Author: hallenmedia

As we get older, our needs start to change. It may reach a point where we don’t have the mobility or fitness levels required to move around a large house every day or repeatedly go up and down the stairs. Cleaning and maintaining a large home and garden can particularly be difficult for seniors. And, of course, some seniors may require a senior living or assisted living facility to better support their needs. In all of these situations, some level of downsizing will be required as you move into a smaller, more manageable house or apartment. Read on for some tips on how to help a senior relative downsize effectively. Take it step-by-step Decluttering and downsizing aren’t processes that you can get done in an afternoon. As well as being…

Retirement gives you a new level of freedom. You no longer have to stick with your usual routine of getting up early and going to work 5 days a week. So, what should you do with yourself? Some people find themselves initially feeling bored and a little lost when they retire. If you’re planning for retirement or are a recent retiree, here are some ideas of things you can do with your newfound free time. Pick up a new hobby Is there something that’s always interested you but you’ve never found the time for? Well now is the time to do it! You might want to learn a new language or learn how to play an instrument. Take up gardening, fishing, or photography. Join a local club or class to…

If something feels a little off or you’re experiencing mild symptoms, it’s easy to shrug them off and assume it’s nothing serious. But some seemingly mild symptoms can be warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore, especially when it comes to your heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, and those over the age of 45 are particularly at risk. It’s especially important for seniors to be able to recognize the symptoms that could be warning you about an unhealthy heart. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for. Irregular heartbeat An arrhythmia is when your heart beats in an irregular rhythm. This isn’t always a sign of something serious, but it is always worth getting checked out because it can be a…

Low mobility can affect anyone at any age, but it becomes a more common problem when we reach our senior years. Our muscles and bones may become weaker as we age, we’re more likely to experience joint pain that limits our movement, and we may be more likely to suffer from injuries or illnesses that impact our mobility. When this occurs, there are various aids that can help us stay mobile and independent as we age. These include simple aids such as walking sticks and more advanced things like mobility scooters What is a mobility scooter? A mobility scooter is a small ride-on vehicle that is electrically powered. It consists of a seat, handlebars, and a flat surface where the user rests their feet, as well other options such as…

As we get older, it can sometimes become harder to get all the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients we need for a healthy mind and body. Our appetites tend to decrease and we’re unable to eat as much as we used to, and your body may become less efficient at absorbing the necessary nutrients from food. There may also be additional factors relating to certain health conditions, such as pain or difficulty when swallowing solid foods (dysphagia). If you are a loved one are having problems with nutrition in your senior years, then supplements could help you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Here are some of the supplements to consider taking as you age… Calcium Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. Most people lose…

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…