Ah, summertime! Remember when you were a kid and you lived for summers? As we grow older, summer may lose a bit of its luster, because it doesn’t signal an immediate change in our daily routine and scorching heat can make our daily chores seem that much more arduous. Six Ways to Increase Your Summer Fun Well, we’re here…
The following article by Catherine Owens appeared in the Journal of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Summer 2014. The article helps frame the discussion on the tough choices facing elders and their families and the fear of change. Senior Living Decisions: Motivating Factors and Fear of Change by Catherine Owens When circumstances make it clear that it's time for…
As we saw in the top story of this issue of “Hand in Hand,” humor can protect our minds, bodies and emotional well-being. This month’s puzzle contains eight scrambled words all having to do with humor. Give your brain a workout and find them all! Source: Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac in association with IlluminAge. Copyright © IlluminAge, 2015
May is American Stroke Awareness Month If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, you are in the company of almost 800,000 other Americans who experience a stroke every year. More than 7 million Americans have had a stroke at some time, and many are still living with the effects. The effects of stroke can differ widely,…
We All Want Better Brain Health As we grow older, we may find ourselves becoming more forgetful. A person’s name from our past escapes us or we can’t find the car keys. These episodes can make us wonder if we’re developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Fortunately, there are things that we can all do to improve our brain’s…
Up until recently, little research was done about the topic of humor. Few people took the subject seriously, or paid much scholarly attention to this part of the human experience. But now, researchers from various disciplines are analyzing the workings of humor in the human brain—and demonstrating that the purpose humor serves is no laughing matter. What is humor,…
Throughout history, people and animals have coexisted closely. Interaction with pets not only makes us feel good—it also promotes good health, according to an array of studies. For many seniors, owning a pet or spending time with animals in some other setting offers a boost to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. This month's puzzle contains 20 words having to…
Health Benefits of Pets for Seniors Anyone who has owned a pet knows the joy an animal can bring to one’s life. You often hear enthusiasts describing their pets as their “children” and including them in family vacations and activities. Additionally, animals have been used in helping people with various disabilities get around in the world, helping them to navigate…
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…
What you should know about heart disease February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States—but according to the National Institutes of Health, heart disease is also one of the most preventable conditions. With the aging of our population, our healthcare system is now putting increased emphasis on controllable risk factors such…
