New studies show that a well-designed exercise program for seniors can delay or prevent loss of cognitive functioning well after age 90! Read the following article from the Huffington Post for help in designing an effective exercise plan. As the weather turns cold, we have a natural tendency to hibernate and neglect our need for exercise. Generally, developing fitness plans…
Many caregivers worry whether their parents are eating enough and getting a balanced diet. These are valid concerns, given that appetite decreases for older adults as they become less physically active. The diminishment of taste and smell also dampens the desire to eat. Food just doesn't taste as good. When Is it Time to Worry? The daily recommendations for…
A range of renovations and adjustments - from easy to more complex - can be made to our apartments or houses to help aging parents stay in their homes for as long as possible. Here are some suggestions from an article in the New York Times. Easy Add grab bars. There are many stylish models for the bathroom that look…
Tells us what to expect when your loved one returns home. A heart attack changes the lives of both seniors and their caregivers. If your loved one has had a heart attack, it's essential to understand the medications and lifestyle changes necessary for a successful recovery. According to the American Heart Association, over 1 million people in the U.S. have…
Brings us10 tips for low vision living. Many people would consider losing their eyesight one of the worst potential losses that they could encounter. While most of us will not suffer from complete blindness, millions currently suffer from some form of visual impairment, with numbers growing rapidly as we age. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), older adults represent…
February is Low Vision Awareness Month. If you have a family member who has low vision, there are many ways to help them maintain their independence. According to allaboutvision.com, Good vision is a precious gift — and one that's easy to take for granted. Imagine for a minute what life would be like if your vision was permanently impaired and…
February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month. Many eye diseases are treatable if diagnosed early enough. But often, the damage from eye disease happens slowly, so a person doesn't notice a loss of vision until it is too late. Vision loss can lead to depression, inactivity and overall decline in seniors. The top cause of impaired eyesight in older adults is…
You might have noticed that your parents are starting to need more help. Maybe the house is uncharacteristically dirty, they’re not eating properly, or medication doses are being missed. Talking with parents about aging and lifestyle changes can be tricky, but for everyone’s sake, it’s better to have these conversations before a crisis hits. It’s good to keep in mind…
There are strategies that work. Your mother resists in-home helpers, insisting you can wait on her. Your frail father won't stop driving. Your aunt denies the need for a personal care aide, in spite of her unwashed hair and soiled clothes. Your grandmother refuses to move to an assisted living facility "because it's full of old people." Sound familiar? Nothing…
According to the National Eye Institute, Glaucoma eye disease can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It occurs when the inner pressure of the eye slowly rises. With regular eye exams and early treatment, you can often protect your eyes from glaucoma and vision loss. How Does Glaucoma Develop? At the front of the eye…
