If you've recently started physical therapy and want to continue your efforts at home, it's best to start with stretching. Here are some pointers to help you stay active.

It takes planning and guidance around how to best approach grocery shopping, meal prepping, and cooking for seniors with Type 2 Diabetes. Here are some helpful tips for diabetes management.

Healthy habits for seniors can help ensure they stay in top shape all year round. Here are some ideas to help them get started, read on!

Seniors aged 65 and above are more susceptible to Influenza, which may later cause complications. The CDC recommends taking the flu shot once a year as they are designed to boost the immune system. 

The holidays can feel like a nightmare when you or a senior loved one has diabetes. Sugary treats are definitely delicious but there might be some family members who can't enjoy them due to health concerns. Baking diabetes-friendly treats can be a bit out of the way when it comes to holiday dinners, so is there anything you can purchase to satisfy the sweet cravings of those elderly loved ones who can't have a lot of sugar?

Less sunlight and shorter days are believed to trigger a chemical change in the brain resulting in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seniors are more likely to exhibit SAD and it is important for caregivers and adult children to proactively mitigate the potential effects of this disorder on their elderly loved ones.

Summer is coming to a close here in Greater Knoxville. While temperatures are still summer-hot, you can certainly see signs that fall is on its way. That also means it's time to enjoy all the locally-grown late summer produce. Make sure you know what's in season, then head to your local grower, farm stand, or grocery store that offers locally-grown produce. Stock up and enjoy some delicious healthy snacks made from end-of-summer produce.

Dogs are great companions, and studies have shown that owning a dog can lower your blood pressure while also reducing stress and anxiety levels. They are also a great way to stay active later in life. Among senior pet owners, nearly 70% own senior dogs. Dogs of all sizes require daily exercise, encouraging you to reach fitness goals by building an exercise routine around their need for activity. It's also a great way to bond with your canine companion.

Video games aren't just for kids. Studies have shown that they may also be highly beneficial for older adults. Computer and video games for seniors may help with their cognitive and emotional skills. The key to gaining these benefits is choosing the right game type and knowing how to keep older adults safe from potential scams.

As summer temperatures start to soar in Tennessee, it's important to protect older adults from the dangers of heat stroke and heat stress. As we get older, our ability to handle high temperatures decreases. Health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can make older adults more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Certain medications can also interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. As a caregiver in the Knoxville area, it's essential to carefully monitor the older adults in your life for signs of heat stress and heat stroke and know how to respond appropriately.

When caring for a loved one, you will probably need to decide who does what chores. When our parents get older, they may not be able to handle all chores as easily as they used to. Painful joints and difficulties in stretching mean that tasks such as scrubbing walls or polishing the floor become impossible. When you are faced with that kind of decision, there are three options that are open to you.

Swimming is an excellent addition to any fitness routine, but it can be especially beneficial for older adults. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that's gentle on the joints while improving heart health, increasing flexibility, and strengthening bones. It also works for all muscle groups while having a generally low risk for injury compared to other forms of exercise. Plus, it's a great way to stay cool during those hot Tennessee summers. 

Your loved ones may be more at risk for dehydration than you realize. While the signs of it are easy to notice in adults and children, they can be harder to spot in seniors. However, even mild dehydration can pose serious health risks to senior loved ones, so it's important to keep an eye out for these common warning signs that may be taking their toll on them

Unfortunately, as people get older, they become more at risk for malnutrition. Seniors, who do not get the amount of nutrients that their body needs, are at risk for several things, many of which are life-threatening.

Even though self-driving comes with freedom, it might expose you to safety risks for older drivers. Old age comes with health-related issues and other physical incapacities. The good news is that you can track any changes in physical fitness, eyesight, and how you adjust to driving and road safety requirements.

According to research by PEW in 2019, the number of senior internet users was 73%, up from 14% in 2000. Also, the number of older adult smartphone users was 53%. That said, COVID-19 pushed the reliance on technology, with requirements like social distancing. Caregivers often had to rely on technology to monitor their loved ones and keep them safe.

If you are a U.S. armed service Veteran, you can attest to how challenging life can be. Most Veterans suffer from diverse challenges. For instance, many are in dire need of help with basic life aspects, such as running errands, companionship, meal preparation, transport from one area to the other, and general care. Fortunately, if you are housebound or in need of help, you may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance program. 

If you've prepared for the future by purchasing a long-term care policy, then you should feel comfort in the fact that you will be able to afford care in the event you need it. Standard health insurance doesn't cover things like caregivers for bathing, getting dressed, and safely getting in and out of bed. Long-term care policies cover this, but you have to understand your policy in order to maximize your benefits.