Preventive care is a lot like taking care of a car you want to keep running well for years. You don't wait for the engine to fail before getting an oil change or checking the brakes. You handle small things regularly so they don't turn into costly or dangerous problems later. Our bodies work much the same way. Preventive care keeps our care on track. Understanding Preventive Care According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it generally includes a few key c

If you haven’t heard about pickleball yet, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and for good reason. Especially for older adults, pickleball is a fun, low-impact way to stay active, make social connections, and improve balance. People of all fitness levels are finding it accessible and rewarding. Why Pickleball Works Well for Older Adults One reason pickleball has grown so popular is that it is relatively easy to learn. Most players can pick up the basics qui

Over time, many older adults experience changes in their physical strength, mobility, or cognitive abilities. These changes can affect their ability to care for themselves or complete everyday tasks safely. The Importance of Recognizing Changes in Independence Early Changes in an older adult’s ability to care for themselves often happen gradually. Small shifts in mobility, memory, or daily routines can be easy to dismiss or explain away, especially when families are already s

If you’re thinking about New Year’s resolutions, one goal worth adding to your list is better sleep . Sleep plays a critical role in overall health, especially for older adults and those living with chronic conditions. Poor sleep has been linked to depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, and conditions that cause ongoing discomfort or pain, such as arthritis. In our last newsletter , we shared science-backed strategies for creating New Year’s resolutions that are more l

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency  in several California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta . According to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services,: "A series of atmospheric rivers has brought intense rainfall and strong winds to areas where the ground is already saturated, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, debris flows, and rapidly rising creeks and rivers." While these c

San Bernardino is home to more than 420,000 adults age 60 and older, according to the California Department of Aging. Many older adults and their families find they need a little extra help with everyday tasks like cooking meals or shopping. That’s where Elder Love USA comes in. We’re a nonprofit home care provider proudly serving the San Bernardino community, helping older adults stay safe and comfortable in their own homes. But is it affordable? Because we operate as a no

Holiday decorations, rearranged furniture, extra visitors, pets, and busier routines can all create fall hazards. This applies whether an older adult is hosting guests at home or visiting someone else’s home for the holidays. Caregivers and older adults can use this checklist as a guide to help reduce fall risks and keep holiday gatherings safer for everyone. Outside the Home Walkways, driveways, and steps should be cleared of ice, snow, wet leaves, or debris that could cau

With the rising cost of in-home care, many families in Palm Desert find themselves searching for affordable, reliable support for aging loved ones. If you’ve looked online recently, you’ve probably noticed how quickly home care rates are increasing and how limited truly affordable options can feel. So the big question is: Where can I find affordable Home Care Services in Palm Desert? The answer is yes, especially when nonprofit care models are part of the picture. The Risi

There is nothing quite like the joy of holiday gatherings. Friends and family come together, gifts are exchanged, and homes fill with laughter, warmth, and celebration. Food is often at the center of it all, with tables full of comforting dishes and sweet traditions. For people living with diabetes, and for those who care for them, the holidays can bring both happiness and extra challenges. But with some thoughtful planning and adjustments, it is possible to enjoy the seas

A stroke can be a life-altering event. Beyond the physical challenges that follow, many survivors experience emotional and psychological changes that are just as important to recognize. The loss of independence, changes in daily routines, the fear of another stroke, and the brain’s biological response to injury can all contribute to depression. How common is a stroke after a depression? Depression is very common after a stroke, affecting an estimated 30 percent of survivo

Assisting someone with mobility challenges during a transfer requires thoughtful preparation, attention to safety, and clear communication. When transfers are done incorrectly, they can cause discomfort or injury for the person being helped, and they can place significant physical strain on the caregiver as well. The following tips are designed to help you create a safer, smoother, and more comfortable transfer experience for both the caregiver and the individual receiving as

We often talk about the financial struggles of America’s “forgotten middle,” the group of older adults who earn too much to qualify for public benefits but not enough to comfortably afford long-term care. This time, we look at another side of the story: their health . Research shows that the forgotten middle are not only financially vulnerable but also experiencing significant decline in well-being as they approach retirement age. Well-Being Study Researchers from Stanfor

Becoming a caregiver often begins with a moment you never expected. One day you are going about your routine, and the next you are suddenly responsible for someone else’s health, comfort, and safety. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. At the 2025 Oklahoma Family Caregiver Conference hosted by the Oklahoma Caregiver Coalition, Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer discussed some of the questions caregivers struggle with most. Their insights shine a light on t

Going through a heart attack doesn’t just affect the body. It can leave a deep emotional mark too. A heart attack can make someone suddenly aware of how fragile life feels. Even people who already had a heart condition can feel overwhelmed by the fear of another episode and by the pressure to change their routines. When these worries keep showing up, feel hard to control, and seem to play on repeat, this is often called cardiac anxiety. How Cardiac Anxiety Can Affect

November is full of exciting events designed especially for older adults across California. We’ve rounded up some upcoming older adult friendly events to help you stay active and connected. Seniors Fight Back FREE Self-Defense Class Location:   Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church 5300 Denker Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90062 Time & Date:   Nov. 15 from 9am to 10am PST Hosted by:  Seniors Fight Back, a volunteer-run nonprofit founded in May 2021 in response to the rise

From its early roots in the early 20th century to today’s porch-light-and-pumpkin celebrations, sharing treats with neighborhood kids has become a cherished Halloween ritual. There is something uniquely special about seeing children dressed as superheroes, princesses, tiny pumpkins, and friendly ghosts. The giggles, the shy “trick-or-treat!” and the beaming smiles when candy drops into their bags often become the highlight of the evening. And who gets a front-row seat to th

Southern California has just experienced its first Santa Ana wind event of the season. Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 80s and low 90s which are about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year. Older adults are more at risk during emergencies, which makes the role of caregivers even more important. Taking time to prepare before and during these Santa Ana winds can make all the difference in keeping loved ones safe. What Are the Santa Ana Wind

Halloween is a fun and festive time for many people. Costumes, decorations, and sweets make it a favorite holiday for families and children. However, for older adults living with dementia, Halloween can feel confusing, frightening, or overwhelming instead of joyful. This is why caregivers should be especially mindful of a few things when the holiday approaches. Dementia and Perception As dementia progresses, the way a person sees and interprets their surroundings changes. Wh

If you have ever stood up from a chair or gotten out of bed and suddenly felt dizzy, lightheaded, or “off balance,” you are not alone. This experience is very common in older adults. Up to 20% of people over age 65 experience some level of orthostatic hypotension. It might feel like just a moment of dizziness, but it matters because it can lead to falls, which are one of the biggest safety risks for older adults. What Orthostatic Happens According to Harvard Health, the bod

As the cost of living continues to rise, older adults in the United States are facing a growing financial challenge. For many, the burden of expensive housing combined with the high cost of care is creating an increasingly difficult situation. This is especially true for a older adults that are in a GAPS household. What Are GAPS Households? The term GAPS households refers to a group of older adults whose incomes are too high to qualify for government housing assistance, b

Fruits are rich in nutrients that play an important role in maintaining good health. They contain polyphenols, powerful plant compounds that help reduce inflammation and protect the body from cellular damage. Fruits are also full of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer. This can support healthy weight management and reduce overeating. However, for older adults living with diabetes, it’s important to remember that fruits also contain natural sugars tha

Volunteering can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding activities for older adults. It provides a way to stay active, engaged, and connected to the community while also making a real difference in the lives of others. Research shows that many older adults are already giving back. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adults aged 65 and older are two to three times more likely to volunteer than those between the ages of 25 and 34. Volunteering doesn’t jus

When we think about what pumps blood through the body, we usually picture the heart. But our body is an interconnected system, with organs, tissues, and muscles all working together to keep us healthy. One lesser-known player in that system is the calf muscle which is often referred to as the body’s “second heart.” The Function of Calves Every time you lift your heel, flex your foot, or take a step, your calf muscles contract. As they contract, they gently squeeze the dee

Self-service checkout lanes offer convenience for shoppers, allowing them to quickly scan, bag, and pay for their items. However, a new and deceptive scam targeting older adults is making its way through these self-checkout areas. While this scam was first reported in San Mateo, California, it's important to be aware of it. Scammers often move from one area to another, and similar tactics can appear in other communities. This scam is designed to exploit the kindness and t