In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses an analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it is going to settle into most of the crevices and cracks of the room, impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has...
Read moreSenior Friendships: How to Make Them and Why They’re Important
If you have ever watched young children at the park, you know how quickly friendships are formed. A small group might be playing hide-and-seek, and a newcomer dashes over with a breathless, “Can I play?” More often than not, the reply is a...
Read moreTop Tips for Reducing Chemo Brain Symptoms
Short-term memory problems. Confusion. Inability to focus. Could it be dementia? Possibly; but if you’re a cancer survivor, there’s another likely culprit that could be at play: chemotherapy. Known as “chemo brain” or by its technical...
Read moreIt Takes Two: The Dual Purposes of a Caregiver Journal
Most of us are writing down notes all the time: grocery lists, to-do reminders, appointments, meetings, events…the list goes on and on. If you are a family caregiver, you have even more reasons for writing, as you manage another person’s life...
Read moreExciting Study May Lead to a New Alzheimer’s Treatment
If 2021 will be remembered as the year for COVID-19 vaccines, perhaps 2022 will make its mark with a different version of a life-changing vaccine: an Alzheimer’s treatment that might actually slow or prevent the further advancement of the...
Read moreFamily Caregiver Tips to Help a Loved One Navigate a New Diagnosis
It may have been presumed, or perhaps broadsided you out of the blue. Mom has just received the official diagnosis for a progressive disease that’s going to make independent life challenging. While there are lots of unknowns, one thing is for...
Read moreRespect Your Elders Through Avoiding Elderspeak
Watch what happens at your next family get-together when a new mom places her infant in someone’s arms. The person is likely to shift instantly into baby mode: a sing-song, high-pitched voice, overly simplified speech, and exaggerated facial...
Read moreMaintain Wellness by Enjoying the Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
The cool dampness of fresh soil. The warmth of the sun. The joyous trills of songbirds. Gardening has the capacity to engage each of our senses, and provides many great benefits to seniors. Regardless of ability level or any space restrictions...
Read moreTips for Caregivers: Assessing the Wellbeing of Seniors from a Distance
The isolation and fear caused by COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the wellbeing of seniors, with nearly 50% of seniors surveyed in a Kaiser Family Foundation poll stating that their level of stress and worry was adversely affecting their health. And...
Read moreOlder Adult Mental Health: Help for Holiday Sadness
During the holiday season, older adult mental health frequently comes to a head. Although this season is typically viewed as the season of joy, for many seniors the holidays are a time of sadness. Yearning for holidays past, grief over the loss...
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