We sometimes joke about our heads: Knock your head against the wall ... Head bashing ... Dropped on your head ... and more. Funny -- except it's no laughing matter.
Even a head injuriy that appears to be mild can have serious, long-term effects, especially when there are repeated injuries.
A great deal of attention is being paid to the who, how, and when of being a Boomer. Who are Boomers, really? How will we change the concept of aging? When will the average Boomer choose to retire, if ever? But, what about the "where" part of the puzzle?
Automobiles transcend other possessions. They are part of our identity, almost like a member of the family. After a lifetime of mobility, the prospect of losing that aspect of independence can be seriously frightening. But, what do you do when your parent is no longer safe on the road? Here are some suggestions.
A well-designed kitchen can make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. So if you're considering remodeling the kitchen, your focus is probably cosmetic. However, as your parents get older, there are safety issues to consider, too.
Exercise. You just can't under-estimate the importance exercise plays in a healthy lifestyle. Yet many people do underestimate the foundation of a good exercise program: flexibility.
In recent years, crashes involving drivers age 70 and older have jumped by 30 percent in Tokyo. Because it can be tough for family members to take the keys away from their older relatives, it's better for seniors to voluntarily give up driving.
Like most people, I dislike exercising even though I feel better when I do it. For me, "exercise" sounds like too much work and becomes yet another demand on my time. Sooner or later, monotony dampens my enthusiasm and I find things to do that seem more important. At least that was the case until I discovered ballet.
Holidays can be difficult for anyone dealing with the changes of Alzheimer's, or any ailment, really. They are also stressful times for caregivers trying to maintain traditions.
Where do you spend your days? If you're like most Americans, you spend them sitting at a desk, in front of a computer. Modern technology is great for our productivity, but it's the pits for our physical health. Long work hours and long commutes devour most of our day, which leaves us little time to schedule physical activity. But, there are ways to sneak more exercise into your life by moving and walking whenever and wherever you can.
40 years out of high school I found myself in an exercise class called Bay Area Boot Camp. There I was at 6:30 a.m. on a chilly, rainy morning, jogging laps around a duck pond, avoiding duck poo, while wondering what possessed me to get into this class!
An estimated 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease; this number is expected to double by the year 2050 as the elderly segment of our population grows. Not only does the disease have a significant emotional impact on individuals and their families, it also causes severe family financial burden and places considerable demands on the greater public health system.
Healthy seniors who practice a combination of Chinese exercises three times a week for six months experience significant physical benefits after only two months, say researchers at the University of Illinois.
A new study shows, not only that healthy behavior can add active, satisfying years to your life, but also details how specific unhealthy behaviors shorten lifespan.
As Boomers age, we're helping our parents deal with livability issues. All too soon, we'll be dealing with these issues for ourselves and our spouses. Some of us — the "early aged," who have some sort of injury or debilitating condition — are already dealing with these challenges.
If you find yourself constantly going for the TV remote to turn up the volume, you might need a hearing aid, too. Luckily for you, hearing aid manufacturers know you don't want the clunky, ugly versions that have been the de facto standard for so many years.
Courage is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
What's YOUR Boomer Story?