Blog

January 26, 2023

How Families Can Help Ease a Grandparent’s Loneliness

Most of us take social connectedness for granted. We regularly interact with neighbors, friends, co-workers, and many others, whether online or in person. Social connectedness is important, and it’s considered crucial for older adults. It can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, improve mental and physical health, and increase overall well-being. Studies have shown... Read More

December 23, 2022

Coping With Loss During the Holidays

Did you experience the loss of an older loved one this year? Grieving a loss is always difficult, but it is almost always harder during the winter holidays. It’s hard for those left behind—especially spouses—not to dwell on memories of the loved one from holidays past. And that is absolutely natural. The loss of a... Read More

August 29, 2022

How to Spot Signs of Depression in Older Adults

How do you know if you or your older loved one may have depression? Does depression look different as we age? The National Institute on Aging offers the following insights about depression in older adults. Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms than younger people. For... Read More

November 23, 2020

In Challenging Times, Try a Dose of Gratitude

A helping hand. An illness cured. A sunny day. A rainy day! We experience gratitude for many reasons, big and small. And when we do, says Glenn Fox, a neuroscientist at the University of Southern California, we are immersed in a uniquely human sensation. “Gratitude is such a key function of our social lives and... Read More

October 28, 2020

Managing Stress and Depression in Trying Times

We at LifeCare Advocates have been hearing about general underlying stress from so many people these days. The presidential election is very divisive, a second wave of COVID-19 infections is looming, and social problems are driving unrest. Millions of people are newly unemployed or under-insured, or both. Older people, especially, are stressed. They may be... Read More

December 5, 2019

How to Keep Spirits Bright this Holiday Season

  For many of us, the holidays are an exciting, happy time, as visions of family get-togethers, gift exchanges and festive parties dance in our heads. But for many seniors, who may be facing the holidays without a spouse or other loved ones, the holidays can be of time of sadness and even depression. Additionally,... Read More

June 5, 2019

Sleep Is an Essential Part of Healthy Aging

  The reason for sleep has been a mystery to researchers for millennia. For many of us, sleep may seem like wasted time. Think of all the things you could be doing, new adventures you could be having and places you could be exploring if your body didn’t get tired each day. But, as it... Read More

May 20, 2019

Are Memory Issues a Cause for Concern?

  Janet was walking her dog and ran into a neighbor. She started to say “hello” and then realized she couldn’t remember the woman’s name.   We’ve all experienced something similar to the example above. And as we grow older, these kind of episodes may become more common. As you age, you may find it... Read More

October 22, 2018

How You Can Help a Loved One Living with Depression

  October is Depression Awareness month. Unfortunately, depression in the elderly is frequently undiagnosed, often because the person suffering from the disease doesn’t discuss it, seeing it as a sign of weakness. Symptoms of depression – exhaustion, lethargy, isolation and loss of interest in daily activities – can be signs of other medical conditions, such... Read More

August 20, 2018

The Role of the Arts in Creating Wellness

  “The medical profession has come a long way in recognizing the healing benefits of art. My hope is that someday the arts will be considered as significant in everyone’s lives as breathing fresh air, eating clean foods, and performing physical exercise.” – Renée Phillips The idea that participating in creative endeavors can be a... Read More