Elder abuse is a common but under-reported problem. As seniors get older, they often have a harder time managing the affairs of everyday life, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The National Council on Aging estimates that one out of ten seniors has experienced some form of elder abuse, while only one out of fourteen seniors actually receive the help they need. Elder abuse has serious physical, emotional, and financial ramifications. Seniors who are being abused are at increased risk for being hospitalized, developing depression, or dying. It's critically important for family members, friends, and caregivers to be able to recognize the signs of hidden elder abuse so that
Dementia is still a major unsolved problem in the world of modern medicine. One in every ten people over the age of 65 has some form of this condition — that's 5.5 million people across the country. Chances are good that you know someone who has experienced cognitive decline or who will experience it in the future. There are numerous different types of dementia, but in a nutshell, they all share the common characteristics of brain cell death and corresponding mental decline. This is usually caused by deposits of harmful proteins in the brain. Sometimes the decline is also caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. The roots of cognitive decline are still poorly understood, but researchers
For seniors, feeling chilly isn't just unpleasant — it can be dangerous. Seniors are more vulnerable to both heat and cold than younger adults are. During the winter, this puts them at increased risk for getting hypothermia, a serious condition that can be fatal. And seniors don't have to be exposed to below-freezing temperatures to develop hypothermia. A 60-degree environment can cause a senior's body temperature to drop dangerously low. Home care services can play a big role in keeping seniors safe and preventing hypothermia during the coldest days of winter. If you are a home caregiver, or if you want to help keep a loved one safe during this cold weather, keep reading for some ideas abou
What do you want to achieve in the new year? It’s never too late to set goals and adopt new behaviors! The start of a new year provides a great opportunity for everybody — including seniors — to set some new goals. If you haven't chosen a resolution for the coming year yet, keep reading. These 10 New Year's resolutions for seniors can help you have a healthy and joyful year. 1. Stay physically active. Exercising more is one of the most common New Year's resolutions that people set. If you only set one goal for yourself, getting more frequent exercise is a great choice — it's no secret that exercise benefits both the body and the mind. By staying physically active, you'll reduce your risk of
