Are you enjoying a love you never thought you’d feel again? It’s hard to be happy, though, if your children rain on your romance. Are they being selfish? Not necessarily. An in-depth study of “adult stepfamilies” revealed how disruptive it is when a parent gets involved with a new partner later in life. …
Rob came to Aging Wisdom in a panic. For months he and his sister had done everything they could think of to convince their mother — 82 years old, recently widowed, and showing signs of memory loss — to move to an assisted living community.
Rob’s Aunt Mary, his mother’s sister, had moved to a community nearby and was thrilled with her decision. This was what Rob and his sister Linda saw as the answer for their mother as well. …
Resistance to Care is a Common Challenge: What’s the Best Path Forward?Read More »
There is no single test that can determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease. But a combination of several different tests can identify if memory and thinking problems are due to one of the many conditions that result in symptoms of dementia.
By process of elimination, doctors can determine what may be the root cause of thinking problems. Some conditions are treatable. Others are not. …
Worried about your parents and fighting with your siblings over their care? When it comes to mom and dad, even families who get along well will experience disagreements from time to time.
Disagreements are to be expected; it’s an emotional time. Just as each of us has our own relationships with our parents, we each have our own experiences, insights, and perceptions within that relationship. …
Surviving and Soothing Sibling Strife When Caring for Aging ParentsRead More »
“Arts can both reshape how people think about aging and also foster growth and meaning in late life.” ~Anne Basting, PhD, Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care
A person living with dementia experiences a shift in their perception of the world due to changes in the brain. Most of us know or have known someone living with dementia. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, there are different forms, and each individual living with dementia possesses a wide spectrum of abilities and experiences.
Since 2010, Seattle’s Frye Art Museum has developed and led Creative Aging programs that range from small group experiences in the galleries and art studio to one-on-one artmaking in residential care communities to conferences and workshops on creativity, dementia, and healthy aging. …
Does this sound familiar? It’s a new year. You sit down and thoughtfully write a list of resolutions: Lose 20 pounds by June. Go vegan. Take yoga classes twice a week. Organize your living space. Reserve one hour each day for reading. Stop cussing!
I love lists
Lists keep me focused. Lists help me prioritize projects and meet deadlines. They keep me on budget when I go grocery shopping. My lists are lifesavers, especially in this somewhat chaotic, unpredictable, pandemic-challenged world.
The one list that doesn’t help, however, is my annual list of New Year’s resolutions. Sigh … this is the list by which I can no longer abide. …
Study after study reveals that older adults with a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning in their lives, enjoy greater well-being and live longer than those without a life focus. They also have better cognitive and physical health and suffer less from depression, suggesting that purpose is an important component of a healthy and satisfying elderhood.
To explore possibilities for yourself, try this simple two-step process. …
The holidays are often filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it can be challenging. A time of high anxiety.
Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate someone living with dementia. Meanwhile, caregivers can feel anxious, frustrated, and lonely. To minimize the anxiety and encourage an inclusive, more enjoyable holiday season for the entire family, a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. …
Dementia: Tips to Make the Holidays Inclusive and More EnjoyableRead More »
The holidays are upon us. With them come family gatherings—a perfect time to engage in intergenerational activities as they offer some of the best opportunities for memorable, meaningful connection.
What are some of your favorite childhood holiday memories? Likely they involved an older family member who delighted you with stories, festive foods, or a fun activity. …
Engage the Generations to Make Holiday Memories and Celebrate TraditionsRead More »
Caregiving is difficult and exhausting. Family caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress.
It can be overwhelming to take care of an older loved one who is experiencing health or memory changes. Too much stress can be harmful to both of you. …
Top Tips You Should Know to Manage Caregiver StressRead More »