What are brain games?
One of the most primal fears humans share is the fear of losing their identify and memory but as we age, people are increasingly like to experience some level of memory loss. While some people may have trouble with their short term memory, others may experience the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, the United States population of adults over 55 continues to dramatically increase with several savvy technology companies developing “brain games” designed to sooth the common fear of cognitive decline. Marketed as fun programs, brain game manufacturers frequently claim that their products are scientifically proven to increase memory and attention skills.
Continue reading CAN BRAIN GAMES REALLY PREVENT DEMENTIA? →

With an ever-increasing number of senior citizens in the United States, the odds are great that you are, or soon will be, involved in the care of an elderly family member. Whether you live nearby and are able to provide frequent care or live far away and can contribute financial support, there may come a time when professional assistance is needed.

But how do you know when it’s time for professional elder care assistance? The simple answer is, whenever it becomes apparent that the current care system is no longer working well. The more complicated answer is, it could depend on several factors, such as aging relatives no longer able to safely live on their own in their own home or in a retirement community. Perhaps constant medical attention is required or the level of care necessary is beyond the skill or resources of the family. In some cases, an elderly family member is receiving good care while living at home but the primary caregiver has become burnt out, emotionally and physically overwhelmed by the daily responsibilities.
Continue reading HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME FOR ELDER CARE ASSISTANCE? →

From hand-crafted cards and gifts to elaborate bouquets of flowers and elegant luncheons, our Mother’s Day gifts evolve as we transition from childhood to adulthood. Our relationships with our parents also evolve over time, from the ones receiving care to becoming the caregiver.

Mother’s Day is the holiday to celebrate your mom as well as all of the love and support she has given you over the years. If your mother is still living in her home and trying to maintain her independence, Mother’s Day is a perfect excuse to help her with tasks that she can no longer physically or financially perform herself.
Continue reading CELEBRATE YOUR ELDERLY MOM THIS MOTHER’S DAY →

The tax season is upon us once again and hopefully, you are already done with your return. However, if you have not yet filed your taxes, the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offer free advice and several services to seniors and retirees.

According to ABC News, the “AARP’s tax aid program is and has been for many years the largest single participant in the tax counseling for the elderly program.”

The IRS has also dedicated a special section of their website for Seniors and Retirees, featuring advice and resources on common tax issues for aging adults, such as on Tips for Seniors in Preparing their Taxes, Life Events That May Have Tax Consequences for Seniors and Retirees, e-file Filing Options, Tax Facts for Seniors with a Change in Marital Status, Frequently Asked Questions for Seniors, Products for Older Americans, Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable? and general information for filing your federal tax return.
Continue reading SENIORS AND TAXES →

Senior citizens, like most people, prefer to live in their own home as long as possible but as we discussed in Part I of Too Old to Drive? the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is a critical element to maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Although some communities feature affordable public transportation or offer services dedicated to driving senior citizens to doctor appointments and the local grocery store, many other communities are not so accommodating to elderly residents.With almost a quarter of the U.S. population estimated to be 65 or older by 2025 and a large majority of those aging adults left to their own devices for their transportation needs, it is important to plan for the physical and mental challenges that may affect a senior citizen’s ability to drive.
Continue reading TOO OLD TO DRIVE? PART II →