Blog

Posted on October 23, 2019 - A nurse comes into a senior patient’s room and says, “Are we ready for a shower?” “How are you today, young lady?” says a senior care aide says to a 90-year-old resident. A volunteer at an adult day center watches participants at a Senior Prom event and exclaims, “Aren’t they just adorable?” If you’re a senior, have older relative or work with older adults, you’re probably well-familiar with “elderspeak”—a style of speech younger people sometimes use with older adults that sounds an awful lot like baby talk.

Posted on October 22, 2019 - Have you had your flu shot yet? The seasonal influenza vaccine isn’t the only one recommended for adults. A tetanus shot comes to mind—but what about vaccination for the measles, given the outbreaks in many communities? Experts from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health tell what adults should know.

Posted on October 17, 2019 - Much recent research has shed light on what’s been called an “epidemic” of loneliness among seniors. A recent study from the University of Michigan found that 25% of older adults reported feeling lonely. We know that loneliness is a health problem—experts have called it “as bad for our health as smoking or obesity.” In particular, say these experts, loneliness is very bad for our brains, raising the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and several other types of dementia. Why is social isolation so cognitively damaging?

Posted on October 15, 2019 - Forbes reports that, for multiple reasons, more seniors are declaring bankruptcy.

Posted on October 9, 2019 - “I would be glad to drive Mom to church on Sundays if only I lived nearby.” “If Dad hadn’t retired to Florida, I could still help him fix things around his house.” “The folks are all the way across the country, and they seem lonely. I wish I could drop by a few times a week.” We’re heading for holiday visit season, a time when family members who live at a distance often realize that the oldest family members need help to stay safe and well at home. It can be heartbreaking when an older parent or other beloved relative needs help, and we are not nearby to support their needs.