Imagine this: it’s a hot day, you’ve been working in the garden outside, and you’re feeling thirsty. A tall glass of cool, ice water sits on the table in front of you. You put the glass to your lips and take several long, big sips. It’s a refreshing moment with a skill that many of us often take for granted: swallowing.

Among the subtle shifts that occur with aging, changes in eating and swallowing often take a back seat in discussions about other top concerns such as mobility, vision, and hearing, or cognitive abilities. Yet changes in eating and swallowing can …

Bones are an integral part of our body, as we know, and they support our entire weight and function in conjunction with other body systems. Even though our muscles are the ones that essentially help our body parts move, the bones act as an anchor for all the muscles.

The skeletal system of our body is the framework for the whole body and keeps everything positioned where it should be. The skeletal system in our body is one of the biggest systems and constitutes about 15% of our total body weight. As explained by the authors, the functions of the skeletal system include s…

Whether you call yourselves Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Pop-Pop, Bubbie and Zeide or something even more creative and endearing, you are officially a member of the “Best Club Ever”, The Grandparents Club!  Why is it the best club?  Because of the critical role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren.  It’s not just about showing up on the holidays with presents, although that’s always welcomed. Rather, it’s about the invaluable connection you offer your grandchildren, and the treasures available within that relationship.

Today, there are 1.5 bi…

Walking and being active outdoors can provide numerous mental and physical health benefits. However, navigating outdoor environments also presents fall risks that shouldn’t be overlooked, specifically when it comes to curbs.

One study by Keegan et. al found that most outdoor falls (73%) were precipitated by environmental factors, such as uneven surfaces and tripping or slipping on objects, and usually occurred on sidewalks, curbs, and streets. Stepping up and down curbs is very common, mainly in an urban setting.

Curbs can be too high, too low, or broken, and present …

The term “self-care” is sometimes associated with self-indulgence or even selfishness. This approach to self-care is oriented toward purchasing products or services to fix problems or to relieve stress.

Another way to approach self-care is through self-awareness and self-responsibility. From this perspective, self-care is about embracing human limits while protecting health and relationships.
3 Examples of Self-Responsible Care
Example #1 — Tom

Tom is a successful lawyer in his 70s. He is grateful for relatively good health and for his family. He is, however, feeli…