In the year 2031, the oldest baby boomers will turn 85. Consequently, this means their risk for aging issues like dementia, serious disability, and long-term dependency will increase exponentially. At the same time, the American Medical Association has reported an increased death rate in the 25 to 64 year age range. All these statistic put together have an important impact on the future of aging America. It means there will [...]
These days, there are a growing number of websites and self-help books explaining the many benefits of meditation. Often, they describe benefits such as increased awareness, lowered stress, and improved mood. Meditation has even been proven to help with various medical conditions. However, there is still some debate as far as meditation for cognitive function. Can it help? Scientists are unsure whether a regular meditation practice can improve the normal [...]
Dementia diagnoses have increased exponentially in the recent years. This leaves so many families worrying about their loved one's safety and well-being. One major concern among families affected by dementia is that their loved one will become disoriented or even lost while out and about. Due to this common fear, a Japanese company proposed a novel solution. They invented "GPS shoes" that are able to track the wearer's location. While [...]
88 year old Audrey Buchanan starts her day with a morning routine. This routine consists of going into the kitchen, pouring herself a bowl of cereal, and opening up her Nintendo 3DS XL. This type of handheld gaming device is her entry into the gaming world. And she is not alone in this. Video games have been gaining popularity among seniors. Seniors are sometimes stuck at home. Therefore, their social [...]
"The first person to one day be cured of Alzheimer's is alive today." After 58 year old Judi Polak was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, this became her mantra. The specialists they consulted were pretty pessimistic about Judi's prognosis. But Judi wanted to fight her disease. Therefore, when she heard of a groundbreaking new clinical trial aimed at treating Alzheimer's, she immediately signed up to participate. While the treatment is still in [...]
Many historical and more traditional societies cherish the wisdom of older adults. However, we live in a youth-focused culture. And the elderly are sometimes thought of as costly consumers of resources with little to offer in return. Often, we give them little respect for the wealth of wisdom they possess. Yet regardless of aging and all that comes along with it, it's possible to maintain purpose and meaning while getting [...]
Older adults have a lifetime of experience they can utilize after retirement. Therefore, it's no wonder many people reach retirement age, and decide to start their own business. Some may start up a business due to the desire to be one's own boss. Others may just want to follow a long-held passion. Some may do it for the extra income as well. Regardless, older adults choose to start businesses for [...]
At the age of 65, Steve Swenson sat atop an icy peak in Pakistan enjoying the biggest meal he'd had in nine days. After spending days climbing the peak with limited food intake, this celebratory meal seemed appropriate. 23,100 foot tall Link Sar sits in a buffer zone between Pakistan and India. After previously failing to summit this same peak twice before, this was a huge accomplishment. Yet Steve explains [...]
Young and middle aged adults often dream of the day they can finally retire. They sometimes live with the notion that retirement will be far easier than a career-focused lifestyle. While it sounds amazing to not have to work and be able to do what you want, it's not always that easy. Retirement sounds wonderful in theory, and it certainly can be some of the best years of your life. [...]
Colorado resident John Jepkema became the oldest man to hike the Grand Canyon. At the age of 91, John performed this rim-to-rim trek alongside other senior friends. Spending five days backpacking through the trails with the group allowed for ample time to socialize and enjoy the process. John claims he's pretty competitive by nature. So when he saw the open record, he decided to just go for it. Beginning at [...]
