There are many gratifying benefits of volunteering at any age. The helper’s high–a good feeling one receives from helping others–can be experienced by anyone. But it is probably a feeling more appreciated by an older person. Think about it, a retiree who has had a lifetime of work and experience behind them must feel good [...]
Falling for the elderly is devastating and has many lasting consequences such as pain, injury, loss of independence, and costly medical bills. In fact, fifty percent of older adults who have fallen in the past year have a fear of falling. In 2005, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls. [...]
Dementia is a decline in memory and/or intellectual functioning severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Dementia is not a disease itself, but group of symptoms. It is characterized as a progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease (such as Alzheimer’s) in the brain. Areas particularly affected include: memory, attention, [...]
For some people, aging can be pretty depressing. Many companies are concerned that showing the least bit of humor will be offensive to the families they are trying to woo into residency. As a result, nearly every senior care community uses the EXACT same photography, brochures and messages. In the senior care space, it’s rare [...]
Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It can be almost no-tech items like canes, dressing sticks, effortless can openers, or low-tech, like rolling walkers, walk-in bathtubs, height-adjustable kitchen countertops for wheelchairs, automatic shut-off [...]
There’s a pervasive notion out there that older people can’t, or don’t want to, use computers. Facebook fan pages like I Hate Teaching Old People How To Use Computers, boasting over 200 members, Yahoo! chat forums, the Lifestyle section of some newspapers and guests at cocktail parties can all be counted on for stories of [...]
In the days leading up to Memorial Day, I found myself reflecting on the true meaning of the day. Memorial Day is commemorated differently. To some it is simply the beginning of summer and an opportunity to gather with friends and family around a BBQ , a beach or park. To others it’s a time [...]
I recently had the pleasure to speak at San Clemente Villas by the Sea. I’ve spoken at many senior communities across four states now, so I was excited to speak in what was essentially my backyard. I like to share my experiences at each community; many of your are considering senior living communities, and exposure [...]
By now we are all somewhat aware of the fact that millions of Americans are living longer and healthier lives. Given that the 65 and over population is expected to increase from approximately 35 million in 2000 to 55 million in 2020, a lot of time and energy spent on understanding and identifying what the [...]