As we age, the inevitability of loss becomes a more frequent visitor in our lives. For seniors and baby boomers, the accumulation of losses—whether they be the death of loved ones, retirement, relocation, changes in relationships, or declining health—can compound, creating a heavy burden that can be challenging to bear. This phenomenon, known as compound loss, can lead to profound grief and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Living longer does afford the opportunity to experience more of life’s joys, but it also means witnessing the passing of contemporaries, including fr…

As a seasoned physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial fall prevention is for seniors. Falls can have devastating consequences, often leading to fractures, hospitalizations, and a loss of independence. However, with the right strategies and interventions, we can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help folks maintain their mobility and quality of life.
Understanding the Risks of Falling
Aging brings about various changes in our bodies that can increase the likelihood of falls. Reduced muscle strength and flexibility, impaired balance and coordinati…

As we get older, the chance increases that we will become a caregiver for a family member.  Or perhaps, we will have friends who are living with dementia.  Understanding more about ways to help loved ones is an important way to deal with the challenges of this disease.
Challenging interactions: living with dementia
Picture John and Alisha, an older couple, in their living room in the late morning. Alisha was hoping for a quiet read of the paper, which she and John always used to do together at this time of day, trading sections back and forth. But that was before John�…

For many of us, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of watermelon to signal summer. This versatile fruit isn’t just for slicing and serving at picnics; it’s a culinary champ that can transform into many dishes, perfect for any summer occasion.  And with a higher water content, it can be a helper in staying hydrated.
Benefits of Watermelon for Hydration
As the summer sun beams down, bringing with it the sweltering heat, staying hydrated becomes more than just a health tip—it’s a necessity, especially for seniors and baby boomers. Among the many strategies to…

Over 11 million people in the United States provide unpaid caregiving for a loved one with dementia. Despite this huge (and growing) number, we lack a solid infrastructure of support and training for dementia caregivers.

Our health care system and our society seemingly operate on an assumption that this work is intuitive. Many families getting a new dementia diagnosis get the “diagnose and adios” treatment. They may be sent away with a pamphlet about the type of dementia involved or they may be sent away empty-handed, left to make their way on internet searches and i…