As people grow old, they may feel more and more isolated. Pets can be a good remedy to that loneliness. Comforting and uplifting, pets provide a unique type of companionship.
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Losing weight as an elderly individual is an attainable goal. Weight management is an important part of living a healthful and active lifestyle. Small lifestyle decisions throughout your day have a domino type effect and eventually build up to unwanted weight gain. Poor sleep, consuming junk food, and medical issues are just a few aspects that may cause you to put on a few extra pounds. Weight reduction aids in reducing joint pain. It promotes better sleep cycles which leads to improved moods and mental health. Additionally, a lower weight helps with more blood circulation throughout your body, allowing the organs in your body to function properly. Oftentimes, we need that little nudge to motivate us and inspire a change within ourselves.
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You may have heard “keeping up with the Joneses”, but where does that phrase originate, and how does “keeping up” appearances affect us as we get older?
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Scammers are persuasive, it can be challenging to not doubt their words. They will call, email, and make various attempts to do so in order to gain your personal information or money. For instance, a scammer may contact you pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over alleged unpaid taxes. For additional information on other types of scams, see our page on the most common scams. Here's what to do if you believe you are a victim of a scam.
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Grief can be described as deep sorrow that is felt usually after a negative experience. It is something that everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. Grief is not limited to the death or loss of a loved one, it can also occur in circumstances that range from your children not meeting your expectations to not being seen. Through the years, scientists and researchers have studied the effects of grief and how the body reacts to this experience. In this article, we will discuss some of the effects grief has on the body and how they show up physically and emotionally.
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Every individual ages. As we grow older, we see clear signs of our aging process through the changes in our body and mind. Old age poses numerous health challenges that make it slightly more difficult for senior citizens to prolong their health longevity. Body pains, mood changes, loss of strength, and cognitive issues are just some of those health challenges an individual may face. What if I told you there was a way to naturally heal and make your aging life more rewarding?
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It’s a common concern to worry about older adults experiencing a scam. After all, scammers are continually deceiving people with offers. It is easy to fall into their trap without even knowing the risks. Scammers typically prey on older adults because of their vulnerability. In 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that there were over 92,000 older victims of fraud, resulting in a loss of $1.7 billion. This number increased by 74 percent compared to the previous year. Here are some helpful tips to prevent older adults and yourself from becoming victims of a scam.
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Many lifestyle changes come with age. There comes a time when an elder person may need to change their living situation because they need help with their day-to-day activities. Some may opt for admission into retirement homes or assisted living housing. While the change can be stressful, there are numerous benefits to assisted living.
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Throughout history, myths have existed to give context to different phenomenal experiences. They are often fables with narratives that are out of this world. The integrity of these myths have often been associated with folklore. They are ideas that are widely held but false and not objectively true. In this article, I will try to dispel some of the myths and stigmas surrounding grief.
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Unrealistic beauty standards dominate modern-day media and our society. From placing objectively beautiful celebrities in the limelight to advertising the newest beauty technologies, desirable looks run the world. Usurpingly, physical changes that come with age are not particularly welcomed by the Western perspective.
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Close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Feel the air rush into your lungs as your chest rises with the influx of oxygen. Pay close attention to the sensations you feel with the breath you just took. Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary. As humans, we have the ability to breathe without actually having to consciously think about it. Mindful breathing, on the other hand, is when you focus on each breath that you inhale and exhale.
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A common fear that many of us share is the thought of our parents getting old. Once the time does come, children face new responsibilities concerning the newly transformed parent-child relationship; suddenly, the child has morphed into the caretaker of their original caregiver.
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Surgery is a life-altering event. Enduring a minor or major procedure on the body can affect a patient’s lifestyle drastically. The primary focus of the surgeon is to treat the illness and make sure they help ease the pain that the patient feels from a physical standpoint. Healthcare professionals discuss the physical impacts, but they seem to skip over the mental and emotional struggle. The isolation, sudden loss of independence, and changes in a patient’s body could take a toll on an individual's mind.
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Over the years, the media has slowly shifted the perspective on mental illness into a more accepting light. Current films no longer tend to seem as dramatized and overwhelming. Although many films still stigmatized mental illnesses, here are 5 films that portrayed individuals with mental illness in a humane way.
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Writer, producer, and filmmaker, Ava DuVernay was once asked “how do you deal with heartbreak?” She replied “You don’t. You live with it like a stranger until it becomes familiar and changes form. Until it becomes knowledge and power. But until then, just let it walk beside you. There’s really nothing else to be done.”
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By 2030, it is projected that 8.7 million Americans will be over the age of 85, and most will no longer be able to drive. Historically, most older non-drivers tend to stay at home because they do not have alternative transportation options. So, how can older non-drivers be supported today?
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In the final stages of life, it is normal to reminisce about all the journeys we've gone through. While many tend to remember the positive experiences and milestones, some are still reeling from traumatic and damaging encounters. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real mental health issue among older adults. The Department of Veteran Affairs reports that approximately 70% to 90% of adults above 65 years old have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lives.
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As we age, our brain’s ability to function deteriorates. This leaves the brain more vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Thankfully there are ways to prevent and help those experiencing this. In fact, a recent study from the University of Wisconsin found that people who engage in physical activity break down more glucose in the brain reducing the risks of Alzheimer's.
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Starting therapy can be a challenge for anyone; starting therapy as an older adult is a whole other story. With one in four adults suffering from mental health disorders in the United States, therapy is more important than ever for combatting this statistic. Therefore, no one should disregard therapy on the basis of age: it is never too late.
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Your role in life changes as situations, circumstances, and conditions around you change. A common notion of a parent-child relationship consists of a parent nurturing and caring for their developing offspring. The role of a parent and a child seem to shift dramatically as the parent's body and mind grow older as their age increases.
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