Aging

Caregivers need care, too
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Caregivers need care, too

What if you’re caring for a family member unexpectedly? An ill parent, partner, or child can turn your world upside-down. Not only do you worry about their health, but it can feel as if their comfort and ability to recover is tied to the quality of your care.  That pressure can come from within, from…

Chronic disease: Issues faced by an aging population
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Chronic disease: Issues faced by an aging population

People expect that their physical health will slowly deteriorate as they age. We all know it will happen. It’s just a matter of when it occurs and the severity and swiftness of the decline. Here are some common issues that elderly people commonly face, coupled with some recommendations for keeping illness at bay for as…

Healthy, happy, and safe: Helping elderly people live their best lives
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Healthy, happy, and safe: Helping elderly people live their best lives

Aging affects all of us differently.  “Human beings are complex. Life is complex. There’s a long list of health troubles we might experience as we get older,” says Dr. Douglas Smucker, Medical Advisor for the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio.  But, as we age, the chance of experiencing a chronic condition—or “an ongoing condition…

Multigenerational caregiving takes its toll 
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Multigenerational caregiving takes its toll 

It’s difficult enough to care for young children.It’s difficult enough to care for an elderly parent.What about if you have to care for both, at the same time?   For some people, “sandwich caregiving,” as it has been termed, is a way of life.  As an aging adult’s ability to perform everyday activities erodes, relatives often…

Housing for elderly people: Specific needs, greater expense
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Housing for elderly people: Specific needs, greater expense

Imagine your house turning against you. The stairs to the basement become dangerous. The bathroom becomes a place where you could easily seriously injure yourself. Many people find that the places they’ve lived for most of their lives don’t suit them any longer as they age. What do they do then? “The most pressing issue…

Cognitive decline in elderly people: Early warning signs
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Cognitive decline in elderly people: Early warning signs

No one wants to lose their memory. It’s a terrifying prospect.  And cognitive decline isn’t just about losing your memory; it’s about not being able to think like you used to. For example, you might be confused by abstract concepts, have trouble with decision-making, or not understand friends’ and families’ conversations. Cognitive decline can make…