Best of the Best Easy Open Container , even frozen: about $1 each, BPA free. Found everywhere, including Menards in the Midwest, Target, Walmart.
07/27/26- 08/23/26 Costco Snapware Pyrex 18 piece glass food storage, with easy to remove BPA free lids. $19.99 in warehouse. Online, much more
Target’s UP AND UP brand now carries a Twist and Store product that is BPA free. Useful sizes include 2-3/4 cup, and smaller 1/2 cup size perfect for sauces and salad dressings “on the go”. I like the measurements imbedded in the clear container walls allowing mixing within the container. Targets smaller 1/2 cup is the only brand I can find that has an easy twist to open feature in the smallest size for sauces and salad dressings.
It’s the little things around the house that can be frustrating, especially most “tight seal” food containers that are impossible to open when frozen. I don’t like to have to ask someone else to open tight containers although asking for help is something I am working on. (I like to be independent). These food storage containers are ingenious. The twist and turn containers have a great seal, hold up nicely in the top rack of a dishwasher and can be easily opened even when filled with frozen food. And of course, putting food into a sliding loc or double seal ziploc works great too and saves freezer space.
If you have tender points from arthritis, fibromyalgia or other chronic conditions, I highly recommend a hydromassage. (And I’m not an employee of any health club or company, so this is not a sponsored post).
It is just totally bliss. As you can see, the table applies external flowing water at a pressure you can change at any point. You are fully clothed on a soft, cushy table.
This has been one of my favorite ways to release tender points without “kick back” the next day, as sometimes happens from deep tissue hands-on massage. My wonderful husband gifted me with a membership at the facility locally where I can enjoy this gift. Calgon, take me away! (You will only understand that if you are over age 65.)
So, why not just move to a one level patio home or condominium?
Those of us who have priced patio homes or one level living have been dismayed that the cost is higher than our current homes would sell for, meaning adding a new mortgage or liquidating our savings.
The aging population is quickly picking up one level homes or converted “ranch” style homes, so that they rarely come on the market. Alot of people we know are buying homes through realtors or other sources, before the houses hit the MLS.
Active seniors also want to live independently, rather than move to senior apartments or condos. Bad experiences during COVID lockdowns included restrictions on visitors to over 55 settings.
For some of these reasons, making your current home “age friendly” and safer has taken hold. Home improvement centers have been overrun with demand for remodeling and updating since COVID, especially
Bathroom Modifications (Fall prevention)
-Replace jacuzzi tub with walk in shower
Friends are in the process of replacing a large jacuzzi with a walk in shower to make their home more “age friendly”. Options: built in seat, grab bars, or sized to add a shower chair later
Adapt current tub with clip on grab bar, near toilet for dual use. This adaptation was helpful for a beautiful lady with severe arthritis and risk for falls. Low cost clip on grab bar that doesn’t require a handyman $45 Home Depot
Tub Cut out Conversion Kit
My elderly Mom had this conversion done at her senior apartment, that gave her a few more years of independence.
Hobie Passport pedal kayak with ergonomic “fin drive”
I figured that my paddling days were over until I saw a pair of kayakers “pedaling” smoothly near our lake docks a few years ago.
They sat in a recumbent bike-like posture, with a forward and back “gliding” foot pedal action. I was especially drawn to the more stable “sit-on-top” design, with wider beam. It appeared more age friendly than the average sit-in, narrow kayak.
After spying the “Hobie” logo, (a well-known boat brand), I was able to get a few details from the kayakers before they sped quickly past our dock. A few strokes of the “Hobie fin” technology propelled these little kayaks a good distance forward with little apparent effort. Unlike the older “paddlewheel” boat action, the Hobie passport appeared to be a more efficient, comfortable and quieter technology.
Fast forward 4 years later, we own 2 Hobie Passport pedal kayaks (10.5′ size), and have enjoyed countless hours of peaceful, quiet exercise on the lake. Passports are known as a stable craft, used by many to cast for fishing while standing. The silent technology is a boon for spotting loons and other wildlife. My husband adapted a boat lift by decking it over, for painless launching and landing. Although we rate as senior citizens, youngers enjoy this boat just as much as we do.
My favorite lightweight workhorse vacuum. An ergonomic design with multi use tools. Powerful detachable minivac for small jobs.
$149 on sale often at home storesDetachable mini tool that actually “sucks”Ergonomic hand grip, easy to maneuver.Low profile, fits into small spacesOn board tools for crevices or upholstery Fast switch between carpets and wood floors
Finally, a vacuum that’s a dream for my wood floors and carpets with ergonomic features that don’t cause a twinge or ache anywhere. I love the onboard detachable minivac that was a workhorse on my steps, picked up sawdust left on the floor seamlessly and switched back to carpets with a quick touch. This is a corded model, but is so well designed that I rate it as good for fall prevention as it’s super light, and maneuverable. Great lighting in front. At the same time, suction is as good as my larger shark vacuum. Works equally well on floors and carpet with good side pick up along baseboards. Dust cup is easy to use. I like the ergonomic “pistol” grip that’s easy on hands. This model was on sale lately at Costco, but you can find it anywhere.
Not just for seniors, this is a great all around vacuum that lives up to the Shark reputation.
Its winter in Minnesota right now and 4” of new snow is on the ground. its picture perfect right after Christmas, and we need the precipitation after an epic drought year. However, many falls happen, especially in years like this with icy coating on the sidewalks or parking lots. My brother in law in Massachusetts just had a fall going down stone steps out the back door. it was ”black ice”, not visible to the eye. It can happen in a flash.
Tips:
–super good treads on shoes or boots. I like Keen or Merrell brand shoes and boots with great traction for snow and ice.
–yak traks or smaller ”Quick Trax” by Yaktrax,
–good walking stick on snow/ice or uneven ground or rock climbing. I like my Trekker Fx lite walking stick from REI.
-good handrail on front steps.
Problem Spots at home:
Wearing multifocal glasses on steps, especially going down, was the MAIN cause of falls overall inside the home, according to a rehabilitation study. The lenses distort your depth perception and you misstep. I noticed this when getting my bifocals in my 40’s.
-adjust glasses so you can see the steps, either on your head or down on your nose.
Carrying laundry bins or boxes on the steps. This can happen at any age, but I know it nearly happened to me when I had a laundry room downstairs.
-mesh bag drag with clean or dirty laundry , using separate bags.
-use the railing when carrying things up and down
-light up your stairway adequately
-consider moving your laundry room to the main level if you have a history of falls. Stackable laundry units take up minimal space, and have very acceptable capacity.
Ladders or step stools:
My 95 year old mother in law kept using a step stool to reach her yarn supplies on a top step, and several near falls happened. (the step stool went missing one day…) My own Mom had high pantry shelves that were hard to reach with her petite height. I moved supplies down to where she could reach by cleaning out a lower cupboard.
-reorganize most used supplies on a lower shelf, move less needed supplies up higher. Pick up a low shelving unit for additional pantry or craft supplies.
Rug Corners (trip hazard): it’s happened to many of us, yet we really like our rugs, especially in the winter. I just found this product: non-slip, removable rug grippers, for corners, with no sticky residue on floors. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6DW24H7/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&th=1
Helps:
-use reachers like my new favorite: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWCR5Z4R?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 currently has a 50% off coupon code right below the pricing. Available in blue as well, for a price point of $7.50 each for the best long handled reacher I’ve ever used, as a long time OT. (Pricing August 2023)
This well loved muffin tin was directly over my head and the gripper held tightly and ergonomically.
-adjustable extension poles for washing outside windows and painting siding. I found mine at Home Depot. It worked great attached to a variety of tools, including a squeegee, paint pad and roller.
-extension roof rake for clearing off snow on the front of your roof from the ground. -Use power spraying hose tool for washing high windows from the ground.
–Ask a younger person to do it! Isn’t it hard to ask for help when you’ve always done things yourself? It takes grace to ask a younger neighbor, friend or family member to help out. But they will likely be glad to help.
Spring is in the air, and my thoughts turn to bicycling even though it’s March in Minnesota! A beautiful 57 degrees yesterday was followed by a cold rain today. Still it teaches me to “seize the day”, and hop on my bike with a few layers when the roads are dry and the ice is out.
My step-through frame bike by Fuji is one of a number of brands making age-friendly bikes for men and women, that are every bit as good as a standard bike. This design started in Europe some years ago, and American vendors predicted it wouldn’t catch on in the US. (wrong).
With the aging of the population, including myself at 65, entered a demand for the step through frame, 3 wheeler “hot rod” and e-bikes in the bike shops. Those of us (of a certain age) and a few tender points in our body want to continue fitness without the discomfort and flexibility (leg lift) of a standard bike frame. And a good frame will certainly prevent a fall.
This one is a comfort frame, which also takes the pressure off of tender necks, shoulders and hands, as I’m sitting more upright. Yes, it’s not as fast as a standard road bike, but I can ride comfortably and certainly speedy enough. With these adaptations, including great gear, I can ride without pain or numbness anywhere. Try a few out, every body is different and you will find what’s right for you.
The pandemic of 2020-21 has also caused a huge demand for bicycles, which you already know if you tried to buy one in the last year. Many companies have a shortage of workers and ability to get parts to manufacture or fix bikes, and bike shops have struggled to meet the demand.
Pressure relieving bike seats:
A great bike seat is a must for safety and comfort. I like this gender specific Serfas Rx saddle which can be tipped up and down as well to get the best angle for riding (without sliding forward). I got this one on Amazon, but available at bike shops as well.
Crosstown Glove by Fuji, has a patented technology with the best gel (pressure relieving)padding I’ve ever found. If you have tender wrists or shoulders, the gel takes the pressure down on your upper body. I got it at my favorite local bike shop (Rod’s bike shop in St. Cloud MN)
Bike-Tarp Slide: With a single bike, I use a plastic tarp to slide my bike into a hatchback or small SUV (lifting front tire in while bike weight is balanced on the back wheel). Easy lift bike-car racks: After age 50, lifting up your bike on a standard bike- car carrier is a back killer.For multiple bikes, the new “shelf” type bike hitch racks by Hollywood (and many other brands) are a much easier lift with their lower to the ground wheel holders. Our Hollywood carrier has built in locking pin for hitch and bikes, so you can leave your bikes secured when eating out or traveling. We add a couple of bungies to secure bikes from wind wobble on the highway.
I wish you a great bicycling season as the weather warms up, and days are longer. There is hope on many fronts and lots of gratitude. The pandemic is waning, many of us seniors have had vaccines and can revisit our loved ones again.
I feel blessed to be healthy enough to get outside and bicycle, enjoying the popping buds on the lilacs and maple trees. Enjoy every moment!
Sit to stand with a therapy ball is much easier on the knees (Sit to stand motion is a good fall-prevention move)
Consult your Dr, physical or occupational therapist before starting any new or challenging exercise program. And remember, that PAIN IS NOT GAIN! If something hurts, stop immediately, and consult a professional. Or start with a low number of repetitions until you can do a routine, and not hurt the next day(my rule for myself).
Balance really changes after age 60, as I’ve seen in professional courses (I am an occupational therapist). I am also learning by personal experience. I tripped over a rock in the garden last summer and was surprised at how fast it happened. Luckily, I landed on soft soil and didn’t hurt myself.
The “Bridge”, the Easiest core exercise, can be done in bed if getting on the floor is too difficult. Add a ball or firm pillow between your knees for more benefit.
Ball Bridge is your “go to” exercise, if you have time for only one. Try this with a low ottoman if you don’t have a therapy ball
Therapy ball size, typically 65 cm for women 75 cm for men
Core muscles are important for preventing falls and hip fractures, especially the rectus abdominus muscle (according to research). A church friend in her 60s fractured her hip when her bike slid on a sand patch, so fall prevention isn’t just for those over age 80. Although core exercises don’t prevent accidents, they may help you land without the twisting that can make a hip fracture more likely. As a person with lifting limitations (arthritis), I try to find fitness routines that don’t hurt my body, but also feel good. With therapy ball core work, I can feel the results in a more upright posture and better mobility getting off the floor or in and out of the car.
Mix it up
I also like to “mix it up”, vary workouts so I don’t get bored or stuck on one or two basic exercises. Research shows that varying workouts, even on alternating days is beneficial for keeping your body strong and balanced. Ideas with pictures: https://www.verywellfit.com/ball-workout-for-balance-and-strength-1230908
I recently joined the Mayo Clinic Diet program on-line and lost those pesky pounds with their programming of healthy eating, changing negative habits (like mindless eating with tech), and balanced fitness. Here is a recent email from the Mayo Clinic Diet program about core workouts:
January weather in Minnesota is frightful right now at zero degrees and many senior friends are booked for travel to points south. Whether you yourself have joint pain or lifting limitations or are traveling with a family member who does, travel can be challenging and painful. Handling luggage in and out of cars, overhead luggage rack on the plane or off the baggage claim carousels are the most difficult for me when traveling alone. Here are some of my favorite travel tips to “lighten your load”.
Asking for help. I have found fellow travelers to be very willing to help with helping to lift luggage from the overhead plane bins or off of the luggage carousels.
Travel lighter. I wear my heaviest jeans, athletic shoes and slacks when flying, and keep my coat or jacket on. I resist my tendency to “overpack” or have a new outfit for every day and plan to do laundry part way through my trip. I pack light “flip flops” for slippers, showering or pool areas to lighten my load. I do pack one pair of lighter dressy shoes.
Try out roller bags to make sure all four rollers move easily and don’t strain your low back. (see reviews on best roller bags, above.) The review also features a smaller roller camera bag that can double to carry lightweight items like shoes, insulated pack to carry medication.
The Arthritis Today magazine suggests that you don’t overpack into one suitcase but spread your items among a few smaller cases. Use a fanny pack to carry important documents and medications close to your body and for travel security. Invest in a smaller “tuck under” the seat suitcase to avoid overhead lifting in the plane.
If you’re traveling during a “flare up” and the walking distance is too long between airport gates, airlines are willing to get you a wheeled escort via “golf cart” or wheelchair. Asking for help is still difficult for me, but it was a relief and made a trip for my mom’s 90th birthday party possible!
Find a local pool to stay strong and ease pain while traveling.
Including Instant and Low Cost Lighting Solutions without an Electrician or Handyman! My top picks have no batteries or light bulbs to change!
Under $5 Instant Stick-on motion lights for stairways, basements or bathrooms from Menards or Home Depot
My 91 year old mother commented that we need more light as we age, especially for reading, and navigating dark hallways, basements and , yes, more nighttime trips to the bathroom while half asleep! As I have reached my sixties I have also noticed that I need more light as I enter the house into a dark hallway, stairway and in the longer dark days during the winter, and focused task lighting when I do crafting or reading. A recent trip to Costco showed a full aisle of lighting solutions, probably tailored to our aging baby- boomer population who are noticing the need to “spotlight” or task light as they age. Many low-maintence LEDs for indoors and outside have integrated bulbs that don’t require replacements! (Double win: no climbing of ladders to replace light bulbs)! Several were $29.99 or high of $44.99.
Integrated LED lights for interior or outside. Most with no bulb replacement and easy install. Some interior lights have dimmer options
Our neighbors who are in their late seventies have a dark stairway down to their basement laundry room and have stumbled a few times on the dimly lit stairs. We loaned them our $2.50 battery “hockey puck” motion activated LED light (above) to see if that additional light would give more security without alot of wiring or fuss. This instant solution worked so well, that our friends hightailed it to the home store to buy a few motion activated lights. As we adapt our home to “age in place” and prevent falls, I am looking for low cost solutions that don’t require wiring or frequent maintenance and can be installed quickly.
Snap power Guidelight 2 outlets or switch lights require no wiring, batteries or bulb replacement. Auto on and off with light sensor. Outlet comes in traditional outlet or GFI for $18 and free shipping from walmart, amazon or direct from Snappower, made in the USA. Snap power light switch is 14.98 from walmart, amazon or snappower direct. Just switch out the plates and done!
My favorite almost- instant lighting fixture is the Guidelight 2 from Snap Power auto on and off (light sensor) outlet or switch plate, which any home handyperson can manage in about 5 minutes by just changing out the switchplates. No electrician or rewiring is needed. It also works for kitchen outlets to light up your countertop work space, which is something we seem to need after age 55. According to the Techlicious.com, the LED lights should last for up to 25 years, and cost about 10 cents a year in electricity. I like that Snappower is made in the USA (Utah). https://www.techlicious.com/blog/snappower-switchlight-safelight-guidelihgt-2-usb-charger/
Eufy set of 3 “lumi stick-on night lights” from Amazon are highly rated. Great for a park model trailer, RV or camper.
Lightening up and aging in place in your own home just got easier!
