seniajean

Smiles Speak Volumes to those with Dementia

Posted on April 1, 2023April 1, 2023 by seniajean

Mama lived with us for a season after my Daddy passed away. During that time, dementia continually claimed more and more of her abilities. Her attention span was decreasing, and she would often tire or lose interest in activities she had previously enjoyed. A few things remained. Singing was her very favorite, but we couldn’t always do that. Mama’s second favorite activity was looking at pictures of smiling faces. One day, I came across an old church directory filled with photos of all the members. She loved it!

Wayne and I at the Harlem Nights Jazz event all dressed in our Roaring 20s attire

Lower Dementia Risk by Dancing

Posted on March 1, 2023October 28, 2023 by seniajean

After several years of settling into our new community, we thought we were pretty much acquainted with all its unique culture and customs. Well, one day when a senior’s group we are involved with mentioned thabeginning line dance class, it sounded like fun, so we signed up. As it turned out, it was a ton of fun – but way different than I imagined it would be. My experience with line dancing has been limited to the Western music genres. I was quite surprised when the dance instructor began to play the first song. It was an incredibly catchy R&B/Hip Hop song called ‘The Cupid Shuffle’.

Wayne is holding some of our favorite dark chocolate snacks.

Dark Chocolate for Enhanced Health

Posted on February 1, 2023November 5, 2023 by seniajean

Wayne’s parents came up from Florida to spend Christmas with us this year. While preparing for their visit, we called and asked what food and drinks they would prefer. Our new Mom (the bride of his 90-year-old dad) immediately said, “Dark Chocolate hot cocoa.” I didn’t know there was such a thing as dark chocolate…

A beautiful sunrise on Cocoa Beach. Wayne took this photo when Bambi surprised him with a trip to Kennedy Space Center as a birthday present.

Fresh Starts begin with Small Changes

Posted on January 1, 2023March 31, 2023 by seniajean

The dawn of a new year often brings with it certain hopes and aspirations. We want to make fresh starts. We want to believe that this year we will do better, be better, and live better. The word ‘resolution’ may even pass through our mind once or twice carrying with it a determination to improve in whatever area we perceive we fell short last year. Having lived through 60-plus New Years, I’m speaking from experience. Many times, when I was determined to follow through with gusto with whatever I had resolved to do…. sadly, I found it usually lasted a very short time, until I eventually fell back into old routines. However, over the years, I have also learned a few helpful tips that I would like to share with you.

Family photo of Mama & Daddy, my sister, Peggy and me (I'm the baby)

Defeating Dementia’s Christmas Blues

Posted on December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 by seniajean

My Mama had a wonderful tradition of writing an annual Christmas letter to send to all our family and friends at Christmas time. She was also an amateur photographer – she even turned a small bathroom into a darkroom. So, every year, she would either take a photo of my siblings and me or use the camera timer and get a snap of the entire family to include in the letter.

Dementia’s Rules of Engagement 2.0

Posted on November 1, 2022December 27, 2022 by seniajean

How do you connect with someone who is losing their ability to communicate? If you want to make positive connections with your loved one, understand there are definite Rules of Engagement. It turns out there is a bit of a learning curve when engaging someone with dementia.
Keep in mind, non-verbal speech often speaks louder than spoken. Communication and connections made on an emotional level will remain throughout the dementia journey.

Wayne and I going on a walk in our neighborhood.

Stepping Away from Dementia

Posted on October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by seniajean

A couple of years ago, I wrote about some of the health benefits of walking in a post titled: “Reducing Dementia, One Benefit of Walking”. Of course, at the time, it was during COVID, and highlighted a way to be social during that season. That post was based on previous studies, but the results of a new study just published is the icing on the cake!

Wayne is holding some of the items he uses to fight dental issues every day.

Are Dental & Mental Health Intertwined?

Posted on September 1, 2022September 28, 2022 by seniajean

Five years ago when we first moved to Charlotte, we had to make so many changes – way more than simply our zip code. The list included new driver’s licenses, doctors, dentists, registering to vote, where to shop, and how to get to all these places. Over time, we have come to learn about our new city and can (usually) find wherever it is we need to go. Occasionally, we still rely on our phone apps to get us there.

Capturing Your Caregiver Story

Posted on August 1, 2022August 1, 2022 by seniajean

Wayne and I recently met with a group of ladies who want to write a book. We were invited to attend the gathering by Venitra White-Dean, a lovely lady and founder of The Frankie Mae Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating for the caregiver as a whole person.
Each one attending realized they had a story to tell about their experience with caregiving. While everyone’s story shared similar elements, each was also unique. Their motto was, “We’re all singing the same song – just different verses.”

Turn your cards, calendar, or pictures upside down to help your brain learn new ways of looking at things.

Neurobics, changing the way we look at things

Posted on July 1, 2022September 28, 2022 by seniajean

After caring for Mama throughout the last decade or so of her life while dementia relentlessly stole bits and pieces from both her abilities and memories, I am more committed than ever to do everything I can to strengthen my brain and hopefully prevent dementia from occurring in my own life. Of course, at the same time, I realize that there is an element of illness that is beyond anyone’s control. Regardless, I enjoy the healthy lifestyle that Wayne and I are pursuing and will continue it for as long as possible.