You’ve probably heard about practicing mindfulness before but what exactly does it mean? In short, mindfulness means focusing on being rooted in the present moment. It sounds simple enough. But just like any skill, learning to be mindful takes practice and patience. Purpose of Mindfulness Overall, the idea behind mindfulness is being actively engaged with… Read More
It’s a stereotype about aging—muscles tighten and we can’t quite move like we used to. Getting older doesn’t mean we are destined to decreasing mobility and range of motion. And one of the most important thing we can do to maintain mobility as we age is stretching! As we age, our muscles, tendons, and ligaments… Read More
These days, it seems that good feelings about other people can be in short supply! Political battles, sniping in Facebook comments and trolls on news sites can make us all feel a little prickly, judgmental and self-focused. But according to a March 2019 study from Iowa State University (ISU), improving our feelings toward other people… Read More
Family caregiving is hard work, especially when a loved one is living with memory loss. There is hands-on care, piles of paperwork and watchful responsibilities. Yet many family members report that of these tasks, the most challenging is communicating with their loved one. From the early stages of the disease, people living with Alzheimer’s may… Read More
As we approach the heart of summer, with its beautiful sunshine and balmy weather, many of us look forward to dining alfresco and enjoying barbecues and picnics with friends and family. It’s a lovely season, but for older adults, it’s crucial to remember that warm weather can bring with it a higher risk of foodborne… Read More
When a natural disaster strikes, all living things are in danger. But older people are especially at risk of injury or illness because of pre-existing conditions or mobility issues. Being prepared for natural disasters can literally mean the difference between life and death or serious injury. And unfortunately, these natural disasters and climate events are… Read More
You’ve probably heard the old adage that couples shouldn’t go to bed angry. This advice could apply to other relationships as well, according to a new study from Oregon State University (OSU). The study authors also say older adults are better at heeding this advice than are younger people. The research team reports that after… Read More
During the pandemic, many people quarantined in their homes and didn’t go out as much. On the other hand, public health experts told us that socializing outdoors was much safer than inside. Events from weddings to family nursing home visits to church services migrated outdoors as weather permitted. If you or an older loved one… Read More
The itchy, watery eyes. The on-going congestion. The tingling sensation that just…just…just…makes you sneeze! Spring means fresh flowers and sunshine, but it also brings along allergies. Allergies are the body’s overreaction to foreign protein that gets into or onto the body. And it’s the sixth-leading chronic illness in the United States, impacting more than 100… Read More
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home! It’s also an excellent time to take stock of your mental and emotional health. As we age, our brains naturally undergo changes that can affect memory, cognitive function, and mood. However, there are several things older adults can do to spring clean for their brains and maintain optimal… Read More