In my role at Senior Living Specialists, I have the privilege of touring senior living communities and residential care homes across Greater San Antonio and seeing the wide range of services that they have to offer. One of the things that has delighted me most is how many of these communities welcome pets. The bond between seniors and their pets is unique, and it comes with remarkable benefits for older adults. [Read more…]
Just as we can’t have light without darkness, we can’t have love without loss, or joy without grief. And yet, we’re rarely taught what to do with our grief, or how to find our way through it. Grief makes us uncomfortable. So do the other feelings that come with it: sadness, anger, and confusion. It can feel like if we let ourselves truly feel the depths of it, we will never feel joy again. [Read more…]
There is no escaping the heat of a Texas summer. With average temperatures in the upper 90s – and many days breaking the 100-degree mark – we are all feeling the strain. But what often goes unnoticed until a loved one elderly loved one suffers from dehydration or a heat-related illness is just how quickly and seriously the summer heat can affect older adults. [Read more…]
Over Memorial Day weekend, I took a trip with my 82-year-old mom, one of her childhood friends, and two friends my age. We had a wonderful time, filled with laughter and shared memories. But the weekend also offered some eye-opening lessons about planning summer fun—and even travel—with loved ones who have a little more life experience under their belts. [Read more…]
Welcome to spring in San Antonio, when the weather invites people of all ages to spend more time outdoors. It’s like the Goldilocks time of year: not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
Spring is an ideal season for seniors to discover the many health benefits of gardening. It’s a rewarding activity that offers great value: it gets the body moving, engages the mind, and fosters meaningful connections—with nature, with others, and with oneself. [Read more…]