Aging can bring a cascade of physical and emotional changes. The variety of resulting behavioral changes may baffle or worry an older adult’s loved ones. As America’s population increasingly grays – the proportion of those 65 and over will account for 20% of U.S. residents within 25 years, according to the American Psychological Association –… Continue reading Understanding and Coping with Behavioral Changes in Seniors
Category: Family
“Food Puzzles” Can Boost Your Cat’s Wellbeing
The effect of “food puzzles” on cats is a relatively new area of study and a group of veterinarians and cat behavior consultants in the USA provide a welcome addition to the peer-reviewed literature with a state-of-the art review in the August 2016 issue of Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. A release from the… Continue reading “Food Puzzles” Can Boost Your Cat’s Wellbeing
The Perilous First Dates: What You Need to Know
The first date is one of the most perilous parts of any relationship. People micro-analyze each other’s behavior and each tries to be on their best behavior. However, the good news is that peoples’ true selves are betrayed in ways they may not be aware of. Pay attention to some of these and you can… Continue reading The Perilous First Dates: What You Need to Know
When Parents Resume Dating – and What Their Children Have to Say
When our children were young, it seems like everything that we parents did was “right” – at least in their eyes. We were the omnipotent heroes, the sageS, the wisest among the wise. We had all of the answers before the questions were even asked. We fixed the impossible and solved the improbable. It was… Continue reading When Parents Resume Dating – and What Their Children Have to Say
“Baby Simulator” Programs Meant to Discourage Teen Pregnancies May Backfire
$Parent and grandparent alert! Teenage pregnancy prevention programs used in schools in 89 countries, including the USA, involving “baby simulator” robotic dolls appear to encourage rather than discourage girls to become pregnant. Boys, the potential fathers, are not involved in the prevention programs. Also, many parents, grandparents, and teachers have observed that the girls become… Continue reading “Baby Simulator” Programs Meant to Discourage Teen Pregnancies May Backfire
Family More Important than Friends in Later Years: Study
For older adults, having more or closer family members in one’s social network decreases his or her likelihood of death within a given period, but having a larger or closer group of friends does not, according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association. “We found that older individuals… Continue reading Family More Important than Friends in Later Years: Study
How To Discover The Princes, Paupers, and Horse Thieves In Your Family History
Genealogy websites that help people trace their family histories love to focus on fortunate souls descended from royalty, or related in some distant and indirect way to George Washington. Yet genealogical research is just as likely to turn up horse thieves, drifters and scandals of every sort. “You’re going to find stuff you don’t want… Continue reading How To Discover The Princes, Paupers, and Horse Thieves In Your Family History
A Telephone Resource for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Do you have a family member with dementia, but the nearest support service is two hours away? This is an issue that a lot of caregivers face. Sometimes, it can help to talk with, and gain support from, others who are going through the same situation as you. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) offers… Continue reading A Telephone Resource for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Indoor Trampoline Park Injuries Are an Emerging Public Health Concern
Parent and grandparent alert! Indoor trampoline park injuries are an “emerging public health concern,” warn Australian doctors in the August 2016 issue of the journal Injury Prevention. A release from the publisher notes that the warning comes in the wake of a study showing that in the space of six months, 40 children needed medical… Continue reading Indoor Trampoline Park Injuries Are an Emerging Public Health Concern
We Understand That Social Media Doesn’t Equal Social Interaction
If you worry that people today are using social media as a crutch for a real social life, a study done at the University of Kansas in Lawrence will set you at ease. An August 2016 release from the university explains that Jeffrey Hall, associate professor of communication studies, found that people are actually quite… Continue reading We Understand That Social Media Doesn’t Equal Social Interaction
Helping Adult Children: a Loan Often Beats a Gift
Parents often want to help their adult children who need a financial boost. Should they? It can be a great idea or a terrible idea, depending on the circumstances. My first rule: Don’t let your adult child’s needs unbalance your own finances. Never let helping your child jeopardize your retirement. On the other hand, being… Continue reading Helping Adult Children: a Loan Often Beats a Gift
Sweet Solitude: The Truth about a Fulfilling Single Life
Single people have richer social lives and more psychological growth than married people do. That’s the inexpected finding of Bella DePaulo, PhD, a scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara who presented at the American Psychological Association’s 124th Annual Convention in August 2016 in Denver. According to DePaulo, many single people embrace their single… Continue reading Sweet Solitude: The Truth about a Fulfilling Single Life
7 Things to Know about Long-Distance Caregiving
Caregiving is difficult and stressful, and caregiving from a distance adds another level of stress. You can reduce that stress, though, if you plan ahead and keep your focus on your priorities. Here, the National Institute on Aging shares some steps you can take: Know what you need to know. Experienced caregivers recommend that you… Continue reading 7 Things to Know about Long-Distance Caregiving
Vacation Advice for Caregivers
Summer vacation season is in full swing, and many people are making plans to get away. For some, the most difficult decisions are choosing where to go and when. For caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, there are a host of other things to consider. “Vacations provide a chance to recharge one’s… Continue reading Vacation Advice for Caregivers
Tips for Busy Couples
Do you need some tips for keeping your relationship strong because of your crazy schedules? I know It’s hard to stay connected when both of you are busy, but it can be done with a little thought and creative planning. SEND A TEXT When you can’t find time to be together, you can still text.… Continue reading Tips for Busy Couples
The Challenge of Managing Medications
About half of Americans age 65 and older take five or more medications daily and many mix prescription and over-the-counter medications with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. With each additional medication or supplement, the risk of an adverse reaction increases. Even simple foods can interact with medication and cause the body to respond in unexpected… Continue reading The Challenge of Managing Medications
Rising Tide of Home Care for Disabled Seniors
More seniors are getting help from family, friends and hired helpers to keep them in their homes, despite disabilities that keep them from total independence, a new study finds. But that increase isn’t happening evenly across all groups. And the rising demand may have implications for the lives and careers of caregivers, and for policies… Continue reading Rising Tide of Home Care for Disabled Seniors
How to Survive — and Thrive — After a Divorce
The desire to follow our passions and find excitement in life doesn’t dissipate as we age. In recent years, I’ve met with many seniors who are still eager to expand their horizons. Whether it’s traveling the world or keeping up with family and friends, seniors today feel that their age should not require them to… Continue reading How to Survive — and Thrive — After a Divorce