As seniors age, they sometimes begin to lose interests in hobbies, withdraw from society, and experience feelings of helplessness. However, there are ways family caregivers can help their loved ones prevent chronic stress and alleviate anxiety. Below are some tips to help your aging parent manage depression. 1. Discuss Your Parent’s Fears The financial burdens adults face in the senior…
To stay healthy, older adults are advised to get a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise each week. For some, weight-bearing exercise might be forbidden. In this case, they might consider taking a Pilates class. Many Pilates exercises are performed while sitting or lying on a mat. The techniques focus on breathing, control, centering, flow, and precision and offer a…
Many caregivers live a long distance away from their senior loved ones. While this position does pose a few challenges compared to living next door or in the same town, you can still provide your loved one with high-quality care no matter where you live. Try these tips to overcome common challenges created by distance so you feel good about…
As seniors age, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and more delicate. It loses its elasticity, and blood vessels are less likely to provide moisture and nutrients. As a result, the skin tears easily. However, there are several ways to prevent skin tears and methods to help wounds heal when they occur. 1. Upgrade Environmental Safety Even bumping into something may…
Throughout life, people are bound to experience stressful situations from time to time. Stress affects people emotionally and physically. Often the stress is short-lived. However, some people live with chronic stress. As adults age, stress becomes increasingly taxing on the body. Here are a few ways stress may impact aging. Contributes to Physical Health Conditions Chronic stress exposes the body to…
Staying active can enhance many areas of a senior’s life, such as socialization, cognitive function, and physical strength. Here are some tips you can use to motivate your senior loved one to stay active as he or she ages. 1. Simplify Activities Aging often affects cognitive abilities, but it doesn’t prevent seniors from staying active. Find ways to simplify your…
A lack of specific vitamins can lead to cognitive decline, but taking the right vitamins can keep the mind healthy and stave off age-related memory loss. Knowing what to take can greatly enhance an aging adult's memory and overall brain health. The following four vitamins are some of the best for boosting memory. 1. Vitamin D Vitamin D is necessary…
It’s not uncommon for aging adults to seemingly lose their appetite. If lack of appetite isn’t addressed, seniors become malnourished and lose weight, which leaves them at greater risk for poor health. Family members must determine the underlying cause to effectively manage the problem. Look for a Physical or Mental Cause Older adults may have dentures that no longer fit…
According to statistics, more than 35 million older adults are affected by dementia worldwide. The number includes more than four million seniors in the United States. Many believe dementia is a normal consequence of aging, but that belief is incorrect. Several factors determine the prospect of developing cognitive impairment. Age The likelihood of developing dementia increases with age. Statistics for…
Whether spending time with family or friends, games are a great way to pass the time. There are many different games older adults might enjoy, and each also offers several enriching benefits. 1. Puzzle Books Crosswords, Sudoku, and word search games are popular among seniors. Puzzle books are ideal for stimulating memory and problem-solving skills. Fine motor skills and the…