We often hear of a person being rushed to the hospital with a heart attack after shoveling snow. Is snow shoveling really dangerous for seniors? It turns out that the extra exertion and the heavy weight of the snow are both culprits, as might be expected. However, a study from Pennsylvania State University shows that cold air itself puts extra…
National professional organization helps families avoid premature nursing home placement. As a recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report predicted a doubling of nursing home and other long-term care costs, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) released the results of a survey of 335 aging experts that provides advice to families to help them keep aging parents in…
Three great lifestyle choices for seniors and family caregivers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all our friends and families! This is a great time to take stock of our plans for 2015. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? There is no shortage of research on aging and caregiving—findings that can provide motivation for making lifestyle…
Active video games have been a surprise hit with older adults! Studies show that motion sensing games such as the Wii system can provide a good moderate-intensity workout. Now, a new study suggests that these games may have therapeutic benefit. Playing tennis or peeling onions on Wii virtual reality videogames may help stroke patients with mild to moderate impairment regain…
Up until fairly recently, most families lived in the same community generation after generation. They could share the responsibilities that go along with caring for older family members. But today, we live in a much more mobile society. Families are often spread out from one end of the country to the other. They still stay in touch, but they do…
Foodborne illness is caused when harmful microorganisms—mostly bacteria, but sometimes viruses, parasites, molds or toxins—get into our bodies by means of the food or liquids we consume. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 76 million cases of “food poisoning” in the U.S. each year—including 5,000 fatal cases. Being informed about food safety is the…
Scott’s job takes him around the country on business trips, and he is a single dad of two college-age sons. His mom has always helped out with the boys—but now, she has experienced a serious stroke, and requires care herself. Scott wants to provide care for the woman who has cared for him and his family so much over the…
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that the percentage of seniors who are living in a nursing home has dropped by 20 percent in the last decade—yet there are more seniors than ever, and the number is growing. Are seniors just healthier these days? The truth is, older adults need as much care as ever, but they are receiving it…
During August’s National Immunization Awareness Month, experts remind Americans that vaccines save lives and protect health. Some people think that vaccines are only for children. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that vaccines also are important and encouraged for adults. To promote adult vaccination, the CDC also has named August 24-30 as “Not Just for…
