Category Archives: Helpful Articles

Life Through the Lens

Countless individuals have discovered the joy of viewing life through the lens of a camera.

Digital technology makes it the perfect time to get started.

Digital cameras come in a wide variety of styles bearing an equally wide variety of price tags. If you’re not familiar with digital cameras, you can choose the one that’s right for you with a little guidance from someone “in the know.” You may even want to borrow one from a friend or family member before deciding which one to purchase for yourself.

The photos you take appear on a screen. No more film. And no more developing all your pictures to see which ones you want to keep.

The more expensive cameras have a wide variety of attachments you can purchase if you find you enjoy photography—all kinds of lens and flashes, for example.

Tips for Choosing the Right Camera

1. Make sure the screen is big enough for you to see the images clearly.
2. Make sure you are able to change the batteries and SD card without assistance if at all possible. (The SD card is where the pictures are stored and some are very small.)
3. Make sure you can easily see the settings in order to select the best one.
4. Of course, cost is a factor. Don’t pay for several features you will never use. On the other hand, don’t settle for a model you’ll tire of easily. Your confidence and ability will grow, and you don’t want to outgrow your camera too quickly.

Tips for Picture Taking

1. Ignore the naysayers. No, it isn’t too late to take up photography. No, there isn’t a shortage of things to take pictures of—no matter where you live. No, it doesn’t matter if your shots are blurry. (After all you’re just learning. Plus, there are times the pros intentionally focus on one element of the picture and blur all but the primary subject.)
2. Go snap happy. You just never know when you’re going to capture an exceptional shot. Some award winning photos have been happy accidents.
3. Snap pictures of people and events you want to remember. Don’t worry if the photos aren’t perfect. Some moments should be immortalized even so. After all, they’ll never come again.
4. Look for beauty all around: in people’s faces, in the bouquet of flowers on the nurses’ desk, in the billowing clouds outside the window.
5. Just like paintings, photographs can be realistic or abstract. If certain shapes and/or colours catch your eye, snap a picture.
6. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the image you capture will be even more intriguing than you thought it was going to be.
7. Children make wonderful subjects for photos. Just remember to always ask the parents’ or caregiver’s permission to take pictures of children.
8. Of course, respect others’ right to privacy. If they don’t want you to take their picture, don’t.
9. Technically, you need signed model release forms and property release forms . . . especially if you publish your pictures, even on a family member’s Facebook page or blog—or your own.

Finding Resources

Borrow books on the subject of picture taking (especially digital photography) from the local library. You may also want to purchase a book or two that catch your attention. There are many available from brick and mortar stores as well as online.

Visit a local art gallery that features photographs. You just may get some great ideas for your own work.

Type “photographers” into your computer’s search engine. Visit a wide variety of sites and see how many amazing things can be captured with the camera lens.

What to Do with Your Photographs

Develop those you particularly like. (You may also want to save them to CD to either develop at a later time or replace photos that get damaged or lost over time.)

Keep your prints in a photo box to look through every now and then.

Buy a simple photo album to display your work. (It’s best not to use those with adhesive. The pages will eventually discolour and the adhesive makes it virtually impossible to remove the photos at a later time.)

Scrapbook your work—or ask someone else to do so for you.

Purchase a digital frame and upload your photos so they can cycle through. This makes a wonderful, space-saving way to preserve your favourite shots. Plus, digital frames with pictures you’ve taken yourself make wonderful gifts.

No matter what you do with your photos, enjoy exploring life through the lens.

Starting a Book Club

So, you’ve been a lifelong reader . . . or maybe not. That’s okay!
Let’s look at six reasons to keep or start reading, six ways to form a book club, six ways to run your meetings, and six suggested questions to guide the discussion.

Reasons to Read:

1. Reading helps keeps your mind sharp.
2. Reading fills the hours and starves off boredom and loneliness.
3. Reading reminds you of things you may have forgotten and teaches you new things.
4. Reading provides fodder for conversation.
5. Reading something you normally wouldn’t read expands your horizons.
6. Reading the classics reminds you that some things do last. Read books published in the 21st Century, they will remind you that life goes on.

How to Form a Book Club:

1. Chat with your friends about their interest in forming a book club.
2. Get four to six people to commit (If you cannot generate interest among at least three other people, consider asking those outside your immediate circle of friends.)
3. Plan an initial get-together. Discuss what you each would like to get out of the book club, come up with a list of guidelines, appoint a group leader (someone who can keep the conversation going and involve all the members). And, of course, you will want to choose a book to read. Have several books on a wide variety of topics available. Restrict the length to 250-300 pages so as not to scare off new readers. Always go with the majority’s choice.
4. Get a hold of enough copies of the books for everyone. Once each participant has a copy set a time for your next meeting. You may wish to discuss the first half of the book at the next meeting. You don’t want to let so much time go by that participants lose interest. You may even want to meet once a week and discuss a single book for the month, limiting discussion to the first quarter then the first half.
5. Remind book club members a week before the next meeting and maybe again the day before.
6. As the founder of your new book club, make sure you read the book and make notes along the way so you can keep the discussion moving.

How to Run Your Meetings:

1. Touch base with everyone the day of the meeting to verify who will be able to attend.
2. Open the meeting by welcoming everyone and get right into the discussion. You can always chat at the end of the meeting.
3. The leader should ask one question at a time (suggestions below) and give each person the opportunity to respond if he or she would like. Remember that everyone’s opinion is valid. Conflicting views are fine, but keep the discussion respectful.
4. If the conversation starts to head in an unexpected direction, it is the leader’s responsibility to get it back on track—unless the new direction turns out to be more interesting. The leader should keep everyone involved and encourage them to participate.
5. It is the leader’s responsibility to keep an eye on the time and allow each member to make a final comment or two.
6. You will then want to make plans for the next meeting. If applicable, you will want to choose a new book. Make sure those who didn’t choose the current book have a say in picking the next one. (You could let one of them choose or their vote could count as two this time round.)

Suggested Questions to Guide the Discussion

1. What did you think of the opening paragraph of the book? How did it draw you in and make you want to read more?
2. What do you like about the author’s style? Is there anything you don’t care for?
3. Can you relate to any of the characters? Which one(s) and in what way? (fiction)
4. How did the author make the story/factual information memorable?
5. How do you feel about the book so far? What do you especially like? Is there anything you particularly don’t like?
6. Would you like to read other books by the same author? Why or why not?

Even if you have vision problems, many books are available in large print and/or in audio format. Don’t let failing eyesight rob you of the many benefits of reading and discussing what you’ve read.

Eat Your Veggies

First, let me mention that 1. I am not a dietician or a nutritionist 2. I am well aware that readers may have dietary restrictions for many different reasons. The following are simply guidelines for healthy eating. Please check with your doctor or another trained professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Although you may no longer prepare your own meals, the information below can provide you with guidelines as to why you should eat an abundance of food within certain categories and restrict your intake of others.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables, especially the darkly coloured ones, provide a wide range of nutrients.
Vitamin A keeps your skin and mucous membranes supple and smooth as well as being good for your eyesight. (Your mom wasn’t wrong when she told you carrots helped you see in the dark.)

Vitamin E is found in green, leafy vegetable and is important for healthy nerves and muscles.
Calcium is important for healthy bones, and while it is available in milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., it is also available in dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli. Calcium is also in sesame seeds and almonds.

Magnesium is also important for healthy bones and can also be found in those dark, leafy vegetables.
And these are only a few of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals.

Grains

There has been a lot of talk lately about the benefits of removing gluten from your diet. You may or may not find this helpful, but before you do, check out the information available online and talk to a trained professional. It’s important to do our homework—even when formal education is long behind us.
Whole grains provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve the body’s ability to process needed nutrients.

Meat and Meat Alternatives

The protein found in meat and dairy is considered “high-quality protein or complete protein.” While protein can also be found in plant-based foods, it is often incomplete. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans must be especially careful to make sure they are getting all the protein they need.
The human body needs the right balance of proteins to move, think, hear, and see. If it’s a bodily function that’s part of healthy living, it’s likely connected with an adequate amount of protein.

Dairy

As mentioned above, dairy products are a source of complete protein. Most people know dairy products are a good source of calcium, but they may not know that the body needs Vitamin D to absorb the calcium. In Canada it is added to milk.
While some people are lactose intolerant and experience pain or discomfort after drinking milk or eating ice cream, the addition of “friendly bacteria” to things like yogurt and buttermilk makes them more digestible.

Water

The debate is still on about how much water we should actually consume in a day, but one thing is for certain, many people do not drink enough of it.

Water, of course, flushes waste from our body, but it does so much more than that.

Our bodies use water to . . .
– Digest food
– Produce energy
– Build tissue
– Send messages between cells (so we can see, think, etc.)
– Regulate temperature
– Keep moving body parts lubricated

As you likely know, coffee and other caffeinated drinks don’t count because they actually leach water from our systems. It has been suggested by some that for every cup of coffee or tea a person drinks, they should add eight ounces to their water intake over and above the daily minimum.

Desserts

Satisfying your sweet tooth too frequently can lead to many problems; so, as the saying goes, “Everything in moderation.”
I’m not suggesting you give up your favourite treat, but with a little research, you can find some wonderful, healthier alternatives.

Plus, fresh fruit is wonderfully sweet and supplies an abundance of health benefits while giving you your “sugar fix.”
Trouble Eating?

Even though I don’t have difficulty eating a variety of foods, sometimes I enjoy making my own smoothies.

Here’s what I do:

Add yogurt, unsweetened fruit juice (frozen or fresh fruit), and a half scoop of whey protein powder to a blender.
Voila! I have a healthy breakfast or snack that tastes so decadent it’s hard to believe it’s overflowing with health benefits—as well as flavour.

For more information on healthy eating, I recommend the book from which I gleaned much of the information in this article, Nutrition for Canadians for Dummies: A Reference for the Rest of Us!

Helpful Tips…In Case You Forget

Alzheimer’s and other conditions that affect our ability to remember even those closest to us are devastating. And while we may refer to having “a senior’s moment,” the possibility of developing dementia eats away at many of us.

So, until a permanent solution can be found, what can we do?

According to wikiHow, the following will help keep our minds sharp:

1. Enhance our thinking and word skills by doing things such as reading and writing
2. Play games such as Sudoku, chess, even video games
3. Challenge ourselves by doing such things as writing or drawing with our non-dominant hand and playing an instrument.
4. Socialize
5. Participate in lifelong learning
6. Lead a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, getting exercise, and developing a good sleep routine

The experts at HelpGuide.org call the following “The six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle”:

1. Regular exercise
2. Healthy diet
3. Mental stimulation
4. Quality sleep
5. Stress management
6. An active social life

These recommendations may very well help stave off dementia, but it is not 100 percent guaranteed. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is plan ahead, especially if we do become aware of the early warning signs.

But first, an aside . . .

Remember when you were 20-something, went into a room and forgot why you were there. You likely didn’t think that it was anything to worry about. If you have a lot on your mind . . . if you keep yourself busy . . . if you’re stressed (even about your forgetfulness) . . . Any—or all—of these can make it more difficult to remember.

If, however, you or your loved ones see evidence that you are forgetting important things and that you do so more and more frequently, it is best to speak with a medical professional. (If you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to do so.)

Here are some things you can do with the help of family and friends:

1.Write a script and record a video of things you want to remember. Even if you can’t imagine forgetting certain things, it’s best to include them (i.e.: your name, your spouse’s name, the names and birthdates of children and grandchildren, where you grew up, what job(s) you held, etc.).

2.Write a letter to yourself and keep it somewhere safe. Maybe even give a copy to a family member for safekeeping.

3.Even if you’ve never kept a journal, it isn’t too late to begin. Make a habit of writing in it every day and rereading previous entries often.

4.Whether in your journal or elsewhere, keep a list of things you’re thankful for. Add to the list regularly; doing so daily is best. Focussing on the positives can lift your spirits.

5.Ask your friends and family members to make videos of happy memories on a format you can watch.

6.Even if you haven’t kept stacks of family photos, with the help of someone who has a few hours to spare, put together a scrapbook or photo album and include captions with as much detail as possible.

7.Put together a playlist of your favourite music. If you have trouble doing so, one of your children or grandchildren will likely be able to help you. Music goes straight to the emotions. Listening to your favourites from over the years may bring back memories long buried.

8.And the sense that most readily evokes memories is smell. If you have a favourite scent and don’t live in a scent-free environment, keep a scented candle or potpourri on hand to stir those memories.

9.Make as many new happy memories as possible and keep a record of them (photos, journal entries, videos, etc.).

And a word to anyone who has a family member or close friend dealing with dementia of any kind . . .

It’s hard to watch your loved ones decline and easy to understand why you limit the time you spend with them, but remember your visits might mean more than you’ll ever realize—to both of you.

17 Day Trip Ideas for Retirement and Nursing Home Residents

Though you may not have the health, strength, or resources to take exotic vacations, you may be in a position to take day trips even if you live in a live in a retirement or nursing home (long-term care).

Here are some ideas you may not have considered:

1. Though your family is likely busy running here, there, and everywhere, if you’re up for it, why not tag along? Go to story time at the library with your youngest grandchild—and grab a book for yourself while you’re there. Enjoy the book and a cup of tea while you sit on the porch watching your son mow his lawn. Help prepare lunch. Attend your eldest grandchild’s soccer game. Then treat the gang to supper. Your day may not unfold exactly like this, but if your family knows you’d be happy just to spend time with them, they may not feel so bad about being busy.

2. And if your family is heading out on a day trip, it’s okay to mention that you would like to join them. Whether you are up to riding the rollercoaster with them or just sitting on the nearest bench and hearing all about it when the ride is over, it can be a great way to share in the fun. And your grandkids would probably love to hear about the adventures you had when you were their age.

3. Are you an art lover? Many communities—even small ones—have art galleries. Why not go out for lunch and wander through the gallery with a fellow art enthusiast?

4. Has it been a particularly hot summer? Is there a beach nearby? Your days of staying in the water until your lips turn blue may be a thing of the past. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sitting on the beach looking over the water, reading a book, or people-watching.

5. Some communities host concerts in the park during the summer. Scan the paper and make note of those you would like to attend. You may even want to arrange an outing for yourself and a group of friends. And if you’re up for a trip into the city, your choices of concerts multiplies greatly.

6. Do you love classical music? Opera? Rock? Accessibility to the newer venues where performances are held has improved greatly of late. If you have trouble walking or climbing stairs, it should no longer deter you.

7. Even if your retirement or nursing home runs movie nights, sometimes it’s fun to head to the cinema, splurge on some snacks, and take in what’s playing on the big screen.

8. And if the cinema isn’t for you, how about live theatre? The choices abound—from Shakespearean festivals to local playhouses.

9. If you’re a history buff, a trip to a fort or pioneer village may be just the thing.

10. Are you a sports fan? Baseball? Football? Hockey? Venturing out to the live game rather than watching it on television can be so much more fun.

11. And what about participating in the fun yourself? Maybe not baseball and the like, but what about a frame or two of bowling, 18 holes of mini golf, or tossing a softball back and forth?

12. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or not, why not grab a camera (even an inexpensive one) and discover the joy of viewing life through the lens? You might be surprised at the fascinating “new” world you can discover.

13-16. What about seasonal outings?
– A tour of homes all decked out for Christmas
– An old-fashioned corn roast and corn maze to celebrate the fall harvest
– A harbour cruise to watch Canada Day fireworks
– A day with the grandkids during Spring Break

17. And last, but not least . . .
How about an old-fashioned Sunday Afternoon Drive? If you don’t drive, you might want to pitch in to cover the cost of gas, but why not take a scenic drive and stop for lunch or ice cream along the way? Go with a friend or family member and enjoy the change from your day-to-day.