Blog

Tips for Managing Diabetes

Diabetes can be a difficult diagnosis for a senior and their family to hear, but it does not have to be devastating.  It is manageable and can be controlled with a few lifestyle changes.  Seniors who have the disease can still live full, healthy lives if they are aware of certain tips.  Caregivers who provide ongoing care for family members also need to know these tips. Exercise Regular exercise can help keep diabetes under control, but it can be difficult for some seniors to maintain.  Due to health issues, they...

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The Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

Exercise is beneficial to people as they age to keep them healthy and strong.  The problem for many seniors and their caregivers is finding the right exercise program that is helpful without aggravating existing health problems.  Swimming is one exercise that is often recommended for seniors and has many benefits. Swimming is Easy on the Joints High impact exercises such as running and jumping can be hard on the bones and joints and cause fractures and injuries.  Because swimming does not put stress on those areas, it is a great...

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Seniors and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often part of the aging process and can develop into a different extent in each person.  However, you should never assume that there is nothing you can do about it.  Instead, see your health care provider and let them know about any hearing issues.  Treatments and devices can improve hearing. The Importance of Diagnosing a Hearing Problem It can become difficult for a senior to hear conversations on the phone or even in person, especially in a noisy environment.  This can lead them to withdraw from social...

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Tips for Dealing with Incontinence in Seniors

Incontinence can be a delicate subject when dealing with seniors.  It is one of the most embarrassing issues with getting older.  Since incontinence mainly affects people over the age of sixty, it is often seen as a senior health problem. What Causes Incontinence? While certain medications or medical problems can cause a person to have an incontinence problem, the main cause is from weakened pelvic muscles that normally prevent unplanned urination and defecation. Some people have stress incontinence that results from forceful actions such as coughing or sneezing.  Others may...

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The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

Gardening is a favorite activity of many seniors during the spring and summer time.  Besides being enjoyable, it provides numerous health benefits.  If you have an older parent, you should encourage them to remain active in a hobby like gardening. How Gardening Can Keep You Healthy Gardening has many benefits for overall physical and mental health.  Here is a list of reasons to continue in this activity if it is a favorite. It provides exercise and improves mobility and flexibility.  For seniors who don’t have appointments or schedules to keep,...

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Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

As the temperatures rise, family caregivers may be concerned about the safety of their senior family members.  Statistics have shown that hot weather can be harshest on older people and children.  Precautions are needed if the senior will be active outdoors; they also need to be careful indoors if they do not have the proper air conditioning. High temperatures force your body to work harder to keep you cool, and it can cause many heat-related problems.  Some of these issues can be life-threatening, especially for seniors.  They tend to sweat...

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How to Recognize the Signs and Risk Factors of a Stroke

Stroke is one of the most well-known health issues of seniors.  Early intervention with a stroke victim can lessen the long-term effects and it may allow them to fully recover.  However, it can be difficult to recognize when a loved one is having a stroke if you do not know what to look for. A stroke happens when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted.  There are several reasons that this can happen but it is most often due to a blockage or clot in the artery.  The blood...

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Alzheimer’s disease – Understanding and Dealing with Difficult Behaviors

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It can be difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stages, since its initial symptoms may seem as “just a sign of getting older.” However, as the disease progresses, it leads to behavior changes and the loss of the ability to think and do daily tasks. Behaviors to Be Expected People with Alzheimer’s often experience drastic changes in their moods from how they would behave normally.  You may see your parent or family member become withdrawn and distant.  They will often...

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Who is Caring for the Caregiver? Healthy Habits for Family Caregivers

As our parents age, it is hard to watch the decline of our vibrant family members. However, aging in place is incredibly important to mental health, as well as one's sense of freedom and independence. Making the choice to become a caregiver for your parent, or the senior in your life, is a big decision, as it is going to result in some semblance of a loss of freedom on your part, as the senior is going to become dependent on the care you provide. It is also easy to...

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The Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

As seniors age, they often begin to slow down in pretty much every way. However, just because one begins to age doesn't mean that life has to stop. There are things that we can do with the seniors in our life that will help make them healthier, happier, and more resistant to the problems of aging. Exercise is important for everyone, not just seniors, but most seniors do not get enough, if any exercise. The body is, to an extent, a “use it or lose it” organism. If you fail...

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