Caregiving as a Career
As the financial crisis in the U.S. continues to unravel and we experience an increase in unemployment, it is relevant to note the ongoing shortage of qualified caregivers in many cities across the U.S. If you are transitioning in the job market, or looking for fulfilling part-time work, you may want to consider working as a […]
Social Security Benefits: Not Enough to Pay for Medications
Sunday’s Chicago Tribune profiled 5 senior citizens and how they are paying for their living and medical expenses on Social Security and Medicare or Medicaid. How much money will you receive each month on Social Security? The maximum Social Security benefits in 2008, for seniors who have reached the maximum taxable earnings is: $1,682 per month if […]
New Federal Exercise Guidelines
Today the U.S. Government released guidelines for physical activities that offer health benefits to Americans, including seniors. This is a first from the feds. And, the bar has been raised. The guidelines suggest adults should exercise at moderate-intensity for 2 1/2 hours each week along with 1 1/4 hours of vigorous-intensity exercise to get the most health benefits. […]
Estate Planning: Caring for Pets
Leona Helmsley, nicknamed “the Queen of Mean”, left $12 million in her trust to care for her Maltese dog, Trouble. Rumor has it that she had few friends, so it was appropriate for her to leave more money to her dog than to people. She left around $10 million to two grandsons and the rest […]
People of All Ages & Physical Conditions Benefit from Exercise
Use it or lose it. Older adults can build muscle mass just as quickly as younger adults. While it is true that there are many age-related illnesses, such as Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease which can have a negative impact on physical capabilities, it is also true that an inactive lifestyle leads to deterioration of […]
Flu Shots: Good Idea for Seniors and Caregivers
It seems it is finally time to accept that summer is over, and all that comes with that, including flu shots. Such an unpleasant thought. But getting the flu really is worse than getting the shot and there are plenty of vaccinations on hand (The U.S. has a supply of 140 million vaccinations and only used 113 […]
Caregiver Stress: The Relaxation Breath
I am a big fan of Dr. Andrew Weil. He has some great books on healthy eating, healthy living and aging well. He likes to talk about the benefits of aging which include wisdom. He makes note of other things which are better with age such as wine, violins and friendships. One of the reasons […]
Google’s Co-founder tested for Parkinson’s disease
Google’s co-founder, Sergey Brin, said Thursday that he has a gene mutation that increases his likelihood of contracting Parkinson’s disease. He discovered he carries this gene after testing was conducted by a biotechnology company called 23andme, co-founded by his wife. Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can impair speech, movement and other functions, […]
AARP: Available at age 50
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, in 1958. The association pretty much goes by AARP now – much more hip than their full name. I receive their mailings since someone, my brother, I think, signed me up when I turned 30. AARP has expanded […]
Good Senior Living: Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey, known for his radio shows “News and Comment” and “The Rest of the Story” which air on more than 600 U.S. radio stations, turns 90 today. Why is this newsworthy? Because he continues to work – at age 90! He does have a reduced schedule since his wife passed away earlier this year and to […]
Another Caregiver: Michelle Obama
In her speech last night at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama mentioned her father’s illness, Multiple Sclerosis. She talked about how her father, Frasier Robinson, battled the disease from when he was in his 30’s, and inspired his family by never letting his physical challenges stop him – he just got up earlier to […]
Geriatric Care Management
What does a Geriatric Care Manager do? This is a question I am often asked. My best answer is that a Geriatric Care Manager does everything a terrific and caring Adult Child would do if they had the time. However, unlike most Adult Children of seniors, the Geriatric Care Manager also has the professional expertise […]
