According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of both non-fatal and fatal injuries in the elderly. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over one million seniors over the age of 65 go to the emergency room each year for injuries caused by everyday items. Checking over your senior loved one's home and…
There are a variety of ways you can enhance your elderly loved one’s day. The best part is that most of these ways are completely free and require little more than your time. With the tips listed below, you can enhance your loved one’s quality of life, one day at a time. Talk about What Your Parent Loves Reminiscing about…
Seniors often have arthritis in their knees. While many may resist the need to exercise, movement increases mobility, strengthens muscles, and boosts flexibility. Doing the exercises below also reduces the likelihood of painful falls because they also build lower body strength. Hip Marches Have your senior loved one stand behind a straight chair while holding its top edge. As your…
Dementia is a progressive condition that causes symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, poor decision-making, and agitation, to worsen over time. However, developing a proper care plan, taking medications correctly, and letting go of bad habits could slow the progression of this neurological disorder and boost quality of life. Below are some of the things that could make dementia worse…
Aside from being a relaxing hobby, gardening has many therapeutic benefits for seniors, especially if it's a combination of flower and edible gardening. The setup of the landscape and the tools used can easily be modified to accommodate capabilities, allowing many seniors to enjoy the following health benefits of gardening regardless of physical abilities. 1. Provides a Safe Form of…
Many senior stroke survivors experience a decrease in motor skills, specifically in the hands and arms, which makes activities of daily living difficult or impossible to complete. Fortunately, with effective hand and finger exercises, senior stroke survivors can create new neural pathways in the brain to reactivate muscles affected by the stroke. Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of…
Faulty insulin regulation and changes to the gastrointestinal system are just a couple of the potential health risks associated with genetically modified foods, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology. For adults 65 and older who are already susceptible to other health issues, GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, could present additional risks. Read on to learn more about the impact…
Talking to an aging parent about the need to move in with your family is one of the most difficult conversations you can have regarding long-term care. Your parent may refuse to move for many reasons, but the loss of independence is one of the most common concerns. While you know a move is the best decision for your loved…
Aging in place has many benefits, but a few precautions should be taken to help seniors avoid any pitfalls. Share these simple yet important steps with your senior loved one to help him or her increase safety while enjoying an independent lifestyle. 1. Prepare for Emergencies Keep emergency numbers by each phone in large print. In addition to 911, include…
Most seniors tend to focus on strength and flexibility when they’re trying to get fit, but balance is also an essential part of good health. This often overlooked aspect of fitness can help seniors complete their daily tasks without slipping, tripping, stumbling, or falling. Like any other physical skill, balance can be increased with practice and the right equipment. Use…