Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Senior Health (5)

A third of today's youth lack mentors, according to a report from mentoring.org. Countless older adults, meanwhile, are isolated, lonely and in need of companionship. What do you get when you combine the two? Profound opportunities for healthier, happier kids, seniors, and communities.

What better time to take a closer look at multigenerational mentorship than during January's National Mentoring Month? Read on to learn more about the many mutually beneficial outcomes of senior-youth mentorship relationships, along with how to find opportunities for getting involved in your area.

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Dialysis does not change just the lives of patients; it also changes the lives of families and caregivers. If you have recently started caring for someone on dialysis, it can be overwhelming. These seven tips can help you learn key management tips for caring for the patient while simultaneously supporting your own needs. Read More

Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests hopeful news: Dementia rates are on the decline. However, the cause of this heartening trend may surprise you. According to scientists, lowering incidences of dementia are directly linked with better heart health. Let's take a closer look at the findings, along with how caregivers can help their aging loved ones improve both their cognitive and their cardiovascular wellness.

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When discussions turn to Christmas gifts for seniors, Wiis, Xboxes, and other video gaming systems typically don't make the list. However, the truth is that people of all ages and abilities not only enjoy video games, but can also derive many benefits from using them. Let's count down five reasons to consider gifting your aging loved one with a Wii or other home video game console this year.

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Photo via Pixabay by Geralt

Caring for a loved one who suffers from chronic pain can be overwhelming at times even for the most patient individuals. It’s important to remember, however, that there are certain things to take into consideration when caring for someone who is in pain for most of their day, including the fact that believing in their suffering is imperative.

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Nearly a third of the U.S. population will develop shingles, and almost half of all cases occur in people over the age of 60, according to the CDC. Let's take a closer look at this common disease, from signs and symptoms to prevention and treatment.

What is Shingles?

Also called zoster or herpes zoster, shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus. When you recover from chickenpox, the virus does not leave your body but instead becomes dormant. Years later -- for reasons unknown -- it can reactivate in the form of shingles.

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Many seniors find retirement to be an active and enjoyable time, but some individuals either want or need to continue working. Some find that they’re able to secure a job in the same field their career was in, while others seek a change in order to try something new.  And we all know that boosting senior brain power is important and a full or part time job can help with that. Whatever the need is, there are plenty of opportunities available for people of all ages.

Many jobs offer flexible schedules or even allow you to make your own and work from home. Here are some of the best options available for seniors.

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With fall right around the corner, many seniors and their families are on the lookout for new activities that they can all enjoy together. The fall is a great time of year for many seniors, with comfortable weather and the opportunity to enjoy a number of unique activities that you can’t enjoy any other time of year. It is important for seniors to create and maintain an active lifestyle year-round, and with a little planning and the assistance of friends and family, there are a number of fall-friendly activities that seniors can enjoy during this most enjoyable time of year. 

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The American Telemedicine Association convened in Minneapolis recently for its annual conference and trade show. One of the main items on the agenda? The potential impact of telehealth on senior wellness issues. Let's take a closer look at the the state of telehealth, along with how the shift of care from the hospital to the home can help seniors -- and the people who care for them -- enjoy better physical and mental health.

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While stem cells are a hot topic, not everyone understands what they are and their potential when it comes to regenerative medicine. Many researchers and medical experts believe that stem cells hold great promise for the future in  treating and curing disease, but there are some obstacles along the way. Let's take a closer look at the science behind stem cells, what they do, and what this means for patients and caregivers.

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