Incorporating Exercise into a Loved One’s Routine Most of us know that physical activity is good for our health, and an important part of a weekly routine. But what about the loved ones we care for? Do they know the many benefits of physical activity? If we are in great shape and physically fit, our loved ones can take a page from our book. If not, then the two of us may want to consider how participating in physical activity can benefit us both. Read more
Setting Up a Group Outing Group outings are an important activity for many community centers, and can also be a great way for older adults to arrange engaging activities with their friends and social groups. These outings provide opportunities for socialization, exercise, learning, reminiscing, and connecting with others. While it might seem straightforward to plan a local outing, there are a few tips we can follow to make these outings as smooth and successful as possible. Read more
The Impact of Intergenerational Programming Intergenerational programs provide opportunities to bridge generations through interactive activities and shared experiences. The impact and benefits of intergenerational programming can be measured on many levels. Whether you’re an older adult interested in participating in these activities or an organizer interested in planning them, here are just a few real world examples from the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging’s Rose Centers for Aging Well of how intergenerational activities have benefited various generations of participants. Read more
Music Therapy for Dementia Care Staying engaged in meaningful and interesting activities can be challenging after receiving a dementia diagnosis, but as caregivers, it is important for us to help our loved one continue to participate in activities they enjoy. If our loved one likes listening to or playing music, music therapy may be a helpful option. Music therapy can help individuals with dementia with their cognitive and/or physical functioning, while helping them stay connected with others. Read more
Ways to Manage Social Isolation The negative impact and detrimental effects of social isolation remain an important topic. The AARP Public Policy Institute’s 2018 study “highlighted social isolation as the new silent killer – a major risk factor for a host of conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and early onset dementia.” AARP defines social isolation as “occur[ing] when people withdraw and become disconnected from family, friends and community” and reports, “… nearly 1 in 5 Americans 65 and older are socially isolated”. Given these startling statistics, what are ways we can reduce our risk and manage social isolation? Read more
4 Creative Ways to Engage a Loved One in Reminiscence Everyone has a story to tell, and the older adults in our lives can be a rich source of memories, fascinating experiences, history and lessons learned over the course of a one-of-a-kind lifetime. Research shows that engaging in reminiscence and storytelling with a loved one can improve their mental, psychological and emotional health, while also helping caregivers personalize their caregiving and improve their connection and communication with their loved one. Read more
Benefits of Volunteering Are you looking to learn a new skill, become more connected in your community, or engage with others? Whatever your reason may be, volunteering could be a great option for you! Volunteers are crucial to many organizations, as they provide fresh, new ideas, cost savings to the organization, and share knowledge, expertise and experiences with staff and other volunteers. So why not give back and gain something in return? Read more
Walking Tips to Support a Loved One There are many health benefits for older adults who walk on a regular basis. If a loved one has mobility issues, they can still benefit from walking, even if it's just a little bit. Here are some tips to help a loved one remain mobile. Read more
A Healthy Back for a Healthy Body: Tips for Managing Back Pain As we age, we may find ourselves suffering from stiff, painful backs that may prevent us from taking part in the active lifestyle we may have enjoyed when we were younger or healthier. If so, we are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons older people visit their doctors for a back exam, diagnosis, pain relief and treatment. Read more
Guiding a Loved One Through Cataract Surgery If a loved one has trouble seeing and has been diagnosed with a cataract, we may be concerned about what the next steps are and how to prepare. The surgery typically recommended to treat this condition is common and low risk, but it may still be helpful for us to come prepared with knowledge on how best to help our loved ones through the procedure and recovery. Read more
