Published: September 22, 2023
Successful aging and life satisfaction can be a subjective concept. For the purposes of this article, I would like to propose the definition of successful aging and life satisfaction as: The continued ability to learn and develop as a person. The ability to apply new knowledge and learned strategies that enable one to remain functioning… Read More
Published: June 28, 2023
Mr. Clarke lived alone in his one-bedroom apartment with his dog Buster. Recently, Mr. Clarke fell, broke his pelvis, and was transferred to skilled nursing for rehabilitation. After some rigorous physical therapy, Mr. Clarke was able to return home with some support from his neighbors. Since his return home, Mr. Clarke’s neighbors have been visiting… Read More
Published: April 26, 2023
Studies show that maintaining a sense of autonomy is an important factor in keeping the older population living a satisfying life. “Autonomy is the ability of the individual to make and carry out decisions about how, with whom, when, and where to spend one’s time” (Bennett et al, 2015). It is imperative for health care… Read More
Published: October 24, 2022
The woman was a grandmother but young by today’s standards – 64. She had been divorced for years but was hard working and self sufficient until the cancer diagnosis. Reluctantly following her physician’s advice, she had to quit work and file for disability. As the disease gained a further hold, she went on SSI and… Read More
Published: February 23, 2022
Betty Lynn was diagnosed with arthritis ten years ago. She didn’t believe in diets, and ate pretty much whatever she felt like. Betty enjoyed cereal with sugar, the Sunday doughnut after church, Chinese food on Friday nights and even the occasional frozen pizza. Betty wasn’t overweight, and by first glance she appeared to be in… Read More
Published: January 15, 2022
Donna and her husband David live independently in their own home. Two years ago, Donna was diagnosed with dementia. David became her primary caregiver; however, as her condition progressed, he needed help. He was no longer able to assist his wife with bathing, as she would become agitated and downright angry when he tried to… Read More
Published: October 2, 2020
So here it is over 6 months since we have been living with COVID-19 – the pandemic. Lives have changed forever. But while I write this, life does go on in some fashion as before. Basic needs are met one way or another and we try to look forward to better days. In the meantime… Read More
Published: July 10, 2019
Alcohol has quite the history and not all of it is filled with kittens and puppy dog tails. In the 1920s, Congress submitted the 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors, for state ratification. Many citizens hated alcohol due to car accidents, addiction, using too much wheat, a decrease in… Read More
Published: May 10, 2019
Mr. Smith has been feeling really down recently. It is not without cause. He recently lost his wife to a long battle with cancer and is in the process of downsizing his home to move into a smaller, more manageable apartment. On top of that, his children have approached him with concerns about driving so… Read More
Published: April 8, 2019
—Frankie Sherwood, CSUS Gerontology Intern with Elder Options Last December, my grandmother was evacuated from her assisted living facility during the Rye Fire in Saugus, CA. Residents and staff were forced to spend a total of 12 days away from the senior living community. Staff and volunteers from the community worked to safely evacuate a… Read More