Free and Unbiased Information Blog Focused on Helping The Aging

Do you remember watching PSA commercials for the national Reading is Fundamental literacy program – either as a child or as a parent? The spots date back to the late 1960s, with many featuring entertainment and sports celebrities like Ed Asner, Shaq and LeVar Burton . (You may have read that Burton’s fan base, inspired by the actor’s “reading nerd” ways, created a successful petition that landed Burton the role of celebrity guest host of Jeopardy this month.) For decades, Reading is Fundamental has encouraged children to begin reading early and to make it a lifelong habit because good readers likely become better learners. As many adults experience through their 30s-50s, reading for pleasure and lifelong learning can wind up on the back burner as career and family demands take priority. It’s not until older adults hit semi- or full retirement that they have a new opportunity to dive back into reading. A 2015 study by Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of seniors said they had...

Today, with vast technological advancements in healthcare, the longevity of people is increasing. However, old age comes with many problems. For elderlies, their movement becomes restricted, their social circle comes to a standstill and their need for medical assistance increases. In this case, where elderlies become dependent on others for their daily personal activities and chores— either a home care service or a care center becomes the option to choose from. Usually, a family member becomes a caregiver but handling the needs of the elderly can be difficult— this is where home care nursing services come in. An attendant can fill the gaping need for social interaction while tending to their needs. An attendant can help with daily personal activities like grooming, feeding, planning meals, and small chores while giving medical assistance if needed. They can also help your parents with post-operative care and light exercises. But how can you choose the right home care nursing servic...

Elder abuse is real and more common than you think. You or a loved one may be at risk because as seniors age, they increasingly become targets for scammers, con artists and abusers—and sadly, the abuser may be a family member. The National Council on Aging reports that every year up to 5 million older Americans are abused, and that $36.5 billion is the estimated annual loss suffered by victims of financial abuse. Seniors can become easy victims for scams  because often they are isolated, lonely and tend to be trusting. Many seniors may suffer from memory loss or dementia, leaving them even more vulnerable to scams. Seniors are often a big target because they are thought to have substantial amounts of money, but even  those on a fixed income  are targeted. The epidemic of elder abuse has been worsening in recent years, and the current pandemic has sparked new scams related to COVID-19. It’s become more important for seniors to understand how to protect themselves. The ...

Now more than ever, we all need to realize the importance of mental health . It is about one’s overall wellbeing— it affects how one feels, thinks, acts, and copes with life. Moreover, mental health also determines how we handle our emotions, relate to others, and make choices in different stages of life. With age, older adults tend to experience life stressors like deaths of loved ones, chronic illness, traumatic illness, etc intensely as they tend to get psychologically vulnerable at this point. On the other hand, they also experience loss in capacities and a decline in functional ability. Older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care. In addition, they are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, or a drop in socioeconomic status with retirement. All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness, or psychological distress in seniors, for which they may requir...

When Laurie became mentally ill, she remained blissfully unaware. She saw no reason to doubt her own sanity based on interactions with her daughter and grandchildren, who visited once a week. They treated her like they always had, and responded to her in the usual ways. Eventually, she started noticing that it took a bit more effort to make sense of the news every night. One afternoon, despite her best efforts, she couldn’t finish that newspaper crossword puzzle she had been doing for the last 15 years. But that was because she was 82 years old! And when she stopped going to Sunday brunch like she always had, it was because she was too tired – and she knew her friends would understand. Little by little, Laurie began withdrawing from her social life. She felt it took too much energy.  She nestled herself in the comfort of isolation. It seemed everyone else was too busy to see her. Laurie was always tired but couldn’t sleep, and had no waking will to spare. “That comes with old age,...

As time passes by, lifestyle diseases become a part of life. Often we see many senior citizens suffer from diabetes and have misconceptions about which diet is the best for them. Let’s clear some doubts and see the clear picture, shall we? But firstly, let us understand the basics of a diabetic diet. It does not mean that the patient has to stop eating all the fruits or sweets, but that they have to eat the healthiest foods in moderation while sticking to regular mealtimes. A diabetic diet’s goal is to achieve and maintain healthy body weight while controlling blood sugar. If one’s weight and blood sugar levels are in check then common diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular diseases can be prevented.  There is no specific diet that can be recommended to diabetes patients, as it will differ from person to person. However, ideally, it should include a healthy mix of nutrient-rich foods with low fat and calorie content. The key elements of such a healthy diet plan...

Several types of illnesses can leave a patient bedridden. While as a family member or a caretaker you may take care of a patient’s every need, but bedsores are inevitable in many cases. Before we learn how to tend to a patient, let’s talk about what are bedsores? Bedsores often affect the skin covering the bony areas of the body. Constant pressure on the area for a long time lessens the blood flow to the affected area, which often leads to tissue damage and tissue death. Apart from pressure, even friction against clothes or bedding can cause bedsores in addition to the movement of skin against a fixed surface like a bone.  A patient’s risk of developing bedsores increases if apart from being bedridden they cannot change their positions without assistance, and always use a wheelchair have an increased chance of getting bedsores. However, there are other factors that increase the risk of getting bedsores:  Immobility: A result of poor health and spinal cord injury...

It’s summertime! Time to enjoy gardening, picnicking, taking in outdoor craft shows and concerts in the park, and many more fresh air activities. It’s also the season when the risk for life-threatening dehydration soars. While embracing outdoor activities, be sure to stay proactive during the hot summer months and take steps to avoid dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and fainting or dizzy spells. Seniors are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature. Experts point to chronic medical conditions and prescription medications impairing the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature. Heat stroke, heat edema (swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot), heat syncope (sudden dizziness), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are among the many heat-related illnesses —collectively known as hyperthermia—that could be life-threatening for seniors. A recent study by Climate Central found that ...

On July 4, 1776, the United States claimed independence from England by issuing its “Declaration of Independence.” On Sunday, July 4th is celebrated as a national holiday where families gather to barbecue, celebrate freedom and watch fireworks. This year with Covid-19 restrictions loosening in many states, dazzling pyrotechnic shows are back in a big way. In addition to participating in festivities, we have a duty as Americans to honor those who have made sacrifices to preserve our freedom and independence. While this duty is often forgotten, there are caregivers and other unsung heroes in senior care who serve our veterans not only on this holiday but every day of the year. At the forefront of our borders and in the face of many dangers, veterans were able to brave and endure extreme hardship to protect Americans at home. When they come back, it is only moral to return their sacrifice by providing them with all the quality care they need. Today, the veteran population of Am...