Most seniors prefer to live alone in their homes instead of going to nursing homes or moving in with family or friends. If your elderly parent is mentally, physically, and emotionally capable of living by him or herself, encourage him or her to do so. Below are some of the benefits living alone can provide for seniors and what family…
Getting older doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Instead, seniors can enhance their quality of life by developing a positive attitude about getting older that influences their actions. Positive aging is a concept that simply involves choosing to keep a good perspective on life while also taking steps to enjoy the best life possible. Focusing on positive aging is…
The American Heart Association estimates more than 42 million seniors over the age of 60 have heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Though heart failure is a chronic condition, medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes can help your aging loved one live a longer life. Here are some…
Developing good habits can provide robust benefits in the golden years. As a result, seniors can maintain their independence longer. Below are some tips on how to stay healthy after reaching age 60. Focus on Good Nutrition The foods seniors consume affect their aging process. For instance, eating a lot of sugary items can increase the risk of diabetes and…
Even a seemingly minor illness can have severe consequences for your aging loved one’s wellbeing, which is why you should look for ways to boost his or her immune system. As a start, minimizing the levels of germs and bacteria in the home can prevent common infections and various illnesses. Below are some of the reasons seniors tend to get…
There’s still much that’s unknown about what causes dementia-related sundowning. For some reason, many seniors with dementia experience marked increases in their symptoms toward the end of the day. Your aging loved one may begin to experience more instances of paranoia or delusions in the evening hours. You may also notice your loved one beginning to pace, trying to wander,…
Depression is common in older adults, but that doesn’t make the condition ordinary. Your elderly loved one will need to develop strategies to control his or her stress levels and boost his or her mental and emotional health. Here are some ways seniors can stave off depression and enhance their quality of life. 1. Listening to Music The sounds of…
When seniors with dementia are confused or uncomfortable, they might become physically or verbally aggressive. While your aging loved one’s combativeness may seem overwhelming at first, there are a few simple steps you can take to address this type of behavior. You should also come up with a long-term plan for helping your loved one avoid potential triggers that could…
Hospital readmissions are often unplanned. Premature discharge from the hospital is a significant risk factor for readmission. However, even those whose conditions are stable at the time of discharge may still be at high risk for readmission. Here are some of the most common diagnoses for hospital readmissions. 1. Aspiration Pneumonitis Aspiration pneumonitis occurs when food or other material is…
When your aging loved one is discharged from the hospital, you must do everything in your power to keep him or her healthy and prevent secondary complications. Heading back to the hospital can greatly increase the risk of many different health complications, including infections, illnesses, and injuries from medical errors. Luckily, as a caregiver, you can do quite a bit…