Maintaining good posture is essential for overall health and well-being, especially as we age. People lose about half an inch of height every 10 years from their peak height on average. This becomes truer after age 70. While aging is normal, poor posture can lead to various musculoskeletal issues, affecting our flexibility, balance, and even our breathing. To help keep your body aligned and how to improve posture in old age, we’ve gathered some of the following valuable tips from Jamie Lens, a local physical therapist. Let’s dive into some practical advice that can make a significant difference in your
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Ways to Protect Your Hearing
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a time to raise awareness about hearing health and promote strategies for preventing hearing loss. Hearing loss is a common condition among seniors, impacting their quality of life and interpersonal connections. Let’s explore the prevalence of hearing loss among seniors, its primary causes, and practical steps seniors can take to protect and preserve their hearing. The Prevalence of Senior Hearing Loss Hearing loss is a widespread issue among older adults, affecting a significant portion of the senior population. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately one
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Aging Unbound: All About Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month is an annual observance held in May to celebrate the contributions and achievements of older adults in our society. It serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate the wisdom, experience, and vitality of older Americans. Let’s explore what Older Americans Month is all about, highlight this year’s theme, and provide activities and ways to participate. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a senior yourself, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference during this special month. Understanding Older Americans Month Older Americans Month was established in 1963 to recognize
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Learn About Low Vision Awareness Month
February is Low Vision Awareness Month This month is the month to check in on your visual health! Millions of people suffer from visual impairment and it’s often something else that could be causing it. For example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people who are 50 years old or older, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. More than 2.9 million Americans age 40 and older have low vision. What To Look Out For If you’re experiencing vision difficulties this may be a sign of low vision. You can notice this if
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Are Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 Linked?
With the recent spread of COVID-19, people are starting to ask, is the Alzheimer’s gene tied to a higher risk of getting coronavirus? Our staff at Freedom Home Care has looked into studies discussing it. From the studies that have been conducted, here is what doctors and universities have to say. The APOE ε4 gene variant that gives people a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s has been found to link to COVID-19. A study showed that carrying two copies of the variant, APOE4, could make people two times as likely to develop a severe form of the disease, same which
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How to Create a Cozy Balcony
Whether you have a small balcony, a good size deck, or a fire escape, you can make the most of whatever outdoor space you have. Especially for apartment dwellers, taking time to make your balcony cozy and inviting can completely change how you use your space. Here are our top tips and ideas on how to create a cozy balcony. Plants – Whether you have an interest in plants or not, adding some greenery to your balcony helps enhance the feeling of being outside. Adding certain live flowers or herbs can also make it smell good. If plants are not
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National Hospice Awareness Month
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and Freedom Home Care is working to help raise understanding and awareness. If you have a loved one who is in need of hospice care, we are your home care agency. We provide assistance and the support you need and deserve. Understanding Hospice Care Hospice is a specific form of care for patients who are terminally ill. Once medical treatments are no longer curative, care is tailored and designed to give that patient comfort and the highest quality of life possible, rather than a cure. The ultimate goal of hospice care
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The Effects of Stress on Physical Health
We all know that unfortunately, stress is a part of everyone’s life. When people experience stress more frequently, it can put a strain not just on your mental health, but your physical health as well. For seniors, it can be harder on your body because of the physical impacts from stress. We here at Freedom Home Care Highland Park know just how important your health is and have shared some tips to eliminate stress. The first sign of stress affecting your physical health is developing a sleeping disorder. While this is a pretty common one, being up all night
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What is Validation Therapy and How Does it Work?
For those who have family members living with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia know that it may be difficult to communicate with them at time. We at Freedom Home Care know just how tough it can be- so we would like to show you a therapy that may be effective in providing your loved ones with some relief. Validation therapy is something that is used in a Home Care Agency’s work. It is the idea that there is an underlying reason for disoriented people’s behavior. Those who study this theory believe that in order to help those living with Dementia, find
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February is National Senior Independence Month
Age can bring on a myriad of emotions, fears and concerns. And even if you’re are able to fully function on your own or are receiving in-home care or outpatient services, every senior deserves to live their life as independently as possible. In efforts to help promote a more self-sufficient lifestyle among older Americans, February has been designated National Senior Independence Month. During the “golden” years, the journey towards greater independence can include everything from healthy eating habits, physical fitness and proper medical care to accident prevention and creating new experiences. Everything you do has an impact on you lifestyle
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