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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Shining the Spotlight on Home Fires and Seniors
Home fires are a concern for people across the U.S., especially older adults. According to the National Fire Protection Association, one home fire is reported every 85 seconds. While home fires can happen anytime, they generally occur more during cooler weather....
Food Choices That Help Manage Cholesterol
If you or a senior you are the caregiver for has high cholesterol, you aren’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 102 million adults in this country have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL. This elevated level...
Flu Prevention during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Donna: My grandmother is an active 92-year-old. Due to coronavirus concerns, she meets with friends and family outdoors, which I’ve heard is safer. However, I worry that she is still out and about a little too much. As flu season approaches, I think the time has...
How to Explain Alzheimer’s to Grandkids
Dear Donna: My wife of 55 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. In the early days, her symptoms weren’t very noticeable and we didn’t have to explain the problem to our grandchildren. As the disease has progressed, however, it’s obvious there...
Coping with Emotions When a Senior Moves to Assisted Living
When an aging parent is no longer safe living alone, adult children often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Guilt, resentment, stress, fear, and doubt are just a few. It can be a difficult transition for both the senior and their family. While most people say...
Are Probiotics Worth the Expense?
As worries about the coronavirus continue, many people are exploring ways to build their immune system. Because seniors are at higher risk for contracting the virus, it is vital for them to live as healthy as possible. One product often hyped as an immunity builder is...
Falls Prevention Awareness Day: Keeping Seniors Safe
Dear Donna: My 78-year-old mother lost her balance on a small step and suffered a nasty fall. She wasn’t seriously injured, but was badly bruised. While my mom blamed the shoes she was wearing, I think there is more to it. One change in her well-being my family and I...
What to Do When a Senior with Alzheimer’s Won’t Eat
Caregiving for a senior who has Alzheimer’s often involves overcoming a variety of unique challenges. One is making mealtimes go smoothly. Alzheimer’s disease can complicate some everyday activities, such as manipulating silverware or concentrating on the tasks...
How to Help a Senior Parent Make New Friends
Dear Donna: My mother is in the process of selling her home in Florida and relocating to Michigan to live with me. While she is excited to make the move, I know it won’t be easy for her. She has a lot of friends in her active living community. Moving will mean...
National Wellness Month: 4 Steps to Successful Aging
The older you get, the more likely you are to pay attention to health and wellness. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet discovered the fountain of youth, despite what beauty ads say. Researchers do, however, have sound advice on steps you can take to look and feel your best...
Keeping a Senior Outdoorsman Safe in the Summer
Dear Donna: My father has always loved nature and spending time outdoors. At 92, he’s still an avid outdoorsman. While I don’t want to squelch his enthusiasm, his safety is a big concern. Dad is living with my husband and me and routinely heads outside on his own to...
How to Cope When a Parent Starts Dating Again
Dear Donna: My father passed away unexpectedly two years ago. After over forty years of marriage, my mom has been lost without him. She recently joined a single seniors group at her church. They play cards, go out for lunch, and organize trips to museums, zoos, and...