The Fieldstone Feed

We all feel lonely from time to time, but seniors are especially susceptible to chronic loneliness. In fact, it affects 1 in 5 seniors. Isolation and loneliness can cause symptoms such as cognitive decline, depression, increased stress levels, high blood pressure and in some cases an early death. Thankfully, these side effects are entirely preventable by taking measures to ensure a high level of social wellness and regular activity.

We all know the December drill – many of us pack up the kids in the ole minivan and head to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for the holidays. Chances are, if you live more than a few hours away, it’s been at least a couple months since you’ve last seen them. If this rings true to what your holiday season looked like, you may have noticed progressive signs of mental decline or physical aging during your visit.

We all want to believe that our parents are invincible – they raised us, right? But this just isn’t the case. Your occasional trips home might amplify the rate at which you realize your parents are having difficulty. Although they may have seemed “all there” and able to get around the house during your trip over Memorial Day weekend, this may not be the case when Christmas rolls around.

As your loved one ages you may face the tough decision of whether or not it’s time for them to transition into an alternative living situation. This decision may come when it becomes no longer safe for them to live on their own or if the option for a family caregiver is not there. Your first thought may be that it is time for a nursing home, but that simply isn’t the case.

While previously nursing home may have been your only choice, depending on your situation your loved one may be a candidate for independent living or assisted living. Let’s explore the differences in care: 

It’s uncharted territory for all of us, and unlike that time when you were really excited to turn 18 or 21, birthdays aren’t always so fun. Your back may hurt, you don’t remember where you left your keys and your metabolism just isn’t what it used to be.

Happiness isn’t a guarantee, and many seniors experience depression as they age. In fact, it’s estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65 suffer from depression. The good news is that simple changes in lifestyle can make huge leaps in a person’s state of mind. So how can seniors age happily?