Much as in the general population, senior mental health is of equal importance to physical health. By and large, the two play off each other. In 1999, the U.S. surgeon general defined mental health as “the successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and providing the ability to adapt…
Wouldn’t you be confused if a near-stranger patted your head and called you “sweetie”, or if a nurse shouted instructions despite your excellent hearing? These behaviors are confusing and elicit irritation, but, for seniors, they are becoming more and more common. Ageism, elderspeak, and bias are an unfortunate reality for many seniors in long-term care.…
Imagine if studies on the effects of eating dog food looked only at its effects on cats. While it sounds outrageous, that is the logic currently employed by many medical researchers studying treatments for a vast array of chronic illnesses. Chronic illnesses affect older people at a higher rate than younger people. At the same…
Taking care of ill or elderly relatives is a complicated and stressful situation. That stress is compounded in the case of long-distance caregiving. As more and more adult children care for their elderly parents, this issue is becoming more common. According to a survey conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the National Alliance…
As we have discussed many times, seniors need exercise just as much as the younger generation. It’s so important that they find routines that meet their needs. Water-based activities are some of the best workouts seniors can experience. Water aerobics for seniors are in high demand because they provide an excellent low-impact, low-risk exercise for…
Seniors with CHF At Risk Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal. Seniors are at an especially high risk. In people over the age of 65, heart failure is the most common reason for hospital admissions, with 900,000 people being hospitalized in the US each year. CHF…
Yoga is the preferred form of movement for many people. Meditation might be a luxury for others. However, for the aging community, regular practice of these mindful activities should be taken more seriously. They provide quantifiable benefits. Overall, consider yoga for senior health. A gentle yoga class can help improve flexibility and circulation while simultaneously…
Senior Exercise The aging process doesn’t mean you should give up on exercise. In reality, it is just as important to work toward fitness now, as it was in your teens. A study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that too few people over 50 participate in regular physical activity. More than a…
It’s never too early to start planning for your golden years; in fact, the best time to plan is well before you actually need care. Eldercare planning is a necessity, and preparing for your future is simple if you know the steps. The process can help you create a strategy that ensures you live the…
What is Dementia? Dementia is a type of cognitive decline characterized by memory loss, communication difficulties, and impaired thinking. Furthermore, dementia is a growing concern for aging populations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47 million people have dementia worldwide. WHO also estimates 75 million people will be affected by dementia by 2030. According to…