In these tough times, we often get consumed with our own personal hardships. It’s easy to forget that, not only did our parents and grandparents have it much harder, but the recession affects the older generations in very different ways. Elderly folks often have a very limited income that comes from a combination of social security and their own personal savings which primarily goes towards paying for medications and care. If you have an elderly loved one that is bed ridden or can benefit from mobility aids, consider these 10 innovative (and budget-friendly) products that are helping pave the way to longevity!

1. Walk more! A low impact, daily exercise like walking can significantly improve your health without risk of serious injury. If you or a loved one has mobility issues, consider a lightweight and portable compact folding walker. They significantly improve stability and allow the individual to gain a sense of independence.
2. Eat better. Our parents and grandparents come from a different generation; where fatty beef roasts and loads of butter and potatoes the staple diet. Help them change their ways! A simple addition that no person will object to is a juicer! Whether you’re in the market for a simple citrus reamer, grapefruit juicer, or the more exotic wheat grass juicer, know that you are giving them a the gift of good health.
3. Accident-proof your bathroom. A high percentage of elderly accidents happen in the bathroom. Outfit your bathroom with the latest geriatric friendly items like a walk-in tub that opens up on the side for easy access in and out. If a total bathroom renovation isn’t within your budget, you can place a few slip-proof bath mats and a shower stool in your existing tub.
4. Don’t overexert yourself. Straining to reach hard to reach areas can be especially taxing on older folks. For older individuals, reaching around to wipe your bum can potentially damage the back and cause serious complications. A bathroom bidet, as either an attached or hand held unit, can relieve some of the stress. With the push of a button, the bidet will cleanse and air dry in less than a minute–giving you piece of mind that your mother will not break her back!
5. Spend time together. All human beings enjoy communication and companionship. Spending time with elderly loved ones has been shown to elevate mood levels. And a hug won’t hurt either!
6. Listen to more classical music. Classical songs, such as those composed by Vivaldi and Gershwin, can be soothing and relaxing. Outfit your loved one’s living room with a home audio system and a library of the latest classical music CDs.
7. Get a Life Alert monitor. You’ve seen the commercials. The bracelet (and the newly introduced watch) allow your loved one to contact medical response personnel if they have fallen down and cannot reach the telephone. It’s a valuable insurance to your loved ones. Visit the Life Alert website for more info.
8. Volunteer! Retired folks enjoy the time off, but often miss the sense of community from the workplace. Volunteering together at the local Salvation Army or Red Cross will reignite that lost sense and help the community, too! Visit the organizations’ websites for more info or look up local charities such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens that need a helping hand. It is satisfying to know that you are contributing to a greater cause.
9. Keep that brain active. You gotta keep your mind in shape. Stay sharp with fun games like Sudoku or crossword puzzles.
10. Love and let live.

All the best,
-Linda