Those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis often have difficulty with daily activities and cooking is no exception. This chronic condition causes inflammation at the joints and surrounding tissues. This can affect your ability to use a cutting board, open jars, carry pots and stand for long periods of time.

But by using certain kitchen tools and modifying your kitchen environment, you can decrease the amount of stress placed on your joints. If you or a loved has Rheumatoid Arthritis, follow these tips to make cooking easier.

Use Adaptive Kitchen Tools

• Speed up and reduce prep work with a food processor
• Decrease…

The latest research from Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging showed that seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing.¹ When I read this, I was expecting to see the suggestion that the use of hearing aids can, therefore, help prevent dementia. Unfortunately, that recommendation did not come (hearing aid use is the subject of the researchers’ next study).  So are there any lessons for a family caregiver of an elderly person who is exhibiting signs of hearing loss?

First, it…

Flashback to your childhood and recall what your parents would say to you if you were about to do something that could cause harm to yourself, like climb out of the crib or venture into the street. It was usually a resounding, “No!” They were trying to protect you, and you may or may not have known it then but it was for your own good. Today, it seems children rarely hear the word no.

Some parents, when put to the test, will say they want their child to figure it out,…

Growing up my group of friends spent time at the local playgrounds trying to figure out if the sneaker with the pump up feature could help you run faster. Our methods weren’t exactly scientific but we eventually came to our senses and figured out that a pair of over priced sneakers won’t make you a better athlete.

However did you know older adults can reduce their risk of falling by choosing the right pair of shoes? Allow me to guide you through some of the key features to look for in a shoe that…

If you’re not sure about which walking device is the right one for a loved one with mobility issues then you’re not alone. There are a numerous amount of choices that available both online and at your local medical supply store.

I have found many people end up choosing the rollator because of its features. This is not surprising when you consider it has a fold down seat, travel basket, four wheels and a set of brakes.

Now before you run out to the store to purchase a rollator you need to understand that it’s not the right device for everyone.…

We all find moments that are worth celebrating. My favorite memory of this year’s London Olympics actually occurred seconds after the 400 meter semifinal had ended. The winner of the race Kirani James in a show of respect approached Oscar Pistorius who had finished 8^th and requested to exchange their official uniform name tags.

You might be wondering why so much attention was given to an athlete who didn’t win a medal? Oscar is a double amputee and uses prosthetic legs to race against some of the world’s fastest runners. His journey to…

The elderly can stay active outside this summer by taking a few precautions before heading out the door. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing heat related illnesses brought on by rising temperatures so stay safe this summer by following these steps.

1.  Avoid walking outdoors for exercise between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — generally the hottest time of the day.

2. Walk at a slower pace to prevent exhaustion and retreat to a cool place if you start to feel uncomfortable.

3. Wear light colored and loose fitting clothing.

4. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids…

By Nina Priya Ma David

I originally founded Creative Yoga Therapy to provide inspiring, therapeutic services for a wide variety of needy populations. As a result, I have had the honor of sharing Yoga with a multi-cultural elderly population.

While some of my elderly students are ambulatory, alert, responsive and agreeable, others are not. Many are physically disabled. Some are de-conditioned and extremely weak. Some take medication that makes them drowsy or irritable. Some are mentally impaired. Others are so anxious or depressed that, no matter what you say or do, they resist…

Did you know that using a cane or walker that has not been adjusted for your height can actually cause more harm than good? I’m always concerned when I see people using walking devices that are either too long or short because it can change their walking pattern and may not provide adequate amount of support. This can result in an increased risk of falls and injury to the shoulder or hip.

So how do you know if your walking device is set at the proper length? When you hold your walking device in standing position…

We incorporate some type of physical activity everyday at the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center. Physical activities may include yoga, dancing, chair exercise, Wii games or balloon volleyball, just to name a few… There are so many physical and mental benefits to exercise and even while we’re having fun, the benefits are apparent. For example, balloon volleyball helps range of motion, eye/hand coordination, focus and attention, and mood (as witnessed by all the laughter).

Ms. N. told the group that she had a stroke in 2009, when she was 90 years…