A National Health and Aging Trends Study found about two-thirds of Americans over the age of 65 need some level of assistance with daily activities. While every older adult is going to have some unique care needs later in life, there are certain tasks the majority of seniors will eventually…
Fear is one emotion people never outgrow. Younger adults sometimes fear getting old, but older adults tend to find there’s nothing wrong with aging. Getting older does bring up a few new fears, however, and your aging loved one needs to talk about his or her anxieties to find solutions…
Watching your senior loved one push his or her plate away at mealtimes again and again can be upsetting. Seniors sometimes change their eating patterns, and refusing to eat places them at risk for malnutrition. When encouragement is no longer working, you can use these strategies to help your loved…
Taking on the role of family caregiver can be exciting and allow family members to bond with their senior loved ones. However, daily responsibilities can become stressful and increase the risk of burnout. Below you’ll find some of the common challenges of being a family caregiver and ways to address…
Coronavirus is a new virus strain that’s causing widespread concern worldwide, and, according to the CDC, it’s now present in all 50 U.S. states. While it presents a risk for everyone, older adults are especially susceptible to developing serious health issues because of this new illness. Here’s a closer look at why COVID-19 is so dangerous for older adults along with some tips to keep in mind to help your senior loved one stay safe. Older Immune Systems Have Difficulty with New Challenges The main reason COVID-19 is so dangerous for older adults is because older immune systems aren’t as adept at handling new harmful invaders (pathogens) as they once were. Part of the reason for this is because special…
As much as you may appreciate the ability to provide care for an aging family member, there are times when you might simply feel overwhelmed. From feelings of isolation to increased anxiety and a lack of sufficient sleep, the challenges associated with caregiving are certainly real. However, there are ways…
If you’re planning on taking your senior loved one to an upcoming doctor’s appointment, you might be feeling nervous. Preparing ahead of time is the best way for the appointment to go smoothly. Here’s how. 1. Keep a Health Log Long before your loved one’s appointment is scheduled, start keeping…
Seniors often encounter life changes that cause them to need to think about their living situations. For example, your aging loved one might have been married for years, and he or she is now forced to live alone after losing his or her spouse. Single seniors may be curious about…
Some of the foods older adults eat can boost their working memory, while other foods increase the risk of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Therefore, following a healthy diet not only lowers the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes, but it can also keep the mind fit in the…
Seniors can increase their odds of healthy aging by making significant changes to their daily lifestyles. While genetics can lead to some health conditions during the aging process, many things are well within your elderly parent’s control. Continue reading to learn about strategies for positive aging that can help seniors…