In the context of COVID, many families are wondering if an older relative would be better off moving out of their assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facility. It's not an easy question to answer. The advantages of facility living. Facilities have staff...

Close to 2 million American soldiers fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. More than half of those who served in what is often called the "Forgotten War" are still alive. Most of these soldiers were born during the 1920s and 1930s. They are now in their 80s and...

Caring for a family member often involves collaborating with other relatives. Sometimes you will agree. Sometimes you won't. Debating every item may not be the best use of family time. In some situations, the wisest course is to be quiet and let others do it their...

Increasingly, research shows that older adults can benefit in myriad ways from the companionship of an animal. Physical health benefits Pets seem to help us stay calm in the midst of stress: Reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Some research shows improvement even...

Between travel concerns and restrictions on group gatherings, holding a traditional funeral can be challenging. Many families are turning to "virtual funerals" using video conferencing programs, such as Zoom. About 20% of funeral homes offer virtual services. And...

Arthritis is a difficult condition to understand as an onlooker. The pain is invisible and unpredictable. Some days are good. Other days are not. Arthritis challenges the affected person's ability to accomplish the basics—simple tasks, such as opening jars or walking...

Many people confuse mindfulness with meditation and Eastern religions. Mindfulness is a skill gained by training your mind to observe life situations in a less emotionally charged way. It is a mental skill that gives you a less-cluttered perspective. It lowers daily...

Dementia itself does not cause physical pain. But people with dementia still encounter pain, just like anyone else: headaches, arthritis, tummy aches. They just can't describe it. They might even deny having pain when you ask because they don't understand the...

Ever wondered why older men seem to need to urinate frequently? An enlarged prostate gland is likely to blame. The condition, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is so common that it affects 90% of men by age 80. The prostate gland is roughly donut shaped and is...

Time with a doctor is precious—and that creates pressure to make the most of each visit. Whether your loved one's next appointment is in person or through telehealth, a little preplanning will go a long way to making it a productive session. Here are some helpful...

Many of us hold unconscious covenants with our kin. Among the most poignant, perhaps, is a commitment to "be there" when death is near. As adults, we may feel an obligation, and an honor, to be with our parents as they leave, just as they helped us enter. With our...

Millennials and Gen Xers are using strategies that might benefit family caregivers of all ages. Nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s now find themselves "in the sandwich." They serve as primary support people for an aging parent. Plus, they have children...