 According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints and causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Arthritis costs the U.S. $128 billion annually, is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems, and is the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.
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 Today’s assisted living facilities are a far cry from the institutionalized “nursing home” images of the past. Modern assisted living facilities have expanded their amenities and offer a large range of standard services, from housekeeping and laundry to hair salons and social activities.
 Health care professionals who work with seniors have long suspected lonesomeness plays a role in aging. Recent research shows they were right. Isolation has been identified as a serious health risk for our seniors. It contributes to a variety of health problems ranging from diabetes to high blood pressure, cardiac disease, depression and obesity.
 In a study published last month in the Annals of Neurology, researchers reported that consumption of berries and flavonoids showed a slower rate of cognitive decline in women aged 70 and older.* Using data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study of 122,000 registered nurses, the researchers conducted assessments on 16,010 women.
 Theodore Roosevelt knew what he was talking about when he said, “Old age is like anything else. To be good at it, you need to start young”. Speaking with our parents about aging is never easy. Acknowledging that our once active parents are starting to slow down and may need assistance stirs up complex emotions. We worry, we are afraid and we feel guilty that we’re not doing enough. What happens when dad can’t drive anymore?
Summer’s coming and the heat is on! Good news for beach goers, sun worshippers and those looking for a little extra dose of Vitamin D to make up for a long winter of indoor living.
 Falls are the leading cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence and injury-related deaths among people over 65.
First, the good news: Most seniors who are psychologically sound and physically active, will survive their injuries. After a period of limited movement and physical therapy, they will likely go back to being independent. The bad news is that seniors who sustain one serious fall are at increased risk of falling again. For the benefit of those who haven't faced a "fall" crisis, let me share a few things to consider.  A new study has shown singing show tunes has helped increase cognitive abilities of people who have dementia.
 Home is where the heart resides. Structures that have protectedfamilies, engrossed the happiness and confidences of children, sheltered mementos and seen the emotional sustenance of family dinners. Homes like this are filled with life. Thus, when an event occurs where the home must be sold, the process can be difficult. Within my own family, my grandmother moved into a senior community. It took our Grammy nearly a year to emotionallydetach from the home she treasured, and where she had loved and raised a family.  A frequent challenge for children of seniors who are beginning to fail is how to help them with their finances without taking away their autonomy or getting into a tug-of-war over the issue. Concerns often arise when visiting children find that bills have not been paid, papers are in disorder, or even that utilities have been cut off. It's not unusual to find parents defrauded by predators or going on a spree on the Home Shopping Network.
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Daja PrinceChange your thoughts and you change your world. Archives
March 2017
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