Blog

Habits in the New Year: A Guide for Healthy Living

Each year, many of us commit to New Year’s resolutions, sometimes ones that don’t stick. Rather than approach the new year from a goal-focused perspective, why not look at it from a long-term wellness standpoint? Adopting wellness habits that support a vibrant, healthy life starts with small and manageable changes that can significantly enhance physical,... Read More

Whole-Person Wellness in Your Aging Journey

Integrative Health Month, observed each January, highlights the “value of treating the whole person – mind, body, spirit, community, and planet,” according to the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM). The members of the AIHM, which established this annual event, believe that integrative health practices treat the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. This... Read More

When Your Parent Becomes a Permanent Snowbird

As the East Coast settles into winter, snowbirds are living it up (or so we imagine!) in warmer climes. While this can be an exciting time for older adults, it often brings a set of concerns for their adult children, especially when this seasonal move becomes a permanent arrangement.   If you’re living far from your... Read More

Keys to Safety: Why Advance Driving Directives Matter

You’ve probably heard of advance directives for medical care, but have you thought about advance driving directives (ADD)? According to AARP, 96% of older adults are not aware of ADDs. Just as we plan for our health, it’s important to consider driving safety as we get older. The U.S. population of people aged 65 and... Read More

How Music Therapy Helps Older Adults

If you’ve ever put on your favorite music in order to relax, you know the power of music to help people feel better. In fact, music therapy has increasingly been recognized for its therapeutic benefits, particularly among older adults, including those with various health challenges. Music therapy has been used to address physical, emotional, cognitive,... Read More

Celebrating the Holidays with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

The holidays are filled with cherished traditions—lighting candles, decorating trees, preparing special meals—that bring families together. But when you have a loved one with dementia, these joyful activities may come with challenges. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, it’s important to adjust traditions to fit your loved one’s needs while creating a comforting and... Read More

What Older Adults Should Know About Polypharmacy

At your last annual check-in with your doctor, did they ask you to provide a list of all the prescription medications you take and any over-the-counter supplements? Tracking your intake of both is important in managing your health and in alerting doctors and other providers to the potential for polypharmacy.  Polypharmacy generally refers to a... Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Dementia: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Dementia is not a single disease; it’s an overall term that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the nuances of each type of dementia can help families and caregivers provide better support and make informed decisions about care. Here’s a look at some of the most common forms of... Read More

10 Things You May Not Know About Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) can offer numerous benefits for older adults, even those who might not have an obvious injury or condition that necessitates therapy. Here are some benefits of PT that might surprise older adults:  Social interaction. The benefit here is twofold, particularly if the older adult is experiencing social isolation. Attending PT sessions can... Read More

The Surprising Power of Optimism in Aging

As we age, our outlook on life plays a pivotal role not just in how we feel day to day, but in our overall longevity. Research has consistently shown that older adults with a positive outlook toward aging can live longer. One study involving over 70,000 people “found that those who rated themselves as having... Read More