In between the COVID-19 pandemic and the political unrest, we are all pushing the edge of what our nerves can handle. Predictions are built and then, shortly thereafter, reduced to rubble. Not knowing about the future or even today is exhausting. . . . READ THE REST
Although we all get older — and often become less mobile as we age — we still can maintain and express our creativity. Staying creative is a great way to move and expand our physical bodies and the mental state of our minds. . . . READ THE REST
When you think of Facebook, a lot of things might come to mind: An outlet to express yourself. A way to connect with old friends and relatives. Political rants. Funny (and not-so-funny) memes. Cute cat videos. What you might not have considered is that it’s also a great way for you, as a caregiver to a family member, to get support. A number of Facebook groups exist solely for the support of family caregivers. . . . READ THE REST
The reasons to take good care of your teeth and gums as you age were numerous already. Healthy teeth are important for eating properly and getting good nutrition in food. The loss of teeth necessitates costly and burdensome replacements. Unhealthy gums can be linked to issues such as heart disease and can increase one's risks of infection. Now add the risk of developing dementia to the list of problems caused by gum disease. . . . READ THE REST
“I’ve always taken care of myself.” Our work can be quite frustrating. In a recent visit with a 90-odd-year-old woman still living independently, I was faced repeatedly with that sentence. Her poor adult kids who had run out of ideas for providing her with care were planning to be gone for two weeks. They knew Mom could no longer be left alone for extended periods of time. Their anxiety was palpable. They needed to go, but they knew their mom’s intractability put her at great risk. . . . READ THE REST
The aging process brings about many physical changes in a person's body. Blood pressure might start to increase. Cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels might go up. So might one's weight and the ability to keep that weight off. And these same physical changes can also bring about a higher risk for heart disease. . . . READ THE REST
When it comes to planning for retirement, many future retirees are concerned about their finances and their ability to maintain their current standard of living. But how many are concerned about their care? . . . READ THE REST
Providing services for the aged is not a new idea or trend. As early as the 17th century until our present time, enough concern has existed about caring for the elderly that various laws have been passed and social systems set up to help ensure that people get the care they need as they age. But it can also be argued that quality, availability and even affordability of elder care have increased as time has gone by and as the population of older adults has increased. . . . READ THE REST
In many cultures, including Native American, African, and Mediterranean societies, the elderly are revered because the wisdom that comes from their life experiences is understood and appreciated. People from these cultures realize that there is much to learn from our elders. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in American society. The elderly can often be seen as a disposable generation and dismissed as having nothing left to offer. . . . READ THE REST
For the most part, Americans are in the “safer-at-home” mode of thinking. Many challenges are ahead, but many have already been met. In the midst of these times, many families are torn between having in-home care for an elderly loved one or sending that senior to receive out-of-home care at a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Which is better? What are the risks? . . . READ THE REST