Three out of five (61%) of adults over 60 feel they have more stuff than they need. And yet many of us find it emotionally painful to cull our belongings.
While the physical labor of “right-sizing” is daunting, perhaps more powerful—and surprising—is the emotional challenge. For instance, you may feel that letting go of grandmother’s wedding dress is like putting her in the trash. Or that if you discard your high school debate trophy, it’s like that part of you has died. Or that giving away the fabric you bought to make a quilt “one day” is like abandoning your inner artist. It’s human nature to imbue belongings with meaning, and it’s those heartstrings that give us pause.
Some tips to help you let go …
It’s unlikely the name Sonora Smart Dodd rings any bells, but she is credited with the founding of Father’s Day. As a result of her work, the first Father’s Day was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. On Father’s Day we can celebrate all dads, be they biological dads, stepdads, uncles, brothers, adopted dads, mentors, coaches, and other important people in our lives.
One of my favorite ways to celebrate and honor those who have made an impact is through story. Storytelling is considered the oldest art form. Stories invites us to share experiences, express emotions, pass along traditions and wisdom, make sense of the world, and entertain. …
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation annually. Perceptions about elder abuse are usually wrong. That’s disheartening because the way we think about elder mistreatment effects our ability to recognize the signs of abuse and our sense of urgency and commitment about stopping it. Let’s look at the most common myths and learn the facts. …
“Dementia is a shift in the way a person experiences the world around them.” ~ G. Allen Power, MD
We all seek community, purpose, meaning, connection. Our need for relationship and social connection is at the heart of being human. That doesn’t change if we are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. …
Do you find yourself more easily distracted these days? There is good reason: Concentration is about keeping what’s useful top of mind while at the same time suppressing thoughts that distract from your primary objective. As we age, the “executive” center of the brain becomes less able to sort out distractions. It’s a filtering process that requires heavy brainpower. Many people worry that lapses in concentration are an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Not necessarily. While memory and focus are related, they are not the same thing. …
May is both Older Americans Month and National Aging Life Care Month. This presents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the things I love about the work I do as a Care Manager, celebrating our profession in Aging Life Care, and the clients we serve.
In that spirit, here are some of the reasons I love what my Aging Wisdom colleagues, my professional colleagues, and I do for a living. …
Why I Love Being an Aging Life Care Professional™Read More »
Since 2011, baby boomers have been turning 65 at an average rate of 10,000 per day. This will continue until 2030. And we are living longer. Fortunately, we are also healthier and more active than past generations.
But the reality, according to the Administration on Aging (AOA), is that “70% of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives.” 35% will spend some time in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. …
The pandemic has provided many lessons, including the importance of our communities, the value of the place we call home, and what steps to take to protect and care for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
All these factors play essential roles in our overall health, happiness, and ability to remain independent.
Perhaps this is why the Administration for Community Living has chosen to focus on “aging in place—how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently” for Older Adults Month 2022. This year’s theme is “Age my way!” …
8 Tips for Aging Well: Make Your Plan Now for a Healthy, Supported FutureRead More »
Are you tired of long waits to get an appointment? Rushed visits? Not being able to talk to your doctor by phone or communicate via email?
You aren’t alone. Doctors dislike it too. But because most physicians today are employees of a large medical group, they are required to complete 30–40 patient visits per day. Appointments are set to last no more than 15 minutes. This is necessary to manage a typical patient load of 4,000.
Some primary care doctors are moving away from this business-focused model of medicine.
…
When it comes to mom and dad, each adult child’s relationship with their parents is different. This can trigger conflict and misunderstandings as parents grow older and family input, support, and collaboration are needed.
It’s natural for disagreements to occur, even in families with strong functional relationships. However, when parents are experiencing memory and health changes, it can create tension. Rare is the family who are all on the same page and managing decisions and tasks smoothly. …
Clash of the Siblings: How to navigate family dynamics when your parent needs helpRead More »