Older Adults
I've Lost My Best Friend to Dementia
Alzheimer's is a cruel, deadly disease that robs us of our loved ones. Here is the story of my best friend.
My Experience as a Caregiver in My Husband's Last Years
I am sharing my story because I hope it might bring solace to others who are going through the same experience. My love and determination to care for my husband in our home proved to be the right choice for me.
Dealing With Mom’s Dementia: A Daughter’s Caregiving Journey
Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. I am a caregiver for my mother with dementia and hope these tips I have learned will help others.
How to Care for Aging, Dry, Cracked, and Itching Skin
Aging skin is a natural part of life, but there are several steps we can take to properly take care of it. Here are some tips to help your wrinkled, dry, itching, or cracked skin look and feel better.
How to Find Humor When Dealing With Alzheimer's
Six ways to make dealing with Alzheimer's easier: Finding humor, playing music, reflection, communication, compassion, and acceptance.
Five Reasons to Enjoy Your Gray Hair
Some people see maturity, dignity, and elegance when they look at their gray hair. They submit to their inner urge to celebrate themselves. Individuals who cover up may be selling themselves short.
Should I Move My Elderly Parent Nearer to Me?
Moving an elderly parent from one part of the country to another can be a daunting task for all involved. This is the story of bringing my mum nearer to me.
Remembering My Dad: Alzheimer's Does Not Define Our Loved Ones
In this article, I reflect on my experience with Alzheimer's disease in my family. My father lived for a dozen years with this disease, although it was undiagnosed until his autopsy.
Seven Characteristics of Optimistic Older People
Not everyone age seventy and beyond is senile and miserable. Some remain happy and positive. They make people laugh, offer encouragement, and prove themselves likable—and they share these common traits.
Five Ways to Keep Older People Happy
Caring young people can learn from these five suggestions. Capable people in the 65+ age group can also use these suggestions with other people in this same age group to promote happiness for all.
How to Care for Your Aging Parents Even If They Didn't Take Good Care of You
As people live longer, some of us will take care of our parents for more years than they spent rearing us. Yet, this becomes more challenging if they were lousy moms and dads. By acknowledging our resentment and learning some new skills, though, we can look after them without neglecting ourselves.
10 Things (Besides Memory) Alzheimer's Steals From Its Victims
Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect those with the diagnosis; caregivers and loved ones are also victims. This article explores ten things that are lost as this disease progresses, based on my experience with my mother.
Nuggets of Wisdom From a 65-Year Old Woman
The wisdom nuggets I teach best are those extracted from my personal situations. Some of them took years for me to understand. At 65, I begin to share them especially for those who walk behind me.
The Benefits of Spending Time With the Elderly
Spending time with older people can be exciting! There are many benefits of caring for and spending time with them. Like fine wine . . . people just get better with age!
Emotional Nightmare: Breaking the Promise to Be Mamma's Caregiver
Having been caregiver to many, my elderly mother deserved excellent personal care. That's what I promised, then proved to be incompetent. I placed her in a home for the elderly, and then what?
20 Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
This article touches on the early warning signs of dementia, along with memory tests, resources, and how to prevent or delay the onset of memory disease.
Symptoms of Advanced Alzheimer's
Are you a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's? How to recognize the end-stage signs, and how to prepare for evolving care needs during this time.
How to Create a Photo Album for a Dementia Patient
Do you have someone in the family who is suffering from severe memory loss? Make a family album to help them remember the names and faces of their loved ones.
My 12-Step Plan for Aging Gracefully
A 12-step plan for aging gracefully. Ideas to help you maintain a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Tips for looking and feeling young.
Can You Die From a Broken Heart?
While rare, some people can literally die of a broken heart. This condition often occurs in elderly people after losing a spouse or partner with whom they have spent many years together