Outbursts from and older adult you are caring for can feel personal and emotionally draining, even when you know deep down they are not about you. Staying calm is the usually the first and obvious advice given to caregivers during episodes of shouting, insults, or physical aggression, but that is often easier said than done. So how exactly can caregivers start to stay calm in a high stress moment? One way to do this is learning the skill of self-awareness. The Role of S

When Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at 91 in California, she was still actively speaking and working on her lifelong mission. Even in her later years, she was deeply committed to her work, traveling and advocating for the protection of chimpanzees and environmental conservation. This dedication wasn’t just part of her career. It was a manifestation of a profound sense of purpose that extended throughout her life. For older adults, this sense of purpose can be the key to not

Strong ankles play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and independence as we age. Ankles absorb impact with every step, which leads to wear and tear over time, especially in older adults who may be less active or have underlying conditions like arthritis. Weak ankles can cause: Poor balance , which increases the risk of falling Foot pain , due to instability or overcompensation by other muscles Sprains , especially from sudden twists or missteps on uneven surfaces But t

Caregiving can be challenging, especially when supporting an older adult with a cognitive condition such as dementia. Everyday tasks like brushing hair, getting dressed, or eating a meal may lead to frustration for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. One approach that can make these moments smoother is called systematic cueing . When used with patience and compassion, this strategy can help maintain independence for the older adult while reducing stress for the

AI promises convenience and innovation at a scale we have never seen before. At the same time, its rapid growth brings serious concerns such as privacy, misinformation, bias, and even safety risks. California’s new Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act (TFAIA) aims to strike a balance between these benefits and harms. By setting rules for how powerful AI systems are developed and monitored, the law seeks to ensure that innovation continues while protecting t

Caring for a loved one with arthritis involves many challenges, especially when it comes to transportation. Arthritis can cause joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, making car rides uncomfortable or even unsafe for seniors. As a caregiver, understanding how to prepare for and assist during travel can make a significant difference in your loved one’s comfort and safety. Before You Get in the Car Caregivers can help older adults prepare their bodies and essentials be

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking out of a salon with a fresh cut or color. In our search, we found salons of all kinds offering discounts you can actually count on, from big national chains to small neighborhood shops to student-run salons where future stylists are practicing their skills. Who doesn’t love the little joy of knowing you got a great deal! Great Clips Who qualifies:  Age 65+ Discount details:   Exact discount is not specified. Available year

October is a vibrant month for older adults in California, with communities across the state hosting events that celebrate wellness, connection, and fun. From health expos and educational fairs to social gatherings and themed dances, these activities offer seniors a chance to stay engaged, meet new people, and explore valuable resources. Here are some highlights of what’s happening this month. Golden Future Senior Expo – San Fernando Valley Edition Location:  Airtel Plaza

When people think about meaningful relationships, close friends and family often come to mind. While these deep bonds are essential, research shows that even casual connections, like chatting with a neighbor, greeting a cashier, or talking with someone at the gym, can provide real benefits. Why Casual Connections Matter Gillian Sandstrom, PhD, a psychologist who has studied these “weak ties,” found that people are happier on days when they have more casual interactions t

Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with unique challenges, and one of the more distressing symptoms can be hallucinations. For people with dementia, hallucinations are most often visual, such as seeing people, animals, or objects that are not there. Changes in perception, vision problems, physical illnesses that affect brain function, or even side effects of medications may trigger these experiences. Hallucinations can be frightening for both the person experiencing t

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in the United Kingdom recently stopped serving caffeinated drinks to its patients. At first glance, this may seem like a minor menu adjustment. In reality, it is part of a strategy to reduce patient falls. Why Falls Matter Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. A single fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or a long road to recovery.  It is the leading cause of injury for older adults ages 65 an

Inflammation is a natural response by your body to injury or infection However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health issues, especially as we age. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more. Managing inflammation is key to maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of these conditions. One delicious and powerful way to combat chronic inflamma

In today’s digital world, it's important for older adults to stay connected with family, friends, healthcare providers, and emergency services. Fortunately, the Lifeline Program  offers monthly discounts on phone or internet service for eligible low-income individuals, including older adults. What Is Lifeline? Lifeline is a government-supported program that offers discounts on phone and broadband internet services to eligible low-income consumers. The goal is to ensure affor

Kidney stones can be painful and disruptive to daily life, especially in older adults. Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of kidney stones is by staying well hydrated. What Are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine contains high levels of certain minerals, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, which can crystallize and clump together. If your urine is

The "Phantom Scam" was recently highlighted by law enforcement as an alarming financial fraud targeting older adults with sophisticated three-phase tactics designed to drain bank accounts and cause serious financial harm. Attorney General Letitia James of New York has warned that since 2024, Phantom Hacker scams have cost seniors nearing or over retirement age more than one billion dollars through coordinated three-phase attacks. Because it’s layered, convincing, and built

As people age, the kinds of goals, relationships, and priorities that matter most often shift. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST), developed by psychologist Laura Carstensen, explains these shifts. For caregivers, understanding SST can help improve emotional wellbeing, communication, care decisions, and overall quality of life for older adults. What Is Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST)? Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) explains how the goals and motivatio

Feeding a loved one with a dementia can be a complex challenge. One lesser-known but impactful factor is the color of the plates used during meals. Knowing how plate colors influence eating can help caregivers enhance nutrition and hydration for people with dementia, making mealtimes easier and less stressful. Dementia and Visual Perception Dementia doesn’t just affect memory it also changes how the brain processes what the eyes see. The areas of the brain responsible for

Wheelchair tennis is an inspiring and inclusive recreational sport that combines physical activity with social engagement, offering numerous benefits especially for older adults and persons with physical disabilities. If you're looking to play for fun, improve your health, or even get involved in competitive play, wheelchair tennis offers something for everyone. History of Wheelchair Tennis Wheelchair tennis was founded in 1976 by Brad Parks, a former freestyle skier who bec

From reduced ticket rates to concession specials, these programs make it easier for older adults to enjoy the magic of the big screen. Below is a verified list of movie theatre chains and membership organizations that currently offer senior discounts in 2025. 1. Cinemark Senior Day Cinemark offers Senior Discount Days where older adults can enjoy any movie, any showtime, and any format for less than the standard senior ticket price. The discount excludes special engagem

Thunderstorms can strike suddenly and pose significant risks, especially for older adults who may have mobility challenges, medical needs, or cognitive conditions. Preparing well in advance and knowing how to respond during a thunderstorm can make all the difference in staying safe and minimizing stress. Understanding the Risks Of Thunderstorms For Older Adults According to the National Weather Service , lightning kills more than 20 people each year and injures hundreds mor

Labor Day is a national holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of American workers. While many people think of offices, construction sites, and factories, it is also important to remember the millions of family caregivers and older adults whose dedication keeps households, communities, and even the broader economy running strong. Here’s a list of important statistics that highlight the scope of their contributions. 1. Family caregivers provide billions of hours of

Spending time in nature has long been associated with improved mental and emotional health. For older adults who may face mobility challenges or live in environments with limited access to green spaces, virtual reality (VR) technology offers a promising new way to experience the benefits of nature from the comfort of home or care settings. The Emotional Benefits of Nature Experiences Even brief doses of nature are linked with better mental health. Harvard T. H. Chan School o

Hip fractures are not “just a broken bone.” For many older adults, a hip fracture can trigger months of pain, loss of independence, and even life-threatening complications. Why Hip Fractures Are So Dangerous More than 300,000 adults age 65 and older are hospitalized for hip fractures in the United States each year, most after a sideways fall.   The majority occur in people over 60 and can sharply reduce quality of life. Risky Surgeries Many patients need surgery to relie

A sudden spike in blood pressure that reaches very high levels but without symptoms is called hypertensive urgency. This can be scary, especially for older adults and their caregivers, but the good news is there are safe and effective ways to respond at home. What Is Hypertensive Urgency? When blood pressure shoots over 180/120 mm Hg without clear signs of organ damage like chest pain or vision changes, it is called hypertensive urgency. It is different from hypertensive eme