Author: Keri Pollock
“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.” ~ Helen Keller
“Go outside!” was a common encouragement in our house as I was growing up. And every day at school we spent time outdoors on the playground during recess. I think our parents and teachers were on to something.
We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country, where we can enjoy the outdoors year-round. What’s the saying? “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!”
A growing body of research supports the benefits of regularly spending time in nature. It contributes to better quality of life, reduced risk of chronic health conditions, improved brain health, and healthier longevity. …
“The first myth is that old age is a disease, a terrible disease that you never admit you’ve got, so you lie about your age. Well, it’s not a disease—it’s a triumph. Because you’ve survived. Failure, disappointment, sickness, loss—you’re still here.”— Gray Panthers founder Maggie Kuhn
Words have power. They influence how we think and act. They can create labels, misperceptions, and misrepresentations. They can also shape our understanding in meaningful and positive ways. …
We are fortunate to have expert guides in travel, hiking, and urban exploration in our community. When planning European travel adventures, Rick Steves’ Europe, based in Edmonds, is a go-to for many. For Pacific Northwest hiking, Craig Romano’s guidebooks are a must. Closer to home, there is Susanna Ryan’s delightful books Seattle Walk Report and Secret Seattle.
Just as Rick, Craig, and Susanna share their knowledge, unique perspectives, and insights, so too do my Aging Life Care colleagues with guidance, support, and resources for older adults and their families when it comes to the field of aging.
Our care management team’s individual and collective experiences and expertise in all aspects of aging make them deeply knowledgeable guides and advocates on your journey with aging. We also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in our community and tailor recommendations to the unique needs of each client.
Additionally, we are part of a professional association, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). Through ALCA, we are part of a nationwide network of professionals who follow a code of ethics and standards of practice, as well as benefit from education and training, and mutual support.
What is Aging Life Care?
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Our homes and our communities play important roles in our overall health, happiness, and independence. In a recent AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, 75 percent of adults over age 50 expressed a preference to remain in their current home as long as possible—what is commonly referred to as “aging in place.”
What is aging in place? It is the ability to live in the place you call home and, in your community, independently and safely, as you age. …
Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge and mastering skills throughout life. And it has been found to be particularly beneficial to the brain as we age.
Learning is for everybody, regardless of health status or condition. By challenging your brain and learning new things throughout your life, you can help build your cognitive reserve. …
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of western Washington beginning Friday afternoon (July 5) as temperatures should approach and even exceed 90 degrees over the weekend.
Summer is officially here. The weather forecast has us bracing for some hot weather. During the hottest months, dehydration is one of the most frequent diagnoses leading to hospitalization for older adults. According to the National Institutes on Health, “Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications because of the declining ability of the body to thermo-regulate with age, as well as because of social/behavioral factors, such as increased likelihood of living alone, being homebound, or taking medications that interfere with fluid balance.”
Here are some tips to help stay cool and minimize risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. …
What is stress? A common definition is “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.” Another popular definition is “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” (For more information, visit The American Institute of Stress).
Stress is a ubiquitous part of life, impacting each of us differently. It’s the body’s normal response to change or a threat. Too much stress, especially if chronic, can impact mental health and overall well-being. …
Research supports how small, manageable lifestyle changes can be powerful, lasting ways to improve brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia. It is never too late to start.
You have likely adopted many of these healthy habits already. Congratulations and keep up the good work! Any change you make to positively impact brain health will also benefit your physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive health. And who doesn’t want to feel better? …
March is Nutrition Month, an invitation to refresh our knowledge of healthful eating using evidence-based guidelines.
Healthy eating across the lifespan is important. As we grow older, nutrition can play an essential role in how we age. The food choices we make play an important role in sustaining health and preventing disease. …
February is Heart Health Month and February 2, is Go Red for Women Day, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease.
Over 60 million women in the U.S. are living with some form of heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and can affect women at any age.
In most cases, heart disease is preventable with a healthy lifestyle. This includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, engaging in regular moderate-intensity physical activity, managing stress, and getting regular checkups. …