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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Digital Connection: A Guide to Video Calls & Social Media for Seniors
Staying connected with family, friends, and the world has always been important—but in today’s digital age, connection often happens through screens. For many seniors, video calls and social media can feel intimidating at first. However, with a little guidance and...
Aging and Eye Health: What to Watch for and How to Protect Your Vision
Good vision plays a vital role in independence, safety, and overall quality of life. As we age, it is normal for our eyes to change. Understanding what to expect—and how to protect eye health—is essential. Many age-related eye conditions can be successfully managed...
Sundowning Explained: What It Is and How to Manage It
Dear Donna: As the primary caregiver for my grandpa, every day seems to present something new. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about 18 months ago. Lately, he’s been getting agitated in the evenings. He paces and makes laps around the house. Several times...
How Pets Can Improve Emotional Health for Seniors
Dear Donna: My father passed away recently and my mom is living alone for the first time in her life. While she’s obviously grieving, she is also very lonely on her own. My husband and I have been thinking of getting her a dog this spring. It seems like a good time to...
What Kinds of Senior Care Will the Veterans Benefit Pay For?
Dear Donna: My 84-year-old father is a veteran. His health has been slowly declining over the last few years. I don’t live close enough to him to provide the amount of care I think he needs. Dad’s neighbor, who is also a veteran, told me there are benefits available...
5 Ways to Beat the Caregiver Blues This Winter
Winter can be a challenging season for caregivers, especially those who live in northern states like Michigan and Indiana. Shorter daylight hours, colder weather, and the post-holiday slump can intensify feelings of exhaustion, isolation, or emotional strain. When...
How Can I Make the Spring Time Change Easier on a Loved One with Alzheimer’s?
Dear Donna: My mom has Alzheimer’s and has been living with my family for the past few years. While her disease is still considered to be mid-stage, one concern we have trouble managing is when the time changes here in Michigan. It seems to really disrupt her sense of...
How to Include Protein in Your Breakfast Menus
Breakfast is one of the most enjoyable and important meals of the day. Nutritionists say it provides the fuel your body needs after a night’s rest and sets the tone for steady energy and clear thinking for the day ahead. But one thing many older adults don’t get...
How to Beat the Winter Blues: Mental Health Strategies for Older Adults
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon to feel a little dip in mood and motivation. For many older adults, the winter months can bring a sense of isolation, fatigue, or sadness. It’s often referred to as the winter blues. In some cases,...
Setting New Year’s Intentions Instead of Resolutions: A More Mindful Approach to Growth
As a new year begins, many of us feel that familiar tug to make a fresh start. We reflect on what went wrong over the last year, what could be better, and what goals we’ll set for the year ahead. Traditionally, this has meant creating New Year’s resolutions: clear-cut...
Winter Safety Checklist When a Loved One Has Dementia
Winter can be a challenging season for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. Cold weather, shorter days, and holiday disruptions can create confusion, agitation, and increased risk of accidents. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or friend,...
New Year’s Self-Care Resolutions Caregivers Should Make
As a caregiver, you spend countless hours ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of someone else. That often comes at the expense of your own needs. While caregiving is an act of love and dedication, it can also be physically exhausting, emotionally draining,...