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Weight Loss and the Effects of Aging

Proper weight loss is an individual journey that depends on your specific circumstances. While maintaining a healthy weight can lead to a more active lifestyle, it can be a complicated journey especially for seniors. As we age, our bodies process food, exercise, sleep and heal in new ways. Seniors who may have been leading healthy lives may find it difficult to maintain that lifestyle, or those habits may not be serving them anymore. A healthy weight and lifestyle will look different for each age range. Adjusting personal healthy habits is...

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Anosognosia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Coping Strategies

The relationship between anosognosia and Alzheimer’s disease has been well documented. It is a medical condition that inhibits their ability to develop the insight necessary to understand and acknowledge their specific condition. It is most common in people who have Alzheimer's disease however it is also common in those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Anosognosia Diagnosis From the perspective of friends and family, it will be difficult to differentiate between denial and anosognosia. This is due to the varied experience of people with dementia or mental illnesses. Anosognosia, in particular,...

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Eldercare Tips: How to Choose the Right Stairlift

Looking at eldercare means looking at accessibility, compassion and independence. Most elderly people who are 65 and older wish to live independently in their home for as long as they care. This means that eldercare needs to look at how to empower seniors and maintain their independence. Increasing safety in the home can minimize the dangers of falling. Unfortunately, 1 in every 4 seniors will fall each year and after that first fall, the chances double for that person to fall again. Navigating up and down stairs can be increasingly...

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Tips on How to Talk to Your Ageing Parents About Their Finances

When it comes to the discussion of finance, takes a gentle touch and a respectful tone to facilitate a conversation. You can never have enough sensitivity when it comes to discussing the future of your ageing parent's finances. The tact necessary for this discussion will stem from a supportive stance. It may be difficult to know when to initiate the conversation, however, it may be better to start the discussion earlier rather than later to set a foundation of trust before it becomes necessary. The following is a step-by-step guide...

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COVID-19 Scams Targeting the Elderly

As COVID-19 has changed the layout of our society and increased our dependence on being physically distanced, the scammers have taken advantage of this to profit off of people’s vulnerability in reaction to the pandemic. We have adjusted our habits to keep ourselves and our community safe through the use of online and over-the-phone communication to prioritize the stay home order. However, due to the increased habit of doing appointments and important banking over the phone or online, scammers have been able to strategize and take advantage of people, especially...

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Signs That Your Elderly Loved One May Need Overnight Care

Seniors have lived a long and full life and may take pride in their independence, especially if they are still living in their own homes. This may seem like an accomplishment to them, and it may be difficult for them to admit they are having trouble with solo living. They may not be upfront with their loved ones about the challenges they are facing as they want to maintain their independence, and they do not want to worry you. There are signs to look for when assessing the degree to...

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The Benefits of Bright Light Therapy for Seniors

Many seniors suffer from sleep disorders and poor sleep quality. Bright light therapy may be an accessible alternative treatment to regulate healthy sleep patterns. An hour of bright light therapy a day may brighten the mood and improve sleep quality in elderly people. Studies show that bright light therapy, that uses specifically designed light devices, improved symptoms of depression and poor sleep quality in older adults. Circadian Rhythm People who suffer from poor quality of sleep often require treatment to fix their circadian rhythm.  A circadian rhythm is an internal...

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Dementia Care: Validation Therapy

As humans we crave positive connection, we are designed to care about our community and desire the care of our community. Validation is a key factor in human communication, it boosts positive feedback for desired behavior and acts as a verbal treat for doing socially desirable things. It acts in contrast to rejection, which degrades negative behavior to communicate community acceptable guidelines. Validation makes us feel good both biologically as it stimulates the part of our brain which boosts our happy chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, as well as...

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The Effects of Virtual Reality on Alzheimer’s Patients

Imagine having the opportunity to visit incredible sites or peaceful forests. What it might feel like to have those new and exciting or relaxing experiences available regardless of your physical space or ability level.  Virtual Reality (VR) has been around for a long time, however, in a contemporary sense VR technology is more affordable and more accessible than ever.  The reality of immersing yourself in a peaceful beach may not be far off, and this accessibility opens new opportunities within the context of healthcare.  Some hospitals have already integrated virtual...

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Tips on How to Prepare for Virtual Doctor’s Appointments

Virtual doctor’s appointments have been in effect in many communities for some time now, especially remote ones with a lack of access to doctors. However, with the increased lockdown measures starting in March of 2020 as a result of COVID-19, virtual doctor appointments have been normalized for all communities and have risen in popularity. public health officials have instructed doctors and health care workers to limit in-person appointments to patients who require immediate or emergency care. This means now more than ever ‘Telemedicine’, medicine performed virtually, has been implemented into...

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