long-term care Archives

Who says you can’t fall in love when you get older? Medley has found her “true love” – as least she thought it would be – after 20 years post divorce. Medley truly has a great time with this person, just like how she felt in her last marriage.

When Medley finally thought that this person must be “the one”, she came home one day and found that this person has taken away all personal belongings and left. She called and messaged the person a million times, but finally, when they answered their phone, their only response was: “We are not really a good match”.

Medley was heartbroken, and she felt a little ashamed that she was still struggling with a breakup entering her 60s.

The Fact Is: It Still Hurts When Break Ups Happen in Later Life

Breakup in your 40s, 50s, or 60s may be different than it when you are in your 20s, but the level of heartbreak could be the same. Although we will get more mature and more realistic about finding “the one”, breaking up still brings heartache, and sometimes it could even be worse due to age, amount of support from friends, commitment, etc. These factors could all contribute to how hard it is to get over a failed relationship. Also, you may need more companionship than when you were younger, which could make the process more devastating.

However, the good news is, given our extensive life experience and self-awareness, we can handle the heartbreak easier. Here are a few tips that you may or may not know about fixing your heart as much as possible after a bad breakup. Let’s see what’s useful for you.

What To Do to Heal from A Breakup Efficiently

Cut Off All Contact

The first step of moving on after a split is to accept it. Ignore your ex and don’t try to get in touch with him or her in any way.

Unfollow them if necessary if you’ve been chatting on any social media platforms. Block their numbers so you won’t receive calls from them – it’s preferable to keep them at a distance and out of sight while you’re still vulnerable, as emotional recovery slows down when you still have contact with the other person. Remaining in contact can get you into another war that could only escalate your pain and anxiety with no positive results.

When a relationship ends, it’s best to cut connections for good. This will help you heal more quickly.

Allow Yourself Some Time to Grieve

Breaking up or getting divorced can be one of the most painful experiences in life – it feels like your whole world has turned upside down and now you have to deal with every memory and emotion that rains down on you. It is okay to get your emotions out and admit that you are sad, angry, confused, or resentful. During this special period, you are allowed to scream, sob, and yell your heart out. Find ways to release and let go of the pain as long as it doesn’t harm you or anybody else. Don’t suppress your emotions and take this painful part away from your healing process, fighting or ignoring the feelings could only prolong the grieving process.

Pick Your Support Team

While going through a breakup or divorce, many of us choose to isolate ourselves. It surely makes you feel safe to swallow all of your negative emotions by yourself, but the longer you spend by yourself, the more likely it is that you’ll become “ill” from the isolation. Researchers have found that people who are socially isolated have a 50 percent greater risk of developing dementia and may possibly die earlier (Senior Isolation).

Regular phone calls or video calls with loved ones can help keep you healthy while you are coping with emotions, so don’t be afraid to seek out help from your loved ones if you are feeling down.

Reclaim Your Life

Remember the hobbies you pushed aside during the relationship? It’s time to pick them up again. Reclaiming is a process of remembering who you are outside the relationship, and it gives us strong supportive energy during self-recovery. Whether you are pursuing your passion or saying “yes” to the social invitation you have always missed out on, you are regaining the part of yourself that you have given up when sacrificing for love.

Reconstruct Your Future Without Them

It is perfectly normal to have hopes and dreams and a future with your ex when you were still in a relationship. Another painful part about breaking up is realizing that your future has been shaken – what you have envisioned with the two of you no longer exists. It is important to recognize that your relationship with your ex will no longer define your future, but your relationship with yourself will. Acknowledging this fact and the feelings that come with this might be helpful in the healing process.

Enjoy Being Single

After a relationship ends, it takes an average of 11 weeks for people to recover their mental health, according to a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology. So, don’t rush into another relationship just because you think that the other person can replace the previous one and make you less lonely. In fact, it could only make the healing process slow down, and makes it even harder for you to get over your ex. Avoiding the pain only prolongs it. Instead, accept that you are single and are able to live as a “whole person” again. It then becomes a precious period of time to find out what you want and who you are before you find your next heartthrob.

In the End:

Healing from a breakup isn’t easy, and everyone deals with it differently. It takes patience, commitment, and of course, time, to let go of all the sweet or painful memories. Feeling devastated isn’t shameful – before healing a wound, you must first admit that you are bleeding.

Judy is a 78-year-old lady and she has been smoking for more than half a century. Recently, she has noticed that her son has quit smoking so she asked how he felt without tobacco.

Expecting a negative answer, her son told her that he felt much different than before, in a good way.

“it was hard in the first month, but if you get used to life without cigarettes,” he said. “Your body feels so much better, and my singing has improved, too!”

Judy clearly knew that good things would happen if she quit smoking cold turkey, but it’d be a little annoying since she just couldn’t imagine what she would do if she were not smoking. Also, she wondered if she was too old to do so. Since she was already 78, it seemed a bit unnecessary to quit at her age.

Is It Too Late to Quit Smoking?

We always hear people saying things like:

“I have smoked for many years. It’s hard to quit.”

“The damage has already been done anyway.”

“I’m already old, why shouldn’t I enjoy cigarettes for the last few years in my life?”

However, the truth is, you can still quit in old age, and things would still be different. There are some immediate results after quitting smoking:

Short Term Effect

20 Minutes After Quitting: Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop.
8 Hours After Quitting: Carbon monoxide levels decrease and the oxygen level in your blood returns to normal.
1 Day After Quitting: The chances of having a heart attack decreases.
2 Days After Quitting: Your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.
2 Weeks To 3 Months After Quitting: Your circulation and lung function improves.
6 Months To 1 Year After Quitting: Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue is reduced. Your immune system improves, and your lungs start to regain normal function.

On the other hand, the benefits of quitting smoking are more prominent in the long run.

Long Term Effects

1 To 2 Years After Quitting: Chances of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and breathing problems decrease.
5 To 10 Years After Quitting: Your risk of developing cancers of the mouth and throat would be cut in half.
10 Years After Quitting: Your risk of lung cancer is cut in half compared to a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer in the bladder, esophagus, and kidney will also decrease drastically.
15 Years After Quitting: Your risk of developing coronary heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker. Also, your longevity is extended by 10 years.

How to Quit Smoking as a Senior

Easier said than done; quitting smoking can sometimes be a long and tough battle for most people, especially for individuals who have been smoking for decades. However, you can split it into three stages so that you can make your journey easier and wiser.

Step One: Prepare to Quit

First off, list all the reasons that make you want to quit, and the possible elements that trigger it. Be specific and look at them frequently. Then, envision your life without cigarettes. Imagine yourself as a non-smoker, and see how you deal with various social situations that may trigger you to start smoking again.

You can also tell your family and friends about your decision and let them motivate you through the process. It is also helpful to tell your doctor and plan it together.

Then, set a date, and get started!

Step Two: The Quitting Process

On the quitting day, throw out all of your cigarette and ashtrays, and anything else that can remind you of smoking. The point is that quitting all at once is always better than slowly cutting back. Then, after you realize the circumstances that made you want to smoke, fill them up with other things. For example, if you smoke when you don’t feel like sleeping, try playing a video game to keep your hands busy. Make a list of things you can do as alternatives to smoking, and whenever you are craving a cigarette, do these things one by one to take up your time.

Finding a support buddy is also helpful; it’s good to have someone that was successful at quitting smoking. They will know how to help you out when you are going through similar situations that they have been through. You can also set aside the money you would spend on tobacco, watch it grow in a jar, and reward yourself with this money after a while.

Step 3: Preventing Relapse

Relapse may happen, even for the people who have quit smoking for years. The most important thing to know about relapsing is that you learn each time so you can handle it better the next time. When you realize you are about to smoke again, there are 4Ds to prevent it:

Delay: No matter whether you are quitting smoking or stopping binge-eating, remember that the urge only lasts for a short while. Delay what you want to do for 10 minutes. In most cases, your craving will go away after a few minutes on its own.
Deep Breaths: Take a deep breath before the “evil” possesses you. It will make you relaxed and clear-minded so you can make a better choice on what to do next.
Drink Water: Drinking water also helps you to relax and calm down and help you to focus on things that are healthier.
Do Something Else: As we mentioned, distracting yourself from smoking is necessary. List what you can do instead of smoking: sometimes even washing your hands and face can help, too.

Some Withdrawal Symptoms You Should be Aware Of & What To Do About Them

Craving & Urges

It’s normal to have urges, and sometimes they can be strong and overwhelming. One important way to deal with your urges is to identify them, which means knowing that you are in a state of craving, and it doesn’t mean you “need” it immediately. Try the 4Ds prevention methodology to see how it works!

Getting Easily Irritated

Quitting a habit may feel like taking a part of your routine away, so it is very common to feel irritated and grouchy sometimes. Again, notice it, identify it, and let it go.

Feeling Restless

Feeling agitated and having a hard time concentrating is the same as feeling irritated. It is because your body is not used to getting not recieving the nicotine it used to. The best way to deal with restlessness is to do some physical activities, and cut back on caffeine, too.

Gaining Weight

Some people may experience a rise in appetite when they quit smoking. This is because of the stress of quitting a habit, and your taste has heightened after quitting, too. If you really want snacks, snack smart. Avoid those high-calorie foods and getting more exercise will help you to balance the urges as well.

Feeling Anxious and Depressed

People who smoke are more likely to have mood swings than people who don’t, and it happens mostly after quitting smoking. Nicotine does help to ease your anxiety for a short amount of time, but the withdrawal effect makes it worse. Remind yourself of why you are quitting, and learn how to deal with emotions in a new and healthier way. It will all pass in the end.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/7-common-withdrawal-symptoms/index.html

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/quitting-smoking/seniors-and-tobacco

Living in a big house is nice; many of us enjoy our leisure time with trees and flowers in our backyard, but what about those who live in an apartment or a retirement home, what does gardening for those seniors look like?

Jenny moved into a long-term care home last winter after her husband died. It’s been over six months now, and she misses him more than ever when summer is here. Jenny’s husband used to always make their garden nicely landscaped and decorated. The stone steps to their living room were surrounded by tulips, and there were several ball trees beside their cute little pond. Jenny remembers her husband putting so much effort into their little garden, and spending time with him on their beautiful porcelain tiles when evening came and held some of her favourite memories. Now, Jenny is living in a small apartment. She wants her happiness to last longer, just as if her husband was still alive, so she decided to try having a little garden on her balcony.

Living in a limited space doesn’t mean gardening is impossible; you can still have your beautiful “backyard” with even less mess and maintenance. There are a few things you need to prepare before you start to build your garden, and we will be discussing them below.

What You Need to Prepare for Gardening

Picture The Garden In Your Mind

What vibe do you want your garden to have? Where do you want to place your plants? It is better to plan the scenery in your mind before making it come true.

Invest In Tools

It always requires some investment when you are building your dream green place. For beginners, here are a few tools you might need to get your garden started, and you can either get them online (e.g., Amazon) or at stores like Home Depot:

Plants, seeds, or bulbs (of course)
Potting soil
A handheld shovel
Pruning shears
A watering can
Plastic or ceramic planter containers, according to your taste and need
Gardening gloves

Choose The Right Plants

The key to building a beautiful and easily maintained small garden is to choose the right plants that suit your residency and your preference.

Hibiscus is a great choice for a room with abundant sunshine, especially if your window faces south or west. Aloe vera, jade, and jasmine are other good options.

A spider plant is an excellent choice for a hanging planter in a room that receives a lot of light but also has a lot of indirect sunshine.

African violets are also a great choice because of their beautiful blossoms, which can brighten up any space.

If your balcony or living room is shady most of the time, it’s hard to provide an environment for your plants to grow well. However, there are still options: A philodendron is a good choice for low-light areas; just be sure to water it once a week. Dieffenbachia and ferns are two other low-light plant options as well.

Safe Gardening Tips for Seniors

Rest and Stay Hydrated

It is important to remember that as we get older, our physical abilities decline, therefore we need to take more time to rest and avoid pushing ourselves too hard. Fatigue can lead to dangerous falls, so it’s important to take a breather every 10-20 minutes.

It is also important to stay hydrated while you are doing hard work, especially when you are working under the sun. So, remember to bring a water bottle with you and have it in your sights; it will be a good reminder if you are indulging yourself in the blooming buds.

Wear Comfortable Clothes To Prevent Falls

Wearing the right attire is as important as getting enough rest while you are gardening. Remember to wear light clothes with some sun protection (e.g., a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat). You can also bring waterproof shoes since the grass can be dewy and wet. Avoid wearing slippers, as they will give no protection from slips and falls.

Pick The Right Time Of The Day

We know that gardening is not just about trimming plants, but also about enjoying the sunlight. However, it is important to choose the right time and enjoy it safely. The hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm are peak sun hours, so avoid doing gardening or any other intense outside activities during this time.

Ask For Help From Others

When it comes to doing heavy-duty tasks, it is good to have a friend or family member by your side in the event of any falls and injuries. On top of that, working with friends and family is also a terrific chance to add some social interaction to your day and tighten bonds.

References:

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/gardening-tips-for-seniors

https://www.seedsandspades.com/best-gardening-tools-for-seniors/

As Johnny’s mother’s dementia got worse, he began to worry about himself. His grandma had Alzheimer’s years before she passed away, and now his mom has it.

Johnny has heard before that dementia could be hereditary, and now he kind of believes it. Although taking good care of his mom is now his firstpriority, Johnny thinks that he needs to find a way to prevent, or at least slow down, the progress of developing dementia. Is this actually something that could be achieved, or is it just wishful thinking? Today we’ll find out.

Is Dementia Preventable?

Although there is no clear evidence that dementia can be prevented in all cases, researchers found that a healthy lifestyle could significantly lower the risk of dementia as we age.

Two of the most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. It has been shown that having a healthy lifestyle can decrease some risk factors of developing dementia.

Risk Factors of Dementia

Before we talk about the risk factors, there’s one thing you should know: risk factors are not the direct causes of a disease, rather, they present as the possible reasons that increase the chance of developing the disease.

Below, we have listed several risk factors that were demonstrated to increase the likelihood of developing dementia:

Age

The very first rist factor is obviously aging. As we age, we are more likely to suffer from dementia, even though it is not a normal part of the aging process.

The strongest known risk factor for dementia, on the other hand, is advanced age. Alzheimer’s disease affects one in every twenty Canadians over the age of 65. Individuals younger than 65 are not immune to developing dementia.

It’s called “early-onset dementia” for a reason.

Sex

Believe it or not, sex is another prominent risk factor for causing the disease, and women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

A number of factors, including longer lifespans for women and fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout the course of a woman’s life, have been linked to this phenomenon.

Genetics

There are at least 20 genes that may enhance the chance of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers.

PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP (the three types of genes) are all known to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and familial Alzheimer’s disease generally develops before the age of 65 in those who have one of these gene mutations.

There is a 50% risk that a kid will be born with one of these genes if their parents are carriers. However, the other genes connected with Alzheimer’s disease enhance the risk but do not guarantee that the condition will occur.

High Blood Pressure

Dementia is more likely to occur in middle-aged people with high blood pressure (hypertension) than in those with normal blood pressure. Because of its effect on the heart, arteries, and blood circulation, high blood pressure can raise your chances of developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia.

Smoking

Smokers are more likely to develop dementia than non-smokers or ex-smokers. According to the data from a 2019’s study, current smokers are 30% more likely to develop dementia in general, and 40% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Also, a longitudinal study found that smoking habits causes a decline in memory, cognitive function, and attention ability.

Diabetes

Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are more common in people with mid-life type 2 diabetes (ages 45 to 65).

Obesity

Middle-aged obesity (between the ages of 45 and 65) raises the risk of dementia. A person’s risk of having type 2 diabetes is increased by obesity, which increases the chance of developing dementia, as we explained previously.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Researchers have found that traumatic brain injury has a moderate to severe correlation with dementia. The disease usually starts years after the patient’s original TBI. TBI could be linked to memory loss, decrease in concentration, incapability in communication, and even personality change.

Malnutrition

Many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, can be exacerbated by a diet heavy in saturated fat, sugar, and salt. See our blog post on “Senior Nutrition Guide” to learn more.

Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption (more than 14 drinks per week for women and more than 21 drinks per week for men) raises the risk of dementia.

Depression

People who suffer from depression in their middle or later years are more likely to suffer from dementia.

However, even though dementia and depression may be linked, it has yet to be proven. There are conflicting views on whether depression is a risk factor for dementia or even an early indication of the illness.

Loss of Hearing

Dementia and cognitive decline can occur even at low degrees of hearing loss. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, diminished self-confidence, and difficulty doing daily tasks. However, the specific impact on cognitive decline is still unknown. In our previous blog post, we have explained how to take care of a family member with hearing loss , which we hope can inspire you if you are in the situation.

Senior Isolation

Hypertension, heart disease, depression, and dementia are all made more likely by a person’s lack of social interaction. Senior isolation is a serious issue that occurs in many elderly people. If you or your loved one is suspected of experiencing loneliness and isolation, check out our blog post on “Senior Isolation” to find out how to avoid that.

After reviewing a number of risk factors, you may now know that dementia is highly related to certain diseases such as diabetes, or stroke. In that, lowering the risk of getting dementia is still possible.

How to Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia

Albeit more studies are needed to be done before researchers know specific means to prevent dementia, there are still some steps we can do to promote our general health and lower the risk of many related diseases.

Quit Smoking

Smokers are more likely to develop many chronic diseases, and dementia could be one of the consequences. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process, but the end result is worth all the effort. Find support from friends and family; success will be difficult if you walk this road alone.

Manage Health Problems Including Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and High Cholesterol

Contrel and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar level. Eat a well-balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. Make sure to include particular protein sources that contain omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Be Physically and Socially Active

Being physically and socially active could not only help you to manage your weight, but also keep senior isolation at bay. Try to do some aerobic exercises that could raise your heart rate but won’t harm your joints. Enjoying these activities with others could make the process much less boring!

Practice Cognitive Skills

Another way to maintain your brain health is to constantly stimulate it. You can try to learn some new skills or new languages. It is also helpful to play some games that require some brain power.

Avoid Head Injury

Always be careful when walking or jogging. Wear comfortable shoes and use the anti-slip mats in areas you constantly use. If you are an aging adult, always use railings in stairwells and wear a helmet when doing sports if necessary.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Try to eliminate alcohol as much as possible in your diet. If it is too hard for you to quit, try to limit your alcohol intake to a certain amount, which means 350ml for beer, and 148ml for wine each day.

References:

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/dementia/prevention.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-prevention/faq-20058140

It’s only one week until Mandy’s mom moves into a long-term care home. Sending her mom to a long-term care community is a huge relief for Mandy, since she is moving to another state with her fiancé. However, it is not without any worry – Mandy’s mom has some physical impairments and Mandy is afraid that caregivers won’t be able to offer the best help exactly when she needs it, so she decided to build an emergency kit for her mom on her own.

Whether you are taking care of an elderly person at home or in a long-term care community, a first aid kit is one of the necessary items that you never want to miss. Seniors are more likely to be injured than younger people, since they may have less strength and flexibility, and a higher risk for fracture. Also, their sight, hearing, smell and taste may have declined, making them more vulnerable to accidents. At the same time, seniors are more susceptible to skin infections and diseases. Aging can make the skin less elastic, thinner, and drier, which makes injuries takes longer for them to heal.

Buying an emergency kit is convenient, but customizing your own emergency kit will be suitable for your loved one in a long run. In that, we are going to provide you with some tips and a checklist of what you can add into your emergency kit. Let’s get started.

Tips for Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Loved One

1. Assess Your Loved One’s Health Condition

As we mentioned many times in our past blog posts, the premise of meeting your loved one’s needs is to understand their needs. So, the very first thing you should do is ist all the concerns that your loved one may have, and medicine or any other aiding items that can help them cope with their situation.

Consider your loved one’s mobility condition, hearing and vision status, and also ask the doctor if it is necessary to stock up on certain items according to his or her health condition (some doctors are willing to give you extra amounts of some certain medications, but it depends on the disease and the person). Assessing your loved one’s health condition makes it much easier for you to build a perfectly customized emergency kit. Also, if your loved one has memory problems or cognitive issues, it is not too late to add the things that could comfort them.

2. Know the Drug Regulation of the Long-Term Care Home

Building an emergency kit isn’t about bringing whatever you want; there are laws that restrict medications in long term care home, according to the provinces or states. Inproper usage of emergehcy kits, especially medication, can result in serious consequences for the long-term care home, so it is vital to figure what can be added and what should be avoided in a fist aid kid that your loved one will bring to a community. Here is an example list of what is allowed in long-term care homes, according to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy:

Analgesics, controlled drugs
Anti-Infectives
Anticholinergics
Anticoagulants
Antidiarrheals
Antihistamine Injectables
Antinauseants
Antipsychotics
Anti-Hyperglycemic
Anxiolytics
Cardiac Life Support Medications
Coagulants
Corticosteroids
Hypoglycemics
Seizure Control Medications
Large Volume Parenterals
Poison Control
Respiratory Medications
GI Medications
Other Medications as Approved by the Board

3. Make It As Light As Possible

Moving into a long-term care home is already a big project for most seniors. You don’t want to add extra pressure to your loved one to carry a big heavy box around. So, make a list of necessary items, and get rid of, or just leave the extra items in your loved one’s room. Below, we offer you a checklist of what you can include in an emergency kit.

What You Can Add Into A Customized Emergency Kit

Basic Sanitation and Cleaning

Antiseptic Wipes
Hydrogen Peroxide
Antibiotic Ointment (e.g., Neosporin.)
Aloe Vera (to heal burn)
Hand Sanitizer
Eye Drops

Wound Dressings

Band-Aida
Non-Adhesive Pads
Tape

Medicinal

Personal prescription and over the counter medication
Ibuprofen, Tylenol, aspirin, Benadryl, or other painkillers
Antidiarrheal medication and laxatives
Antacids such as tums.
A printed list of your loved one’s known medical conditions, their prescribed dosage, and allergies.

Essential Tools

Thermometers
Tweezers
Scissors
Fingernail Clippers
Blankets
Medicine Cups or Spoons For Measurements
Cotton Balls and Swabs
Floss
Roll of Duct Tape
Small Plastic Bags

Others

Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Instant Cold Ice Packs
Items That Accommodate Tour Loved One’s Specific Needs

Takeaway

The above list is only a general guide for your customized first aid kit; what you will actually add to your list depends on what your loved one’s needs. Remember to know your loved one’s needs and list them before your preparation, and ask if the home allows you to bring some medication that you are uncertain about.

Happy prepping!

References:

https://seniorsafetyadvice.com/how-to-build-an-emergency-kit-for-seniors/

https://www.pharmacyboard.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EmergencyKitsLTC.pdf

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Shelly’s mom has just recently moved into a long-term care home, and it seems like a new start for her. However, her mom has always been an introvert, and moving into a new environment made her even more reluctant to speak to others. So, Shelly thought that her mom just needed some time to adapt to her new life.

After a few weeks, Shelly called the administrator and asked about her mom’s situation. Her mom’s caregiver reported that she is still shy and afraid to talk to people. As Shelly understands how harmful isolation can be to seniors, she knows that it’s time to seek a way to encourage her mom to interact with her neighbours.

Moving into an assisted living community is usually a huge transition for aged people, especially for those who are used to living alone, or have just lost their partners. In our previous blog posts, we have talked about how Senior Isolation can impact one’s mental and physical wellness, and being socially active is vital in defeating loneliness and depression. Allow me to explain how to get your loved one active in social at a long-term care home.

Make Them Uncomfortable

Yes, the very first thing you should do is to “push” your loved one out of their comfort zone. Getting outside your comfort zone isn’t comforting, but in the long run, if avoided, can only “imprison” your loved one in the cage of isolation. IStart with doing some “uncomfortable activities” such as involving your loved one in a conversation between you and others. Just make them realize the power of small talk and getting proactive in making friends.

However, moving into a long-term care home can also be overwhelming for a senior So, allow your loved one to have some time to progress and take it one step at a time. Living in a community actually provides tons of chances for seniors to socialize, and once the senior is familiar with their new lifestyle, it’s going to be easy and fun. Here, we have several tips on how to help your loved one seize the opportunity while joining a new family.

Tips to Help Your Loved One Socialize at a Long-Term Care Home

Familiarize Yourself With the Community Staff

What did you do when you first sent your kids to kindergarten? – you talked to the teachers and checked on circumstances at school to learn the ropes. Is there a place at the community that your loved one may enjoy? Or are there any activities that your loved one can attend and have fun with at the same time? As long as you find a way to push your loved one out of his or her room, the very first step of getting your loved one to blend in socially is accomplished.

Register Your Loved Ones for Activities

Does your loved one like dancing? Knitting? Or Wii bowling? There must be at least one interest group in the community that your loved one can join. Sometimes the “newbie” is usually too shy to socialize with other residents, so now it’s your responsibility to open the door for them. If music is your loved one’s strength, ask the staff to encourage your loved one to play an instrument at community events. It might feel embarrassing the first time, but your loved one will enjoy with everyone’s encouragement.

Also, getting your loved one involved in volunteer opportunities is also helpful. For example, he or she can help with gift wrapping during the holiday season. The core concept here is just to get them engaged in any activities that have more chances to meet and talk to people.

Bring Gifts and Food

Who doesn’t love little surprises?! Another good way to help your loved one to socialize is to ask them to bring gifts to the residents. If you or your loved one loves baking, make some refreshments and distribute them around the community. Sharing food is a very easy way to start a conversation, and your loved one will feel content by surprising others, too

Make Use of Social Media and Technology

If your loved one has some physical impairments and stepping outside seems a bit challenging to them, technology can provide many more convenient ways for seniors to connect with others. Setting a profile on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to gain more exposure in the community is a great first step. It also allows other to know more about your loved one, just like how CareStory aims to do: knowing is the foundation of caring and sharing.

Takeaway:

The best time to assist your loved one to socialize in a long-term home always starts from day one. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for your loved one to get familiar with the community, and it is already an overwhelming process. So, be patient with your loved one, but also encouraging him or her to “jump right in” at the same time is the key to making the process easy and enjoyable.

References:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/social-life-when-moving-to-senior-living-151725.htm

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/ways-to-help-seniors-avoid-isolation

“My mom has always had bad vision, but it has become weaker and weaker in the past few years. Now, she’s legally blind. I feel bad for her since she enjoys exploring the beauty of nature, but now she’s even having trouble doing housework due to her vision loss. I can tell that she’s getting depressed because she feels that she’s losing part of the joy in her life. What can I do to make her feel happy, and have a better quality of life?”

This is a message we received from a desperate daughter. As we mentioned in our previous blog post, “How to Take Care of Your Loved Ones with Loss of Smell and Taste”, ) we know that sensory deprivation can greatly decrease one’s quality of life and lead to more symptoms. So, today we are going to focus on how to improve the quality of life of your loved one with vision impairment.

Vision loss can be a very gradual process, so it is vital to identify it when your loved one starts to show the following signs:

Finds it harder to focus on things
Accidentally bumps into things or knocks objects over
Stop doing activities that requires vision, such as reading or writing
Finds it harder to find nearby items
Constantly falls, or has trouble walking

All the above signs can be detrimental to your loved one’s mental health and lquality of life. However, there are ways for you to save your loved one from suffering.

Caring Tips for Seniors with Vision Impairment

Good Lighting

Make sure the area that your loved one normally stays around is well-lit. Counter lighting would be a good choice given that it won’t take up too much space in your house. Make sure the light isn’t too dim, but not too bright either, so it won’t hurt yours and your loved one’s eyes.

Minimize Fall Risks: Install Grab Bars, Stair Lights, Remove Unnecessary Items

People with vision impairment have more chances of falling. So, it is important to remove all unnecessary items, such as electrical cords on the ground. It’d also be helpful to install grab bars along the stairs, and you can add stair lights to illuminate the way so the risk of falls drastically decrease. If your loved one has some level of dementia or memory problems, it’s better to reorganize the furniture to make the house easy to navigate.

Make the Best Use of Contrasting Colors

Decorating your home in contrasting colors is especially helpful if your loved one likes to move around in the house, or perform tasks that have the potential to hurt them. For example, to prevent your loved one from cuting their fingers, you can purchase knives in bright colors and a dark cuting board so your loved one can distinguish.

Labeling

In our blog post, “How To Take Care of Your Loved Ones With Loss of Smell and Taste” , we have talked about how labeling is important for food safety. It is especially important for someone with vision impairment or vision loss . Making a larger label of names and expiration dates on foods and medications can help prevent food poisoning and overdoses. You will be surprised at how a single step can make a significant difference.

You can also do the same thing with your loved one’s personal hygiene products, and condiments in your kitchen. Just make the name on the object visible enough so your loved one can’t ignore it.

Provide Mental Support

Whoever suffers from vision impairment can lose their independence and quality of life, and depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and inactivity can all be side effects of vision loss for some people. So, it is important to help your loved ones with acceptance and strive for better entertainment for them. There are several forms of entertainment for people withvision impairment, which we will discuss below. Hopfully it will inspire you on the way to help your loved one live comfortably.

Entertainment for Seniors with Vision Impairment

Let’s Go Audio!

It is time to turn all visual entertainment into audio. You can download audiobooks online for your loved ones, such as Audible by Amazon. Or, use the Audio Description Project (ADP) that’s made by the American Council of the Blind. On ADP, you can access tons of TV shows, speeches, and even podcasts to museums.

Games

Remember when we talked about how games can be beneficial to seniors? There are games such as Bingo and Trivia that don’t require strong vision, but also good entertainment as well. If you haven’t seen our blog post on that, go check it out Best Brain Games for Seniors). It is a very good way to improve your loved one’s quality of life, and strengthen family bonds if you join in!

Enjoy Fragrances

Sometimes, when one sense weakens, other senses heighten! Getting your loved one involved in activities that can stimulate the sense of smell such as gardening and aromatherapy, which can greatly help them reduce stress and agitation. Enjoying natural fragrances can even help seniors to manage pain and fight against viruses. Candle making is also a good activity for seniors – it will not only relieve tension for your loved one but also give him or her a sense of accomplishment when they finish it.

References:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/making-life-easier-for-older-adults-with-low-vision-177792.htm

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hobbies-for-blind-and-low-vision-seniors-429359.htm

John’s father had a stroke a few years ago and now he can no longer take good care of himself. As the situation worsened, his father started to show signs of loss of bladder and bowel control.

Today, John’s father didn’t make it to the bathroom again, which wasn’t a surprise, because everytime John did his father’s laundry, he finds, stains on his underwear. His father is aware of it and feels embarrassed, too. However, John knows that these infrequent accidents may only get worse in the future.

Fecal incontinence is common among seniors. For persons who are over 65 years old in the US, 17.3% have reported to having accidental bowel leakages of mucus, liquid stools or solid stools. So in today’s blog post, we are going to focus on helping our loved ones with fecal incontinence. If you are experiencing such an issue, just keep reading.

What is Fecal Incontinence and What Causes it?

Fecal incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, which may result in stool leakage. It happens especially when a person is trying to expel gas, and the stoolpasses without control.

While diarrhea and gastroenteritis might cause temporary fecal incontinence (FL), it can also be caused by some long-term illness or natural aging.

For seniors, FL can occur due to age related deterioration in the bowel’s muscles and neurons. Chronic constipation can also contribute to FL as well, since the stool “overflows” from the rectum if impacted.

Other Causes:

Some other causes, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, can cause one to lose bowel control. For some seniors, they can even have a bowel movement outside the bathroom, and in some cases, play with there feces, suggesting a connection to past events. See our blog post on “The Power of Telling Senior Stories” for more details.

In addition, stress and fear that are caused by temporary changes in their environment can lead to FL in seniors. So, when a senior moves to a new long-term care home, they may be more likely to be stressed and have bowel leakage.

Some seniors with physical disabilities would also have higher chance of FL. This is easy to understand since they have difficulties in reaching a toilet.

How to Take Care of Someone with Fecal Incontinence (FL)

Identify the Cause

We always stress on finding the caause before moving on to solve the problem. So before you “deal with the mess”, it is always helpful to find out the true reason behind your loved one’s FL – is it because thay are experiencing an acute change of surroundings? Or has a certain medication caused your loved one to be unable to reach the bathroom when he or she in need?

Once you have found the root, you are safe to proceed to the next step.

Make Dietary Changes

Another way to prevent FL is by making some dietary adjustments.

If chronic constipraion is the underlying issue, fibre can play a significant role in decreasing symptoms. Increasing fluid intake can also ease constipation and prevent such accidents.

Exercises

Particular exercises that are aimed at increasing anal sphincter function and strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor may be beneficial to control bowel movements. The most well-known exercise that tightens pelvic floor muscles would be “Kegel” exercises. If this is your first time hearing about it, here’s the instruction of how to complete a Kegel exercise.

Step One: Find Your Pelvic Floor Muscle

When you are urinating, stop it in midstream, and feel the muscles that are holding the urine – this is the pelvic floor muscle that you are going to train during the whole exercise. However, we don’t recommend holding your urine constantly as a way to exercise the muscle, as it will increase the risk of kidney infection.

Step Two: Make Sure Your Bladder Is Empty, And Find a Comfortable Position

Empty your bladder to prevent urine leakages during the exercise. Then, you can sit or lie down to find a position that’s comfortable for you.

Step Three: Tighten Your Pelvic Floor Muscles, And Hold For 5 Seconds.

Step Four: Relax The Muscle For 3 Seconds.

Step Five: Repeat 10 times, 3 Times a Day.

Bowel Training

Encourage regular toileting and reduce the likelihood of accidents. This, however, takes time to show results.

This is especially meaningful for people with physical disabilities. So set up a schedule that works for them to have a bowel movement, and stick to the schedule, so incidents of leakage and overflow can be prevented.

Increase Hygiene

Stools may cause skin irritation, so regular cleaning and maintaining skin integrity is very important. If the person is using an absorbent product, change it regularly and constantly, so that it won’t cause further discomfort.

At the End:

Fecal incontinence may be embarrassing for both the senior and the family. If you think it causes too much work for you, it is always better to seek extra help such as hiring a caregiver to handle it.

References:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-fecal-incontinence-214869.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/holding-pee#is-it-safe

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000141.htm

Communication has never been more difficult. Jade finds that her mom’s hearing has become weaker and weaker over time. Sometimes when she tries to talk to her mom, her mom thinks Jade’s yelling for no reason. However, Jade’s mom refuses to wear hearing aids and whenever she doesn’t understand Jade, she acts like she can’t hear them at all.

Loss of hearing is a common phenomenon that occurs among seniors. The natural aging process will lead to a decrease in our senses, and this includes our hearing. However, there are a few factors that can expedite this process, such as medications, noisy environments, chronic fatigue, and emotions.

Hearing loss does not just make people “not listen” to you, but it also change their personality – eliciting anger, anxiety, social withdrawal, and even depression. When seniors feel stressed or annoyed, they may just act like they don’t hearing anything. So, when dealing with seniors with a hearing impairment, you need to have more patience, sensitivity, and understanding.

Today, we are going to provide you with some useful tips on how to communicate happily and smoothly with a loved one who has hearing loss. Let’s jump in!

What Is the Best Way to Communicate with a Hearing Impaired Loved One?

Find a Quiet Place or Reduce Background Noise

Your loved one may not know you are talking in a noisy environment, so when you are trying to raise your voice, there’s a very high chance that she or he thinks you are shouting and angry. So, make sure there is no music or television playing in the background.

Public places like restaurants with a lot of noise and crowds would make conversation difficult. Selecting locations with fewer background noises and less congested areas can greatly improve communication and reduce distractions.

Get Their Attention, and Face Them While Talking

Before speaking, you need to first get their attention. This can be accomplished by touching them on the arm or shoulder in a proper way, and not from behind.

Make sure you are making eye contact, and keep the light on your face. Sometimes, it is also helpful to say their names in a polite way; being respectful is always the key in a conversation.

Keep Tour Hands/Mask Away From Your Face While Talking

Same as maintaining adequate illumination on your face while talking, patients with hearing loss need to read your lips. So get rid of your mask or anything that would block your mouth and let your loved one “read” your words.

Speak Clearly and Loudly

As we mentioned in our previous blog post, “How To Communicate With Seniors” , you need to speak clearly, and raise your voice if needed (but don’t scream). Do not speak too quickly or too slowly, and don’t use slang that elderly people may not understand.

Rephrase Your Question or Statement

When your loved one seems to not understand what you mean or not hear what you say, try rephrasing it in another way.

Sometimes your loved one may be confused about certain words, so simply repeating your statement isn’t helpful. Try shortening or simplifying your words and see their reaction.

Make Wse of Body Language and Visual Cues

Your posture and facial expression conveys emotion, while visual cues provide instruction. However, since facial expressions and nonverbal movements provide additional information, don’t exaggerate them, as they may be distracting.

You can also use aids to deliver your information, such as writing it down, or typing it on your phone and showing it to the person.

Ask Them How They Prefer to Communicate

Communication with seniors often requires cooperative efforts. So, it is never a bad idea to inquire about the other person’s preferred method of communication – if verbal isn’t the best for them, ask them if they would like to use any aid such as phones or sticky notes.

In the End

If you have tried many methods to communicate but the condition continues to worsen, it is better to do a hearing test. Specialists will offer potential solutions and techniques to help with hearing problems.

Reference:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hearing-loss-communication-techniques-144762.htm

https://www.hearinglink.org/living/partners-children-family-hearing-people/how-to-communicate-with-someone-with-hearing-loss/

Everyone knows Steve – the toughest and most obstinate man in the long-term care home. It is very difficult to convince him to do anything, which also includes welcoming his grandson’s dog, a three-year-old yellow lab.

“I hate dogs! They are annoying and dirty,” shouted Steve, speaking to his son on FaceTime. “Don’t ever bring that thing here…I won’t even let it in!”

Apparently, Steve’s grandson was even more uncompromising than his grandpa. He still brought the dog to the long-term care home, two weeks after the FaceTime call. His grandson gave: “The dog can’t be left in the house alone.”

The first greeting wasn’t so pleasant. Steve looked at the dog and angrily asked his son why he had brought him. However, the dog wasn’t aware of Steve’s disgust – he put his paw on Steve’s knee and wagged his tail happily, as if he were saying, “Hi Steve, it’s nice to meet you!”

After two hours of visiting, the family decided to go back. “Hey, why don’t you just leave the dog here since you will be in the city for a week,” requested Steve. “You said yourself that the dog can’t be left alone. I think I can take care of him.”

It may have been surprising for a man like Steve to say that, but it did not surprise anyone that day. Everyone witnessed how happy and gentle Steve was when he was playing with the dog and how he made Steve another different person – a person that no one had ever seen.

“Maybe animals are magic,” joked Steve’s caregiver. “They can do the tricks that we can’t.”

This is true – our fluffy friends are amazing. They don’t speak (human languages), and they don’t buy you any gifts (small dead animals and sticks don’t count, of course). However, they have the power to sweep the haze away from your life and let the sunshine in – which is also a primary reason why so many institutions are using pet therapy to cope with people’s health problems.

What Is Pet Therapy?

Pet Therapy is a type of therapy that uses specially trained animals to offer affection and comfort to a community or a single individual. It is being used in a variety of organisations, including hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, and retirement and assisted living homes.

There are three different types of pet therapy: Facility Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Therapeutic Visitation.

Facility Therapy refers to having the pets reside at the care home and trained to monitor dementia patients. At the same time, Assisted Therapy means a specific individual owns a trained pet in the assisted living community and receives a more intensive treatment.

Therapeutic Visitation, on the other hand, is the most common type of pet therapy out of the three. It refers to pet owners bringing their pet and visiting long-term, care homes, which allows seniors to spend time with them and enjoy their companionship without having to take on the additional responsibility of caring for them all the time.

Why Do We Love Pet Therapy?

Encourages Social Engagement

It may be awkward if two strangers stand together, but if there is a pet sitting around them, the two individuals are more likely to interact with each other. Isn’t that amazing? In many cases, pets serve as excellent conversation starters. Residents can connect with each other and form new friendships when they spend time with animals.

Pet Therapy Has Many Physical Benefits

Did you feel amused when you scroll through TikTok and see pet videos? If yes, you’ve already benefited from “The Pet Effect”.

The term “The Pet Effect” refers to the miraculous healing powers of watching or interacting with pets. Spending time with dogs has been found in studies to lessen long-term care home residents’ pulse rates, as well as their stress and anxiety levels, as well as their heart rate and blood pressure.Some parents notice that their children who have depression will show alleviation in their symptoms when they have pets around, and it works for seniors, too. After all, these little animals don’t judge or give you any advice, and stay with you no matter what you do.

Senior isolation

If you have subscribed to our page, you must be familiar with the term “Senior Isolation”. Many seniors tend to have feelings of loneliness and isolation, either as a result of a lack of frequent visits from family and friends, a loss of a significant other, or a decreased level of physical activity.

Senior Isolation is difficult to tackle because so many seniors are “comfortable” in their unhealthy settings. So, for the reluctant elders, we can use our paw-friends to bring them out of their “shells”, and thus make them more open to new friendships. Feel free to check out our blog on “Senior Isolation”we have a lot of advice for you to help your loved one if he or she is experiencing loneliness.

Who Can be Our Paw-Friend?

Not all pets can be used in pet therapy, given the various personalities among the species and breeds. Normally speaking, old dogs and indoor cats are more suitable for companionship and providing comfort for seniors – they are quiet and understanding (yes, they are more sensitive to human’s needs when they get older).

There Are Limitations:

Just like many medications, pet therapy is not without its limitations. The more prominent concern of pet therapy would be safety. Many long-term care homes will ensure the animals are well-trained by doing behaviour checks. Cause, some pets may cause a threat to seniors’ safety if they are not properly trained.

Another issue is sanitation. Seniors tend to have compromised immune systems. Any unvaccinated or unwashed animals may cause allergies or infections among senior residents.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342

https://thehamlets.ca/pet-therapy-benefits/

Older Posts

Who says you can’t fall in love when you get older? Medley has found her “true love” – as least she thought it would be – after 20 years post divorce. Medley truly has a great time with this person, just like how she felt in her last marriage.

Medley was heartbroken, and she felt a little ashamed that she was still struggling with a breakup entering her 60s.

The Fact Is: It Still Hurts When Break Ups Happen in Later Life

However, the good news is, given our extensive life experience and self-awareness, we can handle the heartbreak easier. Here are a few tips that you may or may not know about fixing your heart as much as possible after a bad breakup. Let’s see what’s useful for you.

What To Do to Heal from A Breakup Efficiently

Cut Off All Contact

The first step of moving on after a split is to accept it. Ignore your ex and don’t try to get in touch with him or her in any way.

When a relationship ends, it’s best to cut connections for good. This will help you heal more quickly.

Allow Yourself Some Time to Grieve

Pick Your Support Team

Regular phone calls or video calls with loved ones can help keep you healthy while you are coping with emotions, so don’t be afraid to seek out help from your loved ones if you are feeling down.

Reclaim Your Life

Reconstruct Your Future Without Them

Enjoy Being Single

In the End:

Healing from a breakup isn’t easy, and everyone deals with it differently. It takes patience, commitment, and of course, time, to let go of all the sweet or painful memories. Feeling devastated isn’t shameful – before healing a wound, you must first admit that you are bleeding.

Judy is a 78-year-old lady and she has been smoking for more than half a century. Recently, she has noticed that her son has quit smoking so she asked how he felt without tobacco.

Expecting a negative answer, her son told her that he felt much different than before, in a good way.

“it was hard in the first month, but if you get used to life without cigarettes,” he said. “Your body feels so much better, and my singing has improved, too!”

Is It Too Late to Quit Smoking?

We always hear people saying things like:

“I have smoked for many years. It’s hard to quit.”

“The damage has already been done anyway.”

“I’m already old, why shouldn’t I enjoy cigarettes for the last few years in my life?”

However, the truth is, you can still quit in old age, and things would still be different. There are some immediate results after quitting smoking:

Short Term Effect

20 Minutes After Quitting: Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop.

8 Hours After Quitting: Carbon monoxide levels decrease and the oxygen level in your blood returns to normal.

1 Day After Quitting: The chances of having a heart attack decreases.

2 Days After Quitting: Your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.

2 Weeks To 3 Months After Quitting: Your circulation and lung function improves.

6 Months To 1 Year After Quitting: Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue is reduced. Your immune system improves, and your lungs start to regain normal function.

On the other hand, the benefits of quitting smoking are more prominent in the long run.

Long Term Effects

1 To 2 Years After Quitting: Chances of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and breathing problems decrease.

5 To 10 Years After Quitting: Your risk of developing cancers of the mouth and throat would be cut in half.

10 Years After Quitting: Your risk of lung cancer is cut in half compared to a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer in the bladder, esophagus, and kidney will also decrease drastically.

15 Years After Quitting: Your risk of developing coronary heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker. Also, your longevity is extended by 10 years.

How to Quit Smoking as a Senior

Easier said than done; quitting smoking can sometimes be a long and tough battle for most people, especially for individuals who have been smoking for decades. However, you can split it into three stages so that you can make your journey easier and wiser.

Step One: Prepare to Quit

You can also tell your family and friends about your decision and let them motivate you through the process. It is also helpful to tell your doctor and plan it together.

Then, set a date, and get started!

Step Two: The Quitting Process

Step 3: Preventing Relapse

Relapse may happen, even for the people who have quit smoking for years. The most important thing to know about relapsing is that you learn each time so you can handle it better the next time. When you realize you are about to smoke again, there are 4Ds to prevent it:

Delay: No matter whether you are quitting smoking or stopping binge-eating, remember that the urge only lasts for a short while. Delay what you want to do for 10 minutes. In most cases, your craving will go away after a few minutes on its own.

Deep Breaths: Take a deep breath before the “evil” possesses you. It will make you relaxed and clear-minded so you can make a better choice on what to do next.

Drink Water: Drinking water also helps you to relax and calm down and help you to focus on things that are healthier.

Do Something Else: As we mentioned, distracting yourself from smoking is necessary. List what you can do instead of smoking: sometimes even washing your hands and face can help, too.

Some Withdrawal Symptoms You Should be Aware Of & What To Do About Them

Craving & Urges

Getting Easily Irritated

Quitting a habit may feel like taking a part of your routine away, so it is very common to feel irritated and grouchy sometimes. Again, notice it, identify it, and let it go.

Feeling Restless

Feeling agitated and having a hard time concentrating is the same as feeling irritated. It is because your body is not used to getting not recieving the nicotine it used to. The best way to deal with restlessness is to do some physical activities, and cut back on caffeine, too.

Gaining Weight

Feeling Anxious and Depressed

What You Need to Prepare for Gardening

Picture The Garden In Your Mind

Invest In Tools

Choose The Right Plants

Safe Gardening Tips for Seniors

Rest and Stay Hydrated

Wear Comfortable Clothes To Prevent Falls

Pick The Right Time Of The Day

Ask For Help From Others

References:

As Johnny’s mother’s dementia got worse, he began to worry about himself. His grandma had Alzheimer’s years before she passed away, and now his mom has it.

Is Dementia Preventable?

Although there is no clear evidence that dementia can be prevented in all cases, researchers found that a healthy lifestyle could significantly lower the risk of dementia as we age.

Two of the most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. It has been shown that having a healthy lifestyle can decrease some risk factors of developing dementia.

Risk Factors of Dementia

Before we talk about the risk factors, there’s one thing you should know: risk factors are not the direct causes of a disease, rather, they present as the possible reasons that increase the chance of developing the disease.

Below, we have listed several risk factors that were demonstrated to increase the likelihood of developing dementia:

Age

The very first rist factor is obviously aging. As we age, we are more likely to suffer from dementia, even though it is not a normal part of the aging process.

The strongest known risk factor for dementia, on the other hand, is advanced age. Alzheimer’s disease affects one in every twenty Canadians over the age of 65. Individuals younger than 65 are not immune to developing dementia.

It’s called “early-onset dementia” for a reason.

Sex