Multigenerational housing is a growing trend in the United States and perhaps something you’re considering. On the plus side, there’s increased time for bonding and for caring for elders or children as needed, as well as improved finances from sharing expenses. And there is peace of mind knowing you are surrounded by family. …
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
I am the Care Manager Lead.
What made you want to work in the field of aging? …
Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge and mastering skills throughout life. And it has been found to be particularly beneficial to the brain as we age.
Learning is for everybody, regardless of health status or condition. By challenging your brain and learning new things throughout your life, you can help build your cognitive reserve. …
“The right to vote is one of the most sacred privileges in a representative democracy and it should be available to all citizens, whether they are cognitively impaired or unimpaired.” ~ American Bar Association Committee on Law and Aging
November 5, 2024 is General Election Day. According to the Washington State’s Secretary of State Office, ballots were mailed out by county election offices no later than October 18 (18 days prior to election day). October 28 is the deadline to register to vote or update your address online.
Please note: you may also register and vote in person at a county voting center through election day. For information about elections in Washington State, visit the Washington State Secretary of State website page HERE. …
The Right to Vote and Cognitive Impairment (updated*)Read More »
People over age 65 exhibit a vast range of abilities both mental and physical. Unfortunately, ageism (the negative stereotyping of older adults) links advancing years with decline in a manner that disregards individual capability. From degrading birthday cards to discrimination in the workplace, 82% of older adults report experiencing ageism in their everyday life.
Most insidious is internalized ageism, when we look down on ourselves, often without realizing it. Blaming age when we can’t remember a word (“a senior moment”). Feeling flattered when we’re told “You don’t look [your age]!” Not considering an interesting activity at the senior center because we “don’t want to be around all those old people.”
It turns out such negative age beliefs can significantly reduce life expectancy. Multiple studies across many years and many cultures have shown that people with negative beliefs about aging die as many as seven and a half years earlier than those with positive age beliefs. (The studies accounted for the influences of income, education, and health status.) …
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Director of Creative Engagement
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
Dementia is in my family – I’ve lost two grandparents to dementia and now my mother is living with it. When my paternal grandmother died in 2007, I began volunteering with Alzheimer’s organizations. My maternal grandfather died from the disease in 2014 – the summer after my first year of graduate school where I was first introduced to the idea of “creative aging” and started volunteering with the Frye Art Museum. It married two loves for me – older adults and art. That year was full of “what if’s” thinking about my grandparents’ care and engagement. I knew we could do better as a family, community and country in taking care of older adults. …
As we transition from summer to fall, the seasonal change serves as a good reminder to brush up on Fall Prevention. Preventing and reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling is essential.
Falls remain the leading cause of injury and death for people age 65+. Implementing fall prevention steps can go a long way to improve safety and support independence.
Fortunately, most falls can be prevented. Understanding the common factors that cause or contribute to falls is a good place to start: …
On any given weekday, my Creative Engagement colleagues are tapping into the richness of clients’ interests, histories, talents, and strengths. These intentional connections help reduce social isolation and loneliness, renew purpose, increase self-esteem, engage the senses, and spark joy. …
Deciding how to divide assets among one’s children is often challenging. The challenges only multiply in a step- or blended family situation. Today, about one-quarter of all marriages include stepchildren. Among remarried couples, almost two-thirds involve children from a previous relationship.
Blended families can look like any other family, but the dynamics are very different, emotionally and legally. …
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can be difficult. Getting accurate information and dependable guidance and support is essential. Planning for health care, financial, and long-term care decisions brings peace of mind.
As Aging Life Care professionals, we focus on clients’ well-being and quality of life. We also understand the value of clients being informed and prepared, especially when health, cognition, or other circumstances change.
Preparation emerges as the key to embracing the evolving chapters of life while maintaining a sense of control and independence. …
Planning for the Future Following an Alzheimer’s DiagnosisRead More »