Chronic Illness and Aging
Many people assume that chronic health problems are an inevitable part of aging. While it is true your likelihood of suffering from many diseases and health conditions does increase as you age, it is not necessarily a given. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “older adults who practice healthy behaviors, take advantage […]
The Caregiving Burden
Family caregivers often have to make huge sacrifices to be able to take care of a spouse or relative in need. These sacrifices most commonly involve missed time at work, less time to spend with the rest of their family and friends, and fewer hours for themselves. Over time, these daily sacrifices can leave the […]
Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Boost Your Brain
Most people know that healthy eating and regular exercise can lower their risk for many health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But what most people don’t realize is that healthful living can help keep their brain young too. You should take the phrase “use it or lose it” to heart when […]
Looking Out For Your Eyes!
Protecting your eyesight as you age might be more important to your health and quality of life than you realize. Older people with poor eyesight often have to curtail activities that bring them joy and a sense of independence, including driving, reading, and watching TV. According to the CDC’s publication, The State of Vision, Aging […]
Job Stress Takes On A New Meaning for Family Caregivers
If you thought your 9 to 5 day job plus commute is stressful, imagine having the equivalent of a part-time job on top of it—except you don’t get paid for it. The part-time job I’m referring to is family caregiving, when the care of a spouse, elderly parent or another close family member falls on […]
Taking Senior Safety Seriously: Part 2
As part of our focus on safety (June is National Safety Month!), our blog last week looked at some common safety concerns around the house—a sort of “senior proofing” exercise for any caregiver. Falls are a particularly common and dangerous hazard for seniors, but other safety concerns should be on a caregiver’s radar as well. […]
Taking Senior Safety Seriously: Part 1
Most people have heard of “babyproofing” a home—things like putting up gates around stairs, locks on cabinets, and safety plugs in electrical outlets—to make sure a crawling baby or running toddler can’t hurt themselves. But how many of us have considered “senior proofing” our homes when we suddenly become responsible for the care of an […]
Adopt a Pet for Better Health
There is a reason dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” Owning a dog can make you happier and healthier. Over the years numerous studies have discovered significant physical and mental health benefits for pet owners. The extra physical activity dog owners typically get in the form of walks and play is one of the […]
How Much Do You Know About Arthritis?
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month One in five adults and over 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis, a debilitating and painful disease that attacks the joints. Arthritis actually refers to over 100 different conditions of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to severe joint pain and/or damage and mobility issues. The […]
Have You Heard About Adaptive Home Design?
Many aging seniors would prefer to live in their own home as long as possible, but unfortunately mobility and safety issues can often make aging in place challenging. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, aging in place, according to the SC Aging In Place Coalition, refers to “being able to remain in one’s […]