Being a family caregiver can be rewarding, exhausting, fun, and frustrating—all at the same time. In addition to caring for your older loved one, you no doubt have other responsibilities, such as work and family obligations, that keep you going nonstop. When you need to take time away from caring for your loved one, in-home respite care can be the…
Asthma is difficult to diagnose in older adults, and it can also be dangerous when left untreated. This respiratory disorder often results in acute asthma attacks, lung infections, heart murmurs, and sleep apnea. Seniors can learn a handful of breathing exercises that may reduce their risk of asthma attacks, expand their airways, and strengthen their lungs. 1. Buteyko Breathing Much…
The neuron damage that causes dementia isn’t confined to the areas of the brain that enable cognitive function. The problem extends to many different areas, which often causes visual disturbances. When caregivers notice a change in a senior loved one's behaviors, the problem may be secondary to visual impairment. Narrowed Field of Vision Normal age-related changes often affect vision. However,…
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. The American Heart Association reports one in three deaths among women each year are due to heart disease. Cardiac symptoms women experience are often different from those men experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the warning signs for each gender. Cardiac Symptoms in Men Men are more likely to…
Even though Parkinson’s cannot be cured, there are ways seniors can try to handle and slow their symptoms. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, implementing an exercise routine can delay the progression of certain motor symptoms. To help your loved one address his or her symptoms, here are some exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s. 1. Stretching For seniors…
Following a plant-based diet is associated with a wide variety of health benefits, including good heart health, weight loss, and healthy blood pressure. However, it can be challenging to get used to a plant-based diet after spending years eating a typical Western diet loaded with animal-based products. Here are a few tips that can make it easier to switch to…
Many family caregivers go to great lengths to ensure they’re doing the best for their senior loved ones. However, some family caregivers may be doing their loved ones a disservice by continuing to believe certain myths about nutrition for aging adults. There are certain misconceptions about senior nutrition that have been accepted as true not only by society but also…
If you’re already worried about your aging loved one’s potential to develop Alzheimer's disease, it may be concerning to notice he or she is starting to forget words. However, it’s important to remain calm and remember this isn’t always a sign of Alzheimer's. Here are a few important things to understand about the connection between Alzheimer's and word loss. How…
Stress can be difficult to manage at any age. It can be caused by problems big and small, ranging from financial difficulties to unexpected lifestyle changes, and many seniors have difficulty reducing their stress levels. Thankfully, there are plenty of effective stress relief methods for aging adults. 1. Identify the Source & Symptoms of Stress Before seniors can choose a…
More than 5.6 million seniors have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and this number is expected to rise. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia marked by memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with finishing tasks and caring for oneself. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer's disease, getting a proper diagnosis early on may reduce some symptoms. Doctors often use a…