The season of giving is also the season for scheming. During the holidays, online holiday shopping scammers go right for the hearts of the most generous, stealing their money and their personal information. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable—last year, more than $2.9 billion was taken from our parents and grandparents and pocketed by con artists…
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For family members and caregivers of individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the holidays are always bittersweet. In a season devoted to gift-giving and celebration, it can be hard when your loved one is overwhelmed by, or on the other hand oblivious to, all the fun around them. While the festivities may look different than…
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If your mom or dad always got swept up in the fun and excitement of the holidays, watching Alzheimer’s steal the joy of the season away from them can be heartbreaking. They may become overwhelmed with the festivities, grow frustrated by the guests and noise, or, hardest of all for families, forget it’s Christmas altogether.…
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Certain topics should be left off the table during Thanksgiving dinner—politics, religion, Cubs talk in Cardinals country. But one discussion we do need to have while all of our loved ones are together under one roof is our family health history. Granted, no one wants to talk about cancer and diabetes while reaching for another…
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If you’re suffering from a chronic condition, the side effects you experience can be life altering. You may be confined to home because of the pain or mobility constraints. Or, you rely on medications to numb your discomfort, only to discover your doctor’s prescription is no longer doing the job. Many patients find that when…
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When we get our yearly flu shots, we assume we’re armed and ready to battle any nasty influenza germs that come our way. But did you know a shot is just the first line of defense—and that defense is not as powerful as we think? According to the CDC, while it does lower the risk…
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As we grow older, there’s a good chance we’ll be afflicted with a condition that can make standing, walking or climbing steps difficult. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40 percent of seniors over age 65 have at least one disability that affects their overall mobility. For many active seniors ready to take advantage of…
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Getting our driver’s license gave many of us our first taste of freedom. Over the years, that little card let us go anywhere we wanted, whenever we wanted. So, it’s no surprise that if someone threatens to take it away, we would fight tooth and nail to hold on to it. If your parent has…
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The retirement years can be some of the best of our lives. No longer tied to a desk, we can spend our days traveling, enjoying our favorite activities, and spending time with family and friends. But they can also be among the hardest. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability, moving from home to…
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Our home is our safe space. But for seniors with mobility or cognitive issues, it can be a dangerous place. One slip on a bath mat or a trip over a lamp cord can lead to a devastating fall, a long-term hospital stay and even life-threatening health complications. But not all household hazards are so…
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