Wearable technology is helping all of us get fitter, but it’s so far been marketed primarily to youth and people in their twenties whose lives are already well integrated with technology. Just look at ads for things like FitBit. But wearable tech has immense potential to help seniors who could do without nagging sons or daughters – or might not have anyone around to nag them. However, how likely are people over 50 to find the technology, well, wearable? A recent AARP study sought to find out. The senior advocacy group teamed up with Georgia Tech Research Institute’s HomeLab to
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Archives for Senior Care
Is Driving Cessation Really The Best Idea for Aging Seniors?
There are plenty of studies that list the reasons why older adults are no longer behind the wheel after 65 years of age, and drivers in the U.S. beyond 65 will represent about 25 percent of the population by 2025. But according to a new study conducted by RAND (research and analysis company), the results of a number of studies based on data like miles traveled for various age groups, traffic accidents and causes and various age groups have shown to be inconclusive. With the help of information released through the Fatal Accident Reporting System and more defined parameters, it’s been
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Falling Down: Prevention Tips
Trips and falls can lead to serious injuries, hip fractures, and head traumas in older adults – Freedom Home Care wants to help you take steps to prevent them. Each year, one in every three adults ages 65 and older slip and fall in the U.S. According to Physical Therapist Alice Bell, seniors who have fallen once are the most at risk of falling again. There are a number of factors that contribute to falls experienced by seniors, and any kind of fall can be especially dangerous for people with Osteoporosis. Known to many as the silent disease, Osteoporosis causes
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Talking To College Students Is Good for Older Adults
It is perhaps a well-known fact that storytelling and sharing from one generation to another is good for everyone, young and old. But a new study has put it to the test, and has found that it is especially good for older adults on multiple levels – mentally, emotionally, and physically. The study focused on writing workshops for older adults living at home and in retirement communities. These workshops were conducted in group settings where adults were prompted to write “life reviews,” a form of memoir and personal writing. Thirty-nine seniors were randomly assigned to two distinct groups: one group
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Summer Skin Care Tips For Seniors
We’re all familiar with the phrase “soaking up the sun.” But how much do we know about the effects that taking in too much sun can have on our bodies? The UV rays from the sun tend to cause damage to the elastin in our skin, destroying the body’s collagen. Elastin helps our skin snap back into its normal position. The sun breaks down these fibers in the skin causing sagging, stretching, and bruising. Over time, skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles begin to form. Over exposure to the sun also causes dry skin, freckles, brown spots, and sun burn. The pursuit
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Core Estate Planning Documents that Everyone Should Have: Power of Attorney
Freedom Home Care recently spoke with Matthew R. Margolis from Margolis Weldon and he was kind enough to provide us with this piece concerning Power of Attorney: A common question that I hear from clients, friends, and family is, “why do I need a power of attorney?” The short answer is because once you turned 18, you became the only person who could make a health care decision on your behalf or sign your own name. It is important to differentiate between a Power of Attorney for Health Care (HCPOA) and a Power of Attorney for Property (PPOA). If a
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Soak Up Some Vitamin D this Summer
Summer is finally here in Chicago, and after months of hibernating indoors it’s the perfect time to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. Here at Freedom Home Care we know it can be difficult to get outside a lot during the winter months, and with many seniors being at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, we have a few recommendations to make sure you and your loved ones stay healthy. As the weather warms up, it is a good time to focus on getting outdoors and getting more vitamin D. Seniors over the age of 50 have an
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Seniors Get Better Sleep With Mindful Meditation
This month is national sleep awareness month, and senior adults need just as much sleep as young adults, maybe even more. But here at Freedom Home Care however, we often see that many older adults don’t get nearly as much sleep as they should. That’s often because medication side effects, general anxiety, and other health issues can keep seniors awake or otherwise leave keep them from having restful and rejuvenating night even if they do get to sleep. There are many methods that can be tried to get back to a normal sleep cycle, but one particular method is starting to gain popularity
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A Knock on the Door of a Neighborhood Senior Could Save a Life
In the midst of dark winter weather, many elderly people are isolated at home, and this can be a dangerous situation for those who don’t have caretakers or family members in the area. From slipping and falling inside to getting stuck in bad weather, there are a variety of situations that can be hazardous for older people home alone, which means its important that we take care of those around us! There are several factors to consider with an elderly person in your area. Not only the weather, but their own health issues can make daily activities more dangerous as well.
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Share the Love this Valentine's Day
Romance is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, and while many are buying candy and making dinner reservations for a date night with a special someone, there are also many who don’t have a special friend or companion to share in the fun with. As our loved ones grow older, they often suffer from loneliness, especially during the holidays. But Valentine’s Day can be a day for everyone. Here at Freedom Home Care, we encourage you to share your love and friendship with those of all ages, including seniors. Whether it is a parent or even a neighbor living on your
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