The power of music to trigger memories is well documented in studies and by organizations such as Music and Memory . Singing with a loved one is a wonderful way to keep connected. Most folks have a song or two tucked away in their memory. A song learned when they were eight will remain with them when they are 80.
Brush your teeth to stay healthy
I remember a time when I was in elementary school that a dentist came to visit our classroom. He brought everyone in the class a new toothbrush. He demonstrated with a model of teeth the correct way to brush. First, we all brushed our teeth. Next, we were then given a little pinkish-red pill to…
Quality of life for loved one benefits everyone
Quality of life rises to a higher priority as options become more and more limited. When we first realized that Mama was beginning to display signs of dementia, our family made the unconscious decision to try to fill her life with as much joy as possible. I say ‘unconscious decision’ because, at that point, we didn’t…
Get a grip to prevent ‘digital dementia’
Have you ever shaken someone’s hand and it felt like a limp noodle? You know the feeling. We’ve all experienced that from time to time. Have you ever wondered what it means?
Berries are berry, berry healthy for you
Those of us who have loved ones with memory loss, or want to keep ourselves from memory loss will be gratified to know that according to two recent studies, those who ate a cup of blueberries per day showed improvement in cognitive performance and brain function.
Technology helps bring families together
The advent of smart phones allowed more integration between electronic devices such as computers and later, tablets. We achieved a level of communication that had previously been displayed on cartoons such as the ‘Jetsons’. Software that allowed us to both see and hear the person we were talking with blossomed.
Chicken Soup: My Crazy Family
The story I submitted to ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ is called “Flights of Fancy”, (page 293). In the story, I relate some fun and fashion we, our son and his wife enjoyed on a trip to visit our children living in Charlotte, North Carolina – more specifically, the adventure we had on the flight over.
A Safety-Net for Wartime Veterans
If you think you might meet the requirements, you should apply today. Don’t let another day go by without receiving everything you or your spouse has earned by serving their country. If you don’t qualify, be sure to pass this information along to anyone you know who might.
Bird watching is good for mental health
My husband and I found it a very peaceable thing to watch the birds (as well as squirrels) flit, fly and scamper around in search of their favorite munchies. Watching them, I understood Mama’s fascination with the flitting little flyers as we began watching and learning the habits as well as species of the birds who visited our little backyard feeders.
Do You Hear the Music? Dance!
The biggest surprise of the study was that social interaction of dancing lowered the seniors’ risk of dementia by a staggering 76%. Sorta makes you want to do the happy dance.