Blog

Does Aging Mean We Should Slow Down? Evolution Says No!

April 2, 2022 — The old cliché is that older adults should take it easy—maybe even take to their rocking chairs. Today, we know how wrong that is! “It’s a widespread idea in Western societies that as we get older, it’s normal to slow down, do less, and retire,” said Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel E. Lieberman. In fact, he said,... Read More

How Can We Avoid Spreading Health Misinformation?

March 15, 2022 — Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been experiencing another epidemic—this one of misinformation! Spreading unsubstantiated rumors is never a good thing, and in the case of health information, it can be life-threatening. For most of us, it feels good to know we’re sharing factual, accurate information—but how can we be sure we really are? “Health... Read More

Self-Neglect Is an Underreported Type of Elder Abuse

March 1, 2022 — During a visit to their hometown, Dan and Amy visited their great-aunt. Aunt Becky was glad to see them, but they were worried at what they saw in her home. Her usually spotless house was dirty and unkempt. Though she’d always taken pride in her wardrobe, her dress was dirty and torn. She seemed painfully... Read More

How Are Seniors Doing as the Pandemic Continues?

February 15, 2022 —   From the beginning of the pandemic, much attention has been paid to older adults, who are at highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and who have faced isolation and an interruption to their regular activities as they practiced social distancing. Recent figures show that 75% of people who died from the virus are... Read More

Get Back Into Your Exercise Routine

February 1, 2022 — For many of us, the holidays are a hectic time! We put hours of preparation into selecting, purchasing and wrapping gifts, decorating our homes, cooking and baking, and perhaps getting ready for guests or traveling to our destination. This year, as in last year, many of us had to pivot a bit. If it wasn’t... Read More

Is It Safe for My Loved One With Dementia to Own a Gun?

January 16, 2022 — The debate over guns has heated up during the past few years. But one thing most everyone on the firearm ownership opinion spectrum agrees about is that sometimes it is unsafe for an individual with mental illness to have access to guns. What about older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia? Researchers from the... Read More

Fire Safety Experts Share Post-Holiday Safety Tips

January 1, 2022 — In 2020, many families decided to forego their family holiday celebrations in order to avoid exposure to COVID-19. This year, with the vaccine available, more families have decided to get together. But since we skipped last year, our skills might be a little rusty! Hmmm, how long do I cook my turkey? And where did... Read More

Insights from Finland About Senior Independence and Exercise

December 20, 2021 — Finland is known for valuing healthy, active living. And did you know that with the exception of Japan, Finland has the fastest-growing percentage of older adults of any country? University researchers in Finland are drawing on many studies of its older population to learn the best ways to keep seniors healthy and independent. Since December... Read More

Holiday Gifts for Senior Safety

December 1, 2021 — Santa is making his list and checking it twice. This holiday season, make your own list—of emergency preparation plans, that is! Are you shopping for your older parents, grandparents or other senior loved ones? It can be hard to think of the perfect gift. A tie, a fruitcake, cologne, a gadget that they are unlikely... Read More

A Flu Shot Reminder for Heart Patients

November 21, 2021 — When it comes to vaccines, most of the conversation these days concerns shots to protect us from COVID-19. People who are living with a heart condition are at higher risk of both contracting the virus that causes COVID, and experiencing serious illness when they do. But this is no time to overlook the importance of... Read More