Getting older naturally causes several physical changes. However, the changes don’t necessarily need to cause the development of disease processes that affect many seniors. It’s possible for older adults to enjoy optimal health well into their golden years. Here are a few of the top secrets to healthy aging. 1. Eat…
It’s not unusual for elderly people to experience some type of malnutrition. Statistics estimate that up to 16 percent of seniors have protein deficiencies. When including possible mineral and vitamin deficits, dietary malnutrition cases occur in up to 35 percent of adults over the age of 65. Seniors have unique…
Music can be very soothing, and it can also have a strong impact on memory. It’s especially helpful for older adults with Alzheimer’s who have also been diagnosed with mood disorders. Here are some ways music can help your senior loved one better manage Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. …
The role of family caregiver can be lonely, frustrating, and frightening at times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to support the family caregiver in your life. Ask Direct Questions It’s not uncommon for people to ask family caregivers if they need anything. While the intentions are well-meaning,…
In the United States, strokes are responsible for more than 130,000 deaths annually. While there’s no way to accurately predict stroke risk, there are certain preventative measures seniors can take to reduce their overall stroke risk. Along with regular exercise, a healthy diet can go a long way toward preventing…
Pain isn’t a normal part of life for the elderly. Often, if the pain isn’t chronic, it can be caused by other physical issues or illnesses. If you have an aging parent who is experiencing intense pain, the first step to figuring out how to treat and manage it is…
As seniors grow older, their muscles naturally become weaker, a biological phenomenon known as sarcopenia. This weakening of the muscles isn’t dangerous, but it could negatively impact a senior’s quality of life. Sarcopenia makes it difficult for older adults to get out of their homes and experience the world. It…
Choosing in-home care for your aging parent doesn’t mean you’re no longer involved with your mom or dad’s care. In fact, most professional caregivers encourage family members to be a part of the process as much as possible. At the same time, it’s equally important to take some steps on…
A caregiver’s toolkit is a work in progress. Over time, you’ll find you need to add new strategies to your aging loved one’s care plan, or you might even need to remove a few. These tools are the most necessary ones every caregiver should have, and you can expect to…
Visiting your senior loved one is always a great opportunity to brighten his or her day and create new memories. While you want the primary focus of your visit to be positive, you may also need to use this as an opportunity to assess your loved one’s wellbeing. Looking for…