This time of year presents a significant challenge to seniors because of the lull following the holiday season, the cooler temperatures, and the increased risk of contracting viruses and COVID-19. Minimizing exposure and limiting outings in winter weather are valuable safety precautions for everyone to take, especially older adults, who are at higher risk of contracting an illness.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing along its familiar sounds, smells, spirit —and stresses. Our families are planning get-togethers, feasts, gifting, and more, all to maximize this exciting time of year. Regardless of age, children and adults alike anticipate the holiday cheer, sharing, and memorable moments created during this time. Yet, what happens when the older generation is dependent on the younger generation to make the season a joyous and memorable one?
Although the prevalence of loneliness and isolation in seniors has been an enduring concern, the outbreak of the current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased awareness and sensitivity to the issue. As a result of pandemic impacts, other populations are suddenly faced with a new social reality, prompting friends, family, and service providers to understand the elderly human experience more deeply and strive to minimize its negative outcomes.
According to the CDC, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries every year. Less than half of seniors report their falls to their doctors.
The effects of a bad fall or home accident can be devastating.
Our bodies were made to experience and react to stress. Feeling occasional stress is normal and a sign that your reflexes are functioning properly. Cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, the stress hormones, get us to act quickly when faced with danger and often save our lives. However, these hormones are helpful only for immediate,
16% of Americans 65+ consume fewer than 1000 calories per day — that means a whopping number of seniors are at high risk for undernutrition (Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).
As we age, our bodies begin needing fewer calories, and more protein, calcium, B vitamins, and other nutrients. Seniors are particularly susceptible to malnutrition because they have different dietary needs than younger adults and few people are aware of these differences.
Before we deal with managing stress, let’s understand what stress really is. The definition of stress is your body’s response to a situation that requires action. In simpler terms, stress is how you react to challenging or threatening situations.
The causes of stress are called ‘stressors,’ which are defined by Wikipedia as “a chemical or biological agent,
You’ve decided it’s time to hire an in-home caregiver for your aging loved one — now what?
How do you choose the right caregiver? Caring for an aging loved-one can be an overwhelming job – emotionally, physically, and financially.
To help you, we’ve put together a list of eight things to take care of before you hire an in-home caregiver.
Connections are vital for every human being. These connections may be even more important for older adults, who may struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition, many of these older adults may also experience negative effects on their physical, mental, and emotional health when these connections crumble. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of social distancing has made maintaining these connections much more challenging.
One of the most devastating impacts of Covid-19 has been the sense of isolation that it has created. Many people report that they feel starved for physical touch, even a simple hug. This isolation has been especially challenging for older adults who have missed meaningful interactions with their children and grandchildren. Yet, the people who most miss these interactions —