good Investment?If you're interested in a low-risk strategy to invest your money, gold IRAs might be an excellent option. Not only would they safeguard your retirement assets from market fluctuations associated with equities and other conventional investments, but they may provide the opportunity for gradual and steady growth. If you pick a reliable custodian, you should also have a few concerns regarding physical security and fraud. Furthermore, gold IRAs may act as a hedge against inflation, which is becoming an increasing issue as the economy improves from the pandemic. However, like other investments, Gold IRAs fluctuate in value due to market instability triggered by a number of circumstances. While gold retains its value in our culture, the value of gold does experience ups and downs. EndnoteSince everyone's retirement goals and financial circumstances are unique, consider this guide with a dose of skepticism. In addition, keep in mind that previous success doesn’t guarantee future results.
As the retirement age window continues to expand thanks to medical and lifestyle improvements, we’ve had to start seeing retirement in a completely new light. People are living longer, and that means their retirement funds need to sustain them a lot longer too. Many people also don’t want to stop working or taking part in business ventures just because they aren’t in the traditional workforce anymore. If you’re looking for a way to earn money, one of the best channels is real estate. Real estate investing is a simple way to earn more money, give yourself financial freedom, and even help your children with college tuition or their own business ventures. The only challenge is, for most people the idea of investing in property sounds expensive and quite daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some simple strategies you can get started with that don’t require a lot of money. Here are a few. WholesalingWholesaling has gained a lot of attention as an investment strategy in the last year. Actually, if you search the term in Google Trends, you’ll discover that interest in it has skyrocketed. For people looking for an easier way to step into the world of investing, it’s a great model to consider, but what exactly is wholesaling and how do people make money with it? When wholesaling, you would look for a discounted property, put the house under contract, find a new buyer, and then charge the buyer a fee. What makes this model so great is that you’re usually looking for distressed properties which have become a burden for the owner and taking it off their hands, and then you get to earn your profit without even renovating or flipping the home. It’s a more hands-off investment strategy, making it perfect for retirees who want to jump into real estate without massive projects that last months and months. BRRRRHow do people leverage the equity they have in one home into multiple rental properties? They use a method known as BRRRR, which stands for buy-renovate-rent-refinance-repeat. People use the equity in another home to basically recycle their capital and then apply it to buying more homes. If it's done with good business sense, it actually gives you the opportunity to scale up quickly, and build a solid portfolio without putting a whole lot of money down. If you have a mortgage already, you could use your equity to fund your BRRRR strategy. Using a reverse mortgage calculator, you can find out how much you can get, and use that to get a massive investment into your portfolio. Land InvestingYou don’t have to actually have a house on a property to earn money from it. Many investors would rather not deal with the hassle of property taxes, tenants and other challenges that come with rentals, so they decide to just buy and sell vacant land. Land is great because for starters, you don’t need a whole lot of capital to get started, and all it takes to find investments is to drive around the outskirts of your city, spot some land, research the owner and contact them to make an offer. You can sell the land to developers, or you can hold it for the long haul so that the land value increases. Land is an often-overlooked strategy that actually works well for people who would rather not deal with the headaches of being a landlord. Private LendingNot every investor can easily get a loan from the bank in order to fund their deals. What most of them do is find people in their circles who would want to be their private lenders. If you have some cash, you can become one of these private lenders, and invest in real estate without having to do the heavy lifting. By just providing the money they need, you can earn an amazing return with relatively low effort, and if you’re working with someone who is really good at what they do, they can grow your investment across multiple deals. It’s another great way to take part in investing without the challenges of doing it full time.
The great thing about all the methods mentioned is that you can get started without prior experience by investing in coaching and educational programs that leverage the knowledge of other people. Finding the information you need is as simple as doing a Google search, watching a few YouTube videos, and signing up for a program. This is where you’ll get the support that will set you up for success. When the time comes to retire from work, your entire outlook on life will change. No longer will you have the (relatively straightforward) purpose of working to pay the bills and put food on the table; you will now have to fill your days with new pursuits. On the one hand, this is a fantastic opportunity - and what you have worked your entire career for. It is the golden opportunity to see more of the world, pursue your favorite hobbies, spend more time with your loved ones and step back from the workplace stresses. However, once the novelty has worn off, you will soon discover that you will have vast swathes of empty time, which you are just not used to having at your disposal. It is easy at this stage to age considerably as boredom and purposelessness set in. Naturally, this is not a healthy way to lead your life, so you must find ways of injecting novelty into your life. Here are five ways to entertain yourself during your retirement: You could learn how to play online pokerIf you have always been into card games or fancy spicing up your retirement, then you could learn how to play online poker using legal US poker sites. While it is important to treat pursuits such as online poker with respect, it can be a great way of injecting excitement into your life. Catch up on popular cultureWhen you are busy working hard and trying to sustain a household, then it is nigh on impossible to indulge in watching lots of movies, television shows, and reading books. However, once you retire, you can soak up far more culture - whether it is watching the best that cinema has to offer or reading a collection of novels that have been on your reading list for an eternity. Listen to more musicSimilarly, if you love music, you will listen to far more of it. Enjoying a fulfilling retirement is as much about staying mentally fresh as it is about slowing down, so you may want to keep abreast of new music, as well as enjoy the classics. Start a hobby or projectHaving a purpose is one of the most fundamental tenets of a rewarding life, which is why so many retirees struggle when their career ends. The validation, confidence, and drive you gain from a career quickly fades, so consider searching for a hobby or project that serves a fresh purpose. This could be as simple as pursuing a part-time hobby like dancing or singing or as in-depth as a landscaping project or restoring a classic car. Hobbies and projects provide much-needed structure, which helps you make the most of your time in retirement. Host dinner partiesWhen you retire, your social circle can easily dry up. You no longer see work colleagues on a daily basis, and you may have lost contact with old friends.
It might be worth hosting dinner parties for your friends, neighbors, and family to keep your social life buzzing and your confidence afloat. This gives you a day to look forward to and helps entertain you during your retirement years. The pandemic has been a rough period for many of us. However, it has been a particularly dissociative nightmare for the service sector. There was a distinct lack of continuity — a complete overhaul of the work process and several far-reaching changes that are still in play. Employees have had to adjust to a new working process without dropping their productivity levels. This consistent pressure has undoubtedly made a distinct mark on their mental health situation. It has necessitated the institution of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as a practical measure to reduce employee pressures, decrease turnover rates, and increase overall productivity. 3 Situations in which EAP counselling can helpThe constant threat of downsizing and complete isolation from a normal work environment has a drastic impact on most employees. Depression and anxiety about their work takes on a completely different meaning in the light of these additional factors. The EAP is quite simply in place to help the employees deal with all the problems that directly affect their professional performance. The program offers counselling and workable solutions to the main issues that are causing the employee anxiety and stress particularly regarding their work. Expert consultation helps tem workout the problem that is at the root of the pressure and deal with it effectively to move forward with a healthy work life balance. EAP programs can offer actionable assistance to the employees in multiple ways. This includes:
Vision counselling has taken a survey of 1000 EAP clients over a period of 6 weeks to document.
According to a research report by SHRM, almost 78% of the employers in the US had some form of EAPs already running to provide counseling assistance to the employees by the year 2018. In your quest to build a high performance company culture, you cannot leave employee healthcare and especially mental health out of the equation. The installation of EAP counselling can further enhance whatever efforts you already have in place for employee support within the company. It is a problem-solving provision that can show an extensive effect within a very short time. Most employees have admitted to positive outcomes within a few sessions of this specialized service. The EAP counsellor can also refer the individual employees to more long-term care where indicated by the symptoms. Having a professional focused on helping your employees deal with their personal and mental health issues, removes the guesswork regarding the professional concerns that these issues might invoke. That is a powerful reason for starting an EAP for your company. However, even beyond that, assistance programs are essential in many ways that are more comprehensive. Here we discuss the three most compelling reasons to have an employee assistance program within your company work culture immediately. So, let's dive right in! 1. Reduce absenteeismEmployee assistance programs are focused on the health care and wellbeing of the employees. It represents care the company places on the employees. Even apart from the counselling benefits, the mere establishment of the EAP is a restatement that the company values its employees even beyond the 9 to 5 work call. This feeling of being valued is in itself a positive outcome of the EAPs, which invokes more trust and solidarity from the employees. They are less likely to skip the work calls or mark absence during stressful days. From an organization's point of view, EAPs solve major situations, which can create further problems in the future. The EAPs should have a format to allow employees to raise their own concerns with regards to the work systems in place. For instance, during the COVID situation where work from home was a necessity, it was impossible for employees to maintain the same work hours as the office. EAPs can help in such a situation where employees have a forum to speak about their individual problems. The same solution might not apply for all types of situations. However, a custom solution that can be adjusted in different margins can evolve to help for different situations. For instance, the total work hours can be distributed in weekdays and weekend patterns that suit employees individually. However, a weekly or daily common meetup can help consolidate all work processes in one setup. This can help address individual employee concerns regarding the work hours that suit their productivity cycles, liabilities at home and responsibilities of work-life balance. These factors can be professionally measured under expert supervisor within an EAP counselling session. Enforce positive work atmosphereToxic work atmosphere where the focus is only on production and operations without placing any effort towards cultivating the brainstorming and inception phases is set to fail in the long term. If your work culture has not evolved to a standard where the employees feel more accepted, heard and their ideas are valued, you are not leaving room for any innovation. In such a scenario, a stagnation will set in at some point, which will further reduce your company’s performance against competitors in the market. Without enforcing a calmer atmosphere, you cannot expect your employees to remain under stable productive cycles. They are not machines after all, and even if you do consider them as such, EAPs can become your pit stops for regular conditioning of your employees. For instance, in a service sector company, the days around the major festivals and celebrations are clearly more hectic than regular days. However, your employees have to put up their best faces during this situation to keep assisting the consumers through their issues during the festivities. You also have to take into account that the company is only able to provide the service during these days at the cost of your employees sacrificing their own personal commitments during these days. These adjustments might manifest as fallouts and setbacks in their own personal lives, which can then trigger issues in the company. If the employees do not take a regular break on these festivals and then work the rest of the year on a normal attendance, their work life balance is impossibly skewed towards work. EAP counselling can help determine the tendency and severity of the fallouts for each individual employee. While announcing mandatory leaves for all employees is a positive step, you can further curtail leaves and working hours for different employees with specific situations. You can only determine the need for such customization when the employees have a platform like EAP to voice their situations aloud to an expert. Cope with traumaThe work environment has always been a second family for most long-term employees. They invest their emotional and mental efforts to help move their corporate family forward in the industry. However, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that a trauma can affect all aspects of your life sometimes. When an individual is under a trauma, it can have far-reaching implications for all aspects of their lives. A work trauma will not be limited to your working environment and a personal trauma will affect your work as well. While many shy away from asking for professional counselling when coping with a personal loss or trauma, having an in-house expert onboard your company makes this help much more accessible. Even for hospitals that were dealing with the worst aftermath of the COVID control, post-traumatic stress disorder experts were included within the employee assistance programs to provide counselling for grief, trauma and exhaustion for the doctors. This kind of assistance is also important for all work environments where the employees have to deal with life threatening risks at a close vantage point. Soldiers and Media veterans are often in need of trauma counselling particularly if they are to cover war or calamity ridden areas under their assignment. ConclusionEAPs are a systematic approach to help employees cope with very personal issues. It acknowledges that companies share the responsibility of a wholesome life and creating a balance between work and life for their employees.
It helps remove the isolation placed on employees by the various work styles that are now in place due to necessity. Establishing a successful EAP can have positive results for all companies regardless of the sector. However, you will have to adjust the content for your programs depending on the most pressing needs of your field. Happy employees are more likely to give their best and beyond through their working capabilities. Thus, the company can move forward as a single entity cutting more strongly against competitions. |
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