The Words We Are All Afraid to Say
“I don’t know.” I have now said this too many times to count. My message: be wary of those with definitive answers and complete certitude. . . . READ THE REST
August 2021 Chicagoland Activities for Older Adults
For those who are fully vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — better known as the CDC — has come out saying that older adults can start doing many things that they had put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK HERE to check out what the CDC considers to be "safer activities" that can experienced two weeks after a person is fully vaccinated. CLICK HERE to read more recommendations regarding COVID-19 for older adults from the CDC. With this in mind, we've gathered ideas regarding events, activities, and venues that can be once again enjoyed by fully vaccinated seniors in the Chicagoland area during the month of August 2021. . . . READ THE REST
How Much Physical Activity Is Enough for Older Adults?
Physical exercise is important for everyone, and even more so as we age. Ensuring we stay physically fit can help to prevent many of the illnesses and ailments that occur as we get older. For example, being active can help reduce the risk of illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Plus, maintaining or even increasing our muscle strength and flexibility can help us to continue our daily activities and make us less reliant on others. . . . READ THE REST
Atrial Fibrillation and Older Adults
As we age, several medical issues can become more common. Atrial fibrillation is one of these health concerns and is a type of heart arrhythmia. It is the most common arrhythmia in seniors, as age is a key contributing factor to its development. . . . READ THE REST
To Care or Not to Care
Pardon the crude Shakespeare reference in the title of this blog article, but so many people I speak with wrestle with many options for care of their loved one. To care or not to care? And if you do choose professional care, what does that care look like? Is it in-home care, independent living, assisted living, adult day care, nursing care? . . . READ THE REST
How Music Helps Dementia Patients
Most people, whatever their age, enjoy music in one form or another, whether that’s attending concerts, playing a musical instrument, or just tapping one's foot in time to a track playing on the radio. We all know that music can lift our mood, evoke memories from our past, and bring us a great deal of joy. What you may or may not know is that the positive qualities of music can be helpful for dementia patients as well. . . . READ THE REST
Five Actions Older Adults Can Take Now to Feel Younger
When it comes to feeling younger, there’s good news, and there’s bad news. First, the bad news. There is nothing that any of us can do to change our chronological age. However, the good news is that we can all make changes to help us at least feel younger. Whatever age you are now, you can start implementing the following steps and see how much better you feel. . . . READ THE REST
The Pros and Cons of Owning Pets for Older Adults
Pets bring so many benefits to our lives. There is no doubt that for any animal lover, spending time with their dog, cat, or another pet is time well-spent. However, pets also come with a great deal of responsibility, and, for older adults particularly, some additional risks. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a senior owning a pet, so you can decide if it is the right route for you or a loved one. . . . READ THE REST
CDC relaxes restrictions for seniors fully vaccinated against COVID-19
As of June 2021, the CDC has announced that restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic are being relaxed for those who meet certain requirements. Here is what you need to know about who is affected and what you can now do. . . . READ THE REST
How In-Home Care Gives Your Loved One the Best Care Possible
If your loved one needs care, you are faced with three main options. You or another family member or friend can become their main caregiver, or you can split the role between you. You can look at residential options to provide full-time care. Or, you can turn to in-home care professionals to provide caregiving as and when it is needed. All options have pros and cons, but of the three, in-home care offers a number of clear benefits. . . . READ THE REST