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Happily Ever Aging
...a UMH Senior Living Blog
Everything you need to know about caring for your loved one - at home or at a senior living community.
Aging & Caregiving | infographic
Misconceptions abound among family members, the media and even some healthcare providers about the differences between Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and the process of aging. As people grow older, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is seen much more, and though Alzheimer’s is common in later years, it is not to be mistaken as a normal part of getting older.
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Has growing old become the dark hovering cloud above us? Admittedly, there are some challenges and struggles that come with the aging process. However, there are plenty of oft-neglected good aspects, too. Considering an abundance of research indicating the benefits of positive thinking in promoting not just ongoing health but also longevity, September’s Healthy Aging Month offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate seniority. Let’s shine the light on this annual observance, along with counting down a few of our favorite reasons why getting older has more to offer than most people realize.
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Think your parent is too old to worry about lowering his cholesterol? Think again. Recent research indicates that not only are high cholesterol levels just as dangerous to older adults as they are to younger people, but treatment is equally effective for patients of all ages and genders. Sponsored by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Cholesterol Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity to check in on your aging loved one's cholesterol levels this September. Here’s what you need to know:
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From financial and legal matters to healthcare and living arrangements, caregivers have many complex factors to consider when it comes to helping seniors transition through the later chapters of life. Luckily these decisions don't have to be made alone. In fact, older adults can take a leading role in the planning process....as long as caregivers don't wait until it's too late to begin the conversation. Planning ahead not only ensures optimal outcomes when it comes to your aging loved one's long-term care, but also provides peace of mind during uncertain times.
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From stress management to a sense of satisfaction, hobbies offer a multitude of benefits. However, for many older seniors, finding a new hobby is not usually at the top of the priority list. Physical limitations, challenges with mobility, and struggles with vision or hearing often keep many aging adults from trying new things. But before your aging loved one counts himself out, encourage him to re-consider. A new challenge, a broader social network, or a creative outlet can be just what they need to feel useful again and find new meaning and purpose in life.
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The mention of the word “dementia” can leave many people with a sinking feeling in both the stomach and heart. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are becoming increasingly common. In fact, more than 47 million people all over the world have dementia, and 7.7 million new cases are reported annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). If your loved one has recently received a diagnosis of dementia, here’s what you need to know:
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When it comes to choosing the right senior living community for an aging loved one, caregivers and their families often ask lots of questions before making a decision – and rightly so! In the process of exploring services and amenities, apartment rental fees, meals, activities, housekeeping and more, there is, however, one question that often gets overlooked. Most times, in fact, it is never asked.
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Clutter isn't just an inconvenience, it's a safety hazard. “Simplify Your Life" Month offers the perfect opportunity to help your aging loved one enjoy a clutter-free living space. Clutter is a very real problem for many seniors, and the issue extends far beyond aesthetic details in most cases. In fact, clutter can lead to health and wellness threats including everything from unpaid bills to forgotten medications to trip and fall hazards. If your aging loved one struggles to manage an excess of “stuff,” consider these six ways you can help him conquer the clutter and enjoy a more peaceful, ordered living environment.
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August is Medical Alert Awareness Month! Is your aging loved one a candidate for a life-saving medical alert system? Here's what you need to know...
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One of my best memories of growing up in a crowded neighborhood in Brooklyn was the ride we took each summer at the end of June.
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While dehydration is serious at any age, it can have particularly dire consequences for older adults.
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