When we think of “wellness,” often our thoughts turn to physical health. We think of a nutritional diet and exercise. But wellness, as a concept, is more encompassing than how our bodies feel day-to-day. Striving for wellness also includes mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. And, while holistic wellness is important at any age, as we get older, practicing wellness can allow us to not only live longer, but also [...]
When we think about safety for older adults, we often think of it in terms of the risks at home and how to eliminate falls. We focus on immediate hazard prevention such as improving lighting, adding grab bars and handrails. Removing items from high shelves and dark basements. All these things are necessary and important for successful aging in place. But safety for seniors goes beyond tangible tactics. Here [...]
It’s practically a universal truth: If you are in a good mental state of mind, you’re more inclined to be active and exercise. If you are well and fit, your mind feels sharper and more focused. Mental and physical health are equal partners. The need for that balance grows even stronger with age. The Circular Relationship between Physical and Mental Health For an older person, physical decline - be it [...]
No matter our age, having a sense of purpose or meaning to life propels us to be healthier and happier overall, according to recent research. A sense of purpose can be defined as having a sense of direction and that there is true meaning to our present and past life. One’s purpose can vary from person to person and can change with the specific life stage we are in. For [...]
Humans are social beings and we need connection with and to each other to thrive. Study after study demonstrates that when we feel lonely or isolated, we have a higher risk for physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and even death, according to information from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). It’s the feeling of loneliness that seems to be most [...]
How we react emotionally to chronic stress can have a cascading effect on our physical health. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If left unchecked, the stress we feel may contribute to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other physical illnesses. It also can lead to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, according to information from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). And [...]
Maintaining Physical Independence Our cognition dwindles with age, but so does our body. In fact, our physical health often goes first. It can be hard to notice the small and gradual physical declines from day to day, which can make it difficult to know when we need to start asking for help. The relative rates at which our bodies start to give out are what separate us, and will ultimately [...]
Cognitive health allows us to make decisions and perform tasks through thought, experience, and the senses. Naturally, with age, our cognitive abilities will decline which impacts our ability to recall or remember, perform simple math, and the ability to reason or judge. When our cognition starts to diminish, the feeling of being overwhelmed may take over while we try to keep up with everything as if nothing has changed. [...]
6 Ways to Support Independence at Home Many elders are vulnerable, isolated, alone and often feel afraid. Together we can keep them safe, encourage a sense of community, and quell their fears. We have put together a list of activities that your clients or family members can engage with to help them maintain their independence. Each activity supports a different area of independence: cognitive, physical, financial, emotional, social and purpose. [...]
Most of us don't wake up one morning and realize we can no longer care for ourselves. The process of aging involves multiple stages; some of us will experience all of these while others go through a few. Each stage is unique. Understanding these stages will help you prepare for them so, whether aging alone or with a partner, you will be ready for whatever lies ahead. The stages include [...]
