Seniorizing Your Home (Part 2)

Fast and stylish upgrades

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/27948BFB-7CA5-4519-91EE-53D3365D90F8?ingress=0&visitId=1a7891ae-2c41-42e8-870a-c24274f681cc
Snappower LED lights are the best for reliable efficient lighting around the house. Available switch plates, outlets in multiple formats. Made in the USA

Aging in place is the “new normal” for many of us over age 65, or with challenging conditions. It’s often more cost effective to add small upgrades for safety and accessibility than to pay the high price of moving. But they can also look stylish while being functional.

Delta’s Curved Assist grab bar at $12.79 is stylish, stable and a small profile. We mounted it vertically for best use right outside the tub and shower. We even added one to our RV shower, making sure it was anchored per Delta directions. See Amazon or Home Depot for the same price point. It does go on sale regularly.
https://www.amazon.com/Delta-DF705PC-Curved-Bathroom-Polished/dp/B00FGF5ID8
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-8-8-9-in-x-7-8-in-Traditional-Curved-Concealed-Screw-Assist-Bar-in-Chrome-DF705PC/203399032

Kohlers dual shower head ( with detachable hose sprayer) looks great and has great functionality. I loved it when in a boot cast, to shower without getting the boot wet.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Viron-4-Spray-6-in-Dual-Wall-Mount-Fixed-and-Handheld-Shower-Heads-1-75-GPM-in-Polished-Chrome-REC26699-G-CP/323577334?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOory3hjOEzzl8iURvRjrus_pE8cyedDgmUG6Gz97LvDzm9hdwopfEto&gQT=1
Also goes on sale for less at Costco.

Pull out drawers in the kitchen are great, especially for heavier Dutch ovens and glass/ Pyrex bowls. Available at home stores everywhere, and easy to retrofit.
My Delta pull out faucet is a real hand saver to fill pans, coffee pots, water pitchers, you name it. Many brands are available, I just find Delta to hold up better than some.
Finally, visitors to our house comment the most about out super LED lighted switch and outlet plates by Snap power. They’re adjustable (lo-hi or off), easy to install by an average handy person, and made in the USA.
There are cheaper models at the home stores, not made in the US. They don’t hold up or have the features that SnapPower has.

Wishing you the best as you age gently in your own home.

Blessings, Mary Beth

Easy Open Food Containers

updated 07/28/26

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.

Rubbermaid Brilliance BPA Free 22-Piece Food Storage Containers Set, Airtight, Leak-Proof, with Lids for Meal Prep, Lunch, and Leftovers

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.

Rubbermaid Twist and Seal, at Menards March 2025. Available everywhere.

Hydromassage Table for Tender Points and Relaxation

August 2023

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.)

Blessings, Mary Beth

Smart Gardening

Aging Gently Around the Yard and Garden
May 2023

We had an epic, long winter in the upper Midwest, the snowiest year ever. Finally it appears to be spring, although perennials are about a month behind most years.

Do you want to keep gardening, without aches and pains afterwards? I hope some of these ideas help you…

Our 80 + year old neighbor Dick, used the term “Smart Gardening” while recycling his Wall Street Journal newspapers under leaf mulch. (economist humor)
He seldom has to weed, and has a good sized garden patch. Smart indeed.

I tried it and found that 4 layers of newspaper (according to master gardeners), under leaf mulch kept weeds away for me more than landscape fabric. (think “paper mache”, as the paper gets dense and stays in place all year ).

And remember all those boxes from Amazon during the long winter? They work super, cut up around my raspberries, and around raised beds. Use leaf mulch to keep them in place. I am frugal and like the idea of recycling all that cardboard and newspaper to good purpose.

My other favorite garden hacks are my low rubbermaid stool (easy on the back) and raised beds.

The Nelson battery operated hose timer waters the garden early and as often as needed. It has a “pause” feature when rain is expected. I found this the easiest garden timer to program, and it allows us freedom to come and go without babysitting the garden.

My all time favorite garden gloves are from Pioneer Woman, and available at Walmart. The goatskin palm is sturdy and grips well. Men’s goatskin gloves are available at all home stores. My husband uses his all the time, and they only seem to get better with age.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Pioneer-Woman-Vintage-Floral-Goatskin-Leather-Glove-Large/523922703?from=searchResults Around 14.95

Other great garden tools below. I favor Good Grips Garden tools for great comfortable handles and ergonomic design.

Best Gardening Tools- NBC news

https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-gardening-tools-ncna1266504

Happy Gardening!

Blessings, Mary Beth

Kayaking (At Any Age)

-no aches and pains-

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.

Enjoy every moment on the lake. (Life is good)!

Blessings, Mary Beth

Fall Prevention Inside and Out

Updated August 2023

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.

Stay healthy and safe!

Blessings, Mary Beth

Best Bike Gear (over 55)

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!

Blessings, Mary Beth

Core Exercises for Fitness and Fall Prevention

Image result for therapy ball exercises — 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.

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:

https://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/move/focus-on-your-core?xid=nl_nl_mayo_diet_starter_2020-01-29_19293399&utm_source=Newsletters&nl_key=nl_mayo_diet_starter&utm_content=2020-01-29&utm_campaign=Mayo_Diet_Starter

So, main take away, try one of two of these therapy ball exercises in addition to your regular routine to keep your core and posture strong!

Blessings, Mary Beth

Zero G- super light and flexible garden hose

Super lightweight, flexible and easy to drag
Now “Amazon’s choice” for hoses and best hoses 2024 on garden blogs

updated 05/24

The whole country is parched with a massive heat wave, and our yards and gardens are showing the stress as much as we are.
It seems like we went from sweater weather to southern- style heat and humidity this year, even though we live in central Minnesota where our springs are usually moderate.
Despite our rainy spring and summer so far, the ground dries up quickly with the furnace like heat spell we’ve been having this month (July 2019), and we’ve been watering often.

Available at many garden stores or discount stores. Watch for sales, I got this for $29.99 at Fleet Farm

I was impressed when my sister showed me her Zero G hoses this spring, and I instantly understood why she replaced all her older hoses with this lightweight, flexible but sturdy hose. It’s not a wimpy or “girly hose” either- it’s rated well by garden sites and carries a 5 year warranty.
Like many of us with tender or aging bodies, lifting or dragging a hose is one of the hardest garden tasks we do. In fact, our mother ended up with a nasty fall after pulling a typical hose in her small yard just a few years ago.
So I was thrilled to find a hose that I can manage without asking for help and especially without strain or pain.
This baby pulls easily across the grass, and has a “space age” feature that is kind of fun: when the water is turned off and drains, the zero-g hose contracts like a shriveled snake and becomes instantly lightweight and easy to coil and stash.
I’m sold on this new technology, and my husband is impressed too.

Hang in there! The humidity is supposed to lift this week! It does make me crave fall, my favorite season.

2024 Quality control update- my zero G hose got sucked into the snowblower and came out working perfect. Also, new hose to house coupling sleeve is easier on the hands as of 2023.

Blessings, Mary Beth

Scrub free Shower and Tub Solutions

(including textured shower and tub floors)

Updated 08/11/23

I don’t know about you, but scrubbing tubs and shower doors is one of the hardest things on my hands, not to mention twisting or bending. You can buy commercial foaming bath cleaners but I find those to be very noxious to breathe in the house. Many other people have found a regular swipe with a good quality squeegee after a shower is excellent maintenance and relatively easy.

oxo squeegee – easy hold grip for shower/tub
Bed Bath and Beyond- under $10 with coupon
Trader Jo spray on cleaner for regular maintenance

My friend Lynn’s favorite DIY instant cleaner: half rubbing alcohol/ half vinegar. great on my glass shower doors

See The Everyday Cheapskate website homemade cleaner recipes at the link below. Or fastest off all, my favorite Trader Jo essential oil infused cleaner. It works well as a spray on and leave daily cleaner, including glass shower doors. I love the cedarwood-sage fragrance, without strong noxious cleaning fumes. Used the squeegee for regular maintenance.

A light wipe with a magic clean eraser helped loosen any areas that needed a touch up, especially my glass shower doors.

Textured shower or tub floors can look “grubby” even when clean. An overnight solution of baking soda and vinegar bubbled up and whitened my flower, with a light wipe only. Use full strength vinegar.

full strength vinegar over about 1 cup of baking soda. Soak overnite on textured shower or tub floors.

Heavy duty formula with half vinegar/half Dawn detergent in a professional sprayer bottle from Menards or Home Depot for heavy grime.

https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/dear-mary/make-tub-tile-shower-cleaners-cheaper-better-faster/

Additional hint: install a detachable shower head for easier cleaning of the shower by rinsing off solution. This is also important for independent showering as we age or after a surgery. Detachable shower heads are reasonably priced and easy to install without calling a plumber.
Final suggestion: hiring someone to do heavy scrubbing once a month is worth it, if you can swing it financially. Then do the above maintenance in between.

Blessings, Mary Beth