Christmas is my favorite time of year. I could do without the cold weather, but the lights, decorations, and traditional movies are my favorites. To the older generation, traditions are important, and as time goes by and the younger, more technical generations are born, tradition, tragically, is fading. ...

As winter arrives and colder temperatures come with it, seniors become more vulnerable to that cold as well as increase the risk of home fires. Some of the most vulnerable populations are the elderly, so take the time to prepare for those periods of cold weather and freezing temperatures that may occur. That means staying warm, but also means being smart with heating appliances...

As a child, everyone, at one time or another, looked forward to that baby tooth coming out because that meant a visit from the tooth-fairy and money under the pillow. Today, however, I don’t know what the going rate for a front tooth is; for me it was a quarter. ...

Medicare is not simple insurance that covers everything from a hangnail to the nursing home, and it is not something that everyone has, even though some young, and a few old, politicians believe it is great and the cure-all insurance. It is paid for by those who work and pay into the government system; it is there after retirement and seniors, age 65, are required to register for it. ...

Families and individuals will celebrate Thanksgiving in millions of homes next week with traditional meals set by previous generations according to their cultural backgrounds. But what is the historical significance to Thanksgiving, and how do we celebrate it versus the original partakers of the holiday?...

Monday, November 11, was Veteran’s Day, many businesses observed the sacrifice and service by our veterans, this week’s column is for them. For me, this Veteran’s Day was even more special now because my grandson is serving in the Navy. My late father served in the Marines, my children’s dad was a Vietnam veteran, and my mother’s brother, the late, A.W. ...

Last week, I discovered why it is important to start taking care of your teeth when your young and continue taking care of them as you age—a beautiful smile, better overall health, and a fatter bank account. If you don’t take care of your pearly whites, they will grow dull, rot and fall out, or it will cost a fortune to keep them or repair them...

Winter does not only bring falling leaves, north winds and icy snow, but it also brings influenza, colds, and coughs. For seniors with weakened immune systems, that can mean lengthy hospitals stays or worse, even death. Immunizations and vaccines are important for many reasons, but especially for the elderly to remain healthy throughout the fall and winter months...

Now, isolation and the lack of socialization is a problem for baby-boomers, which leads to not only physical ailments, but also mental ones. However, for the technical generations to follow, the umbilical cord has been replaced by a power cord and the same issues that plague the baby-boomers today, will hit these generations harder and sooner tomorrow...

The chronic Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one that plagues a large part of the population, especially women and seniors. About 1 in 5 women experience some type of UTI, while others find they have them constantly, but the reason is a different strain of bacteria...

I’ve never seen the Disney movie, “Frozen” all the way through, but I believe it’s theme song, “Let it go” is one everyone should take to heart. It’s about letting go of hate, controlling anger, learning to forgive, and coming together as a family to be happy. According to several major medical sites such as John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School, hate and anger is something that can affect someone not only mentally, but it can also destroy them physically...

The brain controls every action from walking to digestion, and when emotions come into play, everything from indigestion to diarrhea can occur. How can the problem be determined whether it is physical or emotional, and how can it be controlled and prevented?...

“If I could have been a grandparent first, I would have had a house full of grandchildren.” That is a statement heard from many seniors who are blessed with grandchildren. Whether you are grandmother, mimaw, mimi, gigi, grandpa, pa, pop, or abuelo, the tiny voice calling out that familiar title is the apple of your eye, the center of your universe, and the beat of your heart...

“Dem bone, dem bones, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone, the knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone…” is a song children have sung for years while learning the parts of the skeleton. But the bones need muscle, and the muscles need the bones...

September is National Senior Center Month, and across the country senior centers are celebrating with various activities and informative speakers to promote their mission—to create a healthy environment, physically, socially, mentally, nutritionally, and financially for older Americans to keep them independent longer...

Over the years, I enjoyed listening to financial gurus like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman, and I learned a lot from them. However, I wish I would have known about them many years ago when I first started working, I would be a lot better prepared for my retirement years...

For centuries dating back to the ancient Egyptians, honey has had many uses besides a great sweetener. The Egyptians used it for embalming fluid, and because of its natural antibiotic component, it was also used as a dressing for wounds. Today, it is still used for everything from wound care to cough suppression. According to Webmd.com, it is especially useful for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and holistic practitioners consider it as one of nature’s best natural remedies...

For years, as my parents aged, I noticed my mother dabbing her eyes one minute and then putting bottled eye drops in the next. My dad suffered with watery eyes as well and there was a Kleenex box in practically every room in the house. Now, I’m doing the dabbing, and those Kleenex boxes are in every room in my house. As we age, so do our eyes, and the Cleveland Clinic describes a variety of problems that affect our vision in the autumn and winter of our lives...

I’ve always jokingly said the best things about growing old are the AARP discounts and being a Walmart greeter, but for many older adults, the Autumn and Winter of their years are not necessarily the best. However, if you prepare, not just financially, but also physically, those years can be the most enjoyable...

Continuing with the list of eight ailments that attack the aging generation, gout is next on the list of conditions from AARP’s article, “They Won’t Kill You, But They Sure Make You Miserable,” by Lisa Haney. For gout, Haney gives gout a 10 on the misery factor scale, and those who have had it, can agree with her assessment. Gout, what is it, what causes it, and how can it be avoided?...

When it comes to chest pain, it doesn’t always come from the heart. The thyroid gland, located in the neck below the thyroid cartilage, or for men below the Adam’s apple, is extremely important. Every cell in the body depends on the hormones the thyroid produces to determine how quickly to convert calories and oxygen into energy (healthline.com). ...

Animals do it, birds do it, and babies do it too, naturally. Have you ever watched a dog or a cat when it wakes first thing in the morning or after a nap? What does it do? It stretches head to tail. A baby stretches when it wakes, but do you stretch first thing in the morning or after taking a long nap? Stretching is good for the body, especially for older adults...

For many of us who are approaching retirement age, that occasional “senior” moment is something we laugh off when the name of someone we’ve known for years doesn’t come to us right away. Then there is the “brain poot” that overtakes us as we walk into a room and forget why we are there in the first place. ...

Because the feet contain around 8,000 nerve endings, located close to the skin, they may be considered the most sensitive parts of the body. That is why a pebble in the shoe can cause agonizing pain. The feet also help in recognizing health issues in other parts of the body that might otherwise go unnoticed. They provide warning signs for heart disease, lung disease, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions, so pay attention to your feet the next time you put on your shoes...

I can remember my grandfather getting up early in the morning claiming, “Well, the Itis brothers showed up this morning.” He was, of course, referring to Arthur-Itis and Burris-Itis. I can remember the knuckles on his hands swelling to resemble knots from the arthritis, and until now, I had no idea of the pain he was feeling. ...

Aging is a process that starts at birth. There is no pill or tonic, nor a fountain of youth, that will stop it, so it’s best to develop healthy habits while young to enjoy the senior years later. Healthy habits like exercising, eating right, and not picking up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking are important now; otherwise, poor health, pain, and a boat load of pills is in your future...

The “Dog Days of Summer” will be here before you know it. It is not even July, and the temperatures are in the 90s and the heat index is even higher. The Weather Channel predicts a hot one this year for everyone, but for seniors over 65, they are the most vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke because many of them have health problems. ...

The lack of energy and fatigue are common symptoms of aging that many older Americans experience, especially after retirement. Unless treated, fatigue in the elderly can lead to a decline in normal everyday life function. Fatigue can be generally characterized as feelings of weariness, tiredness, a persistent lack of energy, and weakness. ...

In the past, I’ve written about how your microbiome (gut buddies) control your health from head to toe, and the May 2024 issue of the AARP Bulletin finally solidified it. However, there are still a few suggestions when it comes to the old 1950s food pyramid that I will argue with them. The good news is that you can improve your system by changing the way you eat and getting a little more exercise. A healthy lifestyle means a healthy life with less pain and more energy...

Summertime brings families together for reunions, backyard bar-b-ques, and little league baseball games. Older generations are a big part of those gatherings and the perfect time to learn about the matriarchs and patriarchs in the family. The elderly can be quite entertaining and funny once engaged in conversation...

Last week while cutting back poison sumac from around my trees, one of the vines touched my arm which sparked a rash worse than poison ivy, but as my daughter explains, it parallels shingles, which she has suffered. This sparked the conversation of shingles. Few people really understand what the virus is, how it is contacted or a way to treat it...

When you think scammers can’t go any lower, they do! The elderly are scammer’s targets, and like bank fraud letters, insurance letters look just as authentic, but don’t fall for it. Protect yourselves and question everything that comes through the mail...

In 2019, I read a series of books written by well-known cardiologist Dr. Steven Gundry and the Plant Paradox. His lifestyle change is what allowed me to drop 32 pounds in a matter of three months and since that time, I have kept it off. When starting the program, a strict regimen of avoiding lectins is needed, but once the body has produced a healthy microbiome (those wonderful gut buddies) and the weight is lost, returning to some regular foods may be allowed. ...

With an environment filled with toxins from mobile phones to car exhaust, boosting the body’s ability to resist sickness and inflammation is important to longevity and healthy living. A strong immune system is vital to fight off germs and disease. However, how can that be done during the age of fast food, addictions, and little exercise? Lifestyle changes are important if being healthy, happy, and productive is the goal...

Years ago, commercials were filled with men and women with heads full of healthy thick hair. Today, however, that isn’t necessarily true because some women have buzz cuts and many men have none. Yesterday’s full hair wearers are today’s baby-boomers, and shaving a head or wearing hair a lot shorter is, maybe, not by choice, but by necessity because those once gorgeous flocks are now a whole lot thinner. What causes hair loss and how can it be prevented, or at least, slow it down?...

The sun provides not only warmth and life to the planet, but it also provides essential vitamins and nutrients for plants to grow and humans to thrive. The body produces Vitamin D as a response to sun exposure, and is essential for strong bones and teeth, the immune system, brain health, and to regulate inflammation. So, are you getting enough sun, if not what is the result of a lack of Vitamin D, and just how much is needed to maintain good health?...

Nearly everyone has known someone, directly or indirectly, who has or had Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is almost unescapable today since approximately 6.7 million older Americans are living with the disease. For 120 years, Alzheimer’s has been researched and progress made, but well before it was discovered, the history of dementia could be traced back to the Greco-Roman period...

Potassium is an important mineral that is needed for the functioning of all cells. It regulates the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves, and is vital to producing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates. But what happens when that mineral is depleted, and what can be done to prevent it?...

When my dad passed in July 2018, I wrote a piece on how to be prepared and relieve some of the burden on family members. After that a friend, who lost a brother-in-law came to me and said, “You really need to stress the importance of making sure bank accounts and insurance policies have beneficiaries and co-signers.” Since then, I lost my best friend who had absolutely no contact with her family, years ago changed her name, and had already voiced her wishes to me, but she waited to make sure everything was legally on paper.. ...

If music can soothe the savage breast, just think what adding a dance step or two can do for you. For me, plugging in music from the 50s and 60s while cleaning helps to complete the job quicker. Music affects the body and mind in so many ways, immediately my feet begin to move, my heart grows lighter, and next thing you know, I’m singing to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and dancing with the broom or a mop. ...

Spring is almost here, and warmer weather is on the horizon, and with it comes short sleeve shirts. As a senior, with each bump I’m reminded of my late grandmother, grandfather and mother and the horrible bruises on their arms. The smallest bump would rip skin from bone. ...

March is here. Time for an awakening and awareness from budding fruit trees to crazy weather. This month is an awakening from winter’s hibernation to stepping out into the sunlight and warmer weather. Winter, especially for older Americans, means being cooped-up inside, isolated from friends and family, which can cause depression...

Pecans are a nut often connected to pecan pie, pecan sandies, pecan log rolls, but did you know that this nut, that comes in many varieties, is also one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat? They are high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote a healthy balance for those who have no allergies to nuts...

Gardening season is upon us, and it is time to start the little seedlings planned for that plot in the backyard or on the patio. I love my Organic Gardening magazines, and while looking through a stack of older editions, I noticed in the May/June 2015 issue, an article by Wayne Curtis, Walk About, walking isn’t what we do, it’s who we are...

March 10, Daylight Savings begins, and on March 19, Spring is sprung and everything from Easter lilies to mosquitos wake to the beauty of warm weather and sunshine. Everything wakes and crawls out of their cozy shelters to stretch and enjoy what good ole vitamin D has to offer, along with a good romp. People begin planning their exercise regimen, and the benefits of gardening can be added to it...

February is more than Valentine’s Day, flowers, chocolate, and emotional commitments through poems and cards from the heart. February is about the heart—American Heart Month, and doctors are urging everyone to stay heart-healthy. The heart is a large muscle that pumps blood to the body, and like any muscle, it needs exercise in order to keep the body running. ...

For years the con-artist has used flattery when convincing people to give them money; however, with social medica and technology today, those tactics have changed. Now the standard call, especially to a senior, contains some type of bad news or a threat to coax money from them. So, with a new year beginning, learning how to deal with the scammer before they call may save you a lot of money, time, and anxiety...

When God created man, He presented him with a conscience, translated means knowledge, knowing the difference between good and evil. He also gave advice to keep one healthy spiritually and physically. “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. ...

It looks like winter is finally here, and with it comes cold temperatures, power failures, communication losses, and icy roads. Making sure homes are safe during this time is important, especially for seniors. Older Americans tend to be colder and require more heat, so space heaters, heating pads, and other sources are usually used to supplement the normal heat, thereby, creating those winter fires that are dangerous and keep fire fighters busy...

If you own a pet, have you ever noticed they know when you are sad, depressed, or melancholy? They cuddle up to you and give you attention to try and make you feel better. Animals seem to have a healing power that is better than any drug, and research has proven it, especially with veterans, the disabled, and the elderly...

The last several years have been so serious and stressful that I thought I would throw a little bit of levity into this week’s column, just to start 2024 off with a giggle. Exactly five years ago this month, the topic was “Aging, the musical fruit”; however, it should be more like fruits and vegetables because as we age, our systems are a full orchestra of sounds, mixed with a few obnoxious odors...

Father Time is about to check out of 2023, just in time for Baby New Year 2024 to make his entrance. Every year people make resolutions, but how many keep all or any of them? What is a resolution, why are they made? Eleanor Roosevelt said, “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”...

Christmas and New Year’s Day is upon us and the best gift a person can give to their family is at their death, all debt is met and the assurance of being able to concentrate on the grieving process rather than the stress of a funeral and how to pay for it. With death comes a lot of surprises that if unprepared can bring a lot of stress to family and friends left behind...

Christmas is upon us, and with the holidays comes mixed feelings from joyfulness to sadness as families prepare to celebrate one of the most popular times of the year. For those who have lost a loved one, this time can be a devasting one as they reflect on the absence of a family member, a close friend, or a spouse, especially if it is someone now living alone...

December, and those who believe in the Spirit of Christmas know that is it is better to give than to receive. This month is more than a time of giving, it is also a time of reflecting on one’s life over the last eleven months leading up to this one. For seniors, those months are more about loss, whether it be a spouse, a friend, or a job initiated by cuts or retirement. Either way, these are all changes that especially affect the elderly...

Poor blood circulation and stress are the reasons for a multitude of health issues and chronic diseases, but there are ways to improve overall health and reduce both. All it takes is some time and a few lifestyle changes, especially for the older generation who are now seeing the results of poor eating habits, too many pharmaceuticals, and too little exercise...

After two years of Covid and isolation, the last year has been one of recovery and getting back to a sense of normalcy, and holidays help to do that. This week families and individuals will celebrate Thanksgiving in millions of homes with traditional meals set by previous generations according to their cultural backgrounds. But what is the historical significance of Thanksgiving, and how do we celebrate it versus the original partakers of the holiday?...

Medicare enrollment for 2024 began November 15 and ends December 7 for those who qualify. It is not hard to avoid it since every other advertisement, whether live streaming or antenna, is rolling every ten minutes on television. But with all the information from various insurance companies about original Medicare or their Medicare Advantage plans, how can someone decide which one is best for them?...

On Friday, November 3, I lost my best friend, and seven years ago, I lost my sister. Both were taken by the Devil’s right-hand demon, smoking. No matter how much I preached to them, neither one would stop because the urge and the need to pick up another overpowered the want to live longer. The damage to the vital organs by the toxins in a cigarette is massive and deadly...

Record lows for November are coming, and for seniors in the south, it is important to prepare for cold weather, icy conditions, and some snow. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a rather average season for winter in Missouri. Some of the most vulnerable populations are the elderly, so take the time to prepare for those periods of cold weather and freezing temperatures...

When it comes to insurance, my late mother always said you can never have enough. My sister and I used to describe it as being “insurance poor.” But what do seniors need to look at when searching for the right types of insurance? There are three areas that promote security for them and their families: preserving their income, leaving money for their families, and protecting personal property...

The brain controls every action from walking to digestion, and when emotions come into play, everything from indigestion to diarrhea can occur. How can the problem be determined whether it is physical or emotional, and how can it be controlled and prevented?...

Women seem to be more concerned with wrinkles then men. The lines in men are distinguished, but lines for women are signs of aging. However, there are ways to reduce wrinkles and soften “laugh” lines without costing a fortune. According to WebMD, the first signs of aging usually begin at about 35 years of age, but there are ways to turn back time and keep them guessing your real age. However, no matter what we do, everyone ages and with it comes those little laugh lines that aren’t so funny...

As the leaves turn and Fall decor dresses the homes of many, the pleasant aroma of Cinnamon hangs in the air. Cinnamon is good for more than just toast, oatmeal, and air freshener. Its history goes back to ancient Egypt and the Roman empire, for not only medicinal uses but also for burial purposes. ...

It’s fair time, and the cost for everything from vendor food to carnival rides will send a person to the poor house, or at least bust the monthly budget, especially for those, like seniors, on a fixed income. However, after the carnival rides are gone, the trash is collected, and the wallet empty, the University of Missouri Extension (UME) has some suggestions on how to beat rising food prices to save money...

Most everyone, at one time or another, has awakened to sciatica, that crippling pain, radiating from the back, through the hip, and down the leg. The condition has many symptoms, causes, and, thankfully, treatments. Knowing exactly what sciatica is, may help to understand the condition to avoid it. ...

Saving money is important for seniors, especially those with fixed incomes from small Social Security benefits and no retirement supplemental checks. These days a dollar does not go far and as winter weather nears, heating bills are bound to skyrocket with the increase in propane and natural gas...

There are so many ways to save money, especially when living on a fixed income like Social Security. The last two weeks, Aging Gracefully has concentrated on ways to help make that dollar last longer and go further in purchasing groceries, auto upkeep, utilities, home remodeling, and maintenance/cleaning. Part 3 looks at ways to stretch each hard, earned dollar when trying to find ways to tend to a yard and raise a garden, as well as expand personal finance, and enjoy entertainment...

Trying to save these days is harder than most, especially with the cost of food, fuel, and interest rates rising, along with a recession on the horizon. The first in the series of “Finding ways to save,” suggested ways to save on food and auto upkeep, as well as keeping your bank account safe by using low-limit credit cards for online purchases. Still there are more ways to save on utilities and home remodeling...

Saving these days is like throwing pennies in a wishing well, you wish for more financial security but only find less. Costs increase and content decreases. The president says his “bidenomics” is working. Maybe for him, but as a new retiree, and others like me, I don’t see it...

Like many seniors, especially those who are covered under Medicare and not Medicaid, they are finding out what that great retirement insurance does not cover. This column is meant to help those who are headed into their senior years, as well as those who are already there, or the children who are caring for them...

There is a lot to the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It always puts me in mind of the movie, “Steel Magnolias,” when set in the cemetery, after Sally Field’s character has just buried her daughter, Field is crying because she is angry and sad and just wants to hit something. ...

Growing up, my summer vacations were spent with my maternal grandparents on a farm in the Missouri Bootheel. It was during one of those summers that I was awakened by the sound of an ambulance and EMT’s quickly making their way to my grandparent’s bedroom at the back of the house. My grandmother suffered a stroke. Thankfully, she had no permanent damage and recovered, but many people are not as fortunate, especially those who suffered them in the mid-twentieth century...

The brain is extraordinarily complex and fragile. It controls every aspect of the body from breathing to feeling. As the body ages, the brain can maintain its vibrancy to recall, learn, and think, and like the body, it needs proper nutrition to function efficiently. We know that oxygen through exercise is important for both a healthy brain and strong heart, but what goes into the body is just as important. Proper nutrition is the key to staying sharp, but what does that entail?...

Choking on my own spit these days is quite easy, in fact it is becoming a big nuisance, especially now when every cough or sneeze is code word for COVID, even though we are past it. As we age, the simplest actions, even swallowing, can become difficult, but why and what can you do to prevent choking?...

More and more Americans, young and old, are diagnosed with diabetes each day, and every day, the diets of those individuals grow worse. The result is obesity, kidney disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and blindness to name a few. What is the answer to reducing the risks and gaining a healthier population for the future?...

Because the feet contain around 8,000 nerve endings, located close to the skin, they may be considered the most sensitive parts of the body. That is why a pebble in the shoe can cause agonizing pain. The feet also help in recognizing health issues in other parts of the body that might otherwise go unnoticed. They provide warning signs for heart disease, lung disease, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions, so pay attention to your feet the next time you put on your shoes...

More and more family members in the U.S. and worldwide are caring for loved ones, providing them with social and or health needs. Besides transportation and shopping, this type of caregiving may also include bathing, dressing, and paying bills. It’s this type of caregiving that drains a person mentally and physically as they help a loved one manage a chronic disease or disability. That is why Family Caregiving Support Groups are important to a community and for caregivers...

Vanity and old age don’t mix, and women seem to be more self-conscience than men when it comes down to it. But it doesn’t matter, male or female, we are all troubled by wrinkles and thin, crepey skin. Expensive creams and oils from high profile cosmetic companies to famous stars tout that their products can reduce wrinkles and crepey skin. ...

Summer is officially here with temperatures rising into the 90s and above. This is only the beginning and as temperatures grow higher seniors over 65 are the most vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. So, as the summer heats up the heat indexes are sure to rise to triple digits, and it is important for everyone to pay attention to the time they spend outside, the thermometer inside, and most importantly, pay attention to senior neighbors, family members, or clients...

Obesity is a pandemic of sorts in the United States. Between 1999-2020 obesity rose from 30.5 percent to 41.9 percent, and during that same time severe obesity increased from 4.7 percent to 9.2 percent. Why the increase, and what is the solution? Obesity is defined as a person whose weight is higher than what is considered to be a normal weight for a given height. ...

Summer is around the corner and many people are ready to pull out those short pants and swimsuits, but these days a major portion of the population, young and old, are overweight. For seniors who are overweight, they experience back and knee pain which can dampen spending time with grandchildren by the pool or at the park. ...

For decades heart disease was in steady decline, but America’s number one killer is back and on the rise. AARP, January/February 2023 bulletin, offers some reasons for the rise, as well as how American’s can turn the numbers around and improve their heart health...

Caring for your teeth is very important because healthy gums mean a healthy mind, healthy heart, and healthy body. Throughout the decades doctors have discovered the connection between the teeth and the body, from heart disease to mental disorders. So, the question is, how is your at-home dental care, and if not so good, what can you do to improve it and improve your health?...

While young, balance is taken for granted, but as the body ages, the ability to stay upright proves harder with the years. The complex process for balance involves the brain, spinal cord, inner ear, eyes, peripheral nerves, muscles, and bones, and rarely noticed when functioning properly. It can get bad enough that fear of falling limits everyday activities. What causes these issues and how can they be avoided, or at least stalled?...

Some people enjoy playing cards as a form of entertainment, while others play to compete. No matter what you like, card games that require cognitive thinking and problem-solving help decrease the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s, such as Bridge, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Poker, Blackjack, and Solitaire...

On of the most frustrating parts of aging, for me, is not the wrinkles, nor the little aches and pains, it’s not even the fact that I have to find one of fifty pairs of glasses laid around the house, the car, and the office just to read instructions on a package. No, I would say the most frustrating part is trying to make a phone call these days. Sitting among seniors, they all seem to find the same problem—the phone and the automated system, as well as new technology...

Every year more and more scams appear, each more complex and effective than the others. More talk is heard in the news about artificial intelligence and how it can make decisions independently. Think about it, how many times have you been sitting in the house alone, you say something, and Alexa turns on a tune especially for you. But what happens when computers clone voices and make hostage calls? It’s real and it’s happening today...

When looking at the United States, it doesn’t take long to see the growing number of seniors and the increasing number of programs and positions created to care for them. According to census.gov in an article updated in Oct. 2019, in less than 20 years, the number of older adults is projected to outnumber children for the first time in America’s history. What does that mean for the country, states, and communities?...

Aging is a process that starts at birth. There is no pill or tonic, nor a fountain of youth, that will stop it, so it’s best to develop healthy habits while young to enjoy the senior years later. Healthy habits like exercising, eating right, and not picking up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking are important now; otherwise, poor health, pain, and a boat load of pills is in your future...

With the internet, online purchasing, and smart phones become a big part of people’s lives, the ability to con and defraud seniors is increasing at breakneck speeds. The elderly are huge targets because many of them are living on savings and retirements, they are most likely to believe and pay scammers without giving it a second thought. ...

Studies have shown that sleep is vital to a healthy lifestyle, and without it, the body and mind suffer, creating an environment for memory loss, chronic disease, a poor immune system, and obesity. Now, the days seem to be filled with political stress, social stress, and physical stress that keeps everyone from the youngest grade schooler to the oldest senior from having a good night’s sleep...

Since 2008, scientists and doctors have found that bad oral hygiene, and lack of teeth brushing, boosts the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is a known fact that teeth and gums (tooth anatomy) are connected to various parts of the body and can be related, such as people with gum disease are more likely to experience heart disease than those who don’t because of mouth bacteria. ...

The other day I heard an advertisement for Obesity U.S.A. on the radio. It was a public health notice bringing attention to how overweight America has become through the years, and today, both children and adults are tipping the scales. With that weight comes inflammation, which causes conditions such as gout and arthritis, some crippling. ...

Today more than ever, knee replacements are becoming more common and a lot safer, especially for the elderly. Approximately 700,000-800,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S. So, if you are trying to decide on replacing one or both knees, preparing for it can never be too early, whether one year or ten years...

Spring is around the corner and warm, sunny days will beckon, pulling everyone from the cool, dark hibernation days of winter. We all cannot wait to feel the sun on our face, the heat at our backs as we plant flowers, prepare yards, and sweep off patios for those weekend barbeques and get togethers. But the sun and fun may give us more than great memories with family, they also can give us unwanted wrinkles, age spots, and worse, skin cancers...

Shingles are a viral infection that causes a painful rash, and although they can occur anywhere on the body, they most often appear as a single stripe of blisters that wrap around either the left or right side. Few people really understand what the virus is, how it is contacted or a way to treat it. ...

According to State Cancer Profiles, a publicly available online database created from records of the Center for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute, the Missouri Bootheel is among the highest in cancer death rates in the country. Because the Bootheel is part of the Delta, which is considered some of the poorest areas in the country, cancer is more prevalent with lung cancer having the highest rates, along with colon, and breast cancer close behind...

February is filled with a celebration of hearts from chocolate Valentines to heart healthy awareness. Heart Healthy Awareness Day on Friday, February 3, followed by Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. This month is filled with hearts--healthy in love and body, but what do we need to know about heart disease and keeping that wonderful heart healthy...

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and it may range from light stroking to deep pressure. Usually, a massage is most associated with expensive high-end spas and health clubs and enjoyed by only the wealthy. But who isn’t keen on a good foot or back rub?...

Everyone needs electricity. In fact, people cannot survive without it. The brain cannot operate without the body’s own electricity. Everything is made up of atoms, and atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Our bodies are made up of huge masses of atoms that generate electricity. So, how do we use those atoms, neutrons, and electrons?...

Whether you believe in God, reincarnation, life after death, or aliens, one thing is true and sure, no one lives forever in this world and there is no getting around it. But your death doesn’t have to be a burden on family or friends. When a loved one dies, the pressure of paying for a funeral, making the arrangements, and locating important documents, should not be a stressful experience or a scavenger hunt. That’s why everyone should prepare for death just like they do for old age...

Several years ago, I wrote “Rules to live by, succeed.” It was based on some note cards I found in a draw that belonged to my late mother. As the country becomes a “criminal’s paradise” rather than the home of the free and the brave, it is important to revisit the rules that make a strong, moral country and promote success. Perhaps coming into a new year, this is the best time to make some more useful resolutions to live by and succeed...

The old year is ending, and the new year beginning, but with weather patterns changing and more artic blasts hitting the Bootheel, new problems add to the old ones, especially for seniors in rural areas. During the latest Siberian blast, my little electric heater couldn’t stand up to it and my pump fell victim to it and busted, so for me, that means no water. Yikes!...

Today, more than ever, it seems people are becoming immune to all things negative, including crimes against humanity, great or small, rich or poor, young or old. Foul language is as common as, “good afternoon,” or “how do you do.” Christmas should be a time of redemption, with people helping their fellow man at the top of the list rather than robbing people of porch delivered packages for their loved ones...

Staying healthy is important, but what if you could have fun at it by simply laughing. For years it has been said, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but did you know there are actual studies that support it? There is even “laughing yoga,” a popular movement that has grown worldwide. So, there are people laughing their way to good health and happiness...

Winter does not only bring falling leaves, north winds and icy snow, but it also brings influenza, colds, coughs, and now Covid. For seniors with weakened immune systems, any of these can mean lengthy hospitals stays or even worse, death. Immunizations and vaccines are important for many reasons, but especially for the elderly to remain healthy throughout the fall and winter months...

Do you find yourself swatting at gnats that are not there, or wiping away a hair from in front of your face that does not exist? Well, if you are a senior (50+), you are not alone. As a senior, I found myself seeing these little spots in front of my eyes that seem to move when I followed them. ...

This week is Thanksgiving, and we all have something to be thankful for, whether it is for a roof over our heads or the family we have round us. Even for those who don’t have a home or family, there is still something to be thankful for. Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35 that through our labors and hard work, “we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”...

For seniors, low potassium levels can be very dangerous because this is a critical mineral necessary to maintain homeostasis or balance in the body. Potassium helps the muscles to contract and expand that assists in movement of the limbs. Providing muscle movement is not all the mineral helps with throughout the body, it also helps the body absorb nutrients necessary to efficiently act as a communicator for the cells and the nervous system...

For centuries, chicken soup has been served to cure numerous ailments including the common cold. Even today, when sick in bed, a bowl of chicken soup seems to soothe both body and soul. But chicken is good for curing more than just a cold, and for the elderly, it can help provide the nutrients needed to keep them healthy both physically and cognitively...

Every election is important, but for seniors, they are most important since they live on fixed budgets. The elderly depend on government programs for their health insurance and various programs, so when it comes to voting, it is important to look at not only the issues and political figures, but it is also important to look at what is buried in those bills and amendments...

Wow! Over the last several months, I have been overwhelmed at work (my day job), and decided to take a break, so I went on vacation. Now, it was not the vacation that most people take to some Pacific Island or cruise through the Caribbean, it was the kind that you stay at home and just lay around and decompress. However, it was harder on my body than it would have been if I had been at work...

Older adults are 3.5 times more likely to die in fires than the general population, with about 930 deaths annually. Smoking materials and cooking are two are the major reasons for major fires among this group, and clothing fire deaths are a hazard that disproportionately affect this population...

The most common cause of neuropathy in the feet is diabetes, but there are other forms and causes, as well as treatments. An estimated 25 to 30 percent of all Americans will one day be affected by neuropathy, and about 8 percent of adults 65 years and older will have some degree of the condition. What is neuropathy, the causes, treatment, and prevention?...

When it comes to the core, not the earth’s core, not the core of an apple, but the core of good health, the mid-section, or core, is the most important part of the body. The core of the body is the epicenter from where every movement revolves. It helps to bend forward and backward, as well as twist side to side. It does everything from lifting to maintaining balance, but what is it, what else does it do and what is needed to keep it healthy and strong?...

Get ready for it! Missouri is one of 12 states that tax social security and retirement benefits. According to author, Katie Brockman, in “The Motley Fool,” a financial website, “Retirees can expect a massive social security raise in 2023, but with that raise also comes a higher tax bill.” In her article, Brockman claims that next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) may be the highest ever, but it could also trigger more taxes, depending on a senior’s retirement income...

We have all heard the saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but these days it can be more than a treasure, it may be a survival tactic in the world of older Americans. Today, more than ever, with prices of everything from beans to coffee tables increasing, being able to find those items for nothing from eggs to Christmas gifts are important and “priceless.” How do you do it?...

The body, for most, as it ages not only loses elasticity in the skin, but it also loses muscle mass and balance. This can make it difficult to remain independent, unless older Americans take the steps to keep their homes safe from falls, fires, and invasions...

Now that I’m over 60, I realize that I don’t bounce quite as good as I did in my thirties, so avoiding situations that could possibly cause a fall is high on my list these days. Even those beautiful stiletto heels I always loved wearing have been put to rest, well most of them anyway. With September 18-24 slated as Fall Prevention Awareness Week, it is important to remind everyone how easy it is for a senior to slip and fall...

The saying, “you are what you eat” is so true, because of the food that the body absorbs. A healthy digestive system provides the body with a healthy body, mind, and attitude. The reason is because a variety of chronic conditions can be traced back to poor digestion and inadequate nutrition absorption...

When a child is cranky and hard to handle, a mother says, “It’s nap time, and he is fighting it every step of the way.” It’s seems like from birth, most people fight the urge to sleep for fear of missing something, or today, they are too busy with a lot on their minds and their plates. However, studies have shown that sleep is vital to a healthy lifestyle, and without it, the body and mind suffer, creating an environment for memory loss, chronic disease, a poor immune system, and obesity...

When looking at addictions, sugar must be the biggest “legal” drug of them all, and candy companies, sugary candy stores, ice cream shops, and yes, even those innocent sellers of cookies, candies, and sweetened popcorn are the dealers. But, who can resist a double dip of butter pecan, or even worse, a box of caramel turtles, I know I can’t. If it is there, I will eat it. But, what happens to the body and the mind as we age if we give into our urges too much?...

Aging is a process that starts at birth. There is no pill or tonic, nor a fountain of youth, that will stop it, so it’s best to develop healthy habits while young to enjoy the senior years later. Healthy habits like exercising, eating right, and not picking up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking are important now; otherwise, poor health, pain, and a boat load of pills is in your future...

Recently, a senior and friend was scammed through the new method of payment that is becoming more popular with the BitCoin craze. This senior logged into the computer to only see a blue screen along with a number at the bottom to correct the problem. ...

The “Dog Days of Summer” are here and when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, it does, and seniors over 65 are the most vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. So, with heat indexes in triple digits, it is important for everyone to pay attention to the time they spend outside, the thermometer inside, and most importantly, pay attention to senior neighbors, family members, or clients...

AGING GRACEFULLY

When retiring, I opted for the 70-year mark, so I have approximately six years before I start collecting my social security. But retirement is more than just collecting Social Security, especially if a monthly pension is in one’s future. For me, I have several pensions, in which I cashed in one 401(k) to pay off bills and put back in savings for emergencies. In this financial environment, I felt safer making sure I had no debt, but making the right decision for you may be different...

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY