According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the number of home care aides was projected to grow by 48 percent between 2008 and 2018. This growth is the result of the rise in people over of the age of 65 needing home care and the need to replace those…
Older adults tend to feel the cold more than younger folks, and the cold may have a greater negative effect on seniors. Know how to keep warm in cold weather, and what you should not do when out in the cold. Keep Warm Inside It’s important to stay warm, even…
Type 2 diabetes affects about 27 million people in the U.S. — including about 12 million seniors. This serious condition involves a problem with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas to help the body convert sugar to energy. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin,…
It’s never easy to make the transition from being a child, niece, nephew, spouse, or grandchild to becoming a caregiver for an aging relative. You may have to consider issues like housing and transportation, powers of attorney and health care directives, mental health and cognition of your aging loved one,…
The nighttime hours can be a time of danger for some seniors who live alone. Falls often happen at night, when an elderly person gets up to use the bathroom. Some seniors experience sleeplessness or increased anxiety at night. Many with early and mid-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease exhibit increased…
Compared to 1963, the way Americans are aging has changed dramatically. We live longer, we work longer, and there are more options for retirement and aging in place that did not exist fifty years ago. However, living and working longer creates greater health and financial concerns for many senior citizens…
Mental health is as important for senior citizens as it is for other age groups. Some of the most common mental health issues occurring among older adults are depression, anxiety, grief, and mood disorders. While such issues are common among older adults, they are not a normal part of aging.…
June is Cataract Awareness Month. According to a report from Prevent Blindness, 22.3 million Americans have cataracts. More than half of older adults will experience a cataract in their lifetime. What do you know about cataracts, and how does this condition affect senior health? What are Cataracts According to the…
Summer temperatures can be dangerous for some older adults, who are especially prone to suffering heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips for keeping your elderly loved one cool this summer: Stay Hydrated Drink water frequently throughout the day. Pay attention to signs of thirst—like dry…
According to the American Institute of Stress, 60 percent of all human illnesses and disease are caused by stress. In addition, 1 in 5 Americans experience extreme stress, which means these folks may experience heart palpitations, depression, and shaking as a result of the stress. What causes stress? For many,…
