Active relaxation is a powerful tool that can help seniors combat stress and improve their overall wellness. Unlike passive relaxation techniques such as reading or napping, active relaxation requires movement or activity. This can include practices such as yoga, gardening, or simply taking a leisurely walk. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can help ease stress and improve your physical and mental well-being. Understanding Active Relaxation Active relaxation is a stress management technique that involves engaging in physical activities to release stress and tensi ..read more

As our loved ones age, it’s natural for roles to shift. Parents who once cared for us may find themselves needing support as they grow older. However, this transition isn’t always smooth, particularly when aging parents refuse help. For many families, this situation can be challenging, fraught with emotions, and filled with uncertainty. If you’re facing this dilemma, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll explore some effective strategies for navigating resistance when an aging parent won’t accept help. Understanding Resistance Before providing potential solutions, it’s important to understand why you ..read more

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S.  Many Americans have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  Our lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on some of these risk factors.  It’s never too late to start taking steps toward better heart health and quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are some of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. High Blood Pressure Approximately 70% of American seniors have high blood pressure, or hypertension.  High blood pressure damages art ..read more

Vision impairment is common among older adults.  Major causes of failing vision are cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and complications from diabetes.  Low vision often makes it difficult for seniors to perform everyday tasks such as reading, cooking, and driving.  People with low vision are at increased risk for falls, a leading cause of injuries and hospitalizations in older adults. Families can help ensure elderly loved ones with impaired vision have safe living conditions, whether they live at home or in assisted living facilities.  The following a ..read more

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health conditions in older adults.  A report published in 2020 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicated that social isolation was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia and other serious medical conditions.  Many older adults experience loneliness and social isolation due to several factors such as loss of loved ones and friends, living alone, chronic illness, and hearing loss.  Loneliness wa ..read more

Shingles is a skin condition that manifests in a rash with painful blisters that cause a burning or tingling sensation.  The rash can occur anywhere on the body but usually affects a small section on one side.  Symptoms can last for weeks.  While people of all ages can develop shingles, it is more common among seniors. What causes shingles? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is one of the herpes viruses.  This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.  More than 95 percent of American adults have had chickenpox, and anyone who has had chickenpox s ..read more

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for older adults.  Oral health directly affects quality of life and the ability to eat and enjoy food.  Regular dental care can help prevent tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontal disease, as well as identify oral cancer in its early stages. Why might seniors forego dental care? When people retire, they often lose their dental insurance benefits.  Regular Medicare does not cover dental care, so patients must pay out of pocket unless they purchase dental insurance or have a Medicare Advantage Plan that covers dental.  Many senior ..read more

Margaret B. was born in Long Beach, California in 1935. She is proud of making it to 88 and is heading toward 100. When she was young, her parents divorced, so she did not know too much about her biological father. She and her younger brother, James, were close growing up and played outside with other children. Margaret remembers her mother, Bonnie, as a hard-working waitress. Bonnie later married Bob, who became Margaret and James’ stepfather. He had a great relationship with them and even gave Margaret away at her wedding. She loved him to pieces. A Hardworking Woman Growing up, Margaret b ..read more

Poor nutrition in older adults is a challenging health concern.  It has been associated with physical and mental decline and a reduced quality of life.  Poor nutrition has been linked to chronic disease, a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, decreased bone mass, poor wound healing, and cognitive decline. Seniors living alone may be at particular risk of not managing their nutritional needs.  The following are some of the issues they may face. ·   Many seniors on fixed incomes are more likely to purchase inexpensive, less healthy food.  They may fill up on snack f ..read more

Jean M. was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She was the second child and first daughter of her parents. Jack was her older brother, and she had two younger siblings, Nancy and David. They were all very close. Her father lived to be 81, and her mother lived until she was 92. Jean recalls both of her parents always being there for their children. They all spent a lot of time together, and as they grew older, this continued. Many of her relatives moved to be near the various lakes in Michigan. As a result, they spent a lot of time boating. We’re Coming to California Jean married, and she and her hus ..read more