Lily Pad Mattress Pad: An Incontinence Aid

Wow! I just saw a video on the Daily Wrinkle on the Lily Pad by Down etc., a luxury waterproof mattress pad. The tester poured 3 gallons of water into the pad and it held the water!

I am so impressed. Imagine that one of us (that's right, folks. One of these days probably each of us will face some form of incontinence) having that little accident. We'd know that the mattress was protected.

Even if incontinence is not the issue. Any liquid wouldn't seep into your mattress. The morning coffee or hot chocolate or evening glass of wine.

And you know how common mattress pads sound all crunchy? Lily Pad is as quiet as a...well...hmmm...lily pad!

For more on improving your sleeping, visit www.50somethinginfo.com.

Depression In Epidemic Proportions Among American Seniors

Holidays are an exciting time for most people. They often mean getting together with family and friends. But to those who have lost a dear one, are dealing with medical issues, have children who have moved far away, and do not have a strong support system in place, holidays evoke feelings of depression.

It's normal to grieve for a loss of independence, health and mobility. What's not healthy is a sadness that lasts an extended period of time.

According to the National Institute of Health, 20% of seniors are depressed.

Doctors, only, can officially determine if a senior is suffering from depression. Generally, he/she determines if any of the criteria below apply to his patient and if so, what kind of medication or treatment is called for:

1. Feeling nervous or emotionally "empty"

2. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

3. Fatigue

4. Restlessness and/or irritability

5. Feeling that life is not worth living

6. Sleep problems

7. Eating more or less than usual

8. Persistent headaches, stomachaches or chronic pain that persists

This condition should be ignored. Please encourage these people to speak to their families and their physicians about getting some hope and happiness back into their lives.

For more on depression among the elderly, please visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Nursing Crisis As Baby Boomers Age

CNN's Aaron Smith claims that 40% of nurses practicing in the United States will soon be over 50. And they are not being replaced as quickly as they are retiring.

Even though nursing schools are at full capacity, it's not enough to offset a crisis. Nursing instructors are hard to recruit since they can make more money working in a hospital.

Until the problem is rectified, international director of Global Health Care Barry Pactor recommends that the United States government loosen its immigration restriction on foreign healthcare workers.

Age-Restricted Communities Appeal To Seniors

Journalist Steve Brown (Dallas Morning News) reported that aging boomers will greatly impact the housing markets. At least that's what home builders are betting on.

By 2014 one quarter of the population in the United States will be 55 or older. And 40% plan to explore alternatives to their current home.

New 55-plus-restricted communities hold a lot of appeal especially if the houses are about 1,900 square feet and are located closer to other family members.

But baby boomer buyers are unpredictable. Builders are taking a wait-and-see attitude as to what boomers want in new homes.

For more on housing options and universal design of homes, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

What Happens To Chewing As We Age?

Chewing breaks down food so it is safe to swallow. It also release energy and nutrients.

Older people tend to have weaker, less efficient bites so they need to work harder and chew longer. This often means that:

1. They feel fuller on less food.

2. They are less likely to eat harder fresh fruits, vegetables and meat.

For more on diet and nutrition, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Say "Cheese"

Give me cheese and grapes and you have one happy camper. But how healthy is cheese?

True, cheese provides calcium, protein and some vitamins. It may also help to prevent cavities. But use it sparingly--as a flavor enhancer. Select soft goat cheese, feta or mozzarella cheese over higher caloric and fattier cheddar or Swiss.

Reduced-fat, low-fat, and non-fat cheeses have gotten tastier. Just watch the sodium.

For more on diet and nutrition, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Seniors Use Internet To Keep Brain Working And Deter Alzheimer's Disease

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, people over 75 who read, play instruments, work puzzles, and take part in discussions are less likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease.

Internet use has been added to the list of activities that delay onset. UCLA neuroscientist Dr. Gary Small revealed that searching the internet strengthens brain power more than reading. Even moderate use stimulates the brain's circuitry.

Learn more ways to improve your memory at 50somethinginfo.com.

Eat Your Way To Lessening Arthritic Pain

According to Dr. Andrew Weil (Healthy Aging), what you eat can affect the pain of arthritis. Eating the right food can reduce the inflammation, he asserts.

1. Avoid refined, processed and manufactured foods.

2. Use good quality extra-virgin oil in food preparation.

3. Eat oily fish at least 3 times a week.

4. Replace flour and sugar products with whole grains, sweet potatoes and beans.

5. Reduce the amount of meat and substitute with beans or soy.

6. Eat fruit and vegetables of all colors.

7. Try to consume some ginger and turmeric.

8. Drink good quality tea, such as white, green or oolong.

Learn more about arthritis at 50somethinginfo.com.

Lower Your Property Taxes

Carman did it and so can you.

Given that the value of your home has dropped (and what house hasn't?), make an appeal to your property tax bill within 30-60 days (or whatever time allotted by your city).

Go to the assessor's office to see what information is listed for your property and ask to view similar information for your neighbors.

Next, get sales data from a local real estate agent or a real estate appraiser.

Point out criteria to the tax assessor that might affect the lowered value of your home.

Cross your fingers!

For more on real estate, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Minnie Mouse? No, Mini-House: Boomers And Seniors Downsize

As children are leaving the nest, parents give thought to downsizing.

Many are dispensing with clutter and monstrous utility bills and opting for smaller spaces.

Dianne Carlson, Community Service Directive at Area Agency in Aging, reported that as boomers age, they prefer smaller homes situated in urban vs. suburban areas. They look for open floor plans, single stories or master suites on the first level.

The Tiny House Company designs homes that are as little as 300 square feet, costing $100-200 square feet.

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company's tiny houses range from 65-140 square feet. The extra small one costs about $39,000. They are on wheels and do not require a building permit. Then the company also offers plans for homes of greater than 120 square feet which you can build yourself!

You, too, can join the new socioeconomic housing movement that reduces the world's carbon footprint. Emily Pilloton presents her "Top 5 Tiniest Prefab Homes." These homes are well built and versatile and they can even be plopped on a rooftop or squeezed between two urban dwellings.

For more on housing, visit 50somethinginfo.com.