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 »
From October 15 to December 7 each year, Medicare enrollees have the option to change their insurance plans. For prescription drug coverage, which is only offered by private insurance companies, it pays to shop around. Even if you have been happy with your current plan, drug prices and premiums change from one year to the next. It’s a good idea to compare. There could be hundreds of dollars at stake. …
Shopping tips for Medicare prescription insurance (Part D)Read More »
The holidays are busy, filled with activity, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It’s often the time when those who live apart geographically can spend extended, precious time together.
If you haven’t seen the older adults in your life over several months or years, it’s not unusual to notice changes until you are together for a few hours or days. You may observe uncharacteristic behavior, lifestyle changes, and routines. …
Home for the Holidays? Signs Your Parents May Need HelpRead More »
If your Thanksgiving holiday is fortunate enough to include multiple generations, here are some simple tips for keeping older loved ones engaged, comfortable, and safe during holiday celebrations: …
Last Minute Tips for a Successful Multigenerational Thanksgiving CelebrationRead More »
Self-care is essential to the well-being of family caregivers, yet it is often overlooked.
While it’s natural to focus fully on the older adult who needs support and services, we also need to remind ourselves to pay attention to their support system, be it you, family and/or friends. …
Self-Care is Not Selfish: It’s Essential for Family Caregiver Well-BeingRead More »
If your adult child has cut off contact, you are not alone. An estimated 11% of parents are estranged from their adult kids. That’s 1:8. But you wouldn’t know it to hear others talk.
There is such a stigma around the issue that estranged parents rarely talk about it with others. Instead, they tend to cover things over.
That means carrying around feelings of shame, guilt, and deep sadness, often in isolation. Sound familiar? …
Fear of losing independence and freedom are common refrains we hear from clients when the topic of moving to a retirement community is proposed.
Your parents may be resistant to the idea because they have an image of the traditional medical model nursing home in mind when you mention a supportive living community. It’s not unusual to perceive a senior living as restrictive.
The reality is quite different. A move to a community often results in greater independence. …
A Move to a Retirement Community Could Mean More Independence for Your ParentRead More »