As the days shorten and the weather cools, there are limited days to enjoy the great fall weather and beautiful sites before winter arrives. There are many fun ways to get outside and enjoy some fall activities on your own or with your family, and the fresh air is sure to boost your mood and help improve your sleep as well. Read on to discover our recommendations for the best reasons to get outside and enjoy the season!
Dementia is an umbrella term commonly used to describe memory loss and other cognitive impairments often associated with aging. Dementia is not a specific disease: it is a term used to describe symptoms from several different pathologies. Common kinds of dementia include Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia caused by diseases such as Parkinson's. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 14% of people over the age of 71 will develop some form of dementia. This incidence climbs as people age: among those who live to 90, more than 37.4% show signs of dementia.
Signs of dementia can be subtle at first. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is short-term memory loss. You may find someone asking the same questions repeatedly or forgetting things that were just explained to or told to them. They may struggle to keep track of possessions like car keys, wallets, purses, and mobile devices. They might forget to go to appointments, fail to plan for meals, or begin roaming outside of their usual routine for no apparent reason.
Dementia also affects a person's ability to communicate. They might struggle with their vocabulary, finding it hard to describe things or repeatedly relying on the same set of words. Instead of using the proper name, they might describe something. For example, a person with dementia might call a coffee maker "the thing that makes that stuff, the good smelling brown one." They may also become withdrawn as the frustration of being unable to communicate well sets in. These problems may worsen as the disease progresses.
It is common to feel tired and stiff as you age, and that's likely nothing to worry about. However, with age, it is also common to see worsening blood circulation. This can lead to a number of symptoms including numbness, fatigue, swelling, weakened immunity, digestive issues, and much more. We see, however, that by following some simple steps, you will be able to manage these symptoms and feel healthier with time. Consider the following recommendations to improve your circulation!
Lower energy levels are a part of aging and affect your wellness status. Unfortunately, you can't prevent feeling exhausted completely, but you can combat it to some extent with the right food choices.
The food you choose to eat throughout the day can help you increase your energy levels significantly. So, to help you make proper and informed eating choices, here we have a list of energy-boosting foods for older adults.
Apple orchards, corn mazes, bonfires, and pumpkin carving... autumn is a lovely time of year full of fun and special activities. With all the enjoyment these fall-time activities bring, the season also presents its own set of risks and dangers to beware of and prepare for accordingly. Preparing for autumn is done every year, but it can seem to be a whole new experience each time. As a person ages, they may need to do more preparation than in their younger years, and it is important to remember each task.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is a pervasive problem in this day and age. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 1 in 6 older people experience some form of abuse. Unfortunately, a lot of abuse goes unreported, so we don't really know the full extent of the problem. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the signs to watch out for to be able to recognize if someone you care about has been abused or neglected (and how you can help).
If you are like many people, the idea of losing your independence is terrifying. As we grow older, it becomes difficult to do things that were once easy for us. It can be hard to accept these losses and know how to cope with them. With a little bit of forethought and preparation, however, it's possible to prevent some of these losses from happening in the first place.
We all know that movement is necessary to keep the body healthy, and it is not healthy to sit down for too much of the day. However, it can be difficult to tell how much sitting is too much. If possible, it is best to get up and walk around once every hour at least. Do tasks that require you to be standing or walking for fifteen or more minutes and begin your day with movement after resting all night. There are signs to watch for that can mean you are sitting too long or sitting down too much.
When it comes to preparing for retirement, most consumers have only a vague idea about planning for potential long-term care expenses. Yet, as noted in another Cantissimo Senior Living blog post, well over half of Americans 65 or older will eventually require some form of long-term care.
Depending on the level of care needed, annual costs can range from around $19,000 for adult day care to over $100,000 per year for a private room in a skilled nursing facility. Medicare will pay for limited transitional care after a hospital stay, and older adults who meet specific low-income requirements can qualify for Medicaid. However, for most people, some or all these costs will be paid for from sources like retirement savings, a reverse mortgage, or selling a primary residence. Another option is long-term care insurance (LTCI).
A common perception of senior living is that it is an irreversible step in one's life journey. However, many don't realize there are short-stay options available for various situations, including assisted living.
Assisted living is for people who need some help with daily activities but are otherwise independent. Housing is typically home-like, apartment-style units with private bathrooms and some kitchen amenities. Dining is generally communal, and social activities are available for residents.