Fall is known around the world as the harvest season, with countless delicious and celebrated seasonal favorites reaching their peak as the days shorten and temperatures drop. Apples, pumpkins, pears, cranberries, acorn squash, leeks, brussels sprouts, and more are just a few of the crops that will appear in greater numbers in grocery stores and farmers markets everywhere
Humans are social animals, and communication is a fundamental aspect of all human relationships and connections. Unfortunately, as loved ones age and the process of aging takes its toll, all too often communication breaks down and becomes difficult due to the many conditions and disabilities that can afflict the elderly. One such disorder that can sever the lines of communication is Alzheimer’s or other causes of cognitive decline such as strokes or other dementias.
America is a culture that celebrates youth. From our music and movie stars, to our lifestyles encouraging us to get cheap disposable household furniture and goods and replace it all frequently, too much focus is on new and shiny things, and even the elderly adults who helped make this country what it is can be discarded by the wayside when they’re no longer convenient. Too many of our older citizens live in isolation, due to a variety of factors that cause them to be cut off from others. Whether it’s by choice or by circumstance, the elderly can find themselves distanced from and out of communication with family, friends, and other social connections. When this happens, it can cause older adults to feel unwanted, unneeded, without purpose, and left behind by the world. In other words, disposable.
For some elderly people, their social interactions may only consist entirely of visiting the doctor’s office or the bank and grocery store during their normal errands. For seniors who are still mobile enough to get around, activities like volunteering for a nonprofit, a school, or some kind of litter cleanup crew can be a satisfying and rewarding way to feel useful, give something back to the community, and engage with people from all walks of life, not to mention form new social bonds with like-minded people.
One of the constant aspects of humanity across all time periods and cultures is the presence of grandparents in families, playing a key role in the lives of their grandchildren. Many families look to the eldest generation as a mainstay of support and influence for the youngest one. Life expectancy in the United States and Canada has increased greatly over the years, and with grandparents living longer and healthier lives, the number of seniors spending their twilight years providing hands-on support to their grandchildren has grown exponentially. From childcare to transportation to moral guidance and emotional support, grandparents are vital in bridging the care gap often experienced when both parents have to work to support the family unit.
Many senior citizens have lived in the same house for most of their lives, perhaps since marrying. While there are of course many joyous moments contained within the walls of a long time residence, such as raising children, celebrating holidays, and countless other treasured memories, there is also bound to be an impressively large and disparate collection of stuff that has gathered over the years.
Many of us either know a collector or have collections of our own. Whether it’s stamps, salt shakers, porcelain dolls, seashells, or any number of things, many people start collections because they love the object they’re collecting, or they see it as an investment and hope their collection will increase in value.
Summer is nearing the end of the season, which means that many families are preparing for their children and teens to head back into school. The flurry of activity this time of year can be tough on parents, many of whom already have busy schedules and jobs on top of arranging things for their kids.
Seniors can be prevented from getting outside of the house by a number of hurdles, both mental and physical. Depending on the capabilities and physical condition of your elder loved one, even a short excursion can take a great deal of energy and leave them exhausted. If you find yourself taking care of someone with mobility issues, the simple act of leaving the house, for any reason, can be daunting. However, breathing a little fresh air and getting out into the sunshine can accomplish more than just diminishing boredom and complacency. Studies have shown that people who get outside on a daily basis are less prone to a wide variety of health problems, such as chronic pain or sleep loss, and are more likely to remain active than their housebound counterparts.
Injuries from falls are the number one cause of preventable hospitalizations in older adults. The good news is that the incidence of hip fractures in older adults has been in decline over the last thirty years. However, the bad news is that the number hit a plateau in 2012 and has been increasing recently. Worryingly, the worldwide incidence of hip fractures is expected to increase in men by 310% and in women by 240%, compared to what the rates were in 1990.
Once we reach our senior years and begin to age through the twilight period of our lives, one of the things that is almost universally understood to be a positive activity that enriches our lives is forming meaningful connections with any grandchildren we might have. By spending quality time with your grandchildren, not only will you build memories with them that will last their lifetimes, research has shown that children and teens who have close and healthy relationships with the seniors in their lives will themselves grow up to have healthy attitudes towards the aging process.
Most people are familiar with the idea of a bucket list, which is the idea of a collection of goals, dreams, and aspirations to be completed before the end of one’s life. The purpose of one is to push us to remain motivated and aspirational, and chase our goals right up until the end. What if we did it the other way around? A reverse bucket list, which would be created by starting at the beginning of your life, and working your way forwards, would be the result.
Every one of us is a unique person, and we all have bodies that have different capabilities, limitations, and once we enter our twilight years, age at a different pace. Exercise is healthy and recommended no matter what age you are, but for seniors, some exercises are unsafe and unwise to do once over the age of 60. The good news is that for every exercise you should avoid, there’s a safer exercise you can substitute it for to make sure you’re not neglecting any of your muscle groups, and allowing you to stay healthy and active all through your life.
Most seniors, when given the choice, understandably choose to continue living in their own homes as they age through their twilight years. However, the aging process inevitably brings changes that can affect health and functional ability that can put seniors at risk. The first step to ensure safe living at home is a home safety evaluation, which will let you know what changes need to be made to make your home environment comfortable, safe, and secure.
While at times our aging parents and loved ones need some extra care and guidance, it can of course be challenging to speak to your employer and tell them about how you need to manage increased caregiving needs. How does one best make sure they’re successfully balancing the needs of their loved ones while making sure to fulfill their responsibilities at work?
We often think of vital signs like measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, cholesterol levels, or blood sugar as indicators of overall health, but those are not the only ways to gauge a person’s overall health. What people may not be aware of is that walking speed, or gait, is a useful metric for evaluating current health and predicting future health outcomes.
One of the best things about summer is enjoying all the seasonal, local produce. Farmers’ markets are full of a rainbow of ripe, delicious fruits all bursting with juices and flavors. And besides just the flavors, fruits are full of all sorts of beneficial nutrients and vitamins to help with your bodily health and overall wellness.
The aging process is a great unknown for many of us. It’s a subject no one is keen to talk about, despite the fact that it happens to more or less all of us eventually. The truth is that there’s plenty of things you can do to prepare for the process, and tons of information you can find to guide you.
Apathy is defined as a feeling of disinterest, when you’re lacking the motivation to do anything or care about anything around you. While it can be caused by something as simple as a case of the blahs, it can also be a sign of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other more serious mental or emotional health conditions.
While hospital stays are generally unpleasant, there’s few feelings better than finally being discharged from one. The road to recovery is many times long and difficult, but getting back to your home and life is a significant milestone. Most people prefer to recuperate at home, but even when it’s an option, the help and care needed must be considered.
The COVID pandemic has had a huge, immeasurable impact on all of our lives and has served as a wake-up call for many people in terms of their understanding of how important vaccines are for the state of public health. Ask any geriatrician and they’ll tell you that vaccines are one of the most powerful weapons in their medical arsenal for combating serious illness. For senior citizens, contracting a serious illness can profoundly impact their health and quality of life, leading to ripple effects such as loss of independence, decreased mental and physical capabilities, or a prematurely shortened lifespan.
With summer in full swing and temperatures soaring, the urge to enjoy the fresh air can also lead to exposing yourself to the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat related health concerns. While the indoors and the air conditioning are ideal and comfortable, it can also lead to getting bored and complacent, which can lead to loss of mobility and independence. While high temperatures can be high risk, there are ways to enjoy the outdoors smartly and safely.
Caregiving, no matter how rewarding, is always a stressful experience. Watching our parents age will undoubtedly produce emotional reactions. And when your elderly loved one needs help to get through the day, it is often a painful experience.
The medicare system is complicated, but by learning the basics you can save money and ensure that you get the health care that you prefer. Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers, about Medicare that will help you to plan and navigate the system.
While the summer is a great time to plan outdoor activities, stretch our legs, and shake off any remaining winter blahs that might still be weighing us down, the truth is that enjoying the sunshine can quickly turn from a fun time to a dangerous time. Sunlight, higher temperatures, and physical exertion can take their toll on the youngest and fittest people, and older adults are particularly susceptible to heat emergencies and dehydration. The good news, however, is that with a little bit of preparation and preventative steps, you can make sure your days never turn sour and you can let the good times roll all summer long.