TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS

From NBC Montana, a look at how broad some places define “mentally ill.” “Montana Rep. Danny Tenenbaum (D-Missoula), also works as a public defender. About a year ago, a case came across his desk that caught his eye. “For me, it was a problem I didn’t know existed until a year ago when a case […]

Birds are chirping, flowers are budding and the days are longer than the nights. Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to make sure the senior loved ones in your life are ready for the season. Continuing Covid lockdowns make this particularly difficult for loved ones in residential care facilities, but it’s still […]

As Covid-19 vaccination rates continue to rise, it’s time to start asking what people who have been vaccinated can do that the rest of us can’t yet. First off, “fully vaccinated” means it’s been 2 weeks since the final dose of the vaccine you’ve received (the Moderna, Pfizer & AstraZeneca vaccines are 2 doses, the […]

Having arthritis or similar chronic conditions doesn’t mean you have to give up on living life. There are some simple tools you can employ to relieve the pain & discomfort associated with these conditions, without prescription drugs or unknown supplements. At-home physical therapy – Creaky Joints has a great rundown of exercises for the hands […]

An interesting study in Medline showing a link between clinical depression and lack of improvement in patients with psoriatic arthritis. “Our study demonstrated that the presence of symptoms or a diagnosis of depression/anxiety significantly reduced the probability of achieving sustained minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis patients, and this was independent of disease severity as […]

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or […]

From the Washington Post, a story about the power of music in relation to memory, and how some forward-thinking professionals are using that link to help patients with memory issues. The upbeat song “Sweet Caroline” often prompts listeners to sing and dance. But when music therapist Alaine Reschke-Hernández played the song for an older person, […]

Dinnertime can sometimes feel like wartime when caring for the elderly. Dietary & medical needs, cognitive issues, dexterity problems and complex emotional relationships combine to create a minefield which has to be navigated for everyone’s health and well-being. Here are some tips for making sure meal times can be safe and calm for everyone. Routine, […]

From the Washington Post, another possible discovery in the fight against neurodegenerative disease. “Forget the soul — it turns out the eyes may be the best window to the brain. Changes to the retina may foreshadow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and researchers say a picture of your eye could assess your future risk of neurodegenerative […]

The snow on the ground is starting to melt – at least, it is in some places – and you can almost get the hint of flowers on the wind. This means it’s (another) perfect time to talk with your senior loved one about their financial health. Examine credit card & bank statements for recurring […]

Gordon Ramsay made a career as a tough-talking TV chef & restaurateur. But a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis means he may have to take a step back soon. “I’d never heard that word in relation to me before. He told me I needed to start slowing down,” Gordon told the outlet: “It was a […]

A new study shows a possible genetic link between three of the most feared neurological diseases in seniors: Alzhiemer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body Dementia. “In a study led by National Institutes of Health researchers, scientists found that five genes may play a critical role in determining whether a person will suffer from Lewy […]

From WFMY in North Carolina, an uplifting story of caregivers getting creative to help those they care for. “This is where the Creative Aging Network-NC is stepping in and helping seniors like Sara, through art. Lia Miller is the co-founder and executive director of the network. She said they’re sending creative kits over to senior […]

Alzheimer’s patients who are exposed to pets such as dogs display more positive behavior, according to a study carried out on an Alzheimer’s special care unit. Additional studies show that pets can provide companionship, reduce isolation, and ease anxiety. Modern technology has now embraced the benefits that pets offer Alzheimer’s patients. These studies have resulted […]

Growing old shouldn’t have to mean falling behind. And that includes technologically. Here are just a few items which can help your senior loved one use and enjoy the technological bounty around us. Vertical Mice – 90 degrees can make a world of difference. Vertical mice function just like normal mice, but are ergonomically designed […]

The Covid lockdowns have taken a toll on all of us. But it’s particularly hard on seniors. Residential facilities have been almost totally locked down for months, with no visitors allowed in, or excursions out. Independent seniors have had to take added precautions KPRC in Houston has some more on the physical toll this isolation […]