Home security tips for seniors
Seniors are oft en targeted by criminals. Th ough many criminals
target people from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals
also seek to enter seniors’ homes. Home security is im-portant for
people of all ages. By following certain safety tips and developing a
home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.
• Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense,
but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and oft en
does, give burglars easy entry into the home.
• Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or
in a fl owerpot. Others may be watching your actions and gain ac-
cess to your home while you are away.
• Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to
the door, verify their credentials by asking to see identifi cation.
• Get a home security system. Th e best protection against bur-
glars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org.
Such an alarm oft en deters burglars from breaking in.
• Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access
to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent
in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are
deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent
by check.
• Use home automation, which can be utilized to turn on lights,
set the thermostat, lock doors and much more.
• Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide
companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around
or inside of the home.
Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable
to criminals.
September 2019 • Good Life Boomer & Senior Expo 15
Explore relaxing hobbies to lower stress
Stress is a part of many people’s
daily lives. A recent survey from
the American Psychological As-
sociation found that 44 percent of
Americans feel their stress levels
have increased over the past fi ve
years. Children also are struggling,
with almost one-third reporting
that they have experienced a health
symptom associated with stress,
such as stomach aches, trouble sleeping
and headaches.
Calming activities that can tone
down the body’s stress responses are
great ways to alleviate stress. Th ese
hobbies and other interests can help
tame stress by promoting calm.
Listen to and/or play music
Music can be energizing or calm-
ing, depending on which music you
choose. Researchers at Stanford Uni-
versity found that rhythmic music
may have therapeutic eff ects for treat-
ing a range of neurological conditions,
as it stimulates the brain and can
perhaps change how it functions. Fa-
miliar melodies and gentle music can
reduce the level of the stress hormone
cortisol.
Gardening
Gardening lets a person tend to liv-
ing things while getting some fresh air.
Both the sunlight and the activity itself
can be soothing and have a positive ef-
fect on mood. A study from the Journal
of Health Psychology found that gar-
dening, like listening to music, lowers
cortisol levels.
Grab a good book
Taking the time to unwind and read
can help ease tension in the muscles,
lower one’s heart rate and induce calm.
Research from the consultancy Mind-
lab International at the University of
Sussex found reading reduced
stress levels by 68 percent.
Make art
Engaging in a creative hobby
sharpens the mind and improves
focus. You may also want to try fo-
cusing emotions onto the canvas to
help release tension. A 2014 study
published in the British Journal of
Occupational Th erapy found that
81.5 percent of respondents with de-
pression reported feeling happy aft er
knitting.
Get moving
A form of art and music, dancing
can promote well-being through exer-
cise and expansion of creative ability. It
also can be good for the mind. A study
from Swedish researchers that was
published in the Archives of Pediatrics
& Adolescent Medicine found that a
dancing intervention program, twice
weekly for eight months, helped teen-
age girls struggling with stress, anxiety,
depression, and other problems.
Many similar relaxing activities can
tame stress.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ARE PREVENTED WHEN:
Kids are connected
Families are supported
Community members take positive action
Take positive action in your community by getting involved with
90by30’s West Lane Regional Leadership Team
Email Jeanne at jeannes@90by30.com
or call Suzanne at 541-590-0779
FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.KNOWMORELANECOUNTY.ORG
www.westmontliving.com
541-574-0550
Good Life Expo 2019
Siuslaw News, September 21, 2019
Meet Lisa
PeaceHealth nurse leader
Breast cancer survivor
Mountain climber
Through early detection and the right team, today
she’s climbing mountains and living life to the fullest.
At PeaceHealth, we challenge you to put yourself first
and make time for a mammogram... you’re worth it!
Watch Lisa’s story and schedule
your mammogram today.
peacehealth.org/yes-mammo