Free and Unbiased Information Blog Focused on Helping The Aging

To a great extent the US has become host to a global network of cyber-fueled financial con artists. While scammers do not always differentiate between age groups, one group that is routinely targeted is seniors. According to the FBI, elder fraud results in about $3 billion in annual losses. In fact, that figure may be an underestimate because when a senior falls victim to fraud, statistics show s/he is less likely to report it out of shame or fear that family members will decide to take over their financial affairs, resulting in a loss of independence. Scammers Posing As IRS Agents Tax scams — particularly tax refund scams — are becoming one of the most prevalent ways thieves steal money and one’s identity. They collect funds posing as the IRS or charge for fake services. They file claims in your name, collecting a substantial government refund. According to sources, among the top five tax scams seen this season are: Phishing emails asking you to verify information, where scammer...

Among the most devastating things to hear is that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Families can feel helpless as they watch the disease slowly progress and change someone so dear and familiar into someone almost unrecognizable. Primarily impacting seniors, it destroys brain cells and leads to memory loss, decline in brain function, and ultimately death. First described in 1906, to date there is still no cure. While the number of newly developed cases per 100,000 appears to be declining (attributed to improvements over 20 th century risk factors such as controlling hypertension which may be linked), overall numbers of those affected will rise. This is commensurate with a burgeoning aging baby boomer population as the longer we live, the more risk we have of developing Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 6.5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s,   a number that could increase to more than 12.7 million by 2050. At this time it is unknown how COVID...

A heart-healthy diet is good for a lifetime. This is the message behind National Nutrition Month, a campaign encouraging us to make informed food choices and develop healthier eating habits for eating and physical activity. More and more research shows just how critical it is to adopt heart-healthy habits as we age to maintain good health. For older adults and seniors, this means learning about how personal food choices might be affecting their bodies. Older Americans are at a higher risk of their health being compromised from things like too much salt, fat or sugar in their diet – or from having too little calcium and other minerals and vitamins. What is Informed Nutrition? Older adults can start assessing their nutritional needs by taking the simple step of “knowing their numbers” for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. Taking stock of what foods can help or hurt these numbers lets seniors make healthier choices that are based on “informed nutrition” and...

March is the appreciation month for professional caregivers and social workers. Caregivers and geriatric social workers represent the unsung heroes in the senior care journey, being dedicated and compassionate carers who help older adults and the elderly maintain their best quality of life. Take time this month to thank a caregiver or geriatric social worker who has helped you or a senior loved one. This month also reminds us that surrounding yourself with support is a no-brainer—for every person of any age. Supportive people can have roles ranging from beloved family to peers, friends, colleagues, mentors, and others. The ideal senior support network spreads even more to include professionals who specialize in specific areas of senior service. The key professionals in your senior support network should include skilled and unskilled workers in healthcare, social services, elder law, and insurance. This article introduces some of the important professionals from these fields that ...