Last year was rough for people of all ages, but especially seniors. The COVID-19 pandemic created a health risk for anyone who went out in public or spent time around others. Meanwhile, social distancing forced many older adults to stay home. Remaining indoors can limit activity options and even encourage a sedentary lifestyle. As we begin 2021, we have to…
Senior Mental Health: How to Overcome Holiday Depression Living situations tend to change as we grow older. There may come a time when living independently is no longer an option. Assisted living communities are available to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable place for seniors to reside. It should be a positive experience. Your loved one is well cared for…
Usually, our parent is the one who takes care of us from the time we are young until we become independent adults. Even after we are grown up, mom and dad often continue to remain important, supportive figures in our lives. This dynamic can shift as they age. It may become apparent that mom or dad can no longer move…
The COVID-19 pandemic is a concern for people of all ages. While even young people have become infected and even lost their lives to the virus, older adults are typically in the higher risk group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age.” The CDC classifies severe cases…
Staying healthy is a big concern as we grow older. The risk of developing a chronic disease increases with age. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), approximately 80% of older adults are diagnosed with at least one chronic condition while 77% have two. The most common conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and emphysema. Four…
The holidays present many opportunities to celebrate with family members of all ages. As parents and grandparents get older, they may not be able to keep up with the activities as they once did. They should still be included in the celebration. That means the family may need to make changes to accommodate the needs of aging loved ones. While…
It’s never too late to go to college. Whether you have an incomplete degree or have never attended an institution of higher learning, you can do so at any age. Furthering education is a healthy pursuit for older individuals. It builds interest, expands knowledge, and keeps the brain active. College courses aren’t out of reach, even if you have limited…
Approximately 54 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. That number is expected to rise to over 78 million by 2040. This condition describes inflammation of the joints. It can be found in one or multiple areas and is categorized into over 100 different types, the most common being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Each type comes with a different cause…
Most of us want to believe that we’ll remain healthy and robust for the duration of our lives. While that is a nice thought, it’s not always possible. A person who turns 65 years old today has a 70% chance of requiring long-term care service or support at some point in their life. People live longer, which means individuals…
When our loved ones begin to struggle as they age, it is up to us to ensure that they receive the care they need. Some conditions do not affect the patient’s mind, making them capable of requesting medical care or day-to-day assistance. However, some conditions can affect their cognitive function. When that happens, we must be there to recognize…
