Author: Elizabeth Girling
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For older adults, digital tech may boost brain health | Senior Living
We frequently read and hear that young adults are falling behind on basics such as reading and writing, in part due to how much time they spend online and on their smartphones. On the other end of the spectrum, though, a recent study by the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University suggests that…
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Respite stays in assisted living gain traction | Senior Living
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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save There is a growing trend in senior living for older adults needing some daily assistance to live temporarily in an assisted living community. These short-term visits are often referred to as respite stays. A respite…
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Having the conversation — with your parent | Senior Living
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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Whether you live near or far from your parents, as they age you begin to see changes when you visit – just as they will see changes in you! Often, though, the adult child becomes…
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Supporting our senior friends’ and family’s mental well-being | Guest column
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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. May is the designated month to…
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Nurturing your well-being while caregiving for a loved one | Guest column
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Caring for a loved one at home is a profound act of compassion, but it comes with its set of challenges. The emotional, physical, and mental toll on caregivers can be immense, often accompanied by questions about whether they are doing enough, overextending themselves, or how to effectively balance other priorities on top of their…
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Evoking culinary memories with senior loved ones for the holiday | Guest column
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For many of us, our best memories are tied to the scents of the holidays, especially our favorite desserts and dishes. Just think about the scent of grandma’s pumpkin pie or mom’s Christmas cookies. Our sense of smell can evoke vivid memories, affecting our mood, which in turn, makes it a powerful tool to help…
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Benefits of pets goes beyond companionship for seniors | Guest column
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As we close out the dog days of summer, it is important to consider what keeps us healthy as we age. And increasingly, health experts say having a pet is good for us – especially for seniors. In 2017 The Human Society of the Pikes Peak region estimated Colorado Springs was home to 70,000 dogs,…
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Gardening Benefits Older Adults’ Health and Well-being | Guest column
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There are few things more glorious than early summer in the Rockies, as Colorado’s growing season hits high gear. The Charmaine Nymann Community Garden in Colorado Springs’ Bear Creek Park is buzzing with activity as volunteers watch over the seeds planted a month ago. The harvest is donated to organizations like Silver Key Senior Services…
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Music is therapy, especially for older adults | Guest Column
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If you have ever found yourself singing along with the radio or swaying to the music in an elevator, you have experienced the positive influence of music. Nothing puts you in a good mood like listening to the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church Brass Band or singing along with local show choir Vocal Fusion. Music does…
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Cultivating the power of gratitude at home | Guest Column
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The holidays are a time to reflect and give thanks. We have so much to be grateful for in El Paso County — from the abundance of sunshine and parks to all the great resources and services for seniors to the people who live, work, and volunteer in the community. There are so many ways…