We spend a surprising amount of our lives indoors. According to Dr. John La Puma, a physician and author of The Indoor Epidemic, about 93% of our time is spent indoors, leaving only about 7% outdoors. But even that outdoor time is often incidental such as walking to the car, getting the mail, or picking up a delivery. That leaves very little time spent intentionally outdoors. Dr. La Puma encourages people to spend time in green and blue spaces because being in natural environ

September is filled with awareness events that shine a light on aging, caregiving, safety, connection, and quality of life. These observances offer more than an opportunity to raise awareness. They’re a chance to start conversations and share helpful resources. Healthy Aging Month Healthy Aging Month runs throughout September and focuses on the physical, social, and mental habits that can support well-being as we age. For caregivers, September can be a good reminder to consid

A new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another condition associated with dementia can bring a long list of medical appointments and decisions. Dental care can easily get pushed down that list. In many cases, however, an early dental visit can be helpful. Here are some reasons why. 1.You can find out if the dental team understands their needs. While any dentist can provide routine oral care, some dentists and dental practices have more experience caring for people with Alzh

For many older adults, a senior center can be much more than a place to spend the afternoon. It can be a place to connect with others, stay active, enjoy new activities, and find help with everyday needs. Senior centers offer different programs and services depending on the community. Some provide meals, exercise and fitness programs, social activities, hobby groups, educational programs, and organized trips. They can also play an important role during extreme weather. Some s

August 21 is recognized as National Senior Citizens Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older adults and the important role they continue to play in their families, workplaces, and communities. One contribution that often deserves more attention is volunteering. Older Adults Are Giving More of Their Time An analysis of volunteer data by NationSwell found that the share of total volunteer hours accounted for by people 65 and older increased substantially

Each year, about 1 million older adults are hospitalized because of falls. Falls can result in serious injuries, loss of independence, and, in some cases, even death. But many falls can be prevented by making simple changes to the spaces where we live and spend time. Take a look at the images and see if you can identify which space is safer and better reduces the risk of falls. In Image B, the floor is clear of clutter, while Image A has several objects scattered across the w

Sometimes, the hardest part of arranging care is not knowing what kind of care your loved one will need in the future. Sarah was starting to notice changes in her mom, Linda. She was still independent and wanted to remain at home, but everyday tasks were becoming a little more difficult. Cooking became more tiring. Keeping up with the house took more effort. Getting around safely wasn’t as easy as it used to be. Sarah knew her mom could use some extra support, but she wasn’t

Many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia experience sundowning. Symptoms of sundowning include confusion, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, or delusions. While the exact causes of sundowning vary, shadows can contribute to these symptoms. They may misinterpret shadows leading them to become even more stressed. Common Sources of Shadows at Home Many everyday items and lighting conditions can create shadows or visual distorti

Managing a loved one’s incontinence can be challenging. Managing a loved one's incontinence can be challenging. It can affect daily routines, confidence, independence, and quality of life for both the person experiencing incontinence and the caregiver providing support. One strategy that can help is scheduled toileting. What Is Scheduled Toileting? Scheduled toileting means creating a regular bathroom routine instead of waiting until a person feels the urge to urinate. This a

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is a challenge that demands patience, preparation, and determination. The journey takes climbers across rough, rocky terrain, and even after reaching the summit, they must carefully navigate the difficult descent back down the mountain. For Dr. Art Ulene, the challenge was the perfect way to celebrate turning 90. The retired OB/GYN spent months preparing for the climb, building his strength and endurance through a training ro

Life is made up of countless moments, both big and small. Along the way, we build lifelong friendships, celebrate family milestones, enjoy quiet mornings with a cup of tea, and create memories that stay with us for years. Yet it's easy to overlook these moments. Our minds may often become occupied with daily responsibilities, worries, or the challenges that naturally come with growing older. Perhaps we've had to say goodbye to people we love. Maybe our bodies don't move as ea

This article was republished by Elder Love USA from The Conversation. As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care. Our dedicated care professional can help you think through your options and explain what types of support may be appropriate based on your specific needs. All caregivers undergo thorough background checks and training with certification. Our rates are lower than o

We rely on depth perception constantly, often without even realizing it. It allows us to reach for a cup, step off a curb, sit down in a chair, climb stairs, and move confidently from one type of flooring to another. Depth perception is our ability to see the world in three dimensions. It helps us understand an object’s size, including its length, width, and depth, and judge how close or far away it is. This ability depends on the eyes and brain working together. The eyes gat

Extreme heat affects all of us, but older adults can be especially vulnerable when temperatures rise. Here are three reasons extreme heat deserves special attention from caregivers, family members, and neighbors. 1. The Body Handles Heat Differently With Age As we age, the body may not adjust to heat as efficiently. Older adults may sweat less, circulate blood less effectively, and hold on to more heat when temperatures climb. Some may also feel less thirsty, even when thei

Bed rails might be an obvious choice for caregivers who want to make an older adult’s sleeping area feel safer. But choosing the right safety equipment isn't always as simple as it appears. Before bringing a bed rail into the home, caregivers should understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to decide whether it is the right choice for their loved one. How Bed Rails May Help For some older adults, a properly selected bed rail can serve as a useful aid. It ma

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has released a free Caregiver Resource Guide for families caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. With millions of Americans providing care to loved ones with Alzheimer's, the guide arrives at a time when many families are taking on increasingly complex responsibilities. The new guide offers reliable information about what to do after a diagnosis, daily caregiving, safety, behavioral and emotional changes, legal and financial

Recent headlines have warned about an outbreak involving an “explosive diarrhea parasite.” The illness is called cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Cases of cyclosporiasis typically increase during the spring and summer. People of any age can become infected. However, caregivers and older adults should be particularly aware of

If you are age 65 or older, have a disability, or need long-term care, Medi-Cal will look at both your income and assets when you apply for or renew your coverage. Income is the money you receive while assets are the things you own. You can use the Medi-Cal eligibility tool to get an estimate of whether you or a loved one may qualify. You can try the tool here: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/qualify/ Depending on your status, you may fall under the Modified Adjusted Gross I

There is growing concern about the rising cost of electricity, especially during the summer months. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average U.S. household is expected to spend about $792 on electricity between June and September, up 10.5% from the same period last year, when the average was $717. For many lower-income older adults, rising electricity costs can be especially difficult during the summer. Older adults are more vulnerable to

You may not realize it, but driving uses a wide variety of joints. Your neck helps you check blind spots. Your shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands help you steer and use the controls. Your hips, knees, ankles, and feet help you get in and out of the car and safely press the pedals. When someone has arthritis, those everyday movements can become harder. Their joints may be painful, stiff, swollen, weaker, or less mobile. Driving may become more challenging, and in some cases,

After a stroke, a person may seem different emotionally, mentally, or behaviorally. For families, this can be difficult and even heartbreaking to understand. The person they love may suddenly seem less engaged, less motivated, or less like themselves. One reason this happens is because a stroke affects the brain. One reason this can happen is because a stroke affects the brain. The brain controls much more than movement and speech. It also plays a major role in emotions, beha

June is Pride Month, a good time to recognize the lives, experiences, and needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults. In November 2024, researchers released the results of California’s first statewide survey of LGBTQIA+ midlife and older adults. The survey asked LGBTQIA+ Californians age 50 and older about their health, finances, social support, safety, access to care, mental health, substance use, and service needs. More than 4,000 people from every census region in California responded

The extreme heat Southern California is experiencing can be dangerous for older adults especially for those taking medications for their health conditions. Commonly prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, and certain medication combinations can increase heat-related risks for older adults. This may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, dopaminergic medications, beta blockers, and others. Interfering With Your Body's Cooling System Thermoregulation is the process yo

Elder Love USA is the only nonprofit caregiving agency in the state of California. Founded in 2016, our mission is to make home care more affordable for older adults and their families. We are able to keep care accessible through a combination of client support, partnerships, individual donations, sponsorships, grants, and creative fundraisers. One of those creative fundraisers is Art From the Heart! Art From the Heart is a community fundraiser where people decorate wooden