The Lifeline Blog

Developing a Checklist for Aging Parents. You can read more useful articles and advice on our blog.

Is the iPad for seniors? You bet! An iPad (or another tablet) is an innovative way to provide yourself with amusing games and activities during leisure time and to stay knowledgeable about the world at large. The tablets are lightweight and portable. They’re convenient to take with you to the doctor’s office, outside on the Read more >>

Thomas Glass, an assistant professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, advances a surprising argument for seniors living alone to get out of the house and attend community events. He says, “Social and productive activities that involve little or no enhancement of physical fitness lower the risk of all causes of death as much as Read more >>

Each year, one out of every three seniors suffers from a fall. A fall can pose a serious health risk for those who are age 65 or older, and this risk rises with age. In fact, more than 1.6 million older adults visit an emergency room each year in the United States for injuries suffered Read more >>

Coping with the death of your spouse is often one of the most difficult things seniors face as they age. Not only is it the loss of a best friend and confidant, it’s the loss of a life partner. All of the responsibilities of the home and family are left to the widow or widower, Read more >>

In an emergency, it’s ideal for first responders to know seniors’ medical background, but in the heat of the moment, seniors may not be in a position to explain their health conditions to paramedics or doctors. A medical identification (ID) necklace can help transfer essential information to health providers quickly and improve their chances of Read more >>

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 65 million Americans devote a large chunk of their time to caring for an aging relative or disabled family member. Many of these people, in addition to being a caregiver, have full time jobs, are married, have children, and carry other responsibilities. It can be an overwhelming Read more >>

As parents age, you may find it difficult to know if or when your elderly parent should no longer live alone, especially if you see your parent several times a week or more. Deterioration in mental or physical ability doesn’t usually happen overnight — it’s often a long, slow decline. Many elderly parents end up Read more >>

It can be difficult to watch your parents get older, particularly if you’re the caregiver in charge of their well being. You might feel lonely or sad about the changes happening in your parents lives and in the relationship you have with each of them, but there are some encouraging thoughts you can take away Read more >>