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Various changes to appearance and health are associated with aging. Issues such as diminished vision, waning muscle strength and gray hairs are among the more common and noticeable side effects of aging. Cognitive decline is another symptom often associated with aging, even if that needn’t be the case.

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are especially vulnerable to the effects of social isolation and loneliness. Dementia also makes it difficult to maintain relationships or participate in social activities, which often creates detachment from family and friends. It can be tough for family caregivers to watch someone they care about go through this. And it’s especially hard when one of your main goals is to help them feel supported, connected, and engaged in their own life.

People are living longer, a reality that can be traced to a number of factors, including advancements in medicine and greater dissemination of information regarding preventive health care. According to data from the United Nations Population Division, the average life expectancy in the United States is 81.65 for women and 76.61 for men. Canada has even higher life expectancies, at 84.74 for women and 81.15 for men.

The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells and the immune system.

Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause aggressive behavior, eveninpeoplewhohave never been violent in their lives. These aggressive dementia behaviors can be scary and difficult for caregivers to handle. It’s important to remind yourself that they’re not behaving this way on purpose or to be hurtful. The brain damage caused by dementia is the reason behind these actions. There’s no solution that can prevent all angry outbursts, but there are effective ways to minimize upset, reduce your stress, and increase the safety of everyone involved.

If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it is important to know that you are not alone and the journey can be as challenging as it is rewarding. You will have many questions and we can help you find the answers RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors and the Kay County Senior Resource Program are here to help you find the answers to your questions and guide you along your journey. Every family’s journey is different. The Kay County Senior Resource Program can provide you with information about services that are available and help you access the needed services. We facilitate two Alzheimer/Dementia Support Groups. Call 580-382-9099 for dates and time.

The POWER of your volunteer efforts helps Kay County residents: get to needed medical appointments which has helped one become cancer free, many save their eyesight, and even improve their eyesight and health and with meal deliveries stay in their homes. Other recipients have been provided new ramps designed and built by volunteers. With the ramps it is for many the first time they have been out of their house, let alone be able to get to appointments. One recipient said it best, “to some this may just be a few boards, but to me it is freedom.”

Many older adults struggle during mealtimes or simply refuse to eat because they’ve lost their appetite. This is an important issue to address because seniors need to eat well to stay as healthy and active as possible. But how can you convince someone with no appetite to eat? And why do seniors lose their appetites in the first place?