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 [...]
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 [...]
Your house contains so many objects collected throughout the years. Most of these objects tell a story or remind you of different memories in your life. Your kids don't necessarily want these objects when you begin to downsize. They hold meaning for you. But most grown children won't want your downsizing if it means they're upsizing.
Are we over-medicating the elderly? This is the question that families, physicians, and patients frequently ask themselves. There is no clear answer. Statistics show that nearly 36 percent of seniors take at least five medications per day. Seniors have a lower tolerance to certain medications and metabolize them differently. Therefore, great caution should be used when prescribing to seniors. Healthline discusses the risks of over-medicating the elderly. The problem may [...]
Most people hope to never need the right mobility aid. Yet as we age, this might not be very realistic. Maybe it's temporary after a surgery. Perhaps it's more permanent for balance issues. Either way, they are often necessary for our safety and independence later in life. Choosing the right mobility aid can be confusing. Due to the huge number of options, many people do not know which is most [...]
Beatrice Egger is a 91 year old retired school teacher. Ever since her husband broke his hip, she lives in constant worry about his safety. Will he be alright in the shower? When trying to dress, will he injure himself? Will his next fall prove to be fatal? Concerns like these are affecting the 43 million unpaid caregivers in America, such as Beatrice. In addition, the baby boomer generation is [...]
Talking to seniors about driving safety should be done with care. Driving is a symbol of independence. It allows us to see friends and family, go to social events, get to appointments, and so much more. Therefore, there is a clear sense of loss when we become too old to drive. Over 41 million drivers over age 65 are on the roads. In 2016 alone, approximately 290,000 elderly drivers were [...]
Imagine being a caregiver not only for your own children, but for your aging parents as well. You probably wouldn't feel like you have much time for your relationships, activities, and hobbies. In addition, self care and "me time" may seem like just an indulgence, rather than a necessity. However, many caregivers in the "sandwich generation" are living this type of lifestyle. The stress of caring for children and parents [...]
Most of us know the basics of maintaining physical health. Keeping your weight, cholesterol, and BMI in check are just a few things that most can agree will improve your health. It's been drilled into our brains through advertising, self-help websites and books, and our healthcare providers. However, what about the brain itself? It is important to remember this vital organ is responsible for the majority of our functioning. Lifestyle [...]
