There are currently over 4 million active podcasts, which is a testament to their popularity. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics from cooking, the arts, and politics to book reviews, health, and family caregiving.
Whether you are new to the family caregiver journey or finding your stride, podcasts can offer a beneficial listening experience that’s accessible and available at your convenience. Podcasts can offer encouragement, smart insights, and useful ideas. …
Supportive and insightful podcasts for family caregiversRead More »
Are you reflecting on life and its lessons? With so many options for self-publishing, writing a memoir may appeal. The process generates a new perspective on the meaning of one’s life. The end result lets future generations learn about you and their forebears. Find writing kits and courses online, such as Writers.com.
One thought to consider: Creating a chronological review can be unwieldy. It suggests you’ll present things with accuracy. Besides, recounting dates, locations, and events is just not fun or inspirational! Plus, you may have concerns about offending someone in the way you tell your stories. That can leach the joy out of the project. …
Some physical, emotional, and cognitive changes are likely as we grow older. When these changes interfere with safety, self-care, and personal well-being, it may indicate a need for assistance.
Here are six common signs that reveal an older adult may need help: …
Signs an Older Person You Care About May Need HelpRead More »
A “screening” is a general test to look for signs of a problem. Because early detection makes a huge difference in your ability to recover from any disease or condition, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans use screening tests for many health issues. Often these tests are 100% covered—no copayments. But you must fit eligibility criteria. The criteria usually involve age, symptoms, and/or a family history that puts you at risk. …
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of western Washington beginning Friday afternoon (July 5) as temperatures should approach and even exceed 90 degrees over the weekend.
Summer is officially here. The weather forecast has us bracing for some hot weather. During the hottest months, dehydration is one of the most frequent diagnoses leading to hospitalization for older adults. According to the National Institutes on Health, “Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications because of the declining ability of the body to thermo-regulate with age, as well as because of social/behavioral factors, such as increased likelihood of living alone, being homebound, or taking medications that interfere with fluid balance.”
Here are some tips to help stay cool and minimize risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. …
This month as we celebrate Pride, we at Aging Wisdom want to highlight some meaningful moments our Creative Engagement Specialists have had connecting with our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adult clients through tailored, personalized engagement. …
What is stress? A common definition is “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.” Another popular definition is “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” (For more information, visit The American Institute of Stress).
Stress is a ubiquitous part of life, impacting each of us differently. It’s the body’s normal response to change or a threat. Too much stress, especially if chronic, can impact mental health and overall well-being. …
Do you feel defensive when your kids visit? Notice them exchanging knowing glances when you don’t recall a date or name?
Perhaps you feel reluctant to approach them when you do have concerns, because they overreact. So you keep your distance. That isn’t good, either.
It’s a fine line between feeling that your adult children love you and want to protect you, and feeling smothered or even invalidated by them in terms of your competence and self-sufficiency.
Noted geriatrician and author Atul Gawande, MD, observes that while adult children worry most about safety, older adults worry about autonomy and independence. Put another way: Adult children think in terms of “caring for.” Older adults prefer to be “cared about.”
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Research supports how small, manageable lifestyle changes can be powerful, lasting ways to improve brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia. It is never too late to start.
You have likely adopted many of these healthy habits already. Congratulations and keep up the good work! Any change you make to positively impact brain health will also benefit your physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive health. And who doesn’t want to feel better? …
May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s OAM theme is Powered by Connection, recognizing “the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.”
As Aging Life Care professionals and Creative Engagement Specialists, we understand how vital meaningful relationships and social connections are to quality of life and individual well-being, especially as we age. This is supported by research and our experiences working with clients and other older adults and their supports. …