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 [...]
Loneliness is a complex concept that varies greatly from person to person. Surprisingly, researchers have found that those who live alone are not necessarily lonely. On the other hand, those who are connected to a close-knit family and friend group may still feel disconnected. This leaves scientists wondering what causes loneliness and what is the impact it has on our lives. And maybe most importantly, what can we do to [...]
The holidays are a time of joy. Many people enjoy gatherings with friends and family, exchanging gifts, and other fun holiday traditions. However, the holidays can also be a time of stress, especially for seniors. Their exercise routines may be disrupted for shopping excursions. And special diets might be hard to follow due to big holiday meals. Furthermore, it can be exhausting for anyone. But when a senior has physical [...]
College is for younger folks, right? Yes, the majority of the population you'll find on a college campus is in the younger generations. Most older adults don't even consider connecting with college students. But there is a new program funded by The Council of Independent Colleges and the AARP Foundation. This program, known as Intergenerational Connections, connects lower income older adults with college students. Together, they work on topics such [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
It's overwhelming to prioritize what is important in today's chaotic world. Between managing a career, home, and even a Facebook feed, knowing what to prioritize in life can be confusing. However, a 75 year long Harvard study found the one "secret" to living a fulfilling and happy life. Connection and love. It is as simple as that. You can have all the money in the world. Maybe you're the CEO of [...]
When Lynette Whiteman's daughter went to college, she decided to get a dog. She called this pet her empty nest dog. Besides having someone else to care for, she stated that her new friend loved her non-judgmentally and didn't care if she gained weight or got gray hair. This is just one reason people adore their pets. Yet the benefits of seniors having a furry friend can be life changing. [...]
Seniors often have limited mobility. It could be due to conditions like strokes, arthritis, or injuries from falls. In addition, even the normal aging process can take a toll on our ability to move like we used to. Whatever the cause may be, hobbies and activities you once enjoyed do not have to end. Most of them can be modified in some way to accommodate your limitations as you age. [...]
For younger folks, taking a trip out of the house isn't something special. Most leave the house every day for work, school, or other engagements. However, the value of taking trips outside the home for seniors is underestimated. Life typically slows down as we age. Enjoyable activities like going to a movie or museum often require more of an effort. Yet researchers from University College London have made some important [...]
