Archive for January, 2024

hand holding paper heart love

Have you ever wondered why some people feel most loved when they receive a thoughtful gift, while others prefer a hug or a compliment? Or why some people like to spend quality time with their partner, while others are more appreciative of acts of service like doing the dishes or running errands? 

If so, you might be interested in learning about love languages. Love languages are the ways that people prefer to express and receive love in their relationships.

The concept and term were introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman, who proposed five specific love languages: physical …

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kitchen design countertop and organized cupboards

The kitchen is fondly referred to as the “heart of the home,” and if you are a host who enjoys entertaining, you may find that guests gravitate to this part of the home.  It’s warm, and inviting, and usually smells pretty good!

Did you know it can also be a hotspot for slips, trips, and falls? With its hard walking surfaces, sharp objects, and potential for spill. And, it may not be the first place we think of for safety concerns while aging in the community.

As an Occupational Therapist, I am often asked to help problem-solve the kitchen to help people complet…

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senior listening to music on headphones

In this blog post, we will explore some of the positive effects of music on brain health for seniors and baby boomers. In addition, we will share tips on how to add more music to your life.
Music – More Than Entertainment
Music is not only a source of joy and entertainment but can also be a powerful tool for enhancing brain health and well-being. Research has shown that music can improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and multi-tasking, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Music Can Help Delay Cognitive Decline
Music can also help slow down …

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sad senior in winter outdoors

As the days grow shorter, colder, and post-holiday letdown creeps in, many of us experience a dip in energy and mood. It’s not unusual to experience fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a disruption in sleep during the winter.  But why does this happen?

This is the “winter blues,” a common response to reduced sunlight and cold weather.  The good news?  Winter blues are often easily managed with lifestyle adjustments.

For others, winter blues turns into a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) if the sadness interferes with daily fu…

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seniors working out at the gym

Some folks enjoy the wintertime, but I am not one of those people.

I dread the shorter days and longer nights. I despise cold bathroom floors, freezing toilet seats, and the need to wear a bunch of layers just to walk to the mailbox. And I don’t like the fact that I usually can’t shake the sniffles. In the wintertime, my skin is always dry. And don’t talk to me about driving in snow or paying exorbitant prices for heating oil!

Science tells me I’m not alone. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in winter, when daylight hours ar…

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