According to the Administration on Aging, 92 percent of adults older than age 65 have at least one chronic health condition, and 77 percent have at least two. With the medications needed to control these issues, it’s important to make sure your elderly loved one is taking his or her prescriptions safely, especially if there’s more than one. To help…
Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have difficulty eating. When a senior has Alzheimer’s, challenges with eating can stem from medications, ill-fitting dentures, missing teeth, and swallowing difficulties. If your aging loved one has Alzheimer’s, check out these six tips for encouraging him or her to eat. 1. Develop a Mealtime Routine Regular mealtimes and related activities can be helpful for seniors…
Happiness plays a big part in a senior’s health, and older adults sometimes become depressed during times of illness or loss. As you prepare to spend time with your elderly loved one, consider these ideas for bringing a smile to his or her face. Engage in Child’s Play There are some activities that bring pure joy that people never outgrow,…
Quitting smoking later in life can feel challenging, but simple distraction techniques can make a significant difference. By redirecting attention during cravings, older adults can reduce nicotine dependence, improve lung function, and support overall wellbeing. The key is to adopt easy, safe, and enjoyable activities that replace the habit while promoting both mental and physical health. 1. Engage in Light…
Being a family caregiver is likely to present you with many challenges, but it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You need to incorporate fun into your daily routine and learn how to turn a bad situation into a good one. Here are some things family caregivers can do to make a sad time a happy experience. Look for…
For seniors who live at home, keeping the living environment clean, tidy, and hygienic is important. Cluttered floors often lead to slips, falls, and serious injuries, while unhygienic kitchens and bathrooms can leave seniors more susceptible to illness. If you notice your senior loved one is avoiding housekeeping duties, there are plenty of ways you can help. 1. Assess the…
Even though there’s no cure for dementia, older adults who are diagnosed with this disorder in its earliest stages can often delay some of the worst symptoms. With comprehensive treatment plans, seniors might be able to minimize symptoms such as severe memory loss, aggressive behavior, and general confusion. Here’s a closer look at some of the early warning signs of…
As your elderly loved one grows older, he or she may begin to experience mental, emotional, and physical changes that cause him or her to depend on others for assistance. However, these changes don’t prevent your loved one from living at home as long as he or she has help from a caregiver. Here are some of the top reasons…
Antioxidants are minerals, vitamins, and proteins that play a role in chemical reactions that protect the body against damage. Selenium, vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene are all examples of antioxidants, and they’re found in abundance in produce, nuts, and whole grains. Antioxidants offer the following benefits for older adults. Combats Free Radicals & Oxidative Stress Over…
If you’re looking for a great nutritional guide for your senior parent with Alzheimer’s, start with the MIND diet, which was developed by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris from Rush University Medical Center. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, which have both been shown to boost cardiovascular…
