In Counting on Kindness: The Dilemmas of Dependency, author Wendy Lustbader takes a deep dive into the world of older adults who, through illness or disability, are dependent on others for survival. First published in 1991, Counting on Kindness is as relevant today as it was then—perhaps even more so considering the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Lustbader shares in the preface, “The chief consequence of dependency is that we are forced to count on the kindness of others.”
As independent as we may think we are, the past 16-plus months have helped many of us recognize how interdependent and dependent we are on the kindness of others. …
From Independence to Interdependence: Counting on the Kindness of OthersRead More »
If you have more than one child, deciding how to distribute your assets among them may prompt some angst: If and how should your will or trust reflect your understanding of their different needs? According to a Merrill Lynch study, two-thirds of parents over age 55 are open to the idea of unequal bequests.
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Recent weather and above-average, record breaking temperatures have me wondering if I drink enough liquid, especially water. The human adult body is approximately 55 to 60 percent water. Staying hydrated is essential to our health and helping our bodies function optimally.
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Hydration: How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?Read More »
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the medical name for memory problems that exceed the “normal forgetfulness of aging” but are less than associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. If you have received a diagnosis of MCI, you are at risk for continued significant cognitive decline. Each year about 10–15% of persons with MCI receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as compared to 1–3% of all older adults. …
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and what you can doRead More »
“Gathering again is going to be complicated and possibly uncomfortable. Naming the elephant in the room is the most powerful tool we have. We need to make the implicit explicit. Even if the elephant is just awkwardness, naming what’s happening and making it explicit allows everybody to take a breath.” ~Priya Parker, author, The Art of Gathering and guest on the Dare to Lead podcast with Brené Brown
If there was a prescription with the following benefits, would you want it?
- Strengthens your immune system
- Challenges you intellectually
- Sharpens your memory
- Helps you heal more quickly from illness and injury
- Boosts your mood
- Motivates you to engage in physical activity, social and creative engagement, and eating well
- Provides a space for tears and laughter
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The Value of Friendships and Reconnecting in the ‘Now’ NormalRead More »
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Take this opportunity to review and strength these 6 key practices, necessary for rebuilding your reserves, strengthening your brain, and lowering your risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
Six Steps: Move. Eat. Sleep. Monitor. Engage. Challenge. …
At Aging Wisdom we are guided by a set of values that are naturally woven into our company culture and our work as Aging Life Care Professionals: Integrity. Professionalism. Compassion. Collaboration. Service to our clients and our community.
While each value is precious and essential, it is often through Collaboration that we experience incredible serendipity and magic. It starts with our team and it’s the foundation of our teamwork approach to supporting and guiding clients. …
Collaboration Enhances Aging Life Care and “Communities of Strength”Read More »
Elder law focuses on the special rights, needs, and challenges that arise in the context of simply growing older and planning for possible care needs.
Attorneys specializing in elder law take a holistic perspective. …
Have you taken your handwashing routine to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s great! Keep up the good work.
Unfortunately, 42% of respondents in a recent poll said they had lapsed in their hand washing practices. Pandemic burnout is cited as a common reason. Hand washing is critical, in addition to wearing a mask in public and practicing physical distancing, in reducing infection transfer.
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Clean Hands Count: May 5 is World Hand Hygiene DayRead More »
Being caught in tax scams can happen to anyone, even though most of us think we’re too smart to get fleeced. Unfortunately, even the most cautious person can get ripped off. When older adults are defrauded, the effects can be devastating.
One insidious fraud making the rounds during tax season involves IRS impersonators. Swindlers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card, money order or a wire transfer. They threaten those who refuse to pay with a grand jury indictment, immediate arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license. …