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
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is celebrated every year on April 16 to raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning. This day reminds people to think about their future healthcare decisions and encourages them to discuss their preferences with their loved ones, healthcare providers, and legal representatives. Advance care planning is an essential ... 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
It’s February and many people are thinking of just the right Valentine’s Day gift. Are you thinking of jewelry, candy, or a fancy letterpress card to your spouse or partner? One gift you can give your spouse that will be beneficial long after that candy is eaten is the gift of heart health! Heart health ... Read More
According to the CDC, about one in four adults act as informal or unpaid caregivers for someone with a long-term illness or disability. By 2030, approximately 71 million people will be 65 years or older, so the need for caregivers will only increase. There are many different fulfilling benefits to being a caregiver. For example, ... Read More
Walking through a winter wonderland is beautiful, but cold weather can be dangerous, especially for seniors. From frigid temperatures to isolation, cold weather hazards are real and common. Here are four ways to be safe during the big chill season. Stay warm. Older adults can lose body heat faster and be less aware of being ... Read More
During the pandemic, the role of family caregivers increased, experts report. Caring relatives and friends spent many hours keeping older loved ones safe, providing hands-on care, transportation, shopping for their loved ones, and doing what they could to support elders in senior living communities during quarantine. They were even providing more tech support as older ... Read More
The weather is beginning to change. Leaves are falling and pumpkin spice season is just around the corner. Fall is in the air! Many people enjoy the changing of the seasons as summer ends. But for others, the impending season change brings about emotional changes. Some seasonal changes are normal for humans living away from ... Read More
Making your own healthcare decisions can be tough. Making healthcare decisions for someone you care about — especially at the end of life — can be overwhelming. Even if an advance directive, such as a living will, explains your loved one’s wishes, it probably won’t cover all possible medical treatments. So, how can you advocate ... Read More
If you could choose where you wanted to spend your final days, where would that be? Whatever the preference or circumstances of someone who is nearing the end of their life, understanding the care setting options is key to creating a plan that helps ensure the greatest comfort for the individual and their family. At ... 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.