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The Senior Community Lifestyle
10 Tips for Downsizing and Moving a Senior Loved One
Many seniors choose to downsize their homes during their retirement years. Downsizing might mean moving into an independent senior living community in Michigan or relocating from a larger house to a smaller one. Either way, downsizing one’s home and belongings can be...
What Does “Aging in Place” Mean?
Dear Donna, My mother is 82 years old and living at home. We have recently begun discussing assisted living and other senior living community options in case she needs them in the future. Mom is currently in good health, and she has stated that she would very much...
9 Natural Remedies for Controlling Blood Pressure
If a Michigan senior loved one’s physician has told them their blood pressure is creeping up, you are probably looking for natural ways to help them manage it. Taking proactive steps now might mean they are able to avoid taking medication for high blood pressure down...
Can Tai Chi Be an Effective Treatment for Arthritis?
Many younger adults think arthritis is a chronic but not very serious condition older adults live with. The truth is it can be a debilitating disease for people of all ages. This degenerative disease is caused by abnormal wearing down of the cartilage that cushions...
Robotic Pets: Can They be Beneficial for People with Alzheimer’s?
Dear Donna: My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. The past year or so he has really suffered from agitation. We’ve struggled to find ways to help him calm down. One thing that we found helps is my daughter’s cat. When the cat sits with him and he is...
4 Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress during the Holidays
The holidays can be a challenging time for Michigan’s family caregivers. Seasonal festivities such as shopping for gifts, wrapping presents, decorating the house and hosting parties are activities most of us look forward to all year. But for already overwhelmed family...
Tips for Traveling with an Elder Loved One
The holidays are a time when many families plan a vacation together. If often includes three generations of loved ones. With careful and thoughtful planning, inter-generational getaways can allow busy families time to create long-lasting memories. What can you do to...
Recognizing Older Driver Awareness Week
One question we often hear from adult children across the state of Michigan is how they can tell if an aging parent is still safe behind the wheel of their car. The older a parent is, the more families wonder how they will know when it is time to encourage their...
Holiday Gifts for a Michigan Family Caregiver
Anyone who has watched a family caregiver struggle to manage all of their roles and responsibilities knows just how exhausting the job can be. It often leaves people worn out and stressed out. Caregiving can also have an impact on the caregiver’s own family finances....
Warning Signs a Michigan Senior Has Alzheimer’s
Dear Donna: I am heading home to mid-Michigan to visit my mom for the holidays. When I was there this summer, I was a little concerned that she might be developing Alzheimer’s disease. I saw small changes in her that have kept me wondering and worrying. Especially...
Does Muscle Mass Help You Live a Longer Life?
Body mass index (BMI) has long been used to determine a person’s overall fitness. Physicians and health professionals compare a person’s weight to their height to calculate a body fat score. But this method has more than a few critics. The most obvious criticism is...
How to Help a Senior Winterize the Car
Dear Donna: Since our father passed away unexpectedly last spring, my brother and I have been trying to fill in and complete the chores and tasks our dad always handled. Because Mom lives in Michigan, we know it’s important to make sure her car is in good shape before...