older adults Archives - Aging, caregiving and the journey through the second half of life

The One Thing We Possess Equally

September 2, 2019

According to the teachers, there is only one thing that all people possess equally. This is their loneliness. —Hyemeyohsts Storm The age wave brings with it red flag warnings about the increased threat of loneliness for older adults. Technology cannot…

Medications Older Adults Should Avoid

April 21, 2017

In a world of poly-pharmacy, there are some medication land mines that older adults should avoid. Some of these medications are well known like benzodiazepines (Valium). But some are a surprise to many of us involved in the healthcare of…

The Delirium Epidemic in Hospitalized Older Adults

March 3, 2017

“Medical care has evolved to be absolutely inhumane to older people.” Sharon Inouye, MD Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Hospital-induced delirium, the sudden disruption of consciousness and cognition marked by vivid hallucinations and an inability to focus, affects 7…

Face-to-Face Trumps Emails and Phone Calls

October 7, 2015

“In a slight knock on digital and telephone communications, a new study points to the unsurpassed mental health benefits of regular face-to-face social interactions among older adults. Study participants who regularly met in person with family and friends were less…

Older Adults with Down’s Syndrome and Dementia

September 11, 2015

I am looking to connect with caregivers of older adults with Down’s Syndrome and dementia to be part of an online support group I will be facilitating beginning in October 2015. To learn more about the project, contact me at…

The impact of unforgiveness on older adults

September 8, 2015

Families are a battle ground where the wounds of conflict can be carried for a life time. While at some point forgiveness seems in order, its withholding is an all too common theme in the exhausting contest to prove who’s…