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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Are Vegan Diets Healthy for Older Adults?
Veganism is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. Vegans eat solely plant-based foods. They steer clear from meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and any other foods derived from animals. There are many reasons seniors consider switching to this diet. Sometimes, it's for...
How to Honor a Veteran on Veterans Day
Dear Donna, My dad was in the service. I want to do something special for him on Veterans Day to show my appreciation. How do I honor him? Sincerely, Monica from Holland, MI Honoring a Veteran on Veterans Day Dear Monica, It's great that you are looking for a way to...
4 Ways to Keep a Senior with Dementia Safe on Halloween
For many, Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky decorations, and trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, many of these traditional celebrations can be overwhelming for a person with dementia. Because this disease affects the ability to process new information, it can be...
Setting Realistic Expectations for a Senior’s Move to Assisted Living
Dear Donna, My mom is selling her home to move to an assisted living community. She is ready to move but also sad to leave a place with so many happy memories. How can I help her set realistic expectations about the move to assisted living? Sincerely, Clara from...
From Home Care to Assisted Living: Understanding Senior Care Options
Dear Donna, I have been caring for my father, who has Parkinson's disease, for three years. Until recently, I've been able to assist him with his needs. As his condition progresses, I am finding it more challenging to take care of him and keep up with my...
How to Stay Healthy as Flu Season Approaches
Dear Donna, I had the flu last year, and it took me weeks to recover. With flu season approaching, I want to do everything I can to stay healthy. How does the flu shot work, and what are some other ways I can protect myself? As an older adult, I know I’m at higher...
How to Respond When a Senior with Alzheimer’s Is Agitated
Agitation is a common symptom among adults with Alzheimer's disease. When a person is agitated, they may become annoyed or restless with seemingly little to no provocation. A loved one who is agitated may fidget, pace, or repeat behaviors. It can be difficult for...
Lifestyle Choices That Lower Your Risk of a Heart Attack
Dear Donna, World Heart Day is coming up, and it has me thinking about my health. Both of my parents have had a heart attack, and I am afraid I will have one, too. What can I do to lower my risk of a heart attack? Talia from Holland, MI Improving Your Heart Health...
5 Ways Seniors Can Sit Less and Move More
You may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” This expression comes from several studies that suggest a sedentary lifestyle may be worse than smoking for some people. While the idea of comparing sitting to smoking may be difficult to understand, the...
What Are the Differences between Home Care and Assisted Living?
Dear Donna, My mother lives on her own, and her arthritis is making it difficult for her to keep up with a few basic tasks. She says she could use some assistance. We have narrowed down our options to home care and assisted living, but we are having trouble deciding...
How to Prepare a Senior Family Member for Assisted Living
Dear Donna, In a few months, my mom will move to an assisted living community. She has asked me to help her prepare for the move. She is very sentimental, and it's always been difficult for her to throw things away. I know she has to downsize, but I am unsure how to...
3 Tips for Managing Caregiver Guilt
Caring for an aging loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be demanding. Stress from taking care of another person can trigger a lot of difficult emotions, including guilt. Guilt occurs when you feel like you have done something wrong or...