For years, being physically frail, feeble-minded, and alone were some of the many stereotypes people had about becoming older. People tend to overlook the fact that each senior is a unique individual and not every senior fits the stereotypes about aging. Older adults today are often enjoying healthy, exciting, and active lives. Here are the truths behind some of the…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that up to one-third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year. A loss of balance remains one of the major contributing factors that lead to falls. Maintaining balance is a complex process that involves physical ability combined with sensory organ function. There are a variety of reasons any of…
A healthy diet for seniors includes a combination of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Adults need about 20–30 percent of their total calorie intake to come from fat. For seniors, who often have additional dietary concerns, foods with healthy fats can be a welcome and appetizing addition to their diets while also providing equally pleasing health benefits. Olive Oil The…
Being a primary caregiver for an aging loved one isn’t the easiest role, and it comes with many challenges, such as the risk of isolation and poor physical health. It’s important for caregivers to maintain personal interests and relationships to prevent burnout. Many friends of family caregivers drift away because they don’t know how to show their support. Here are…
Family caregivers are among the most important and underappreciated people in the nation. Countless families across the United States make untold sacrifices as they take on vital responsibilities that make a difference in the lives of their aging parents, grandparents, and other elderly relatives. Family caregivers undoubtedly help older adults survive and thrive, but they can’t do it over the…
Stroke is currently the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability among older adults. In fact, age is one of the single highest risk factors for stroke, even if the senior has no other health conditions. To protect your aging loved one from stroke, it’s important to learn as much as possible about stroke risk factors…
People with Alzheimer's sometimes become combative, and while this behavior is typically associated with the disease’s late stages, it sometimes occurs in those who have early-stage Alzheimer's. Seniors with Alzheimer's who are combative may hit, push, or grab people. Here are some things you should know if your aging loved one with Alzheimer’s is displaying combative behavior. Confusion & Discomfort…
While curative care focuses on restoring seniors to good health, palliative care programs seek to boost quality of life for older adults with chronic diseases and those who are terminally ill. The goal of palliative care is not only to alleviate pain, address symptoms, and increase comfort but also to help seniors and family members better handle the challenges they…
A Parkinson’s diagnosis often leaves family members confused and unsure of how to move forward with their senior loved one’s care. While planning for long-term care and outside assistance will be necessary, families should also look into therapy programs. There are many therapy programs available that are specifically designed to help seniors with Parkinson’s maintain and enhance their motor skills…
Some seniors tend to wake easily, have difficulty falling asleep, and often experience insomnia, making a good night's sleep seem impossible. However, research suggests exercise can help seniors have more restful nights. After clearing a new physical routine with your loved one’s physician, try the following exercises. Walking Many seniors experience disruptions to their natural body clocks, which results in difficulty…