Of the many timeless forms of universal human expression, play tops the list, eliciting the brightest experiences of joy and abandon in the present moment. As a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, play can help infuse otherwise routine days with laughter and fun. But don’t just take our word for it; empirical research […]
Continue ReadingSarina’s life once revolved around the great outdoors. Since her retirement, she had spent most of her days gardening, going for long walks, and attending Tai Chi classes in the park near her house. Since her stroke, however, everything changed. Sarina was no longer able to get outside and do the activities she loved with […]
Continue Reading“Books have gotten me this far in life. I don’t see why I’d stop now!” Those were the words of Marla when I asked her if she ever thought she’d stop reading so much. She is an inveterate bookworm, and even when she’s taking day trips, she’s got a paperback tucked away somewhere in her […]
Continue ReadingHere at Institute on Aging, there are few things we emphasize more than the importance of socialization and the positive impact it has, mentally, physically and physiologically. Or, to put it another way: being with people is good. It’s not really groundbreaking. Except for people who genuinely prefer to be alone (and there is nothing wrong […]
Continue ReadingIt can be hard to notice gradual changes in your aging loved one’s health and behavior when you see them every day. But keeping an eye out for these changes—perhaps spending a few minutes to take daily caregiver notes—could catch health insecurities before they decline further. This includes paying attention to unintentional weight loss, which […]
Continue ReadingA quick glance at the literary canon would seem to imply that most novels are about the young. After all, we’re meant to believe, it is only youth that has passion, that has adventure, that has romance. Only youth is worth writing about. Well, with all due respect to every angry young poet who wants […]
Continue ReadingSpring brings with it a spirit of renewal. It acts as a reminder that we can all start fresh again every year, no matter how young or old we may be. This renewal happens around us no matter what: trees are waking up again, flowers are blooming, birds and other creatures are making themselves known. […]
Continue ReadingSebastian loved his home. Not only did he build it with his own two hands, it was where he raised his children. For him, home was where his heart was, and he could never imagine leaving it. As he aged, however, Sebastian found it harder and harder to navigate his home the way he used […]
Continue ReadingWhen you’re a kid and your parents make you brush your teeth, you often meet it with reluctance. Depending on your age, maybe tears. Most kids try to get out of brushing their teeth, as it just seems like a chore. For the most part, when you get older, you start to…if not enjoy it, […]
Continue ReadingWhat do we mean when we say “movement”? It can mean many things. It can be the actual physical act of changing location or position: a shake of the arm, a quick stutter-step toward a partner, a slight gyration of the hips. It could mean part of a symphony, a piece of music that is […]
Continue Reading
