​Gear And Gadgets To Improve Your Life As A Senior
 
As a senior, you likely feel younger than your birth certificate would suggest. Because of this, you’re probably active and live a full life. But the kids and grandkids want to keep tabs on where you are and what you’re doing. Unfortunately, your idea of communication may be very different. That’s okay, because today’s technology makes it easier than ever to get up close and personal with your loved ones no matter where you are, and new gear can improve your life in ways you may not have considered.
 
Budget Considerations
 
One of the first things that may come to your mind when it comes to new technology is price. Many devices and services are still emerging, and their benefits are finally starting to be recognized. 
 
The VA has actually been a forerunner in the fight to provide senior veterans with health home services, which includes assisted-living technologies. Medicare is beginning to keep pace, and back in October, President Trump signed new orders that open the door for Medicare to provide additional services and coverages for seniors looking to enhance their lives with technology. 
 
If you need more information about Medicare and VA benefits, the VetRest blog offers resources that can clarify many of your most pressing concerns about financial aid.
 
Keeping Up With The Kids
 
One of the most beneficial technologies to emerge over the last decade is video calling. Not only does this allow you to see the faces of your children and grandchildren when you talk, but it’s also a great way to share what’s going on in your life. For example, if you are traveling, you can show off the view by simply switching the camera being used.
 
Keep in mind that your internet speed will weigh into how well this works for you. You will need a fast connection for the clearest picture, so if you live in an area where broadband or fiber-optic service is not available, you may need to look into  LTE home internet through companies like Verizon.
 
Kids Keeping Up With You
 
If you’re in the early stages of dementia or suffering from other cognitive decline, your family can better keep up with you via a GPS tracker. These wearable devices are non-intrusive, affordable, and offer real-time location updates. And if you take medications, you and your children might feel better with an automated pill reminder that can keep you on track with your medicines. 
 
According to the This Caring Home caregiver blog, automated pill boxes usually offer storage for at least a week's worth of medicine. They will sound an alarm when it’s time to take a dose. Many even come equipped with smart features that can alert you or your loved ones if you have not taken your medicine. This takes the guesswork out of your health routine, and offers peace of mind to your loved ones when they can’t be there to monitor your medicine intake.
 
Additional Tech
 
Other ideas for technology that can keep you and your loved ones connected include:
 

• Social media accounts – Facebook and other platforms are an easy way to share photographs, text messages, and see what your family has been up to.
• Remote-monitored security system – A smart security system offers your loved ones an opportunity to make sure that the house is locked and the lights are on or off if you forget to or are out of town.
• Emergency alert system – if you have fallen and you can’t get up, an emergency alert system, like a tracking device, is a piece of wearable technology that will allow you to call for help when you need it most.

 
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you are slowing down or don’t feel many years younger than you are. Because of this, keeping in touch with your friends and family is even more important now than ever before. The good news is that technology makes it possible, meaning you don’t have to sit around and wait for a phone call to let your loved ones know where you are and what you’re doing. And, as a veteran, you may have access to special funding or benefits that make it an affordable addition to your lifestyle improvement arsenal.

Ajmal Dar provides some great information for health and footwear.  Check out:
https://moccasinguru.com/what-is-the-best-time-of-the-day-to-exercise/

Here are two helpful links from Karla Monterrey, Outreach Specialist, re:  Medicare options for Veterans.

retireguide.com/medicare/
retireguide.com/guides/senior-benefits-discounts/

​Here is our site: https://silentprofessionals.org

As a combat veteran myself, I know how challenging it can be to transition to civilian life, which is why I launched this site to help others with their transition by helping them find work using the skills they gained in military service.

Thank you for your time and for assisting me in tackling this huge effort!

Sincerely,

Adam G. Gonzales
Founder
Silent Professionals

​

​If you’re a vet struggling to get enough rest, you’re not alone. In fact, some studies indicate there are veterans at a higher risk for issues like sleep apnea. Good quality slumber on a routine basis is a must to maintain your mental and physical health, though. Whatever is keeping you tossing and turning, here are some tips to help you get the rest that you need and deserve:
 
Shop for a new mattress. 
 
Perhaps one of the most effective ways you can improve your sleep is to invest in a new mattress. If your current mattress is showing signs of wear and tear or you are waking up with aches and pains, this could mean that it’s time to shop for a new one. 
 
Since there are so many options on the market, narrow your choices to a size that you think will work best. If you’re currently sleeping on a twin-size bed and need more space, consider going up to a queen, which MySlumberYard notes is the most popular bed size among American consumers. When choosing between queen-size mattress options, be sure to factor in your sleep style and firmness preference. For instance, Nectar is known for its superior memory foam mattresses while Leesa is renowned for its soft foam mattresses. 
 
Stay active. 
 
Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, lack of physical activity can have a significant impact on sleep. Make sure you maintain an exercise regimen at least five days a week. This will not only promote your physical health and help you burn energy before bedtime, but it can also yield a number of mental and emotional health benefits, such as boosting your mood and self-confidence. Aim to workout early in the day, since exercise close to bedtime might keep you up.
 
Manage stress throughout the day.
 
Stress is one of the most common reasons for sleep problems. There are a number of things you can try that might help you manage your stress throughout the day or to quiet your mind and body before bed. Try doing some mindful meditation, light stretching exercises, or breathing exercises. 
 
Another idea is to keep a gratitude journal. Inc. explains that the process of expressing things you’re thankful for appears to help people sleep better at night. Simply take the time to pen those specific things you are grateful for in your life.
 
Develop a good bedtime routine.
 
Lastly, try changing up your bedtime routine. Instead of watching TV or scrolling through social media in bed, leave those activities to an earlier time in the evening in a separate room. Dedicate your bedroom to sleep. Make sure it’s dark, cool, and quiet. 
 
Other things to consider include reading a book, taking a warm bath, and listening to calming music. The Los Angeles Times explains restful music can be a particularly good solution to those struggling with insomnia. Add an app to your phone to enjoy soothing sounds before bed.
 
If you’re unable to stream music from your phone due to data restrictions or just dislike the tinny sound from that tiny speaker, consider adding a mini stereo system to your bedroom. It’s a small investment in your well-being, and a small radio can easily move to other rooms when you’re entertaining, tinkering with your car, or doing housework. 
 
Talk to professionals. 
 
There’s no substitute for expert advice. If you make some simple changes and continue to have trouble getting rest, there are a couple options available to you. There are therapists who specialize in sleep disorders, even ones who specifically help veterans. Also, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a sleep medicine specialist, which can direct you to potential medications and treatments. 
 
As a veteran, know that you’re not alone if you find sleep hard to come by. But don’t ignore the issue, either. Seek advice from professionals, consider getting a new mattress, and get a good exercise routine and diet going. Also, try different activities that can help you to manage stress, and create a bedtime routine that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. Making changes like these could be all that stands in the way of you getting great sleep. 
 
Image via Unsplash

​Contributed by Brian Boyd
 

Ryan MacKenzie, ryan@thankyouveteran.com contributed the following links:

https://www.military.com/spouse/relationships/military-marriage/strengthen-your-family-with-marital-counseling.html
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/veterans-mental-health-issues
http://www.operationwearehere.com/Counseling.html
https://www.elderlawanswers.com/co-payments-for-veterans-health-care-12011
https://www.hireheroesusa.org/job-seekers/
https://turnkeyhomeloan.com/mortgage-help-for-veterans/
https://veteransemployment.net/veterans-services/career-resources/interview-tips/
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/home-services-that-help-senior-veterans/


Kevin Heilman  Outreach Coordinator contributed in November
https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/psychology/understanding-a-veteran-with-ptsd/

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.vetrest.org_blog_links-2Dto-2Dhelp-2Dour-2Dveterans-2Dby-2Dbrian-2Dboyd&d=DwIFaQ&c=0YLnzTkWOdJlub_y7qAx8Q&r=NExF1wmlF2Tyd3cc-19q2X7SR1lxtzu41iI7AaB93MzIRU7x1lbZnhgwtiCItkhI&m=9K9HcqTwPS9R2w9XcQ7xhVEtQ60EzNNXgMOrRd8kVRk&s=lBJEUlio-dtrWKbrqrC6n_gj_CleHacbfUcRenxzMbI&e= 

​Gloria James | gloria.james@payingforseniorcare.com shares:  
Great resources that can help seniors and their families understand all the programs that can help pay for senior care.

https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/oregon

What Veterans Should Know About Sleep--contributed by LouAnne Taylor
https://www.mattressclarity.com/blog/what-veterans-should-know-about-sleep/