Elder Living Resources (01)

Elder Fire Safety Tips: Preventing Fires
This question and answer column in The Observer News explores fire safety tips for seniors and notes a question-asker whose parents have had some close calls with regard to fires. Jim Miller, the columnist, explains that more than 4,000 Americans die in fires each year and 25,000 are injured in homes fires. Elders are especially vulnerable, he says. Statistics show that seniors ages 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire than those younger, Miller adds. Careless smoking is a huge fire cause. Obviously making sure your heating system is safe and cooking safely are vital to preventing fires for seniors.

Aging with Dignity: The Five Wishes
Aging with Dignity was founded in 1996 and provides people with dignity during aging and dying. The Five Wishes document helps doctors and loved ones know what you would like if you are not able to speak for yourself. It specifies which person you want to make health care decisions in the event that you cannot; the kind of medical treatment you do or don’t want to be; how comfortable you want to be; how you want people to treat you; and what you want loved ones to know before you pass. The topic may be hard to bring up for caregivers and seniors alike, but having this document set forth is vital to ensure you age with dignity.

Active Adults: Housing Options for Seniors
No matter what kind of housing you choose, this site from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development explains senior living options. Find out what kind of housing is best for you or someone you care for. Links to Meals on Wheels programs, in-home help, housing loans for elders, reverse mortgages and a section on home repair for the elderly is included for those who can stay at home. You or someone you love may want to consider a senior apartment; the site has links to affordable rent, public housing and rural rental help. Plenty of information on senior housing and aging are included here, making this a resourceful spot to learn about health and housing.

Discount Travel Tips for 50+ Seniors
If you’re over the age of 50, you can get some wonderful travel deals. According to some estimates, people who are age 50 and older account for nearly 80 percent of all leisure travel spending, the author says. The elderly have more discretionary income than other travels, and take longer vacations. So with all the elder travel discounts out there, this article will help you find out which ones are best. Tips include securing senior travel discounts early, using travel agents and the Internet, getting the best deals, finding bargaining power for travel trips, and more. A very useful site about senior travel to help you plan your next vacation!