In the United States alone, 500,000 people will learn they have Alzheimer's disease this year. Not to mention the multitude of other forms of dementia that will be diagnosed. Nobody wants to hear that they or their loved ones have dementia. The continuous and ultimately fatal decline is devastating to go through and to witness. But at the same time, planning for life with dementia can ease the burden. And it [...]
When we think of technology, we often think of things like computers and smart phones. But the term "assistive technology" refers to anything that can help someone live more independently and comfortably. Specifically, assistive technology for seniors is growing in popularity. As the average life expectancy increases, our need for improving the aging process does as well. For many seniors, assistive technology can mean the difference between living more independently [...]
Caring for someone with dementia is never an easy task. Furthermore, finding engaging activities they can successfully participate in can be a challenge. Of course, there are so many articles on caregiving for those with dementia. But knowing how to help them be engaged can be hard. However, art therapy for those with dementia has clear benefits. It is a growing modality in helping those with a variety of illnesses. [...]
Knowing when to ask for help can be hard. Additionally, asking for help can be scary. For many seniors, it can feel like a further loss of independence and control. It is certainly normal to want to maintain autonomy as long as possible. But at the same time, self-sufficiency needs to be balanced with reason sometimes. Especially when safety is at risk. Asking for help can hard to do. But [...]
When it comes to senior care, expect the unexpected. Many adult children walk on eggshells, tiptoe around the topic, or avoid it all together. In fact, a recent survey showed just how much of an issue this can be. A shocking 55 percent of family caregivers don't plan on discussing the topic until there is a dire need. In addition, 64 percent of seniors are not budgeting or saving for [...]
When you think of illnesses affecting seniors, what comes to mind? You might think of conditions like arthritis, dementia, or strokes. These are all common physical ailments. But mental illnesses in the aging population are more prevalent than we realize. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that more than 6.5 million American seniors suffer from depression. In addition, 13.5 percent of those needing in-home assistance experienced significant depression. Yet [...]
Most people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease have been told about it by their physicians. They probably know it's a neuro-degenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. Furthermore, they have likely learned that this disease makes movement difficult or impaired. However, there are still numerous facts about Parkinson's that people are unaware of. It may affect you, your loved one, or a friend. Regardless, understanding Parkinson's desease [...]
The health risks of loneliness and social isolation are growing concerns for seniors. Many studies have shown a correlation. These could range from affecting your quality of life to leading towards an earlier death. The latest National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a shocking one third of seniors are lonely. In fact, some research has shown that chronic loneliness can shorten life expectancy more than being overweight and sedentary [...]
We know that without a good night's sleep, we will likely feel groggy the following day. However, what many don't realize is just how important it is in the aging population. It impacts our overall health. This includes hormones, immune system, memory and mood, to name just a few. The neurobiological processes that occur during sleep have a profound impact on aging brains. There are of course normally occurring cognitive [...]
When a loved one is living with dementia, it can be a challenge to communicate with them like you used to. This can lead to frustration for everyone involved. Besides memory loss, one of the hallmark symptoms of dementia is trouble expressing thoughts. Word finding issues are very common. Due to these factors, friends and families often have trouble understanding those affected. It is important to fill your communication with [...]
