As I was researching March as “National Nutrition Month” and considering my renewed vow to lose weight, I found some important facts on nutrition and bone health.

Due to changes brought about by aging, many seniors are more vulnerable to harmful effects of some medications, including over the counter medications. When appropriately prescribed and monitored, medications are an effective way to maintain older adult’s health, control chronic disease and pain, and recover from illnesses. People of the age of 65 and older account for over one third of all prescription medication used and almost one third of all over the counter medications. I have often commented that my parents take so many medications that it is no wonder they do not have an appetite anymore.

Maintaining a healthy brain is simply about making the most of your brain and reducing risks as you age. Research is showing strong evidence that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. Consequently staying active becomes more and more important as we age and is essential for living a long and full life. A healthy brain enables us to pay attention better, enhance problem solving, communicate more effectively, and so much more. It is so important that we now have a Brain Awareness week, this year March 11-17, 2019.

What is an automated care call? These calls are an automated calling system from SageMinder that will place calls on a daily basis to remind a loved one to take their medication or just simply check in. The medication reminder calls can be set up to call multiply times a day. (We also offer Live Operator Care Calls)

Caregivers have become the foundation of long-term care worldwide. Without the tireless and thankless dedication of caregivers our health care system would truly be stretched beyond its limits.

Baby boomers are redefining old age. I can see, as a baby boomer myself, where we are redefining what it means to retire and grow old. I am only a couple of years away from retirement and am looking forward to spending more time with the grandchildren. I remember my grandmothers never wore slacks. They were always in what one called her “house dress”. I remember her covered head to toe in flour on baking day with her apron tied around her waist. These days it is seldom that I see anyone in a dress and baking days are only a fond memory. My generation is going to be the blue jean era.

My husband and I are fast approaching our retirement years and that gave us pause to sit down and reevaluate our concerns, both financially and in health care. Our most pressing concerns have changed. This phase of life brings a new set of priorities from the concerns we had while raising our children. There are a variety of concerns that one might have when it comes to our aging health and well-being. As we grow older we become more vulnerable to many health problems more likely to occur - affecting our pocket books as well as our bodies.

I stumbled upon this one by accident but thought it was worth checking out. I am going to give it a try for Healthy Weight Awareness week the third week of January, starting January 20, 2019. After I get back from a two week vacation! This period of time was set aside to help people understand that health isn’t about dieting and trying to reach a particular number. It is more about pursuing a livable and sustainable healthy lifestyle through eating well, living an active life, and feeling good about ourselves.

What is the right thing to do? Mom and dad should really consider moving out of their home into something with less maintenance. They no longer have the ability to take care of a home on their own anymore.

Patience is not my best virtue - but I am learning.

It is not just the act of repeating myself (because he does not hear well). Although that type of thing can be frustrating, the stuff that is hard for me is the way they want to do things, their slowness, the physical challenges, the forgetfulness, the neediness, their reluctance to do something, and so much more. All of these things can add up over time - and lately they seem to be creating a lot of frustration for my family in taking care of mom and dad. Simple things can turn into monumental things when we forget to consider their mental state at this “age” of the game.