GRANDCHILDREN

Memorable Things to Do With Your Grandchildren

By Emily Koelsch

For many retirees, the biggest perk of this season of life is getting to spend more time with grandchildren. While there’s a lot to be said for the simplest moments spent together, it’s also fun to incorporate some special activities into your time with them.

Here are a few of our favorites to help you create lifelong memories with your grandchildren. Share a Family Recipe

Most grandparents have a few recipes that kids look forward to having when they are at Grandma or

Grandpa’s house. Rather than just making family favorites before they arrive, schedule a time to make the recipe with your grandchildren. Not only will they enjoy being in the kitchen with you, but you’ll also have a great opportunity to pass down a family recipe. Enjoy Nature Together

Being outdoors in a beautiful place inspires creativity, exposes kids to new things and offers an opportunity to enjoy a special experience with loved ones. Look for a nearby nature trail, bike path, canoe trip, or hike to experience with your grandchildren. Teach Them a Hobby You Love

You probably think that your grandchildren aren’t interested in your hobbies, but you might be surprised. Not only will they be happy to get a glimpse at something you’re passionate about, but they’ll also be excited to learn something new. Whether it’s golf, gardening or fishing, let them give it a try. Let Them Share a Favorite Activity with You

They’ll also enjoy sharing something that they’re passionate about with you. Let them pick something that they want to share with you and then be prepared to dive in. It might be a board game, a new dance move, or even a favorite video game, but if you take interest in what they enjoy, you’ll both have a great time.

Go to a Show Together

Whether it’s live theater, a movie, or a concert, you’ll all enjoy the opportunity to go to a special event together. Keep an eye out for local events that you think you all would like and plan an outing. You can make it even more special by taking them out for a lunch or dinner date beforehand!

All time with grandchildren is precious, but a little extra planning and preparation can ensure that even the simplest activities turn into lifelong memories that you both will cherish.

By Faith Miller

Use Them or Lose Them! Keep Your Joints Functioning

Many people consider joint issues to be a natural part of getting older. It doesn't have to be that way! A few simple lifestyle changes can keep your joints functioning well into your golden years. GET MOVING

The phrase "use it or lose it" definitely applies to joint health. Maintain mobility by gently stretching major joints like knees and hips, and minor joints in the fingers and toes. With your doctor's approval, put your joints to work with low impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or working out on an elliptical machine. Avoid high impact activities like contact sports and workouts that involve jumping or sharp turns. Start slow with any new exercise program and make sure to warm up before your workout and cool down after you've finished. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Joints are optimized for a healthy individual performing everyday activities. Individuals above a healthy weight range may notice that everyday activities lead to joint pain; this is because each extra pound increases the pressure on your joints as you move, and that added stress leads to inflammation and discomfort. Eating a healthy diet–preferably rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein to further buffer joint health–can help maintain a healthy weight, as can the light exercise already recommended for optimal joint health. DRINK UP

Dehydration exacerbates a number of health problems, including joint degradation. Water accounts for nearly 80% of the mass in human cartilage, and not taking in enough water means that the cartilage in your body will be more brittle and prone to injury than the cartilage of a well hydrated person. To keep your joints at their best, drink water throughout the day, with meals and during exercise. QUIT SMOKING

Looking for another reason to give up the habit? Smoking damages your joints as well as your lungs. Smoking decreases oxygen saturation in the blood, slowing the supply of vital nutrients and making joints weaker overall. These weakened joints mean that smokers are 1.5 times more likely to suffer overuse injuries than non-smokers and almost twice as likely to suffer strains, sprains and other traumatic injuries. If you do smoke and would like to quit, make sure to talk to your doctor about a plan and potential solutions that can help control the urge to smoke. TAKE A SUPPLEMENT

Several vitamins and nutritional supplements have shown promising results in the fight against joint damage. Vitamin pills designed specifically for joint health often contain glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that aid in cartilage formation and increase joint strength. Ask your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet to make sure negative medication interactions will not occur. Good joint health doesn't have to be a hassle! Attention to healthy habits and a little help from your doctor can keep your joints feeling great.

You can Start Over!