The next time you renew your license, you may be required to take written and behind-the-wheel driving tests rather than mail a form. If this is the case, don’t panic or go into denial! Take some steps to get prepared. That way, you’ll go into the test knowledgeable and confident. And remember, preparing for a driving test isn’t just about passing—it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of others. It’s worth the time to plan thoughtfully. …
May is Aging Life Care™ Month, which has me thinking about how supporting an aging parent can often feel so daunting. We see it every day in our work as Aging Life Care Professionals®. …
Aging Life Care Professionals®, Your Guilt-BusterRead More »
The arts and art-based engagement are powerful tools for fostering connection, supporting self-expression, and improving mental stimulation. In our experience as Creative Engagement Specialists, we recognize that making art is more than its outcome; it’s engaging our senses, cultivating purpose, and encouraging creativity. When you add community, you allow opportunities for giving and receiving encouragement and joy.
The participants we’ve come to know through our Art of Connection program exemplify this with a motivating, “Almost there!” or a celebratory, “You’ve done it!”
What is Art of Connection?
It is one of Aging Wisdom’s newest Creative Engagement programs. Art of Connection brings curated art experiences to older adults living together in Adult Family Homes. …
Having concerns about your parents’ health and well-being as they age is normal, yet incredibly stressful. As an adult child, it is also common to struggle with striking the right balance between supporting your parents’ desire for autonomy and ensuring their safety.
According to AARP, approximately 42 million adults provide uncompensated care to an adult age 50 or older, many of whom are part of the Sandwich Generation. Sandwich Generation is a term used to describe individuals who are “sandwiched” between raising children and simultaneously caring for aging parents. …
Confident Caring: Essentials for Adult Children Supporting Aging ParentsRead More »
Looking for a way to connect with far-flung family? Consider a multigenerational trip. It’s a fun way to break from routine and deepen bonds by having new experiences together. Careful planning is the key to success when you’re mixing different ages, interests, and dynamics. Give yourself plenty of time to put it all together. Here are some tips from seasoned family travelers:
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What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Creative Engagement Specialist
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about the disease. It inspired me to want to work in memory care, specifically to support people with dementia as well as their family and friends. …
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or getting up tired. It’s about your brain waking you over and over again through the night to get you to breathe. Not only do you miss out on restorative sleep, but the multiple interruptions in breathing also put extra strain on your heart. That puts you at risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. And the poor sleep may cause fatigue, fuzzy memory, poor concentration, and feelings of depression. Luckily, there are many options for treatment to effectively manage this condition. …
My Grandpa meant the world to me. Early in my life, it was just me and my mom. She was a teacher, and we’d spend the summers with my grandparents in Portland. My mom would take classes while their assignment was to keep me out of trouble.
Lucky for me, this meant hours with my Grandpa. He lovingly referred to me as “the Streaker,” since most of my time was spent in their backyard, running around like a maniac, jumping in and out of my cheap plastic pool, not wasting time with a swimsuit, soaking in the freedom. …
Gen X: We’re up! Turning to the next generation of caregiversRead More »
Caring for an older adult living with cognitive or health changes can be physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially challenging. Due to the broad range of responsibilities that can be required of family caregivers, self-care is essential.
While there are many ways to care for yourself, I’ve found that attending a caregiver support group is an often-overlooked part of a healthy self-care plan. …
The Benefits of Family Caregiver Support Groups: You are Not Alone!Read More »