With differing doses, schedules, and side effects, managing a senior’s medications can be overwhelming or even downright dangerous. More than a third of older adults take at least five prescription medicines, according to a study published in 2016 in JAMA Internal Medicine. “We often find dozens of medications, current and old, at our clients’ homes,” […]
A legacy video is a unique way to bond with older relatives over stories that would be lost if nobody asked for them to be told. “It encapsulates decades of living into a highlight reel,” says retired WGN news anchor Robert Jordan, CEO of Video Family Biographies in Lincolnwood. “We don’t normally have that chance […]Read More
In the past, geriatric research has often lacked the perspective of older adults themselves. An advisory board made up of older adults in the Chicago area aims to change that. Researchers designed the Bureau of Sages — a collaboration between CJE Senior Life’s Leonard Schanfield Research Institute and residents from the Lieberman Center for Health […]Read More
Despite strict coronavirus lockdown orders, residents at a senior living community found a way to connect with their neighbors — through a pen pal program. When GreenFields of Geneva closed much of its programming due to coronavirus concerns, Karen Tomko, life enrichment manager for independent living, wanted to keep residents engaged. Tomko posted on her […]Read More
Launi Whedon’s husband David was diagnosed at age 62 with primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia. “There is no cure, and the prognosis is grim, so I knew I needed ways to cope,” says Whedon, who participated in a research study that teaches caregiving skills. The program, called LEAF — Life Enhancing Activities […]Read More
Age may be just a number, but the numbers of aging tell a broad story. As a large percentage of the world’s population reaches age 65 and beyond, the following numbers offer perspective in our preparation for a grayer future.Read More
End-of-life care isn’t easy to talk about — not for patients or the health professionals who provide patient care. “It’s a difficult conversation, but it’s incredibly important, especially with COVID-19,” says Ann Hollander, founder of Options for Aging, a geriatrics care management practice based in Wilmette. Social workers, case managers, elder law attorneys, financial advisers […]Read More
Whether walks by the lake or alfresco dinners, Chicagoans look forward to summer all year. But on hot days, it’s important to take precautions, because too much heat can be risky for older adults, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). As the days heat up, NIA offers the following advice for older adults […]Read More
The home should be a safe haven, but each year more than 1 out of 4 older people fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To make aging in place safer, consider these tips: Bathroom. Install a comfort-height toilet with grab bars on the side and back walls, says Chicago interior designer […]Read More
Q: I keep hearing about how older adults and those with chronic diseases have a higher risk from COVID-19. What is “older” and a “chronic disease”? A: Indeed, older adults and those with chronic health problems who get COVID-19 are more likely to require hospitalization and admission to an intensive care unit. “Older” is more […]Read More
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