The holidays are a wonderful time of year: festive parties, baked goods, the spirit of giving, and quality time with the people we love the most. However, these fun holiday staples can be overshadowed by feelings of grief, sadness, and loneliness for those who have lost a loved one.

Every time you visit the doctor, the physician has probably asked you a series of questions related to your family health history: “Has anyone in your family had cancer, high blood pressure, or heart disease?” “How old were your grandparents when they died?” “Was this on your mother or father’s side?”

Every fall and winter, the United States can usually count on two things: snowy weather and stuffy noses. Cold and flu season typically runs from October to March, and this is for a few reasons: the flu virus thrives in cold, dry air, and the winter is when we are most likely to be huddled indoors with friends and family allowing for easy spreading of germs.

If you live with anxiety, you may feel like you’re the only person who feels the way you do. But, believe it or not, anxiety disorders are significantly common and impact over 40 million people in America. And while it’s hard to know an exact number since many instances are undiagnosed, it’s estimated that as many as 27% of seniors live with some type of anxiety.

Many people associate dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss. While it’s true that memory loss is a significant component of these conditions, they can involve other symptoms as well. Experiencing memory loss does not always mean you have dementia, and vice versa; having dementia does not mean you will only experience memory loss.

Today’s older adults are healthier and more active than any generation before them. You may have heard the phrase, “70 is the new 50”, and it’s true! Americans are living longer, healthier lives, and it’s changing the way society views retirement and aging.

If you have an aging parent or family member who lives on their own, you might feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you may feel grateful that they live in the comfort of their own home with a feeling of independence and security. On the other hand, you might constantly worry about their well-being and safety.

Watching a family member living with dementia or another form of memory loss can be emotional. It can be challenging to see them forget meaningful events, cope with mood swings, and require more assistance. As the disease progresses, they may even have challenges with talking and communicating.

When the lifestyle of a parent or loved one indicates that they may need additional support, many family members are quick to take on the responsibility themselves. For many, it’s a no-brainer that they should care for the person who cared for them for so many years. While this proposal is compassionate and admirable, many people don’t realize the costs and sacrifices of caregiving, including financial, mental, and physical.

According to a recent study done by Pew Research Center, 45% of adults 65 and over use at least one social media site. This number has grown largely due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, as social media has been an excellent way to stay connected during social distancing and quarantine orders.