Nearly 23 percent of people 65 years and older are either alone or are at risk of becoming alone. They have no spouse, no children, and no relatives nearby. This is the sad reality that many seniors face. "Elder orphan" is the term that gerontologists use to describe seniors in these circumstances. We live in a generation of elder orphans. The number of elder orphans is rising as the baby [...]
Often times, when a person has dementia we focus on the abilities that have been lost. This is so easy to do as we see our loved one decline, sometimes rapidly. It is heartbreaking and scary to watch. However, any activity that you can engage a person with dementia in will greatly improve their quality of life. While it may not slow down the progression of the disease, they will [...]
There is a residential care home for the elderly in London called Nightingale House. Two hundred residents live here, making it the largest in the country. This doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary, does it? Yet there is something very unique about Nightingale House. It is an "intergenerational" care home, meaning both children and seniors are cared for in the same facility. The idea behind this is to [...]
Younger folks seem to have vibrant social lives as seen on the ever present social media. What about the elderly population? Loneliness is a real issue that many seniors face, especially following the death of a spouse. Yet combating loneliness for seniors is not as hard as you may think! You may be a pro at managing post-retirement life. Perhaps you have managing your finances down to a science. Nevertheless, [...]
Many people had dogs when they were growing up. They usually have fond memories of their furry friends. For dementia patients, touching and cuddling with a puppy can trigger those positive memories and lift spirits, mood, and overall well-being. North Shore Animal League America conducts a program called Shelter Pet Outreach Team (SPOT). They bring puppies to seniors in long term care facilities. This ABC News article shows the power that simply touching and petting puppies [...]
We often think of those who practice yoga as thin, flexible, people in strange poses. However, this is not the case for many people. Yoga can be beneficial for all kinds of people. A certain type, done in a chair, is helping Alzheimer's patients and caregivers connect through yoga. This article in the Baltimore Sun explains how Catherine Rees, a registered nurse, taught gentle yoga classes at a local senior center. After [...]
What do you think are the secrets to living a long life? We often overlook the importance of connecting with others. According to Susan Pinker in this TED Talk, the key to longevity could lie in your social life. Socializing can help you live a longer life. And no, we don't mean those text messages you send to your friend occasionally. Susan Pinker states that the quality of your face [...]
