The National Diabetes Education Program says holiday family gatherings are a good time for the older and younger generations to share information that can help us lower the risk. Diabetes might not seem like the ideal topic of conversation during holiday visits—yet in many ways, this is a very good time to raise the subject. It’s a time when…
"Mom, we'd all feel a lot better if we knew you had some help." One of the great joys of the holidays is reconnecting with family who may live far away. But sometimes when adult children visit their elderly loved ones, they find that their parents are no longer as healthy as they remembered. Or they might see signs Mom…
We Can Keep Learning "Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness. Keep your mind occupied. Keep your mind off things that don't help you. Be optimistic.” I ran across this quote recently and it really rang true for me. I had been obsessing about a situation that I didn’t have any control over, and a lightbulb in my brain…
"On the Go" Wordfind It doesn’t take a car to be active and engaged in our community. This month’s puzzle contains 20 words all having to do with alternate transportation available for seniors who can no longer drive, or just don’t like to! Print out your copy of the puzzle and find all the words. (Maybe you could do…
There are things we can do to protect our skin, but we won’t find most of them in a fancy jar. Those miraculous “before” and “after” photos in skin care ads? All the “miracles” usually come from photo editing. FDA Cracks Down on "Miracle" Skin Products Last year, the Assisting Hands “Hand in Hand” newsletter reported on the proliferation…
Five Myths About Senior Drivers A recent article in Bloomberg exploded the myth that Americans stick to their trusty old clunkers upon retirement; apparently, plenty of the 36 million senior drivers today are leaving the showroom with a snazzy new set of wheels! Today’s seniors have their roots firmly in the age of driving. Driving equals independence in the minds…
Many Seniors Affected By Anxiety Disorders When an older loved one seems to worry all the time, this could be a sign of a troubling but treatable condition. Mom was always the carefree ringleader of family fun. Yet lately, the family has noticed that she always seems worried about things. She wonders if she left the stove on. She…
Is Aging in Place Right for You? Dear Neighbors; I wanted to let you know about a talk I am giving next Thursday night at the Potomac Community Village (PCV) meeting. My topic will be "Is Aging in Place Right for You?". The question of remaining in one's home touches all of us as we make decisions for our own…
Be a Fall Fighter Wordfind Falls are one of the greatest threats to the independence and well-being of seniors. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented. Once you’re done with your fall-preventing exercise routine for the day, grab a pencil and give your brain a little exercise too with this month’s fall fighter puzzle, which contains 20 words all having…
Technology -- Computerized gadgets are just for younger people, right? Think again! With the growing number of older adults in our society, many companies are working to develop new support technologies to enhance their health and independence. And it’s good to know that in many cases, modifying and simplifying existing gadgets is the way to make them senior-friendly. With…
