When people think about diabetes, they often focus on blood sugar levels, medications, diet, and exercise. However, one area that is often overlooked is oral health. For older adults with diabetes, problems in the mouth can become serious if they are not addressed early. Dry mouth, gum disease, cavities, and oral infections are all more common among people living with diabetes. As a caregiver, knowing what to watch for can help prevent small problems from becoming major ones.

Dementia can sometimes cause older adults to say or do things that may not fully align with present reality. A person may believe they need to leave for work despite being retired, or ask to speak with a loved one who passed away many years ago. Others may insist they need to “go home” even when they are already there. These behaviors are often linked to changes in memory, confusion, fear, unmet needs, or time-shifting, when a person believes they are living in an earlier ch

A 2025 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association also found that Pilates was the fastest-growing form of exercise in the United States, with participation increasing by roughly 40 percent since 2019. Part of Pilates’ growing visibility may also come from celebrities and influencers who regularly incorporate it into their fitness routines. What is Pilates? Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on controlled movement, posture, flexibility, balance, a

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease because bone loss typically occurs without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people may not realize they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. However, there are still warning signs and risk factors that should not be ignored. One warning sign is loss of height. Beginning around age 40, many adults gradually lose some height as part of the natural aging process. But losing at least 1.5 inches (3.8 centi

A new animated film is shining a deeply personal light on Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, and the emotional weight many families carry every day. Based on Sarah Leavitt’s 2010 graphic memoir Tangles: A Story About Alzheimer’s, My Mother and Me, the film follows Sarah, a young activist and illustrator living in 1990s San Francisco whose life suddenly changes when her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Forced to leave behind her life in San Francisco, Sarah returns

Mobility challenges, frailty, joint pain, osteoporosis, balance problems, and age-related muscle loss can make something as routine as getting in and out of a vehicle much more difficult for older adults. Supportive car door handles, also called car canes or vehicle assist handles, are designed to provide additional leverage and stability during transfers in and out of a car. These portable devices typically fit securely into the vehicle’s door latch and create a sturdy handh

A social experiment called “Call A Boomer” is connecting two of the loneliest age groups: younger people and older adults.

A new research report from AARP highlights several gaps in how older adults navigate the online world, leaving them more vulnerable to fraud. While many older adults are taking important steps, such as using multi-factor authentication, there are still critical areas where protection falls short. One of the concerns they brought up is the use of the same password for multiple accounts. The research found that only about one-third of adults (35%) use a unique password for ever

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that higher levels of optimism were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Researchers suggest this may be because people who are more optimistic tend to engage in behaviors that support brain health. These include staying physically active, maintaining social connections, managing stress, and participating in mentally stimulating activities. What This Means for Caregivers If your c

You've tried everything. You bought the resistance bands. You suggested the morning walks. You even signed them up for that senior fitness class down the street. And yet, the bands are still in the bag, the walks never happened, and the class was quietly abandoned after the second session. But what if the issue is not resistance? What if it's a poor personality fit? A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people enjoy exercise significantly more when their wor

Wrist Arthritis The wrist is made up of many small bones that work together to allow movement for everyday tasks like gripping, lifting, and turning objects. Healthy wrists have a smooth layer of cartilage that allows bones to move easily and without friction. With arthritis, this cartilage gradually wears down. As it breaks away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. The three most common types of arthritis that affect the wrist are osteo

Living with Parkinson’s can make everyday movement more challenging, but certain activities have been shown to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Many people who participate in these activities report better balance, coordination, mood, and overall well-being. Just as important, these activities often bring people together, creating a sense of community, connection, and support. Beyond the physical benefits, there is also something deeper. Participating in the

Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is especially critical for older adults. Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among those 65 and over, and its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other medical conditions, medications, or the natural effects of aging. Several factors make older adults more vulnerable to dehydration: Their bodies contain less water than when they were younger Their sense of thirst naturally weakens over time Declining kidney funct

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. One trigger is reaching for something out of arm's length. When we stretch upward for a high shelf, our center of gravity shifts. Our balance becomes unstable, especially if we are standing on our toes, leaning forward, or twisting at the waist. For older adults, whose balance and muscle strength may already be affected by age, this brief moment of overreaching can be all it takes to lose footing and fal

In a previous blog, we discussed how plate color and contrast may help make mealtimes easier for people living with a dementia. While there is no single “best” color, the main goal is visibility. Food should stand out clearly against the plate, and the plate should also stand out from the table or placemat. Bright, solid-colored plates with minimal patterns are best because busy designs may create visual confusion or make it harder to distinguish food. Strong contrast can hel

Opening jars and bottles can become difficult as we age age due to arthritis, reduced grip strength, hand pain, or other physical challenges. Fortunately, there are assistive kitchen products specifically designed to improve grip, increase leverage, and make opening stubborn lids easier. Below are some of the top-reviewed jar and bottle openers on Amazon that may help older adults and anyone experiencing limited hand strength maintain greater independence in the kitchen. Os

There is a quiet moment many caregivers recognize. You ask your loved one to get dressed. They pause. They look at the clothes. Nothing happens. You explain again. Still nothing. You feel the clock ticking. The day needs to start. Appointments are waiting. Breakfast is getting cold. It is easy to assume they are being difficult. But in most cases, something else is happening. Dementia affects how they function. Tasks that once required no thought now require a lot more p

One of the most common and emotionally challenging behaviors caregivers experience when supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is repetitive questioning. Hearing the same question again and again can be frustrating and exhausting. Understanding the cause behind it and knowing how to respond can make dementia care easier. Why Repetitive Questions Happen In most cases, it is a direct result of changes happening in the brain. As dementia progres

For many older adults and individuals with limited mobility, something as simple as putting on socks can become frustrating, uncomfortable, or even painful. Sock aid devices are designed to reduce bending, twisting, and straining. Many feature ergonomic handles, adjustable cords, non-slip grips, and flexible designs that make dressing easier and more comfortable. Here are some of the top-reviewed sock aid devices (https://amzn.to/3ROMjaE) on Amazon that can help make everyday

Valentine’s Day is often about exchanging cards, writing notes, sharing memories, and saying “I love you” out loud. Spouses reminisce about how they met. Children give handmade cards to parents or grandparents. There is comfort in in knowing that love is understood and returned. But for families affected by dementia, Valentine’s Day can feel a bit different. As dementia progresses, it affects memory, language, and the ability to process information. A loved one may struggle t

Understanding incontinence can feel overwhelming for caregivers, especially because not all incontinence is caused by bladder problems. Knowing the different types can make it easier to respond with patience, practical solutions, and the right kind of support. One common type, especially for older adults 65 and older, is functional incontinence . Functional incontinence happens when an older adult has normal bladder function but cannot get to the bathroom in time. The issue

From the very beginning, Elder Love USA’s mission has been to make home care more accessible and affordable for older adults. As the need for caregiving and support services continues to grow, we believe compassionate and reliable home care should not feel out of reach, especially for many middle-class families whose income may be too high to qualify for government assistance but not high enough to comfortably afford traditional private home care services. Below are some fre

Senior Resources Jewish Family Service of the Desert (Senior Case Management) Phone: 760-325-4088 Address: 490 S. Farrell Dr. Suite C-208, Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.fsdesert.org Joslyn Center – Penny’s Pantry & Meals on Wheels Phone: 760-340-3220 Address: 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.joslyncenter.org Riverside County Department of Social Services Phone: 760-391-4170 Address: 44199 Monroe St. Indio, CA 92201 www.rivcodpss.org Senior Advocates of the Desert Ph

Last updated: March 1, 2025 According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2015–2019 American Community Survey, 27.4% of Banning's population was aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 8,526 individuals. More recent estimates from Neilsberg Research indicate that 28.53% of Banning's population falls into this age group, numbering around 8,753 seniors Local Resources Senior Service The City of Banning Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services Division is responsible for the