Supporting all who care for elders
Is it playing those word games I love? Solving math puzzles I don’t? Spending regular time with a group of close friends? Good genes? All of these are factors, but the single greatest element of brain health over which you have control is your diet. […]
The Number One Factor in Maintaining a Healthy Brain Read More »
A fall can change everything. Not a profound statement. Of course it’s true. Broken bones are no picnic, especially for elders who heal slower and have multiple medical issues. But have you considered this: Falls can trigger chronic pain which will change the quality of a person’s life. Head injuries and all their implications as
How to Avoid the Fall That Can Change Everything Read More »
Roger had been taking the anti-depressant for two months now. The doctor had warned him that they were starting with a small dose and would raise it slowly as needed. He said he would monitor closely, and that it often took some time to find the correct drug and dosage for each person. “Covering his
Finding Practical Ways for Elders to Emerge From Depression Read More »
Wanda had watched her father sink into the abyss of loneliness over the last few months, and she felt desperate to help. Nothing she did seemed to make a difference. When Dad’s best friend had died suddenly several months ago, it had seemed to knock him off his feet emotionally. Then it happened
Practical Ideas to Combat Loneliness in Elders Read More »
Edith woke with a start. The children needed her. She had to get them dressed for school, and make sure Jeremy washed his face and brushed his teeth after breakfast. Alice didn’t usually need reminding, but Jeremy tried to sneak out without cleaning up. She needed to make their lunches, and after they left, she
Dealing with Behaviours: When All You Want Is Sleep Read More »
I felt like a bug on the wall, hearing a private conversation which took me into the hearts and mind of people struggling with dementia. It wasn’t private, but a podcast featuring several people sharing. One elderly British lady stole my heart as she explained how she took her caring children aside. “Please don’t help
How to Train Your Mind to Handle Chronic Pain Read More »
Have you ever been in a room with a loudmouth? Maybe at work, or a party? I met one in a bus shelter once. A loudmouth has opinions and loves to expound them. They have no interest in listening, little agenda for hearing or understanding your opinion, and they are “full of themselves.” Their opinion
How to Outsmart Chronic Pain so it Sits in the Back Read More »
“Exercise and fun shouldn’t be used in the same sentence.” I said and believed that for years, and I sometimes feel skeptical even yet, but I’ve found ways to make even the most boring leg lifts more fun. (Okay, somewhat, a little fun. Endurable.) What is exercise? This feels like a “stating the obvious” question,
Can Exercise Be Fun? Here Are Some Tricks and Tips Read More »
Back in our “poverty days,” which seemed to last for years, we had no dental insurance for a period of time while my husband changed jobs. As soon as we had coverage again, I got the kids to the dentist, but didn’t go myself. My internal dialogue ran like this: “I’ve gone this long without
One Key to Success With Exercise and My Secret Inspiration Read More »
I remember when my niece, Jenn, discovered marathon running. After four children, she was heavier than she wanted to be, and wanted to be her healthiest self. She’d always been a person of incredible discipline, and she brought this to running. She completed a 5 km. run, then a half marathon, then full marathons. She
Why I Hate Exercise But I Do It Anyway Read More »