There is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy themselves during the holidays. The reality, however, is that many people feel increasingly isolated and unhappy during this season of goodwill, and elders can have an especially hard time. While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors [...]
“I just can’t get the checkbook to balance this month.” Those words were my first inkling that Mom might not be as sharp as she once was. I was taken by surprise. She had managed her own finances with aplomb for many years, and all I provided was a little coaching. She remembered all of [...]
The holiday season is a happy and joyous time for most of us, but many seniors find this time of year to be hectic, confusing and even depressing, depending on their mental and physical conditions. The good news is that everyone can help contribute to a happier season for the seniors in our lives by [...]
Imagine trying to have a conversation and constantly having to ask your companions to repeat themselves; or not being able to participate in a group discussion in the common room because the TV is on and six people are chatting around you. Sadly, this is the harsh reality of many seniors. According to the Hearing [...]
There are many things that caregivers can do to help themselves and their loved ones prepare for any type of emergency or disaster, but it is best to be ready well in advance, before a dire situation arises. Remember to contact your local fire department or your community’s emergency management office for help with your [...]
Adult children often experience major relationship role-changes as their parents get older. These role changes are at times uncomfortable, unfamiliar and can leave us feeling isolated and unsettled. As we come into the holidays, many of us will spend more time with family and feel the tensions that naturally come when the “closeness factor” changes. [...]
Almost twenty years ago, I finished writing “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s . It was released in hardcover in 1999. My father observed: This Alzheimer’s must be an important subject to have such a big book about it! I had already written four books and this was the most difficult. It was [...]
Recently a very articulate, very independent older friend of mine did some rehabilitation time in an assisted living home (probably the best one in town, and we know all of them), and though younger than she, I have always had a Nancy Drew kind of brain, and so I impertinently asked Marge, “What was it [...]
I remember hearing the doctor say to my husband, “You’ve got cancer,” and immediately wondered if I had misheard those words. Cancer diagnoses can result in many emotions for caregivers. You may struggle for another breath, cry and begin to mourn for the life you had before cancer entered your lives. You may not be [...]
Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author of Still Alice, gave a TED talk early last year in Vancouver. Her remarks began with: Let’s project out into the future, to your future “yous,” and let’s imagine that we’re all 85. Now, everyone look at [the person beside you]. One of you probably has Alzheimer’s disease. [Laughter] Alright… [...]
Starting Oct. 18, the VA will review not just current assets, but records from the previous three years when deciding a veteran’s asset-based eligibility for VA Pension benefits -- commonly called Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits. However, transfers of assets completed before Oct. 18 will not be counted against veterans or their surviving spouses. A&A [...]
The Caregiver’s Voice features a video by Roberto Carlo Chiesa of Modesto-based Alexandria Perrin Company for VOICES with Dementia. Inspired by his sister, Roberto’s short-narrative film features Arlene, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. (She was his late sister’s roommate who also lived with Alzheimer’s.) Actress Jenni Abbott plays Arlene’s daughter and each share words from [...]
Your confined-to-home (or assisted living or nursing home) parent, just wants to have fun! You are focused on their safety, finances, medical treatment, medications, privacy, nutrition and therapy. You busy yourself with monitoring their progress (or decline) and doing everything in your power to keep them comfortable. You worry about their reduced energy level, increasing [...]
In the last census baby boomers, those 65+, accounted for 13% of the population. This age group grew at a faster rate than the population under age 45, and it’s clear that the US is an aging population. Happily, aging is different now than it was for our parents and grandparents. Today, there are more [...]
Our aged population is increasing and only getting going to get larger. In fact, the United States’ pop1ulation of citizens over 85 years old is estimated to be over 19 million by the year 2050 . As people grow older, so does their need for assistance. Even the most capable of senior citizens can benefit [...]
Quality of life is important for health It’s not enough to just be alive. Good quality of life is especially important for older adults. Feeling satisfied and fulfilled is just as important as getting regular check-ups from the doctor. Having a positive view of life can help seniors have more energy, less stress, better appetite, [...]
Life after retirement is great. You have so much more time at your disposal than you ever did during all your working years. All that stuff you wanted to do but never had the energy for after a long day of work is finally within reach. The obvious downside is, of course, that you won’t [...]
Every year in September we celebrate the well-being of older adults and encourage them to take steps to live healthier, more active lives. The goal of the celebration is to provide information to improve the lives of seniors in the areas of physical health, mental health, socialization and financial well-being. The bottom line message is [...]
This collection of curated article excerpts includes insights about depression and its evil twin, acedia; the CHANGE Act; the herpes virus and Alzheimer’s revisited; the good-bad leukotriene; and too many interests. Jack of all trades, Master of None? NOT! Read about polymaths and the seven advantages to being one. How can polymaths accelerate progress in [...]
Healthy Eating As We Age, healthy eating can make a difference in our health, help to improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being. Eating healthy has benefits that can help older adults: Nutrients Obtain nutrients needed by the body such as potassium, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B 12 , minerals, and dietary [...]
