There is growing research that engaging with the arts can improve health – both mental and physical. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate the arts into everyday life. Keep Reading

f you want to start a new exercise routine but have reservations because you’ve suffered from a heart attack or have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, there is good news. A new study shows that the benefits of routine exercise can help with heart health at any age. Keep Reading

Recently, my mom and I were watching the Hallmark channel and discussing upcoming gatherings and parties. By the time we started listing our to-dos for the season, we weren’t feeling the holiday spirit. Keep Reading

The holiday season is here again bringing peace, love, joy and utter befuddlement: What do I get Mom this year? Don’t panic. Keep Reading

The feelings we experience during this festive occasion bring us together and have the power to unite us in expressing and receiving gratitude throughout the year. And, according to scientific research, we also experience profound health benefits! Keep Reading

Almost every morning during my summer vacations as a kid, my parents and I would ride together on the boardwalk along the New Jersey shore. Keep Reading

Exercise is repeatedly featured in our favorite magazines, blogs and television shows. As an adult, being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, did you know that it greatly benefits your mental health, also? Being physically active has been shown to reduce anxiety, effects of depression and other mental health concerns. Keep Reading

There is nothing more satisfying than a home-cooked meal with friends and family. I have some fond memories of watching my mother prepare the family meal and smelling the delightful aromas that made my mouth water. I could not help sneaking a taste when Mom wasn’t looking. Of course, Mom knew exactly what I was doing, and she started to encourage my tasting behavior. She also started to ask me to help her with meal preparations and as I became more involved, asking questions, tasting and making flavor adjustments, I was learning to cook and having a lot of fun. Keep Reading

When I would visit my grandma at her retirement community, I would watch the parade of little white busses shuttling residents from one day-trip to the next. Keep Reading

For some, there is nothing more refreshing than sinking their fingers into warm soil or biting into a sun-ripened tomato fresh off the vine. There is a basic human feeling when planting seeds or bulbs — a sense of accomplishment and a state of deep peace. However, gardening not only feels good, but it is also good for you. In addition to growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, here are some of the other health benefits of gardening. Keep Reading

Some apps in the online stores can waste time, money and memory space on your gadget. This series... Keep Reading

For older adults who live alone or have lost their spouse, pets can be excellent companions. When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother adopted two blue baby parakeets named Heckle and Jeckle. Although they screeched incessantly, they gave her purpose, and she adored them. She would wake up early to feed them their seed, she would sing to them and every few weeks she would drive to the pet store to buy them more perches, bells, etc. She was overjoyed when she thought Heckle was going to lay eggs and rushed to get a nesting box (Heckle never laid the eggs because he was just a very chubby boy.) Keep Reading

Whether it’s due to injury, illness or aging, sometimes older adults need a little extra help, especially at home. However, family members and friends can’t always be there 24/7 to assist aging loved ones. That’s where home care comes in. When it comes to choosing an in-home care provider, here are some of the ComForCare/At Your Side advantages: Keep Reading

That familiar holiday tune expresses a simple wish of a child – not for the expected list of toys – but for front teeth to grow in quickly enough to properly say “Merry Christmas.” Some older adults might have just as much trouble saying “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Hanukah” as that wistful child, if not for the benefits of dentures, bridges and dental implants. However, if you asked most seniors to sing their holiday wish list, it might sound something like this: Keep Reading

You’ve heard about Santa’s list – the one with names of children, their behavior, where they live and what they want for Christmas. However, you might not be aware Santa has a list for himself of seven ways to age well and enjoy his best life possible. Here is a peek at his list: Keep Reading

People with dementia frequently make mistakes in judgment and understanding. They begin to have communication problems as use of language becomes more difficult. People with dementia also have high levels of confusion about the world we live in. Combine all these factors, and situations are ripe for misinterpretation. Besides hallucinations and delusions, there can be alternate interpretations for the situations below: Keep Reading

There are momentous occasions in a person’s life: getting a driver’s license, having a child, graduating school, or, often overlooked, becoming the caregiver of a parent or another older loved one. Caregiving can take many forms. Family caregivers often accompany their parent to their doctor appointments and possibly even sit in the exam room with them. While there’s no studying involved for this exam, it’s important to be prepared, especially when you are advocating care for someone else. Below are 12 suggestions on what to do before, during and after a visit with the doctor. Keep Reading