1. Exercise Regularly.

It's hard to think that exercising isn't part of caring for children...of any age. But without proper, routine exercise, you could find yourself fatigued and frustrated. Exercise is a great way to spend quality time with your grandchildren and keep yourself in good shape. By exercising on a regular basis, your heart, lungs and mind stay in top-notch condition. Examples of good exercise for both you and your grandchildren include going for a brisk stroll after any meal, washing the car together, playing a game of catch or tennis or riding bikes. If your grandchild is involved in organized sports, help train or support him or her in any way you can.

Your diet and that of your grandchild depend entirely on you. You do the shopping, and generally you do all the cooking. Trying to plan meals and snacks based entirely on you or entirely on your grandchild is both time consuming and expensive. A good way to marry the two is to involve your grandchildren in the process. Have them help you plan menus, make the grocery list, go to the store with you, read labels and, finally, help prepare the meal. Children are much more likely to eat what's good for them if they have a part in the planning. Make sure you include plenty of vegetables, fruits and calcium sources. (Think about planting a small garden -- it's great exercise and provides healthy vegetables.) Baptist Senior Health Centers have a staff dietitian who can help you decide what will be most beneficial to you and your grandchildren.

3. See Your Doctor Regularly.

A doctor who you can see on a regular basis and for specific ailments is one who will know your medical history. That one physician will have the most up-to-date medication record for you and be able to decipher problems as they occur. Your physician will also be able to refer you to specialists as the need arises. By making the most out of your doctor visits, you can make sure you have well-rounded medical care. For instance, Baptist Senior Health Centers offer free services like dietary consultation and social services, as well as pay-per-visit benefits like exercise, podiatry and health screenings, all in one convenient location -- your doctor's office.

4. Take Time for Yourself.

As much as there is to do for everyone else, you need to take time for yourself. Taking just 10-15 minutes each day helps your mind and body unwind and de-stress. Use this time to do anything you find relaxing. Read, take a hot shower, nap, garden or just sit. This is important time to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

5. Take Your Medications Safely and Regularly.

This tip could save your life. Double check your dosage each time you take your medication. Make sure you take it on time and follow all the instructions exactly. For example, take it with food if it says to; drink plenty of water with each dose, etc. Keep an ongoing list of your medications in your purse or wallet so in case of an emergency, medical personnel will know which medications you are taking. If you are taking three or more medications and/or your grandchildren are taking medications, you might want to look into a program such as SafeDose, which provides unit packaging of your medications shipped directly to your home.

By taking care of this task now, you can get on with enjoying your life. Take time to explain to your friends, grandchildren (if they are the appropriate age) and physician what your wishes are in the event of your death or serious illness. This planning is really more for them than you. You don't want them to have to second guess what you may or may not want. Let them know if you are an organ donor. A program like The Five Wishes can help you map out exactly what you want, from appointing a medical liaison to how you want to be treated in the hospital. This can all be recorded on a Five Wishes document, which is legal in 33 states. While most people avoid thinking about end-of-life issues, planning will help your loved ones when that difficult time arrives.

7. Communicate.

Whether you raised your own children 20 or 40 years ago, things have changed. The environment grandchildren face each day is dramatically, and sometimes dangerously, different than what your own children faced. The best way to find out how you can help them is to communicate with them. Talk to them. Find out who their friends are, where they go after ball practice, what they are studying in school and where they go on the Internet. It doesn't have to be a formal, face-to-face conversation. Talk to them about their day while making supper, riding in the car or preparing for bed. It might be worth investing in a cell phone so that you or they can be reached any time either of you is away from the house. Recognize when they need help, and offer advice and suggestions when they ask. You want them to feel comfortable talking to you no matter what the topic.

8. Plan Now for Your Financial Future.

Your retirement plans may have changed significantly with the addition of one or more grandchildren to your household. You may need to reallocate monies for clothing, education or even extra grocery bills. Sit down with a financial planner or consultant to see what plans are right for you. Look for free seminars on financial or estate planning. Financial planners are trained to evaluate your situation based on what you have and where you need to be. Utilize their skills to help simplify your household budget while still enjoying your retirement years.

9. Ask for Help.

Raising a child is never easy. Now that you're older and wiser, it's still not easy. Ask for help when you need it. Whether you rely on neighbors, church friends or other family members, you will at some point need help with the children's school events and your own daily activities. You can also turn to free social services at Baptist Senior Health Centers for community help, hospital or medical information, or counseling. It's important to know when to ask for help and who you can rely on when you do ask, but certainly never be afraid to ask.

10. Never Stop Learning.

By keeping your mind healthy and active, the rest of your body can remain healthy as well. Just because you're busy doesn't mean you should stop learning. Make it a point to learn something new every day. Try a new recipe, take a different way to work or school, meet a new friend, or take a computer class. Do a crossword puzzle and look up the answers you don't know. You'll be surprised how much information you can pick up in a short time and what a difference it can make in your life.

You have a lifetime of valuable information you could and should be passing on to your grandchildren. This is a wonderful way to instill values and virtues in your grandchildren that today's society may not be emphasizing. You can do this in your day-to-day lifestyle. Teach them to finish a job they start; teach them the spirit of giving; teach them to respect others; teach them how to work with their hands and learn to create something they can be proud of. Practicing these values and passing them on to your grandchildren will make you a role model in their eyes.

12. Make Some Memories.

By creating lasting memories, your grandchildren will always have a part of you in their lives. You can do this in a variety of ways that will hold a special place with your grandchildren. Keep a diary of your younger days to share with them so they can know what your childhood was like. Start a scrapbook using those great photos you've got stored away. Visit old family homesites, or look up your geneology on the computer. And a good old-fashioned story about you or your family not only gives them a quick and fun history lesson but also quality time with your grandchildren.

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