February 26, 2016 —
With the growing senior population in America, financial elder abuse has been classified as an epidemic. The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recently devoted an entire issue of their publication, Public Policy & Aging Report, to the growing problem. The GSA wants to alert financial institutions, seniors and families that scammers wrest almost $3 billion... Read More
February 18, 2016 —
There’s a kitchen plaque with the saying: “If I had known how much fun grandkids were, I would have had them first!” This reflects the fact that grandparents share many of the joys of having small children in their lives—with far fewer responsibilities. However, today’s grandparent caregivers take this role one step further. We hear... Read More
February 11, 2016 —
It’s winter and that means the perfect environment for gastrointenstinal illnesses. Those suffering from the unpleasant symptoms sometimes report that they have a case of the “stomach flu,” but this term really isn’t accurate; “the flu” refers to respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The most likely culprit in these illnesses is a class of... Read More
February 9, 2016 —
Senior professionals have shifted focus about what it means to grow older in America. Professionals and family members are aware that maintaining dignity through empowerment is a very important foundation in our older years. Families and care providers are aware that helping loved ones maintain independence through activity and social engagement is vital to longevity... Read More
February 2, 2016 —
Strength training is an important component of a senior exercise program, helping older adults avoid age-related muscle loss, bone loss, and loss of flexibility. Lifting weights and using machines both provide benefits, but many seniors prefer to use resistance bands. Do these stretchy implements provide a good workout? Yes, if you use them correctly, say... Read More
January 22, 2016 —
February is American Heart Month and the American Heart Association launched a new campaign, Life’s Simple 7, which includes the My Life Check quiz that consumers can use to quickly ascertain their risk level for developing heart failure, a condition in which the heart is weakened, reducing blood flow to the body. The interactive quiz... Read More
January 15, 2016 —
We may live in the Texas Gulf Coast area, but winter weather can be tough on all skin types. As we grow older, we’re more likely to experience the discomfort of dry skin. Dry skin is a common problem during the winter and its effects can be painful, causing the skin to flake, itch, crack and... Read More
January 8, 2016 —
It’s a new year and time for a new routine! During the holidays we probably let our senior exercise routine lapse. No, wrapping presents and repeatedly checking the temperature of the turkey doesn’t count! So for many of us, exercise showed up on our list of New Year’s resolutions—just at the point when the weather... Read More
December 31, 2015 —
Ten years after completing a brain training program, a group of older people still had improved cognitive abilities, according to results of a randomized clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health. The report, from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study, appeared in the Journal of the American Geriatrics... Read More
December 11, 2015 —
We’re in the midst of that bustling holiday season and caregivers can be overwhelmed by additions to their already busy schedule. In fact, a study by MIT’s AgeLab and AARP’s Public Policy Institute found that caregivers were more likely to report feeling stressed and worried than non-caregivers. “During the holidays we often take on the... Read More
