The number one cause of death and injury among older Americans is falling. As we age, our balance is compromised, our eyesight and depth perception change, and our limbs grow more fragile. Reducing fall risks is a critical part of senior health. For a senior, a fall can result in everything from minor bruising to death. Download our handy Home…
American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. - U.S. Department of Labor The traditional retirement age was set at 65 with the passage of the Social Security…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in this country can be traced to foodborne pathogens. We’ve probably all heard our older loved ones comment that they have always (insert poor food storage adage here) and it was fine. However, bacteria have evolved since their youth. There…
It’s National Immunization Awareness Month. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful health interventions. 59.4% of people 12 and older in the US – and more than 80% of those over 65 – have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. While there have been “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19, especially with…
It might surprise you to learn that older adults watch more television than younger people do. Watching TV comprises most of the leisure time for adults aged 70 to 105 years old. Television can be an avenue to learning new things, connecting with the world, creating a diversion, and providing some light entertainment. However, it can also supplant physical or…
When thinking of starting a fitness regime, many people may envision smelly gyms, sweaty feet, and plenty of grunting and pain. Often lofty goals, such as races or competitions, distract people from starting a sensible routine and result in abandoning the effort. Fitness goals should be about improving our health and how we interact with the world. It's never too…
Our skin is the first thing other people see and is the first thing most people are concerned about displaying signs of aging. As our skin ages, it becomes thinner, which can add to the appearance of wrinkles. We lose fat, elasticity, and moisture. Scratches and bumps often take longer to heal and are more visible. Depending on the sun…
July is Healthy Vision Month. Vigilance about senior eyesight is crucial to catch conditions early for easier, more reliable treatment. As we age, vision impairment is one of the most common physical losses. Many eye conditions that cause sight loss and blindness aren’t diagnosed until extreme measures are necessary. Vision impairment is not simply an annoying symptom of aging –…
Getting outside during the summer offers actual health benefits to seniors. A Harvard Health study explains that time in the sun raises Vitamin D levels and improves moods. (health.harvard.edu) For many seniors, a regular mood boost provided by outdoor activity can significantly enhance quality of life. With health and safety in mind, seniors and their caregivers can enjoy being outdoors…
Making the decision to get help for a parent or family member can be tough. It’s hard to know what to look for when evaluating how your loved one is doing. Here are some things to look for: Things becoming disheveled in home Your loved one is not changing their clothes each day Clothes are not being washed The home…
