Stress can have lasting effects on seniors. Managing stress appropriately can increase longevity, boost mental and physical health, and increase independence. Take a look at some of the different ways stress can affect older adults and what family caregivers can do to help their loved ones address their stress levels. Hypertension When your senior loved one is stressed, his or…
Urinary incontinence is common among seniors, but this doesn’t mean the symptoms can’t be mitigated. With a little effort, family caregivers can help their senior loved ones handle this issue. Here are a few ways to care for an aging loved one who has incontinence. Understand the Causes There are several types of incontinence that affect elderly people. Urge incontinence…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common illness among seniors. Despite its prevalence, there are steps your elderly loved one can take to prevent the development of this serious condition. Stop Smoking Avoiding cigarettes is one of the best ways to prevent COPD. Smoking and secondhand smoke have been responsible for a large percentage of COPD-related deaths over the…
There are a variety of reasons your elderly loved one might need physical therapy at some point, and each reason potentially requires a unique type of therapy. Here are five types of physical therapy and how they can help. 1. Orthopedic The most common form of physical therapy for seniors, orthopedic physical therapy uses exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques…
Seniors have many options for choosing how to live out their lives. At first glance, living in a senior community or nursing home may seem appealing to those who would love a break from paying bills. However, aging in place and opting for home care may actually be more economically beneficial once these options are compared side by side. Monthly…
Caring for a senior loved one with dementia at home provides benefits such as enabling him or her to age in place in a familiar environment. Now that you’ve made the decision to be your loved one’s caregiver, you can use these strategies to address the symptoms of dementia. Learn about Your Loved One’s Diagnosis Dementia care is very different…
Managing both diabetes and stroke recovery requires careful attention to daily nutrition. The right foods can stabilize blood sugar, support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart wellness, all essential for long-term recovery. For diabetic stroke survivors, meals should balance carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber while remaining easy to chew and digest. Choosing nutrient-dense foods consistently can boost…
Alzheimer’s disease can often be managed with lifestyle changes that boost overall health. While your senior loved one should still enjoy a few favorite treats, he or she should switch to an overall healthier diet. Alzheimer’s symptoms may also make it difficult for seniors to prepare healthy meals safely and independently. For this reason, you need to take these steps…
For some older adults, retirement is a welcome breath of fresh air. However, many seniors have difficulty adjusting to a slower life without the need to get up for work and have somewhere to be every day. If your aging parent seems to be facing difficulty with retirement, the following strategies may help. Encourage Time Off Encourage your parent to…
Aging adults should continue to set goals for the future, as it could give them the motivation they need to stay healthy during their retirement years. Here are seven goals all aging adults should add to their list. 1. Declutter the Home Seniors who still live at home may have closets, attics, and garages filled with stuff they don’t need.…