Category: Blog

It can be hard to spot the difference between normal memory problems that come with aging and those associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. But what if it’s neither of these options? If you or a family member are demonstrating memory loss but you’ve ruled out Alzheimer’s, there may be other causes that need treating.  Let’s look at some other causes of memory loss when you know it’s not Alzheimer’s Disease. Side effects of medications Memory loss is a potential side effect of certain medications. Check the packaging for reported side effects to see if this might be the case. If it is, see your doctor about changing to a different type of medication.  Drug or alcohol abuse Abusing drugs and/or alcohol takes its toll on the body throughout your life. The…

After spending decades or even close to a lifetime together, it can be heartbreaking to watch your partner’s condition deteriorate in your senior years. This is the reality facing lots of seniors following their loved one’s diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurodegenerative conditions. If you or someone you know is in this position, then read on for some helpful resources and coping strategies. Learn about the disease and symptoms Once you learn about your spouse’s dementia diagnosis, it’s a good idea to learn what you can about it to inform and prepare yourself. Understanding the diagnosis can help you better support your spouse while also preparing you for what is to come in terms of the progression of the disease. Talk to and include your spouse Talking to…

If we’ve always been able to hear and see well, then we often take these and other senses for granted throughout our life. But lots of everyday things can damage our sight and hearing, especially when those things affect us repeatedly over time. We’ve already provided some tips about how you can look after your eyes and your sight as you age, so let’s also look at some ways to protect your ears and your hearing. Why it’s important to look after your hearing Statistics show that almost 25% of adults aged 65-74 in the US have some form of disabling hearing loss, and this figure jumps to 50% for adults over 75. While hearing problems can be caused by certain conditions that become more common as we age, a…

If we’ve always been able to hear and see well, then we often take these and other senses for granted throughout our life. But lots of everyday things can damage our sight and hearing, especially when those things affect us repeatedly over time. We’ve already provided some tips about how you can look after your eyes and your sight as you age, so let’s also look at some ways to protect your ears and your hearing. Why it’s important to look after your hearing Statistics show that almost 25% of adults aged 65-74 in the US have some form of disabling hearing loss, and this figure jumps to 50% for adults over 75. While hearing problems can be caused by certain conditions that become more common as we age, a…

If we’ve always been able to hear and see well, then we often take these and other senses for granted throughout our life. But lots of everyday things can damage our sight and hearing, especially when those things affect us repeatedly over time. We’ve already provided some tips about how you can look after your eyes and your sight as you age, so let’s also look at some ways to protect your ears and your hearing. Why it’s important to look after your hearing Statistics show that almost 25% of adults aged 65-74 in the US have some form of disabling hearing loss, and this figure jumps to 50% for adults over 75. While hearing problems can be caused by certain conditions that become more common as we age, a…

Most people love having a furry companion by their side, to come home to and to love unconditionally. Studies have even found that owning a dog or another pet can have a number of health benefits. This is especially true for seniors. Here are some of the great things that pets can do for the mental and physical health of seniors… Provide you with company For a senior who lives alone, owning a pet can provides some much need companionship. This helps to reduce feelings of loneliness among seniors, which also has a positive effect in terms of reducing the chances of depression. Owning a pet can even increase human interaction because other people are drawn to pets. You might find yourself talking to other dog owners while you’re out…

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…

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…

Are you or a loved one ready for the move into assisted living? If you’re still considering your options, it helps to understand a bit more about what each type of care will provide you with. To help you get started, here are 7 things you should know about assisted living. You can live by yourself Assisted living residents have different levels of independence depending on their care needs, but you absolutely can still live on your own with your own private space. Private apartments and studios are the standard types of accommodation in most assisted living communities. You’ll make lots of new friends Although you may be moving further away from friends and family, assisted living is the perfect environment for socializing and making new friends. There are lots…

  It’s not always easy to tell when someone needs help, especially if they choose to hide their poor physical and mental health from those around them. Your parents may wish to retain their independence as they age, but it is important to keep a close eye on how they are doing, especially if a parent lives alone. Here are some signs to look out for that might indicate that an aging parent needs help, even if they’re not ready to admit it. Poor housekeeping If your parent(s) normally run a tight ship, keeping everything in order around the house, then changes in this may be easy to spot. For example, if mail is piled up and bills are left unpaid, if expired food is left in the fridge, and…