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Everybody loves a good deal, right? We shop sales, watch the specials, and try to get the best deal possible. Saving money on our purchases is even more important when on a fixed income which most older folks are. One of the best kept money-saving secrets is purchasing items in bundles. Bundling might not be something you’d immediately think of, especially when shopping for personal care items, but bundling can make a huge difference in wallet and your budget. We think bundling for personal care items just makes sense because chances are, you or your loved one probably has the need for more than one item. Not sure about bundling? Here are five great reasons to think bundles when you’re shopping. 

1. Bundles Simplify Your Shopping

Bundles can make the shopping process easier. You’ll often see bundles that offer complementary products. For example, if you’re shopping for a wheelchair blanket, you might also need a tote to store your blanket in when traveling. If you need gloves, you might also need slippers. Bundling makes it easy to get what you need without going from place to place. 

2. Bundling Makes Choosing Your Items Easier

Of course, you want to look at your options when shopping for something. However, it’s time-consuming, especially if you have to visit several places. For many of us, too many options can be overwhelming. How do you choose? What goes with what? Bundles make it easy to look at lots of different options and see which items might complement each other or work well together. If you like putting your own bundles together, sometimes, you can find even find “mix and match” style bundling.

3. Bundles Are Economical

Sellers want to sell their products, but they also know that their customers want to feel like they are getting good value. Bundles can save you money, and we all love that! When you choose items a la carte, of course you pay the full price. Bundles generally offer you some combination of items or services at a lower price. They’re the same items you could buy individually, but when they are purchased together, you get a better price. 

4. Bundles Make the Shopping Experience Better

Many people like the ease and cost-saving that come with bundling. Sellers know it too. But good bundling is more than just putting some random items together. Sellers who listen to their customers and pay attention shopping patterns take time to build bundles that they hope their customers will really love. That’s why you’ll often see them updating and creating new bundle options for their customers. Knowing that the seller is in tune with their customer’s needs and preferences helps to instill trust. That’s important because most people prefer to shop with sellers that they trust and feel comfortable with. 

5. Bundles Mean More To Enjoy

Of course, sometimes we buy items because we need them. But let’s be honest. Sometimes, we buy something just because we want it. Bundles are a great way to get both, especially if you can mix-and-match. For example, maybe your spouse needs a new adult bib and you really, really love the adult bib with the pearl necklace. Bundles let you have both! Something your partner needs and something you love. Bundles are convenient and give you lots of options for purchasing the things you want or need. 

At Classy Pal, we listen to our customers and try to provide you with quality products. One of the things we’ve heard is that you love bundles. We do too! We’ve recently updated our products to include bundles of some of our best-selling bibs and cobbler aprons. If you’ve had your eye on something, take a look and see what we’ve bundled for you. If you love bundles, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. 

If you’ve ever tried to use a blanket or throw with a wheelchair, you know the struggle:

• Too long
• Too short
• Gets caught in the wheels
• Slides off the lap
• Too bulky

Blankets can keep you warm and comfortable. They help to maintain circulation and help to keep those aches and pains caused by cold at bay. Wheelchair blankets also offer you or your loved one a way to maintain some modesty and dignity. It isn’t always easy to adjust clothing while sitting in a wheelchair. A blanket keeps you confidently covered. 

The fact is, when it comes to blankets for wheelchairs, just any old blanket won’t do. You need something that will keep you warm but also not become a lesson in blanket-wrestling.

It’s surprising to a lot of people but there are actually blankets designed specifically for use with wheelchairs. Before you buy another blanket, check out our tips for finding the perfect wheelchair blanket.

Choose the Right Blanket for the Job

Choose a blanket specifically designed for use with a wheelchair. You may love the blanket on your bed, but it isn’t a great choice for a wheelchair. Standard blankets are designed to use on beds making them way too big and bulky to safely use with a wheelchair.  Think about how you or your loved one will be using the blanket. Is it mostly for travel? Will you be out and about, possibly needing something water repellent? Do you live in a warmer climate? Look for a blanket that meets the user’s most important needs.

Choose the Right Size

You want something that is large enough to sufficiently cover you, but not drag on the floor or get caught in the wheels. When choosing a wheelchair blanket, the most popular size is about 36-39” wide by about 42” long. As with most products, size will vary a little bit by manufacturer. Wheelchairs vary in size too. If your loved one has a larger wheelchair, you may want to choose a blanket that is a bit wider. The important thing is to be mindful of length so that the ends of the blanket don’t get caught in the wheels. Not sure? Take some rough measurements and look for something with those general dimensions.

Choose the Right Weight

Some blanket materials can be really heavy and too warm, making them uncomfortable. Look for a blanket that is made of lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide warmth without being uncomfortable. If you live in a colder climate, look for materials like fleece. If you live in a warmer climate, look for a “summer weight” blanket. For example, waffle-weave or “honeycomb” fabric is a comfortable, breathable fabric perfect for lighter weight blankets.

Look for No-Slip Options

One of the biggest challenges with wheelchair blankets is that dreaded “slip”. Not everyone has the ability to hold a blanket in place. Even if you can hold it in place, why would you want to? Look for blankets with straps or fasteners that attach to the wheelchair to hold the blanket in place. Straps or fasteners ensure that your blanket will stay put and not end up in the wheels.

Look for Pockets

Who doesn’t love pockets? Some blankets have pockets that can help to keep needed items close by. Some blankets have a lap pocket. A lap pocket gives your loved one a place to keep their hands toasty warm. 

Look for Flexibility

How will you or your loved one use the blanket? Wheelchair blankets are great for indoor use but are also great for times when you or your loved one are away from home. If you tend to be on-the-go, look for a wheelchair blanket that can easily go with you. For people who travel, look for blankets that travel well. Lighter weight materials tend to be more foldable, easier to pack, and easier to use on planes, on buses, or in cars. 

Look for Easy Care

Let’s be honest, life is messy. Blankets get dirty. If you’ve ever washed a blanket, you know how cumbersome that chore can be if the blanket is made from heavy fabric. When choosing a wheelchair blanket, look for materials that are easy to care for, machine washable and dryer friendly. 

Aside from being practical, wheelchair blankets make a thoughtful gift for someone you love. At Classy Pal, we offer several wheelchair blankets that are practical and beautiful. With several styles and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect blanket for you or your loved one. 

It’s no secret. Exercise is good for us at every age. Regular, moderate exercise is linked with better cardiovascular health, better sleep, better sex, and even better mood. Perhaps there is no other group that can benefit more from exercise than seniors. As we age, we tend to slow down a bit. It’s a normal part of the aging process. However, staying active is important. In fact, research suggests that regular, moderate exercise is a key factor in health and longevity as we age.

But there’s more than just health benefits. Working out and staying active into our later years has benefits that might surprise you.

Physical Health

This is the reason most people think of when they think of reasons for exercising. And, to be sure, the physical health benefits of regular, moderate exercise are many. Here are just a few:

• Improved cardiovascular health which can reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke
• Improves blood pressure
• Helps to maintain bone strength and bone density
• Reduces the risk of colon cancer or diabetes
• Improved sleep quality
• Strengthened immune system
• Helps maintain joints and muscles
• Helps reduce the risk of falls and fractures

Emotional Health

Regular exercise can also help you feel better emotionally. Older adults are at increased risk for depression and anxiety. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites depression as the most prevalent mental health issue facing older adults. Among adults age 50 or older, 7.7% reported current depression and 15.7% reported a history of depression.

Regular exercise helps to reduce symptoms of depression, boost your mood and energize your spirit. When we exercise, the brain releases lots of feel-good chemicals that can help to regulate mood and improve feelings of well-being.

Exercise is good for your brain too! Exercise has also been shown to improve cognitive function and may help to stave off dementia. Exercise has been linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia.

Independence

It’s a common misconception that losing independence is an inevitable part of aging. Many times, that loss of independence is due to a loss of stamina and stability. Of course, there are things that become harder as we age and bodies don’t work they way they once did. However, losing your independence is not inevitable. Regular exercise can help you to maintain your strength and stamina so that you can be as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of mobility for seniors. In fact, one out of four adults fall each year in the US. Exercise can help you to keep your body strong and maintain good balance. The CDC recommends staying active and suggests Tai Chi as a great way to work on strength and balance.

Live Longer

A report from the office of the Surgeon General cites regular exercise as a key factor in longevity.  Among it’s many benefits, regular exercise has been consistently shown to reduce the risk of dying prematurely. In particular, exercise can reduce the risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease. It also reduces the risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and colon cancer.

Maintain Social Connections

Loneliness and social isolation are a significant issue for older adults. In fact, A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found that more than 33% of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Isolation and loneliness have been linked to a number of health issues including premature death, depression, dementia, and increased risk of suicide.

Exercise can help keep you connected to your social network. Exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Exercise can be fun and enjoyable when you do it with friends and family. Take a walk with a friend. Join in a group exercise class. Get a swim buddy. Look for opportunities to get together with friends that also include some movement. You’ll keep your body healthy and stay connected to those you care about.

Regular, moderate exercise can help you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and help you to maintain your quality of life and independence for as long as possible. Of course, check with your doctor to be sure you choose an activity that is right for you. Then, find something that you enjoy, grab a friend and reap all the benefits exercise has to offer.

There’s no shortage of reasons for giving a gift. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Retirements. Graduations. Almost any occasion that deserves a celebration. And then there are the “just because” gifts. Just giving someone, you care about a gift that says, “I’m thinking of you.” Sometimes it can seem like you’re on a constant quest for buying the perfect gift.

Getting something special is a joyous thing. Of course, it is the thought and someone remembering you that counts. But let’s be honest. It’s even better when the gift is truly something you love. That places a lot of pressure on the gift giver. It isn’t always easy to know what someone might truly want or enjoy. Finding the perfect gift for a senior loved one can be especially challenging. They may have space or mobility considerations. They may seem to have everything they want already. What’s a gift giver to do?

Gift cards! Gift cards make the perfect gift for seniors. Here’s why:

1. Gift Cards Are Perfect for Any Occasion

When trying to decide what the most appropriate gift for the situation might be, a gift card can save the day. Although a lovely gift, Grandma might not want to open a gift of nightgowns in front of everyone at her birthday luncheon. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or a just because, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. Many cards come in designs for most occasions. You can offer it as is or tuck it in a cute gift bag or gift card box. Gift cards are also great for those last-minute gift-giving situations.

2. Gift Cards Give the Recipient Choices

We’ve all heard the dreaded, “I don’t need anything,” when trying to decipher what someone would like for a gift. And you know, not giving a gift is not an option. It might be that your loved one isn’t sure of what they’d like or don’t feel comfortable saying. If it’s been a while since they’ve been shopping, they really might not know what’s out there. A gift card removes those hurdles and opens the door to a world of options. Your loved one can shop their favorite stores, browse to their heart’s content, and find that just right item. They’ll be happy with their purchase, and you’ll be content knowing that your gift brought them joy. No worrying about awkward returns or re-gifting.

3. Gift Cards Means Gifts They’ll Use

Who doesn’t have a closet full of gifts that were never used? We all do. Gifts that don’t get used often end up adding to the collection. For many seniors, they have accumulated a lifetime of items. Some have downsized and are now living in a smaller space. Gifts that go unused may just become clutter. Gift cards can help to avoid that problem. With a gift card, your loved one can choose the things they’re most likely to use and enjoy. You can even get gift cards for purchasing services like music or movies, salon services, and such that your loved one can use as they go.

4. Gift Cards Offer Shopping Options

Gift cards give your loved one options for shopping. Many cards can be used in-store or online. If your senior enjoys shopping, having gift cards to spend can make for a great shopping day with friends or loved ones. For seniors with limited mobility and those who prefer online shopping, gift cards offer them the option of shopping from the comfort of home. Gift cards also offer users the luxury of time. Maybe your loved one isn’t sure just what to buy yet. They can browse at their leisure and purchase when ready.

5. Gift Card Shopping Engages Your Senior

For some seniors, it’s common to have someone do some or all their shopping for them. Gift cards give your loved one the chance to shop for themselves and choose what they would like to buy. They might choose a single item, multiple items, or they might even use the gift card towards a bigger purchase they’ve had their eye on. In-store shopping means getting out and interacting with others as they make their decisions and purchases. Even online shopping for themselves means exercising their cognitive abilities as they make decisions and purchases.

At Classy Pal, we know how much our customers and their loved one’s love gift cards. We offer gift cards that you can use for any gift giving occasion. You can purchase a gift card or send an e-gift card. Either way, your loved one will be able to choose the Classy Pal items they love most.

If you love handmade crafts, this article is for you! Crafting is something that many people enjoy but as we age, our sight or manual dexterity just isn’t what it once was. (Have you tried picking up those tiny seed beads lately?) The good news is, if you love crafting, there are many ways you can continue to indulge your creative side. We’ve gathered five of our favorite craft ideas for mature crafters. Take a look!

Painting and Drawing

Whether it’s freestyle, watercolors, ink, colored pencils or mixed media, painting and drawing is accessible for almost everyone. Today, brushes come in all lengths and sizes. Pencils come on varying thicknesses too, even no-roll styles. Pencil grippers can be used to hold implements. Adjustable easels make reaching your work easier on the back and shoulders, too.

For those who like the idea of painting or drawing but don’t feel ready to freestyle, there are tools for you too. Today, you can find paint-by-number kits and coloring books for almost any interest or skill level. These are not your painting kits from childhood. These kits and coloring books are designed for adult creatives. Kits and books are an easy way to step into painting and drawing at your own pace and comfort level.

Painted Flowerpots

Decorative flowerpots are quite popular. You’ve probably seen them in magazines and maybe even on porches in your neighborhood. They’re lovely additions to your home and garden as well as great gifts. And they’re inexpensive and easy to make. With an endless possibility for designs, you can let your creativity run.

To get started, get a few terra cotta flowerpots. Choose from small or larger ones, depending on the idea you have for your pot. You can find terra cotta pots at local garden stores, big box stores, craft stores, even some local thrift stores and dollar stores. You might even have a few old ones hanging around your garden just waiting for a facelift!

Next, choose your paint colors and decorative accents. Look for outdoor acrylic paints if you’ll be displaying your pots outside. Visit your local craft store for tons of ideas for paint colors, decorative accents and more.

Old Fashioned Decoupage

You may remember decoupage projects from your grade school art class, never thinking it would still be a beloved craft today. Craft fairs are a trove of decoupaged items from coasters and trays to wood blanks, tin items, and more. You can even use terra cotta pots.

All you need to get started are some pictures or pretty papers, some decoupage paste (one popular brand is Mod Podge) and a base. From there, the design is all up to you. Not sure how to get started? Here’s a great blog site to help: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/

Knitting and Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting may seem like a blast from the past, but these perennial favorites have stood the test of time. In fact, with more people at home in the last year, there’s been a resurgence of interest in knitting and crocheting. Not only can you make beautiful items, but the rhythmic pace of the needle work can also be soothing and relaxing. And, if working with yarn is something you love but your hands are not as nimble as they used to be, check out the chunky tube yarn blankets and crafts. There’s something for every skill level.

Craft Kits

Maybe you’re someone who’s always had a desire to be crafty but never knew quite where to start or what you might like. Well then, craft kits might be just your style! Whether you want to try making a wreath, paint a picture, build a bird house, or make jewelry, crafting kits let you try out a new craft project without buying tons of tools and supplies you may never use again.

Look for craft kits at your local craft store, big box store, or even online at sites like Amazon. A quick search of “craft kits for seniors” will give you tons of options to consider.

Can’t find what you want? Make your own craft kit. Make a list of what you’ll need. Then, check out discount stores and craft stores for those items. Many times, you can find smaller sizes of common art supplies in discount stores, sale bins and such. Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you’re only getting the supplies you need. And, if you find it just wasn’t your cup of tea? No worries. Move on to your next project.

Crafting can be fun, but it can be messy too. Don’t worry, ClassyPal has you covered! Our Cobbler’s Aprons are comfortable, stylish, and made to take on those craft projects while keeping your clothing protected. Our aprons feature deep pockets and easy on, easy off design. Our Wipe N Wear clothing protectors are great for those craft projects that might be more splatter-prone. No more worrying that your clothing will end up looking like your craft project.

Crafting can be a great way to spend free time and give you a chance to flex that creativity. Engaging your brain in creative ways also helps to maintain that cognitive flexibility that is so important to nurture as we age. When it comes to crafting, there really is something for everyone. So, choose a project and get your creativity run free!

We all know that arts and crafts are fun. They are a way to indulge our creativity and let it run free. It feels good to make something unique. But, did you know engaging in arts and crafts are also beneficial to your health? Yep, that art project you love so much can actually be good for you!

Researchers have found that participating in various artistic activities such as art, theatre, dance, crafting, and music can enhance health and quality of life. And, it appears that the specific activity you choose may be less important than actually participating. The evidence suggests that while observing things like theatre, dance and such, while enjoyable, don’t yield the same kind of benefits.

Crafting is not just fun. It plays an important part in overall health and well-being.

Improved Physical Strength

Maintaining strength is important as we age. It helps us to maintain our independence. When you’re physical strong, you’re able to complete those daily living activities of life (sometimes referred to as ADLs) with no or as little assistance as needed. Physical strength is also associated with a reduced risk of falling. Depending on the activity you choose, crafting can help you to maintain muscle strength and fine motor function.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Stress and anxiety are common with older adults. Excess stress is associated with a number of issues including headaches, physical ailments such as pain, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues. It can also impact memory and cognition. You may also fine that you’re calmer and less irritable. Crafting helps to reduce stress by allowing you to release energy in ways that are soothing and pleasurable.

Improved Memory and Cognition

Crafting can help you to keep your brain active and maintain that cognitive flexibility that is so crucial to good brain health. When you are creating something, your brain gets a good workout. It’s doing a million things you aren’t even aware of. Crafting requires you to think about what you’re doing in lots of different ways from visualizing how you might start and all the design decisions along the way. Crafting has been found to improve learning and problem-solving skills in older adults. More important, there is growing evidence to suggest that crafting may play a role in lowering risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Improved Self Esteem and Confidence

When we accomplish something, it feels good. When you craft something, you can look at it and think, “I made that!” While it may seem a small thing, that boost of self-confidence and self-esteem goes a long way. People who feel good about themselves tend to also have a better outlook on life, are more likely to care for themselves, and tend to report a better overall quality of life. Crafting something makes you feel accomplished!

Improved Sleep

Of all the things you can do for your well-being, few are more important that getting good restorative sleep. A good night’s sleep is also something that can seem elusive, especially as we age. Engaging in crafts, especially those that use softer materials like knitting (yarn) have been shown to promote relaxation and may be a good choice for someone struggling with sleep. Some research suggests that the softness combined with the repetitive nature of needle crafting like crocheting and knitting might induce the nature’s relaxation response, helping you to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Grief Support

Sadly, we sometimes lose someone we love. Coping with a loss is never easy and something many of us are unprepared for. There’s no one way to grieve and finding peace can take time. It may sound counterintuitive, but engaging in something creative can help you process your grief. Crafting can offer you a place to focus on something besides your pain, even for a short while. Creating something gives you a place to release some of the emotional energy you may be holding. And, if you choose, you can create something to honor or remember your loved one. Arts and crafts can be a soothing, enjoyable way to cope during a very difficult time.

Whether you’re looking for something to pass time or looking for something relaxing or just wanting to try something new, arts and crafts just might be your next fun adventure. And, don’t forget, while you’re crafting, ClassyPal has a full line of adult clothing protectors to help you keep your clothing free of spills and splatters. We can’t wait to see what you create!

References:

1. Noice, T., Noice, H., & Kramer, A. F. (2014). Participatory arts for older adults: a review of benefits and challenges. The Gerontologist, 54(5), 741–753. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnt138

2. Kim D. (2017). The effects of a combined physical activity, recreation, and art and craft program on ADL, cognition, and depression in the elderly. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(4), 744–747. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.744

3. Geda, Y. E., Topazian, H. M., Roberts, L. A., Roberts, R. O., Knopman, D. S., Pankratz, V. S., Christianson, T. J., Boeve, B. F., Tangalos, E. G., Ivnik, R. J., & Petersen, R. C. (2011). Engaging in cognitive activities, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: a population-based study. The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences, 23(2), 149–154. https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnp149

4. Weiskittle, R. E., & Gramling, S. E. (2018). The therapeutic effectiveness of using visual art modalities with the bereaved: a systematic review. Psychology research and behavior management, 11, 9–24. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S131993