There are a lot of people who are confused about the new CA real ID. If you are not from California, you may get confused about this too. The process of getting this ID is similar to getting your driver’s license. People cannot help but wonder what is the main difference of this ID with the usual license you would use in order to drive. Have you contacted your traffic ticket attorney recently? You may need to do so to gain more information.

The California “Real” ID is the type of ID that people would use whenever they need to travel within the country of the United States of America. This is not being used yet but it will be required starting October 20, 2020. it is not as expensive to get. It will be similar to getting one of the required identification cards in the state.

You can start getting a real ID this early so that you will spare yourself the trouble that you may encounter in the long run. You actually have a choice if you would like to get the real ID or if you would rather get a federal and non-compliant ID. The decision will be up to you.

There are different things that you may need to present before you can apply to get a real ID:

• A certified true copy of your birth certificate proving that you were born in the United States of America.
• U.S passport
• Employment authorization
• Card that will prove that you are a permanent resident of the United States or a foreign passport if you are from another country.
• Social Security Number

If in case there are some IDs that you still need to fix, you can contact your suspended license lawyer Long Beach in order to help solve this problem.

The requirements that are mentioned are just some of the basic ones. You need to be prepared and give all of the possible requirements that my be asked of you. The more complete your requirements, the easier the whole process of getting a new ID is going to be.

As of now, there is no rush to get your real ID since it is not needed until 2020. Still, it will help if you could seek the help of traffic lawyers near me if you are still feeling confused about how you can acquire this type of ID.

Deciding that you’re ready to start day trading is a significant choice to make. While it’s highly possible to be successful as a day trader and make a good living out of trading just for a few hours a day, most people spend months learning how to work with the market. The first year of figuring out how to day trade is often the toughest, but you might find that you go through ups and downs throughout your entire life as a day trader. The good news is that if you have the right attitude, and the right strategy, you should go far. Here, we’re going to look at how you can start building up your own day trading strategy.

Creating a Strategy for Day Trading

The first thing you need to know is that day trading isn’t something you can simply do on a whim. You’re going to need a method that makes sense to keep you going each day. The first thing you should do when you’re thinking of beginning your day trading journey is spend time watching other people trade. You can also consider watching live charts of assets moving, to help you think about the following questions:

• How would you get into a trade?
• How would you get out of the trade?
• How much are you willing to risk on any trade
• What position would you take in the trade?

Ideally, the aim of your day trading strategy should be to use the same method over and over again to encourage the same results. Although it will take time to find the strategy that works for you, the results will be well worth it in the end.

Practice a Lot When You First Start

Another important thing you’ll need to know when you start day trading is that practice does make perfect. After all, if you want to be good a sport, you’ll need to spend a number of years practicing. Even at a minimum wage job, you’ll be required to practice the things that you need to do every day until you become more efficient in doing them.

Practicing is hard when you first start trading because it often means putting your money at risk. However, there is a way that you can build your skills without worrying about your cash. Simulated stocks and paper trading services allow you to practice developing your day trading skills without worrying about the cash side of things.

Thanks to simulated and virtual trading, anyone can begin learning how to trade on the daily stock market, and they don’t need any minimum amount of money to do so. This means that you can even try out multiple different strategies to see which one works best for you to before you make any final decisions on how you’re going to handle your money and your assets going forward. Many traders, both beginners, and veterans, rely on simulated trading to help them enhance their skills.

It’s normal to be upset by the prospect of losing somebody you love. everybody feels that way. Still, especially when illness or addiction is involved, the lack of social structures to help with the long, drawn-out period when death is on its way can make things very difficult. If you’re going through something like this it’s important to know how to take care of yourself and make things as easy as possible for all involved.

Anticipatory grief

In situations like this, the grieving process can start before your loved one dies. It’s subtly different for each individual and can involve confusing feelings like anger, fear and guilt (even if you know you’ve done nothing wrong). Some people are unnerved because they don’t seem to feel much of anything. It’s important to remember that there are no obligations and that your emotions will sort themselves out in time. In the meantime you need to be patient and try to manage them so that they don’t interfere with your relationship with the dying person.

Understanding the process

When death occurs in a slow, natural way, it usually involves the dying person becoming more withdrawn. Don’t take this as a rejection and be careful not to crowd or overwhelm the person, who will gradually need more sleep. Don’t push them to eat or drink more – just ask what small things you might do to make them happy. If they want company, they may be content simply to hold your hand and not have the energy to interact more.

Talking and listening

The chances are that you and others who are close to the dying person will have things you feel it’s important to say before death happens. Now is the time to make your confessions and express your feelings so that you’re not left burdened with regret – but remember that the dying person may not have the energy to react much. Don’t make it all about you – take the time to listen to what they feel it’s important to say as well.

Preserving memories

Towards the end, if the dying person feels up to it, it can be good to take photographs, record them speaking or make videos together so that you will have things to help you remember. Be understanding if they don’t want to do all of this and would prefer to be remembered as they were when stronger. Ask them which memories they most treasure and would like you to preserve.

Getting closure

It might sound grim, but making a practical plan together to take care of funeral arrangements can actually set everyone’s minds at ease. Whether there’s going to be a burial, a cremation or something else, the dying person may feel comforted by knowing what the next stage of the physical journey will be, and you will have reassurance that you’re respecting their wishes. If you plan to use a keepsake urn for the ashes, that may be a great comfort as well, so make sure you tell your loved one that they will always be with you.

Death is never easy and nothing you can do will make it so, but sharing moments of emotional intimacy towards the end can help you to adjust. Take time to reflect on all the ways that your loved one’s influence will continue to affect the world, and remember that you’re part of that legacy.

Tarot reading can transform your life in more ways than one. But before you can benefit from this means of divination, you will have to seek out a genuine tarot reader who can help you come into contact with your higher self and gain perception in life.

A deck of tarot cards holds no power by itself. It is the skill of the reader that comes into play during a psychic reading session. As such, it is essential that you find out an honest and sincere tarot reader who is also gifted enough to guide you in your psychic reading endeavors. Outlined below are a few essential tips that will help you to make a selection of a reliable tarot card reader.

Be sure of what you want

Knowing what type of reading you want is the first step of finding a genuine tarot card reader. It is important to note that not all tarot card readers indulge in all types of readings. Some may concentrate on reading about your love life while others may help you gain insights about your career or enable you to deal with a tragic incident in your life.

Depending on your need, you will have to carry out your search. It won’t help your cause if you fix up an appointment with a reader to find a solution for your financial upheavals and then realize that the reader only works to interpret dreams or is an expert in finding the perfect match. So, check before you step ahead.

Pay attention to the name

A tarot reader’s name says a lot about the individual’s abilities. So, consider the name carefully. You may dismiss it as a not-so-important point while looking for a psychic reader. But the fact is that wonderful tarot readers have normal names. The more fancy or outlandish a name, the more is the possibility of the person to turn out to be a fake reader. Even when a good reader uses a pseudonym, it is generally one that is more commonplace than weird or strange.

Read the price wisely

A reader who demands an exorbitant price doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best reading. In fact, too expensive a price can be a sign of a shoddy reader whose interest is more in fleecing the divination seekers than in offering them genuine help and resolving their queries.

Also, too less a price can be an indication of inexperience or even desperation on part of the reader. A genuine reader may command a good price, but it won’t be a sky-high one. Your clue is to look for someone who offers the service at an affordable rate. Too much or too less and you will be better off to steer clear of them.

Be wary of promises for instant results

When you go to try a psychic reading and the reader promises to deliver instant solutions for your problems, know that you are at the wrong place. No genuine tarot reader will make crazy promises. Any tarot reader who claims to possess the ability to resolve your problems immediately is not worth your trust, time, or money. Tarot readers are mediums that can help you to gain insight into your life or enable you to attain a new perspective. But they are not likely to have the ability to remove your worries through any kind of products, potions, or spells, and that too within a short period of time. If they insist that you buy a certain product or spell to overcome your problems or adversities, know that it is time to move out of that place and start looking for another reader.

Believe your instincts

If a tarot reader works great for your best friend or relative, it’s not necessary that you will also get the same vibes or results from that person. You will have to look for someone who is the right match for you and resonates with you at some deep level. Of course, you can consider the references of your near and dear ones regarding the readers that they found to be the best.

But do not go thinking that the same reader will be the perfect one for you as well. Interact with the reader personally before you take a call. Also, if something doesn’t feel right or your gut feeling says that things are not going the way they should, do not hesitate to trust your instinct and leave the place.

The Riviera Maya is one of the famous spots in Mexico. Picture perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise water make the Riviera Maya a popular destination for lakhs of tourists every year. There are a vast range of fun activities and places to watch in this gorgeous white sand beach paradise.

If you love to spend, some quality time in soft sand beaches means the Riviera Maya is the perfect place for you. This beautiful place is a Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern peninsula. Riviera Maya is also known for its luxurious Mayan Riviera properties in its favorite town places such as Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and through its long white sand beaches.

If you are striving to make your trip, as an unforgettable trip with your family, then don’t worry I’ve got you covered. In this post, I have included ten best things you must do when you stay in the Riviera Maya with your family.

So, let us get into the top 7 best things list,

7 Best things to do in Riviera Maya with your family:

1. Relax and Spend Some Quality time on White Sand Beaches:

The first and best to experience in this Riviera Maya is its white sand beaches. So, sit back and Relax in the beautiful beaches. Although this place has some incredible places to watch and excellent fun activities to do, it is also a fabulous place to sit back and relax on the beach.

Most of the travelers always love to do sunbathing in this place. As this is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, people love to spend some quality time in Riviera Maya beaches. If you feel like you need a drink while you sit back and relax then your favorite beverages and cocktails are always at your services in Riviera Maya.

So, to enjoy your vacation hop on a beachside hammock and spend time while sipping the cocktail. This is the best place for families; they will always love this experience when you make them feel that they truly deserved this vacation just by arranging hammocks and cocktails on the beach. Kids will still enjoy playing in the clearest waters and pristine powdery beaches.

1. Enjoy Parties through the night in Playa Del Carmen:

It’s always best to start your trip with a fabulous night party in Playa Del Carmen. This place is popularly known for its nightlife; the vibrant and fun-filled parties are ubiquitous in this region. You can even enjoy the nightlife in the neighboring town Cancun as well.

Usually, the nightlife in the Playa Del Carmen starts at the beach and on Fifth Avenue. You can find the other smaller parties quickly on the surroundings of the Del Carmen beach. In these parties, you can enjoy some excellent cuisine & Cocktails on the night hotspot. Along with these hotspots, you can also find some dancing night parties and clubs through the town coastline.

The biggest night attractions that I have experienced in the night hotspots is the flamboyant coco bongo. Here the entertainments are at peaks when compared to the other musical event and parties. Watch out for these parties and then try different things to do from your next day of the trip. Usually, the nightlife of the Playa Del Carmen will start quite late so better take a light nap and head over to the party place around 11 and 11:30 Pm.

1. Experience the Chichen Itza:

If you like to visit the monuments in the Riviera Maya, then have a glance at the Chichen Itza. It is often hailed as one of the seven wonders of the new world, and they always believe that it is the second most popular attraction in Mexico.

This extraordinary cultural monument is located between the Valladolid and Merida. It is similar to the pyramids in shape, and it is one of the best stone monument you’ll see in Mexico. Here you can see the astronomy and the beginning of the 365 days calendar. Along with that, the serpent-shaped shadow is always visible at the temple of Kukulkan during the spring season.

Families love to visit this place to know about the Mayans astronomy and another factor. If you are ready to attend Chichen Itza means, make sure you pack comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of water in the site.

1. Scuba Dive & Snorkeling in Cozumel:

Get ready to meet the spectacular sea life on the world’s second largest reef system in Riviera Maya. The coastal free of great Maya extends over 600 miles from the top of the peninsula and down to the Honduran. This is the best part for snorkeling in the whole of America.

Americans love to visit this place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystal clear water and warm ocean will make them feel awesome along with that, they like to see wide varieties of coral, tropical and other sea creatures while they snorkel or go scuba diving.

This best place to scuba dive in Riviera Maya is at the beach of Akumal; here you can find send the time by floating on the warm water and by having a glance at the tropical fishes and sea creatures very closely.

If you already have the open water qualification or certificate of scuba diving, then you can explore more by going deep into the ocean. You can even meet the whales and other larger sea creatures while you do deep scuba diving. If you are lucky, means you can also have a glance at the shark and other rare Caribbean sea creatures.

1. Swim in a Cenote:

Cenotes are generally the large natural sinkholes. Usually, the cenotes are very rare, but luckily, Riviera Maya has Cenotes. These are iconic features of the peninsula’s geography as well. Previously in Mayan times, they often used these cenotes for fresh water supplies and for other religious ceremonies (As shown in Thor & Mona movies). Nowadays, the tourist to snorkel, swim and relax in a unique space uses these cenotes.

In Riviera Maya, most of the cenotes are filled with the fresh water, and it is filtered slowly through the ground, so the water in cenotes is always fresh, pure and clean. As the water visibility is high in these cenotes, it is becoming the ideal place for scuba divers and snorkelers. If you are visiting Riviera, Maya means you shouldn’t miss this excellent experience. Kids and families always love to enjoy these fun activities in the water.

1. Tulum:

Tulum is another picture perfect place in the Riviera Maya. This place is having its own Mayan history and the waters in the Tulum are fresh and clean. This small site can be quickly explored within an hour or two. It is one of the only Mayan ruins, which is located right at the oceanfront. This place offers some spectacular view of the ocean, and it is the best place to swim.

If you are striving to visit Riviera Maya with your family means, “Never miss this spot” because this is one of the lovely and romantic spots.

1. Enjoy the nature at Sian Ka’an Biosphere:

If you like to watch the beautiful destinations in Riviera Maya means you shouldn’t miss the Sian ka’an biosphere. It is the must-see place you and you should add this place to your list.

This place is having an incredible sight of numerous animals. You can mainly watch sea creatures such as sea turtles, mantas, dolphins, manatees, and the countless other sea species.

The best part of this place is you can see the all the sea creatures without diving deep into the ocean. Kids usually love this spot, so if you have kids, then you shouldn’t miss this place at all.

Conclusion:

These are the best things you have to do in Riviera Maya when you are travelling with your kids and family. Families often love to visit these places in Riviera Maya because it gives you an incredible experience.

Did you know that environmental toxins can cause cancer? These toxins are both natural and manmade that are equally capable of disrupting your health and sensitive biological functions.

In this article, we will discuss the potentially dangerous effects of these environmental pollutants, and how to minimize its exposure so that you and your family can remain healthy.

But before we do that, let us discuss what environment and man made toxins really are. The naturally occurring toxins include – lead, mercury, cadmium, radon, and benzene. There are also manmade chemicals such as BPA, pesticides, and phthalates.

When our bodies are exposed to these pollutants, it can lead to grave health risks. Some of its ill-effects include the following:

• Cancer caused due to exposure to radon, benzene, and formaldehyde
• BPA, pesticides, and phthalates act as endocrine disruptors
• Exposure to lead, mercury and cadmium can lead to organ failure

We all know the lead that is found in old paints as well as pipes installed in old structures is toxic. Mercury and cadmium are also well known toxins that cause damaging effects to our bodies.

While these environmental toxins are recognized, there also others out there that are readily available in the environment and remain unregulated. We will discuss these popular toxins that you are exposed to on a daily basis and how you can reduce your exposure to them.

BPA

This endocrine disruptor is a compound that is commonly found in food packaging materials made of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. They are even used in baby bottles, water supply lines, water bottles etc. When exposed to BPA, you are vulnerable to the risk of obesity, infertility, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, breast cancer, low testosterone, and prostate cancer.

BPA exposure happens when the chemical is released from the plastic/resin product into food and drinks when the containers are washed or heated.

Did you know that the highest consumers of BPA are infants and kids? According to a survey, 93% children above 6 years had significant levels of BPA in their urine! While this is certainly worrisome, the good news is that BPA can exit from the body quickly if you make some simple lifestyle changes.

To reduce BPA exposure, you can:

• Limit the use of plastic containers that have #3 and #7 mentioned on the bottom
• Avoid using plastic food containers to heat your food in microwave
• Don’t wash plastic containers in dishwasher
• Replace canned foods with freshly cooked meals
• Choose glass and porcelain containers over plastic cups
• Use BPA free baby bottles

Pesticides

These chemicals are used in agriculture to kill or repel certain types of pests. However, these synthetic toxins seep into the soil and then into our foods. Since most food manufacturers use pesticides, people are exposed to small doses of these chemicals in their lives through their diet. According to research, the farmers that use pesticides in their agricultural practices have experienced increased instances of headaches, insomnia, neurological disorders, dizziness, and fatigue due to high exposure. In fact, there are also studies claiming that regular exposure to pesticides can increase your chances of Parkinson’s disease by 70%! Well, if toxins cause illness, is a question you had on mind, we hope you got the answer.

To reduce the pesticides exposure, you can:

• Wash all your fruits and vegetables vigorously before consumption
• Consume organic produce over conventionally produced vegetables and fruits
• Grow your own veggies

Formaldehyde

This colorless chemical is used in building materials and manufacture of household items. It is also found naturally in the environment produced by organisms as part of their metabolic process. There are many government agencies that recognize formaldehyde as a carcinogen.

At your home, this toxic substance can be found in pressed-wood products such as plywood, and other products like glues, adhesive, cigarette smoke, certain types of fabric etc. Additionally, it is also used as a disinfectant, fungicide, and a preservative in medical laboratories. According to research, staff exposed to formaldehyde is susceptible to cancer and leukemia.

You can reduce or prevent its exposure by:

• Using exterior-grade products in your home
• Maintain ventilation and controlled indoor temperature
• Keep humidity levels in check
• Use natural plants inside home to clean indoor air

While there are many more toxins out there that are exposing you to a health risk every day, these are some common ones that can be easily controlled by making conscious decisions. You can prevent a lot of toxin exposure by simply living a natural lifestyle and preventing the use of synthetic chemicals.

When it comes to holiday packing, gone are the days when you would throw caution to the wind, pack a few clothes and toiletries in the bag and be gone. All of that changes with kids in tow as the concept of creating lists has never sounded so appealing! (Oh how life has changed). Along with that, common sense and creativity become key to both stress free packing and giving yourself the freedom to let your mind drift to all the holiday fun in front of you!

Here are my top tips to help you concentrate on the fun rather than on the fuss!

MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT

Simply spend half an hour writing down all the things you need to remember to bring. Put together a clothing, equipment, toiliteries, first aid, toys, documents and ‘additional’ list. Taking this time means a lot less stress. I really recommend an app called ‘Paperless Lite’ which allows you to create your lists and tick them off as they are packed!

CONSIDER THE HOLIDAY

Consider the ‘actual’ holiday you want to achieve for you and your family. We can be bad at packing for every eventuality but be honest with yourself. Do you want to relax by the pool and just have time with your kids? What’s the point in bringing hiking boots and high heels in that case. Anything that you don’t really believe you will use, should not be packed.

HOME COMFORTS

Young children love their toys and home routines, so they can be comforted while travelling (making your life easier) by having some favourite items from home at the ready. Let them help you choose two or three things they want to bring.

‌TOP TOY TIPS

Aside from a stash of the usual crayons, paper, books and super heroes, when packing toys, consider the noise factor and the pain quotient. Don’t bring anything that will give you (or anyone else nearby) a migraine. It can be nice to stash away a few unopened birthday presents to bring out when they least expect it. A great distraction and what child doesn’t like to open a present?

CLOTHING RULES

Holidays are all about keeping things simple. It is where the idea of the capsule comes into it’s own. Items should be chosen based on the fact they can be worn in at least two ways. For kids, it can be useful to create outfits, which you pack together. Use ‘packing cubes’ so you can pack each childs outfits together. Do pack lots of denim, darker colour and long sleeved PJ’s (for those air conditioned evenings). Avoid too many light colours and delicate fabrics.

PACKING TRICKS

I am a big beleiver in rolling clothes in the suitcase. You fit heaps more. Start by packing your shoes at the bottom and surround them with things like kids macs, underwear and other such items that creasing is not an issue for. This is also a great way to use this otherwise lost space. If you are packing anything remotely tailored, turn it inside out, tuck the sleeves in, roll and it will arrive in the best shape possible.

PLAN THE EMERGENCY BAG

Having a small backpack with all the essentials right there for the airport is a godsend. Snacks and games for the kids, all documents, itineraries, passports and tickets, any medication, plasters, painskillers, international adapter, water and an extra pair of clothes for kiddies accidents.

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

It can be both fun and worthwhile to get your kids involved in the packing process. It builds their excitement for the trip and also helps to teach them the responsibility they share with Mum and Dad to mind their toys and bits and pieces. Ask them what they think they might need and let them pick out the toys, books and activities they want to enjoy while on the road. Perhaps about a week before you leave get them to help you pack either their own carry on bag or help to pack yours.

Explore the Laya Healthcare site for more information on family travel insurance or to get a health insurance quote online today.

It is officially fall, and it’s that time of the year when there’s the air is fresh and those chilly breezes, brush beneath your clothing, the leaves start to change colour and families start coming together to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

The suggestions below by Acorn Stairlifts, are safe full activities that can involve all the family, including grandparents.

1. Make Decorations: You can find a wide variety of DIY decoration ideas on Google and Pinterest. Some fall decor examples are: a fall leaf garland, ribboned pumpkins, and centerpieces. It’s also a good way to incorporate those coloring pages you made!
2. Make Festive homemade goodies: Baking isa common activity to do with grandparents or family members. You can find fall-friendly easy goodies to make online.
3. Prepare for Halloween trick-or-treaters: Halloween is approaching, so if you plan on handing out candy, have an older adult help you. They can prepare different goody bags to pass out or help decorate the house to welcome the trick-or-treaters.
4. Enjoy the natural Air: As the weather starts to cool down during the fall season, take this opportunity to embrace it, and enjoy the great outdoors. If mobility is an issue, try cracking open a window or relaxing on a porch or in your backyard.
5. Fall-themed coloring pages: You can never be too old for coloring, as it’s an activity anyone can enjoy no matter their age. You can enjoy it alone or together and specialists also say that coloring is a good stress relieving activity.
6. Work on a fall-themed puzzle (or any puzzle for that matter): Solving puzzles is a great way to bond with the family. Cozy up on the table with a warm cup of your favorite drink and celebrate the season. These puzzles don’t have to be fall themed but doing a fall puzzle can get put you a more festive mood.

Technology has a huge impact on our everyday lives, and for some of us, we can’t live without it. We can connect quickly with family and friends across the world, spend money in our bank accounts with the tap of a card and even track our fitness levels through a wearable device. But how is technology benefitting our aging population? And what prototypes are in development?

Mobility Assistance
Physical inactivity costs the NHS on an estimated £10bn per year, with £2.5bn of this spend on care as a result of poor housing. In fact, although many older people may want to move into a ground floor flat for example, the facilities simply aren’t there. There’s said to be a bungalow shortage occurring in the UK too — emphasising the need for in-house help for those with mobility limitations.

Between the ages of 65 to 85, the percentage of people who have difficulty with a least one activity involved in their daily lives increases from 16% to 50% at age 85. Yet, home aids and adaptations can increase people’s ability to perform everyday activities by 49% and reduce depressive symptoms by 53%.

Dr Helen Meese, who is a member of the Institution of Mechnical Engineers, said: About seven million UK homes are headed by someone aged over 65 years, who will undoubtedly need some form of assistive technology to help with everyday living, within the coming decade.”

“Homes built with older people in mind, as well as retrofit technology for our existing housing stock, could not only allow people to live in their homes for longer, but also massively reduce costs for the NHS and social care system.”

Although not a recent technological advancement, the stairlift is often a life-saving device for many. Over 50% of customers bought a stairlift from Acorn Stairlifts in order to help them ease the pain that they experience due to arthritis. This innovation allows elderly people to stay in their home for longer and enjoy their independence whilst they can.

There are many smart home devices that have been developed to help people with mobility difficulties around their home. Users can control important variables in the home such as heating and lighting without having to move. There are many variants of these devices, some which can be controlled by voice and others which can be controlled via a specially designed remote or app. There are also robot vacuums available which navigate themselves around the home and hoover up any dirt — a job that a frailer person may struggle to do.

There are new designs that are currently in their later stages of development. One of these is a piece of technology that guides people to the toilet when it predicts that they need to go. This can prevent unwanted accidents and embarrassment for an individual whilst making them feel less reliant on carers and family members.

Similarly, developers in Japan have been focused on designing devices that can help older residents get out of bed, into a wheelchair, or to the toilet. Again, this has been prototyped to ease the strain of limited carers and an aging population.

Combating loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation are two growing issues in the UK. Shockingly, one study discovered that around 200,000 older people in Britain had not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month. Those who feel socially isolated and lonely are more likely to use public services too, due to a lack of support networks and an increased likelihood to develop health conditions such as depression, dementia and heart disease.

We are fortunate, that there are some innovators that are trying to tackle the problem through technology research and development. Currently, interventions such as video calls, computer training and access to the internet have been shown to have a positive impact on social isolation — but what else is available?

The Japanese have invented Paro, which is a robotic seal pup. This device has been employed in nursing homes since 2003 and encourages the residents to interact and talk with the robot. It has found to be very therapeutic and can be used as a catalyst for those who suffer from depression — encouraging a return to a healthier state.

A prototype called Family in Touch (FIT) was developed by a research student who discovered that elderly people touch photos of their loved ones to relive memories that they have involving that loved one in the picture. This discovery led to the creation of a picture frame that is surrounded in LED lights. When the user touches the frame, family members are informed, and they can send a video message back to the user. Older people reported that the enjoyed the invention and how easy it was to use but they said that they’d like to send a message or video back if possible.

InTouch Living, was developed in Australia, which allows carers to deliver care remotely through digital technology. The elderly person is provided with a tablet from which they can connect with others. Carers can set up virtual meetings to talk about isolation feelings and general wellbeing and can also hold a group call with older people of similar interests. If the user become confident in using the device, they can initiate their own calls. Research discovered that InTouch Living allows care to be delivered at 60% of the cost of face-to-face support services.

Improving health and wellbeing

When individuals age, it’s known that they are more prone to health complications and memory loss. There are some devices that have been invented to help with these issues.

There are now interactive pill boxes on the market that remind individuals to take medication at the right times. One of these is MedMinder, a collection of automatic medication dispensers. First, the relevant dispenser flashes to remind individuals to take their tablets. If the medication still isn’t taken, the dispenser makes a noise and after this it makes a phone call to the user. If the tablet still isn’t taken, the device cleverly notifies a caregiver or member of family.

Hearing loss is a common age-related problem. As a matter of fact, according to the National Institute of Aging, one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 has difficulty hearing.

Luckily, hearing aid technology has come along way in recent years with affordable, quality hearing aids being more widely available and better than ever.

With mobility issues, older people are more prone to falls and loss of balance. A fall can really affect an elderly person and can lead to hospital treatment. There are now fall sensors in care homes and specially-adapted homes which can alert a warden if someone is out of bed who is at high risk of falling and inform them of a fall.

individual more confidence when walking outside of the home. Similarly, alarms can be fitted so that a carer or relative is informed of a relative leaving the home — this can be tailored to certain time frames to avoid night-time wandering.

As we can see, there is a range of technology out there that is aiming to help our older generation. And, with many ground-breaking innovations still in the development phases, who knows what the future holds for elderly care.

Whether you’re keen to dress up as Tinkerbell for Halloween or as her sister Piriwinkle, simply continue reading to discover a simple guide to creating a fuss-free fairy outfit which is bound to leave your friends and family members spellbound.

Tinkerbell and Piriwinkle Homemade Costumes: Tips and Tricks

1. Use an old dress as the basis of your halloween costume

There’s no need to go out and purchase a brand new green on blue dress, in order to put together a stunning Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle costume. Instead take a look through your closet, to see whether you can find a basic blue or green dress, which you’ll be able to spruce up into a fairy costume, with a few simple adjustments.

2. Purchase a few meters of tulle to place over your blue or green dress

Next, head to your local craft store or fabric store in order to purchase a few meters of blue or green tulle, which you’ll be able to use to create a simple skirt, which you’ll be able to place underneath your chosen dress or on top of your chosen dress. So that your old blue or green dress will look more like a fairy dress and less like an ordinary dress.

If you’re keen on this idea, make sure to pick up 2 meters of elastic which you’ll be able to use to create the waistband of your homemade fairy costume. If you’re feeling particularly creative you may also want to consider covering your tulle skirt with green or blue sequins, which will sparkle all night long!

3. Create your own fairy wings using cardboard and elastic

If you don’t want to purchase store brought fairy wings, you have the option of tracing out oversized fairy wings on large, stiff cardboard, which you’ll then be able to cut out and paint. Again don’t be afraid to go a little crazy when it comes to using glitter and sparkles as every fairy deserves to shine.

Also, make sure that you have enough elastic on hand to create two loops which you’ll be able to attach to your cardboard wings so that you’ll be able to wear your fairy wings comfortably!

4. Decorate a plain plastic headband with gold glitter or blue glitter

To top off your Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle outfit it’s well worth covering a plain plastic headband from your nearest dollar store with gold glitter if you plan on dressing up as Tinkerbell or blue glitter if you plan on dressing up as Piriwinkle.

Just remember to put your hair up a Tinkerbell style bun. If you don’t have blonde hair you may also want to consider purchasing a blonde wig which you’ll be able to style in a bun, to look just like your favorite fairy.

5. Make sure to craft your very own DIY fairy wand

Use a straw or a pencil to form the base of your fairy wand, which you’ll be able to top off with a cardboard star covered with gold glitter. Feel free to paint the base of your fairy wand so that it no longer resembles a straw or a pencil.

So if you have your heart set on dressing up as Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle for halloween there’s no time like the present to get started on crafting your costume!