Many of us struggle to recall a certain word every now and then. But persistent difficulty with communication may lead to a diagnosis of a condition called aphasia. Aphasia Awareness month was in June, a great time to learn more about this condition and how it is treated. Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects ... Read More
Shirley is a 78-year-old woman who has lived an independent and active life. She raised two children on her own after her husband passed away when they were young, and she has always taken pride in her ability to manage her own affairs. However, as Shirley has aged, she has noticed that some of the ... Read More
There’s a famous song where the singer wails “All by myself…don’t wanna be…all by myself.” But being alone can bring benefits, like building empathy, productivity, creativity, and mental strength. Today, more than one in four adults over age 60 lives alone in the United States; senior women are more likely than senior men to live ... Read More
Our feet put up with a lot! They hold our weight, are stuffed in uncomfortable shoes, and get stepped on. We couldn’t walk, run, or dance without them. And as we age, our feet need extra care. Over time our feet flatten, become wider, and the muscle tissue in our feet wears down, causing a ... Read More
The old cliché is that older adults should take it easy—maybe even take to their rocking chairs. Today, we know how wrong that is! “It’s a widespread idea in Western societies that as we get older, it’s normal to slow down, do less, and retire,” said Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel E. Lieberman. In fact, he said, ... Read More
Ms. Cusumano,
Thank you for taking time from your schedule to speak with us. Your wealth of information regarding end-of-life care and the decisions associated with it are truly remarkable. Your encouragement to “break the ice and start talking about death” was a profound take away message. You helped us reimagine our approach with those who are chronically ill, realizing dying a good death doesn’t mean we are giving up on them. No one wants to suffer as their life comes to an end, which is why you teaching us about the importance of having an end-of-life plan is so critical. Thank you for helping to open our minds and our hearts.