Topic: well being
Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others.
The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health.
Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others,” the same advice applies to family caregivers. Putting your own oxygen mask on first is a metaphor for self-care.
We all need a break from the demands of daily life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is an important yet often overlooked aspect of every family care partner’s self-care. …
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. …
Can two households be better than one? In a trend called “living apart together” (LAT), a growing number of older couples are experimenting with committed relationships that also allow for autonomy. …
If you are used to having an “annual physical” and ask for that, original Medicare won’t pay for it. That is, original Medicare won’t pay doctors to do a general physical exam “to see what turns up”; you’ll pay out of pocket. (Medicare Advantage might have this as an “extra.” Check with your plan.) …
“Gratitude is associated with a personal benefit that was not intentionally sought after, deserved, or earned but rather because of the good intentions of another person” (Emmons & McCullough, 2004). …
November is National Hospice Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about this often misunderstood but important service and support.
The recent announcement by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s family* that he’s entered hospice care has helped familiarize many of us with hospice care, providing an opportunity for us all to get educated on the benefits that hospice can offer. *Since we posted this article, the Carter family has more recently shared that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has also entered hospice care.
Understanding end-of-life care options can be essential to making informed decisions. …
Falls are multifactorial: involving, or dependent on several factors or causes. There are a number of possible contributors to falls that we often overlook that are essential to overall health, mobility, balance, and independence.
From our experience as Care Managers, we know how important it is to schedule regular check-ups, especially as we age. There can be a ripple effect if we aren’t careful. Vision, hearing, and foot care all play key roles in health maintenance and fall risk prevention. Our eyes, ears, and feet also support our ability to get regular exercise. And regular exercise can contribute to so many positives: strength, balance, overall well-being, appetite, mental acuity and cognition, a good night’s sleep. …
Falls Prevention (3/4): More Pearls of Wisdom for Health and IndependenceRead More »
“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” ~John Muir
In the Pacific Northwest, we relish our weather and enjoy an abundance of accessible, free parks, green spaces, beaches, and vistas. Rain doesn’t stop us from enjoying nature and being outdoors. We know the value of good rain gear, as there’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
At Aging Wisdom, through our care management practice and creative engagement program, we understand the many benefits and the value of nature-based activities. The documented, evidence-based health benefits are abundant, especially for older adults. Planning outdoor activities and time to connect with nature with our clients is common.
Our work is rooted in helping others live well, care well, and age well. …
Biophilia*: The Benefits of Connecting with NatureRead More »
Aging in place has great appeal and can be challenging and expensive. Elders who are part of a “Village” help each other with simple tasks, making it easier and more financially feasible to stay at home. Today, there are close to 250 Villages across the country. They are part of a widespread grassroots movement of like-minded elders focused on community building and elder empowerment. This is not just another social service.
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“With a little help from our friends”: The Village movementRead More »
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Here are some evidence-based approaches to boost brain health and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. …
Better Brain Health: What’s good for your heart is good for your brainRead More »