A big misconception is that a senior living with Parkinson’s disease is confined to a bed, chair, or couch without the ability to move around. The truth is that exercise and social interaction are vital to the health of seniors with Parkinson’s because they can increase coordination, reduce freezing and tremors, and boost mental wellbeing. Below are some fun activities…
Laughter can have an incredible impact on senior health, especially for older adults who laugh heartily and often. While everyone knows a good laugh can lift the spirits, few people are aware of the amazing effects laughter has on short- and long-term physical wellbeing. Following are four health benefits of laughter that give aging adults reason to start pursuing mirth…
As seniors age, there are subtle signs they need help at home that adult children may miss. Since most adult children aren't with their aging parents every day, they should be alert to any signs of mental, physical, or emotional changes that may be occurring when they come to visit. Here are some subtle signs your senior parent might need…
Doing puzzles is a healthy brain activity that benefits the mind and spirit. Family caregivers can choose from a variety of puzzles, based on their aging loved one’s physical and emotional needs. Continue reading to learn about some of the reasons puzzles are beneficial for seniors with dementia. Boost Cognitive Health As dementia progresses, it can affect memory, making it…
Strokes aren’t always fatal. In fact, according to the CDC, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have strokes annually. Roughly 87 percent of all strokes are the result of blood flow to the brain being restricted, which are known as ischemic strokes. Out of all people who have strokes, around 85 percent require extensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation. When…
Everyone has heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and research now indicates this is truer than ever. Apples are low in calories, and eating them has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. If your senior loved one is hesitant to jump on the apple bandwagon, here are some…
Simple daily habits such as brushing teeth can lead to greater health and longevity. By the time a person reaches the senior years, these routines have become such a normal part of daily life that they’re often not given a second thought. However, recent research has shed some light on the possibility that some so-called “good” habits may not actually…
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to isolated regions of the feet, hands, and ears to cause reactions in other areas of the body. Although Asian and Middle Eastern cultures have used reflexology for centuries, the philosophy was introduced in the United States in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an upper respiratory physician and surgeon who became interested in…
Being diagnosed with cancer often results in a flood of emotions and concerns. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to handling this kind of news, there are things you can do to ease your senior loved one’s fears after a cancer diagnosis and shift the focus to positive, productive goals moving forward. 1. Get Contact Info You and your loved one…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 65 million adults in the United States have hypertension, which remains the leading cause of death in the country. There are many factors that raise the risk of developing this cardiovascular disorder. However, certain lifestyle changes play a major role in preventing high blood pressure. Here are six activities that can help…
