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Depression In Family Caregivers




As many as one in five caregivers will suffer from depression, which is about twice the prevailing rate in the general population. While many may show signs, many others who will not. Even after the loss of the person that is being looked after, research suggests that at least four in 10 caregivers will suffer from some degree of depression for a few years afterwards. More women than men caregivers...

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Food Shopping Tips For The Elderly




As we age, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is less about growth and development, and more about maintaining and sustaining an active and healthy lifestyle for as long as possible. As we all know, there are weight and age-related conditions that can be made worse by poor food choices. When shopping for groceries, an elderly person or their caregiver should think about what they need to eat on a daily...

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Living At Home With Dementia




At the onset of dementia, an elderly person will probably be able to manage on his or her own without too much intervention. However, it is worth considering the support that is available as this is a good time to plan where more help is likely to be required in the future. Many elderly people with early dementia are concerned about becoming a burden on their loved ones. While family members will...

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Brain Training & Brain Games In The Elderly




We all hope to get old and enjoy our senior years. Getting older can be daunting in many ways. As we age, we notice changes in how we used to function, including a reduction in our ability to maintain attention, slowing of our motor skills and lack of memory. Regular forms of mental activity can help to reduce these changes and promote lifelong well-being. From crosswords to playing certain forms...

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Obesity In The Elderly




As we age and become less mobile, we exercise less. There is a tendency for elderly people to put on weight, and about three in 10 people over the age of 50 are obese. Waist measurements rather than BMI (Body Mass Index) should be used to assess the degree of obesity. Increased risk of mortality and morbidity is associated with visceral obesity, where there are large amounts of intra-abdominal and loss...

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What Is Glucosamine…And Why Do We Need It?




Glucosamine is a natural substance that is found in the fluid of our joints. It is also found in the bone marrow of animals, in fungi and shellfish. It is an essential component in the formation of cartilage and it can be extracted from shellfish to be made into a supplement for those who suffer from various arthritic conditions. Various forms of glucosamine can be found from N-Acetyl-Glucosamine,...

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What Is Hospice Care?




Hospice care is used to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting diseases, usually at the point where their illness is seen as being terminal. It is important to note that hospice is not a specific place in most cases, but a concept of providing care. The majority of hospice care is provided in the home of the patient or a family member, and sometimes in nursing homes. Much less often,...

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What Does ‘Age In Place’ Mean?




Age in Place is the term used to describe the wish or ability of an elderly person to live in his or her own home and community independently and safely irrespective of their ability, health, age or wealth.  Age in Place (or 'Aging in Place') is about providing choice to elderly people who want to live at home – a trend that is increasing. As we age, we have various challenges to overcome and to live...

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Tips for Reducing Stress in Caregivers




There can be lots of stress associated with caring for someone who has a chronic illness, is disabled or is elderly.  Devoting significant time to caring for another person can be overwhelming physically, mentally and emotionally. While we all have our own ways of dealing with the stress associated with being a caregiver, there are tips that can make it easier to cope with stress. Prolonged stress....

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Staying Safe During the Holidays or Holiday Season




While the holiday season is often a time of fun and time to enjoy some precious time with friends and family, it is also important that the needs of older people are taken into account during this season.  For some elderly people, a holiday away from home can be confusing and stressful. If they live alone due to the loss of their partner, an older person may find holidays emotional and distressing....

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