ANN ARBOR — Caring for a family member with a significant illness is a difficult burden to bear, and certain ailments can exact an especially heavy toll. Dementia, in its many forms, can be one such illness, and dementia caregivers can be especially vulnerable to loneliness. This can be a result of challenges such as… Continue reading Friendships could ease loneliness for dementia caregivers
News Tag: Aging & Retirement
Care beyond kin: U-M study urges rethink as nontraditional caregivers step up in dementia care
ANN ARBOR—Friends, ex-spouses and neighbors are playing a growing role in caring for older adults with dementia—yet surveys and policies still act as if only spouses and children matter. A new University of Michigan study, supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, reveals how outdated definitions of “family” leave caregivers… Continue reading Care beyond kin: U-M study urges rethink as nontraditional caregivers step up in dementia care
Dementia’s broad reach: 1 in 4 families of older adults at risk for providing care
ANN ARBOR—About 26% of both households and immediate families of older adults include an individual with dementia—often requiring relatives to step into unexpected caregiving roles, according to a new University of Michigan study. This figure rises to 37% among extended families of adults 65 and older, the research shows. Overall, about 21% of older adults… Continue reading Dementia’s broad reach: 1 in 4 families of older adults at risk for providing care
How to keep your mind and body sharp in retirement: 5 lessons from the world’s best studies
Whether retirement is good or bad for your health depends on your circumstances. Amanda Sonnega (Health and Retirement Study) says retirement is an inflection point and taking time to prioritize your health and wellbeing can make the difference, “Retirement provides increased time to prepare healthy meals and maintain a healthy diet, increased time to spend engaging in… Continue reading How to keep your mind and body sharp in retirement: 5 lessons from the world’s best studies
1 in 4 older Michiganders lack enough friends. That’s a health concern
Older Americans are increasingly experiencing loneliness and isolation. According to new research, one in three older Americans feel a lack of companionship “some of the time” or “often,” while 1 in 10 older Americans could not name one close friend. Feelings of social isolation and loneliness can surge after retirement because even if they are… Continue reading 1 in 4 older Michiganders lack enough friends. That’s a health concern
Seeing better, living longer: Eye care and fall prevention may extend lifespan in older adults
ANN ARBOR—Older adults with vision problems face a heightened risk of falls and premature death, according to a new University of Michigan study. The findings highlight a dangerous link between untreated vision impairment, repeated falls and increased mortality—and point to practical ways to intervene. The study, published in Innovation in Aging, uses longitudinal data from the National… Continue reading Seeing better, living longer: Eye care and fall prevention may extend lifespan in older adults
Off the road: 1 in 4 seniors quit driving due to sight issues
Research indicates an urgent need for updated vision screening policies and safer infrastructure to protect aging drivers ANN ARBOR—Older drivers with vision impairment are dramatically more likely to stop driving or avoid challenging road conditions—with severe cases four times more likely to give up driving altogether, a national University of Michigan study finds. Driving is… Continue reading Off the road: 1 in 4 seniors quit driving due to sight issues
Unpaid caregivers find moments of joy in daily life
ANN ARBOR—Debunking the myth that unpaid caregivers are sacrificing most of their time and joy, a University of Michigan study found that caregivers spend most of the day engaged in other pleasant activities. Whether through religious practices, physical activity or other fulfilling pursuits, the study shows that these activities offer meaningful moments of joy that can offset… Continue reading Unpaid caregivers find moments of joy in daily life
Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health
Whether they’re lifelong buddies or recently connected, close to home or miles away, a new poll shows the key role that friends play in the lives and wellbeing of adults aged 50 and older. But it also reveals some challenges for those who have physical health or mental health issues – suggesting it may be… Continue reading Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health
Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for
National and Michigan data also show many think government should have leading role in covering costs of caregiving ANN ARBOR—More than 1 in 4 people age 50 and older help take care of at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability, according to new results from the University of… Continue reading Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for