Notes On Healthy Aging

For older adults, there could be an endless stream of things preventing optimal sleep at night. As we age it is even more important to consider the health benefits of maintaining healthy sleep patterns. Lack of sleep has been linked to decreased insulin sensitivity, decreased glucose tolerance, and increased hunger and appetite. Poor sleep is […]

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people today. The onset of neurocognitive decline in older adults is usually a gradual process. While family members can often manage caring for their loved ones during the early stages, this can become challenging (and in some cases, unsustainable) as the condition progresses […]

Most seniors have multiple prescribed medications and it can be all too easy to lose track of dosages, mix-up pills, or forget to take them. In fact, one study found that out of 99,628 adverse drug event-related hospitalizations among individuals 65 years and older, two-thirds were due to unintentional overdoses. Fortunately, there are several ways […]

Stress is a natural part of life at all stages but coping with stress is especially important for senior health. The body’s normal response to stress is to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline – which trigger physiological responses like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. As the body ages, it can have […]

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is very common among older adults. As the body ages, arteries begin to lose their elasticity, causing blood pressure to rise. Usually, this increase doesn’t cause any of the symptoms you’d typically see with other kinds of heart disease. Most people don’t even realize their blood pressure is […]

Interacting with a loved one who has symptoms of dementia can often feel like a daunting task. However, there are several strategies caregivers can employ to not only improve communication but also facilitate more fulfilling conversations with an aging adult. It’s important to first consider the various ways dementia can affect the mind. If your […]

Most older adults want to continue living in their homes and communities as they age. However, not all homes are equipped to help your loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. For some families, an independent living or assisted living community gives them the peace of mind that their loved ones can continue living […]

Have a seat. Today, we’ll be talking about how you can exercise to maintain your fitness and stability as you age – all without leaving your chair. Usually when we think about “exercise,” we think about big dynamic movements or feats of athleticism. However, for those using wheelchairs and walkers, such a level of exertion […]

Moving from a long-time home into an assisted living facility can be a challenging experience. In addition to adjusting to a brand-new lifestyle, moving to a senior living community usually entails a reduction in living space. Downsizing to fit into smaller accommodations can be tough for anyone, but for older adults with a lifetime of […]

As we age through life, it’s common to fall out of touch with some friends and family. Of course, healthy relationships are important at every age – but the necessity of socialization for older adults is critical for their overall health. Studies have shown that regular social interactions help keep people physically, mentally, and emotionally […]