For people who are 65 years old and older, falls are the top cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. The injuries that falls can cause include broken bones, fractured hips, and head injuries. Not all falls result in injuries, but that’s not to say falls that don’t cause injuries are harmless. In fact, seniors who suffer a fall can…
The human brain ages in proportion to the body’s aging. While older adults experience bodily pains and an overall slower pace of life starts to become the norm, the brain, too, undergoes changes. By the time an individual turns 65, signs of the brain’s aging process become obvious. Names are gradually forgotten and a wallet somehow ends up in the…
Chronic diseases are no strangers to the senior population. In the United States, an estimated 80 percent of older Americans experience one chronic illness; and 77 percent suffer from at least two chronic conditions. Four chronic heavyweight diseases dominate the lives of seniors, and ultimately cause two thirds of deaths annually: stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Seniors who endure…
Family members who live an hour or more away from their aging parents find comfort in knowing that long-distance care is a viable option. In fact, 34 million caregivers support their elderly parents and among those, 15 percent provide long-distance care. The considerable physical distance between the caregiver and senior can pose some difficulties, both financially and practically. However, long-distance…
The majority of us take our good memory for granted. It’s easy to recall a recent conversation with a friend. However, for patients suffering from dementia, even remembering the name of a loved one can pose as an overwhelming challenge. Stringing together words into complete sentences is a form of communication we practice daily with ease. A person who has…
