Many of my patients and friends tell me they feel so isolated from the technological world around them. QR codes and online health appointments seem beyond their capacity. Without a grandchild or a helpful neighbor to explain things, people can feel helpless to maintain their independence and dignity. Practicing mindfulness and seeking ways to better… Read more »
I am a registered nurse and geriatric care manager. For years, I have encouraged others to make their homes safer, plan ahead and accept support before a crisis. Recently, I climbed a three-step ladder while home alone. I fell backward and landed hard on my back. As I lay there taking inventory of what parts… Read more »
Board and care homes are small, licensed assisted living communities that typically serve a maximum of six residents in a traditional house rather than on a large campus. They provide meals, supervision and personal care in a quieter, more intimate setting. For families unfamiliar with this model, the key distinction is scale: Caregivers are always… Read more »
Sarah, 78, a retired sociology professor who was married for 42 years, became a widow a year ago when her husband, Jim, unexpectedly passed away. Their son lives far away and often travels for work. Sarah, who is shy and prefers to be alone, now finds herself struggling with her grief and is overwhelmed with… Read more »
Summer often brings more family visits, vacations, weddings, lunches and gatherings, and with them, a renewed awareness that an aging parent may need a few new outfits or seasonal clothing updates. As a geriatric care manager, I frequently hear versions of the same concern from families: “Mom needs clothes, but every time we buy something,… Read more »
There is a profound difference between receiving a heartfelt digital note and the experience of opening an envelope to read words someone took the time and effort to express in writing. But in this age of digital convenience, how often does one actually put ink to paper? The good news is that, even amid the… Read more »
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are moments to celebrate the people who raised us, guided us, and, in many ways, still anchor our lives. They are filled with flowers, shared meals and memories. Yet beneath the surface, they also carry a quieter message, one we don’t often say out loud. They remind us that time… Read more »
In today’s fast-paced world, family caregiving has emerged as both a profound act of love and a challenge. While it can be emotionally and physically draining, millions of people across the country provide care for aging parents, sick spouses or children with special needs. Balancing medical appointments, daily care and emotional support for a loved… Read more »
We seem to be living in an unrecognizable world. Many of us wake each day feeling uneasy and unsure of our futures, plaintively looking back on our past. Some feel a need for hyper-awareness, and while recognizing danger and identifying threats are essential to our survival, if we focus only on the negative, we risk… Read more »
In the month preceding Yom Kippur, the day of atonement for Jews worldwide, a common phrase heard may be, “If I have hurt or offended you in any way, whether consciously or unconsciously, I am sorry.” This sentiment may stem from the lingering sting of a hurtful act by another, and hope, that at some… Read more »
Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, Mizell Center has become a cornerstone of healthy aging, connection and nutritional empowerment for older adults in the wider community. For more than five decades, Mizell has cultivated a mission, not just of sustenance, but of belonging, vitality and well-being. At its core, Mizell understands that sound nutrition… Read more »
Desert Health Publisher Lauren Del Sarto recently shared the unimaginable experience of a family unprepared to handle the passing of a loved one at home. She asked that we provide guidance to readers on end-of-life resources, a topic that is understandably rarely discussed. When a patient is admitted to hospice, families are asked to complete… Read more »
Janet Zappala’s leading loves have always been kids, critters and family. These days the former NBC Palm Springs anchor is bringing them all together as a celebrated children’s author and “Nonni” to two beautiful grandchildren. Her award-winning books share valuable lessons through friendships of rescued farm animals. Inspired by real events from the Coachella Valley… Read more »
Every year holiday joy permeates the air. Festive spirits inspire spreading more light to loved ones, friends, communities and to the world at large. I believe it’s possible to be joy-full all year long with help from several introspective insights. The word simcha in Hebrew is defined as “happiness” or “joy.” The term is used… Read more »
Our bodies are a series of interdependent ecological networks that constantly self-regulate, much like nature itself. By connecting with our own feedback loops, we learn methods for better health. We can reclaim the “wild self” and return to a healthy vagal tone in this modern world. ‘Rewilding’ (returning to the wild self) is simply the… Read more »
Ikigai (“ee-kee-guy”) is not a newly coined word, but rather a philosophy firmly established in Japanese culture. The term comes from the ancient Japanese language (dating back to the Heian period), where “iki” means life, and “gai” means “value,” translating to “reason for being” or “value in life.” It was in the late 20th century… Read more »
Imagine living a life with the potential to harness hardships, neutralize suffering and transform adversity into the silver lining of life. The pearl-producing oyster does just that and provides a lesson for us all. We are more similar than we know to the soft, tender, vulnerable mollusk. We are also made up of a multitude… Read more »
Climate change is more than an environmental concern; it’s a public health challenge that affects us all. Older adults face special risks with age-related changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys, along with the body’s natural ability to keep cool. The addition of chronic conditions and certain medications can make heat, smoke, poor air quality… Read more »
The holiday season often prompts reflection on the relationships that matter most—our partners, family and close friends. But are you expressing love and gratitude in ways that truly resonate with them? This year, consider exploring the “Five Love Languages” developed by Gary Chapman, PhD. For over three decades, the Five Love Languages have been part… Read more »
Maintaining balance as we age is crucial for overall health, independence and quality of life. Some of the many benefits of working to maintain balance include fall prevention, aging at home and maintaining cognitive and neurological health. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, often resulting in fractures, head trauma and even… Read more »