During National Sleep Month in March, sleep experts have been offering tips and advice for better slumber. Scientists know more these days about sleep and its role in health. When we sleep, our bodies might be resting, but our brains certainly aren’t! Sleep is the time when the brain consolidates and stores memories, as well… Read More
It’s February, and winter is in full swing over most of the country. During the chillier months, it can be tempting to hunker down by the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate—but this time of year, it is just as important for seniors to be active and engaged. Make the effort to get out… Read More
A trip down memory lane with an older loved one is not only beneficial to you, but it’s also great for your loved one. Think about that twinkle in your loved one’s eye or the smile on their face when they talk about a fond memory. To reminisce is to remember or recall past experiences,… Read More
Common misperceptions can stand in the way of making the best choices as we grow older. Myth #1: Seniors are grouchy. Cartoon strips starring curmudgeonly old men, elderly women whacking miscreant teenagers with their canes…the crabby senior is an archetype with which we are all familiar. It is true that physical pain, depression, sensory impairment… Read More
A miracle brain power supplement? Superfood capsules? Herbal shakes with mysterious “cognitive health” enzymes? If you watch TV or go on the internet or read magazines, you are likely bombarded with commercials for products claiming to protect the memory and stave off dementia, even to “boost brain power.” Then there are nutrition “experts” who make… Read More
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Maybe you’ve vowed to lose weight, save money, read more books or clean the garage? We’d like to suggest another worthy resolution that could benefit you, your older loved ones, and even the young folks in the family: fighting ageism. Today there is an increased emphasis on… Read More
Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other winter holidays, you are probably making plans right now for the festivities. If you are caring for a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of memory loss, some advance preparation can help things go smoothly. Before the visit If you are the family… Read More
During the holidays, most of us make every effort to spend time with the people we love. We cook, clean the house and wrap presents. We brave frantic airports to join family who live out of town for whatever celebrations are meaningful to us. And if we have a friend or loved one who lives… Read More
Isn’t it ironic? During the season when we face the most temptation to overindulge our appetite, we are most likely to slow down and neglect our exercise program. Colder temperatures; rain and snow; fewer hours of daylight; and a busy holiday schedule are all factors that might push exercise to the bottom of our “to… Read More
For many seniors, medications play a big role in managing health problems. Remember, however, that all medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter, have potentially toxic side effects that can cause significant problems. Read on to find out several simple but important steps for avoiding the risk. There are two types… Read More