By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on June 26, 2020

Joy and happiness are emotions that boost a senior’s quality of life. These feelings could reduce behavioral challenges and boost confidence. Below are some secrets to being happy in the senior years. Develop a Strong Support System Establishing a strong network of family, friends, and medical providers can help older adults age joyfully. When times become difficult, the elderly can…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on June 12, 2020

Behavior and personality changes sometimes naturally occur with age, although such changes are usually gradual and not much reason for concern. What can be concerning for family caregivers are changes of this nature that come on suddenly or worsen or ones that come and go for no apparent reason. Here are six possible things that can lead to behavioral changes…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on May 29, 2020

Seniors may require help with daily activities if they become injured, ill, or cognitively impaired. For decades, admitting an elderly loved one to a long-term care facility was the only option. However, families now have the option of considering in-home care. When considering in-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on May 15, 2020

Whenever older adults experience a decrease in cognitive abilities, there's often a natural inclination to think it’s caused by dementia. However, this isn't always the case. In fact, if cognitive decline is generally mild and not progressing rapidly, it's often due to age-related issues. It's not something that's always reversible or entirely preventable, but there are ways you can help…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on April 24, 2020

Seniors are known for being early risers who often enjoy getting up with the sunrise. While there’s something to be said about being up before everyone else, this can sometimes be a problem if a senior doesn’t get enough rest. Aging impacts sleep cycles much like it does the rest of the body. Learning about the ways getting older affects…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on April 10, 2020

Since coronavirus can be dangerous for seniors, caregivers need to do everything they can to keep their senior loved ones from catching the virus and experiencing the more severe complications of the disease. In general, lowering coronavirus risk is about keeping seniors healthy and reducing their chances of coming into contact with virus particles. Here are a few simple ways…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on March 27, 2020

In a perfect world, seniors would listen to their doctors and family caregivers. However, your aging loved one has his or her own opinions, and you need to respect them. You should find ways to compromise with your parent to prevent his or her stubbornness from becoming a risk to his or her wellbeing. Below are tips to help your…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on March 13, 2020

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a survey of Americans 60 and over as well as professionals who normally work with older adults. The survey’s purpose was to determine common concerns among aging adults, many of whom are retired or preparing for retirement. Below, you'll find eight of the top things seniors tend to worry about after retirement. 1.…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on February 28, 2020

Also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke only lasts a few minutes and doesn’t usually result in permanent damage. Still, TIAs can be followed by more severe strokes, and because of their short duration, symptoms such as confusion, tingling sensations, and dizziness may be overlooked or ignored. However, it can help to know what typically causes mini-strokes…

By Gary Hightower, 9:00 am on February 14, 2020

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia can present many challenges, including ones involving meals. For instance, you may encounter fussiness or confusion over what's placed on a plate. However, it's best to encourage your loved one to enjoy a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and other healthy foods that can also be tasty with the right…