Written by Courtney Petley  Geriatric Care Manager @ GeroPartners, LLC

Alzheimer's is different from the normal forgetfulness of aging. Alzheimer's is one of many conditions that cause the radical changes in memory, reasoning, and behavior known as "dementia." The normal forgetfulness of aging is just an inconvenience, a slowing down. The serious changes of dementia eventually result in the inability to live on your own.

Here are some helpful distinctions developed by the Alzheimer's Association:

Low Vision is defined as reduced vision that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. This might mean a reduction of visual clarity, or how well a person sees, or a reduction of the visual field, or side vision.  While low vision can happen at any age, it is a prevalent problem among seniors. According to the American Family Physician, one in three adults over the age of 65 has some sort of sight-threatening condition.

Low Vision is defined as reduced vision that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. While low vision can happen at any age, it is a prevalent problem among seniors. According to the American Family Physician, one in three adults over the age of 65 has some sort of sight-threatening condition.

Common Conditions

The ancient Greeks may have lived thousands of years ago, but they may still have a thing or two to teach modern society. For instance, the Ancient Greeks had seven different words for love. While, in the modern-day US, the word ‘love’ often evokes the notion of romantic love, we are aware, at least in part, that love comes in many forms.

While the distribution of vaccines is now a possibility, COVID continues to pose a serious threat to our seniors. As we continue to adjust to all of the extra safety precautions that have become a requirement due to this virus, there are also important elements and unintended consequences that need to be addressed.

This year has found us social distancing and, in many cases, unable to meet up with loved ones. However, just because we have to be cautious, doesn’t mean that we cannot find a way to mark the end of 2020- after all, it’s been a difficult year and deserves a sendoff. Here are tips for including your senior loved ones in the holiday celebration.