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.

For many of us, driving is a significant part of our lives—playing an essential role in some of life’s biggest milestones. Riding to prom with your high school sweetheart; driving away from your wedding in a whirlwind, the “Just Married” sign in your rearview mirror; driving home from the hospital with a tiny new life, triple-checking the car seat at every stoplight.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts more than 6 million Americans and causes memory loss, thinking difficulties, and behavior problems. However, many people only associate it with memory loss.

Good nutrition is vital in promoting health and wellness at any age but is especially important for older adults, whose weaker immune systems make them more vulnerable to certain illnesses and conditions. And while this is true, malnutrition remains a common concern for many older adults—whether it’s due to physical changes that hinder their ability to eat or simply a loss of appetite. 

When we envision ourselves getting older and retiring, it’s reasonable to picture it in the comfort of our current home. After all, this may be the home where you raised a family and built your life, so it would only make sense that you would stay there after retirement.

Springtime means longer days, warmer weather, and flowers blooming. And if you’re one of the over 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies each year, it also means runny noses, watery eyes, and headaches.