It’s a fact that we simply feel more refreshed when we’ve had a good night’s sleep, and for adults of all ages that means 7 to 9 hours daily. For those over age 65, getting a better night's rest improves memory, sharpens alertness, speeds up healing, and provides more energy.
Dehydration can occur at any age, with seniors being more at risk than other adults. This article summarizes the role of fluid in our bodies, and the effects of aging on fluid balance. It then provides you with tips for preventing your parent from becoming dehydrated. You’ll read about signs of dehydration in aging adults and treatment for those who need extra help to return to a healthy fluid balance.
The nutritional needs of seniors may change as their body undergoes several physiological changes. And as a result, dietary adjustments must be made in order to keep them healthy and active for many years to come. Let’s take a look now at what some of those changes mean.
Many seniors today are choosing to age in place within their own homes with the support of their families. At some point, however, the aging process simply makes it too hard for seniors to get out and participate in activities like they once did. When a senior becomes homebound, excessive sleep or television viewing is [...]
While growing up your mom was always there to lift your spirits when you were feeling down. Ever since your dad passed away, you’ve noticed that your mother just doesn’t seem to have the same twinkle in her eye or outgoing demeanor that she used to. It’s harder to get her to engage in conversation, [...]
The last few times you’ve stopped by your elderly parents’ home you’ve noticed a pile of unopened mail on their dining room table, and that several of the envelopes were stamped with “payment due” on the outside. Lately your mom and dad have also been complaining about bill collectors harassing them on the phone. What [...]
Many families today are turning to private in-home caregivers for their aging parents instead of placing them in long-term care facilities. Private in-home care allows seniors to age in place with dignity and independence within the comfort of their own home. The two available paid caregiver options are hiring an independent contractor directly or going [...]
At some point, roughly 1 in 3 American adults will serve as caregivers for another family member, usually an aging parent. Being a caregiver is highly rewarding, but as time progresses the added responsibilities can be tiring. When a caregiver gets worn down, they can experience physical and mental fatigue, and later health and relationship [...]
Being a caregiver for someone who has dementia brings with it many challenges. One of these challenges is navigating public situations. The increased confusion and personality changes that often accompany dementia can make social situations stressful both for the person who has dementia and for caregivers. This can increase feelings of social isolation and caregiver [...]
This article about challenges associated with early onset Alzheimer’s focuses on information that families need to have when a diagnosis is likely or has just been made. The responses to each question offer an overview for planning next steps. What is Early Onset Alzheimer’s? Early onset Alzheimer’s begins when a person is younger than 65, [...]
