Author: hallenmedia

Our bodies have different needs at different stages of our lives, but looking after your body should always be a priority, no matter what age you are. As we get older, it’s common for our appetites to decrease, making it more likely that we don’t eat enough of the right foods. Other problems can afflict some seniors, such as difficulty swallowing or chewing their food, a loss of taste or smell, or symptoms related to dementia that make it more difficult to maintain a regular eating schedule. But eating enough and eating the right kinds of food is important for both your physical and your mental health. If you think that you or a senior loved one needs to change up what they eat for better nutrition, then read on…

Increased forgetfulness and difficulty remembering names or other details is common as we age. In most cases, it’s completely normal and nothing to worry about (read our blog on how to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia symptoms). In these cases, is there anything you can do to try and combat your aging memory or even reverse the effects for an improved memory? Read on for some tips and tricks for a better memory. Neuroplasticity Your brain is incredibly adaptable and capable of learning new things. Neuroscientists refer to neuroplasticity, which describes the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways between neurons, even as we age. When we learn something new or challenge our brains in another way, these pathways are formed and strengthened. So, we can…

No matter what stage of your life you’re in, a good night’s sleep is always important. And we may face sleep problems at any age, from stressed-out college students to teething babies, not to mention the parents of those teething babies! Sleep problems are commonplace among seniors, too. Let’s look at some common sleep problems faced by seniors and the importance of a good night’s sleep. Factors that disrupt sleep among seniors We naturally become lighter sleepers in our old age due to a decrease in melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycle. This means we experience less ‘deep sleep’ and are more likely to wake up during the night. This can also explain why seniors typically wake up earlier and go to sleep earlier than they…

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition. This means that it affects the brain and the nervous system, gradually causing degeneration over time. In most cases, Parkinson’s appears between the ages of 50 and 60, and it affects more men than women. If you want to know more about Parkinson’s, then read on for information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this illness. What causes Parkinson’s disease? Like most neurodegenerative disorders, the cause of Parkinson’s is complex and not completely understood. It has been found to affect a region of the brain that is responsible for producing dopamine, so lower levels of dopamine are a factor that has been linked to the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Proteins known as Lewy Bodies have also been linked to this disease, as well as…

Getting the flu or an infection in your 20s may not be a big deal, you’re young and healthy so can usually fight it off easily. However, these same conditions in your old age can be a lot more serious. You should no longer just shrug it off when you start noticing new symptoms. Here are some symptoms to look out for as you age that could indicate a more serious concern. Weight loss Many seniors experience a reduced appetite as they age. Their hunger signals become weaker and the amount that they can comfortably eat reduces, which often results in weight loss. So, it’s even more important that seniors pursue a balanced diet to avoid risks of malnutrition. However, if you notice that you are losing weight without trying…

For people who had good eyesight as a child and young adult, the point where they start to need glasses for reading or driving is often seen as a sign that they’re ‘getting old’. It’s completely normal for our eyes to deteriorate slightly as we age, but looking after our eyes throughout our life can help to reduce or slow down this level of deterioration, as well as helping to prevent more serious conditions such as glaucoma. Let’s look at some simple ways to protect your eyes and keep them in good condition. Get your eyes tested regularly You should get your eyes tested at least every two years to check for any health problems or changes in prescription. If you notice any problems with your eyes in between check-ups,…

When you move into a senior living community, you want to find an apartment that suits your needs and your tastes. You’ll have a variety of decisions to make to find the right apartment, starting with which senior living community to move to, all the way down to the finer details of your accommodation. One of these decisions is whether furnished or unfurnished accommodation is better suited to you. Let’s look at some of the benefits of each option to help you decide which is best for your move into independent or assisted living. The pros of choosing furnished accommodation The main reason to choose a furnished apartment is the convenience. You don’t have to go through the hassle of moving in all of your old furniture or buying new…

One of the best things about getting older is seeing your children grow up and start their own families. Most people report that being a grandparent is even better than becoming a parent because you get to do fun things with them and shower them with love and gifts without all of the sleepless nights and overwhelming responsibility. If you’re babysitting for the day or are just spending some quality time with your grandkids, then here are some activities you could do together. Baking Lots of people have stories about how they learned to bake from their grandmas, so give this experience to your grandkids. Baking is a fun activity that promises tasty, sweet treats at the end of it. They’ll love helping you measure and stir the ingredients, as…

In 2020, almost 6 million people in America suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Whether or not Alzheimer’s affects you or someone you love, research into the disease is a worthwhile cause. If you’re interested in getting involved to support Alzheimer’s care and research, then read on to find out how. About Alzheimer’s research What do researchers and non-profit organizations hope to achieve by funding and conducting research into Alzheimer’s? Here are some of the key areas being worked toward: More effective diagnosis methodsNew treatment strategiesHow to manage Alzheimer’s and its symptomsHow to prevent Alzheimer’sCare and support for patients and their families How can you help? If you want to support Alzheimer’s and dementia research, then here are a few ideas of what to do… Donate There are lots of worthwhile causes,…

If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, then you have a few different options for their care once they can no longer live independently. Your main options are in-home care, assisted living care, or specialized memory care. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the benefits of dedicated memory care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Caters to memory conditions It’s important for your loved one to receive care that meets their specific needs. While skilled nurses and regular assisted living facilities can provide care for dementia patients, memory care is specifically designed to supports the needs of those with memory problems and related conditions. With memory care, you know that your loved one will get the dedicated and tailored support that they need.…