Chicago Senior Pulse Blog

A Brain-Saving Lifestyle

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

One of the leading health concerns many of us have is "What will happen to my mind as I age?" Despite this pressing question plaguing our minds (no pun intended), there seems to be one big glaring misconception surrounding the truth about Alzheimer's. According to a survey conducted by Harvard University School of Public He... Read more >

The Choice to Die: End of Life Issues in Health Care

Friday, May 11, 2012 by Kate Konieczny

"When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries." -Buddhist Saying- Nearly 30 percent of Medicare funds are spent on a tiny fraction of the elderly in the last months of their lives - often only slowing the dying process, not preventing it. This effort to keep patients a... Read more >

Saving for a Single Retirement

Monday, May 07, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

According to The Wall Street Journal, 35% of 50-54 year olds were single in 2011, compared with 29% in 2000. With more baby boomers entering their golden years on their own, retirement planning becomes even more important and challenging. Living costs for singles in retirement will be 40-50% higher than costs for couples. Wi... Read more >

“Life is 10 Percent What Happens to You and 90 Percent How You React to It”

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

There are numerous situations that are out of our control. When things aren't going our way or the deck seems to be stacked against us, anger can rear its ugly head. Older adults can experience a mixed bag of emotions - including anger - as they begin to give up independence and rely on caregivers. Those forced into the care... Read more >

Are the Grandchildren Leaving You Achy?

Friday, April 27, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

Every grandparent will tell you all about their grandchildren. They'll tell you how they are their pride and joy as well as how much they LOVE spending time with them. However, what they won't tell you is how hard it can be to keep up with the grandchildren and deal with the aches and pains once they've left. It doesn't matt... Read more >

Handling Dementia with Teenagers at Home

Monday, April 23, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

The common perception is that dementia is a disease of old age. That is not always the case. Dementia can be caused by head injuries and stroke - as well as by various diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's, which are known to afflict those in their 30's and 40's. This translates to the possibility of teena... Read more >

Elderly Wisdom

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by Kalyn Chomko

I'm the type of person who loves to hear people's life stories. In particular, I love snippets from the past - encounters of love, lessons learned, the quest for happiness, etc. I could sit for hours, rapturously engaged, as my grandparents share their memories. I don't believe there is anything more precious - or more under... Read more >

Water: Using it Responsibly

Friday, April 13, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

After a recent conversation with my mother, who resides in West Texas, I was shocked to hear about her water shortage issues. Granted, I've been hearing about it for the past several months; the city has enforced strict water restrictions for the residents -- instructing them when they can water their flowers and recently im... Read more >

Alzheimer’s: A Granddaughter’s Perspective

Monday, April 09, 2012 by Kalyn Chomko

My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when she was just 68 years old. I remember the months leading up to the diagnosis as a time of anxiety for the entire family. She had always been a little bit forgetful and spacey - but that was just her; "goofy grandmother," as we would call her. We thought that perhaps in her o... Read more >

The Debate Over The Patient Protection and Affordability Act

Monday, April 02, 2012 by Katie Hilburn

Just last week the Supreme Court of the United States heard historic oral arguments on the constitutionality of President Obama's healthcare law. The Court allowed six hours for oral arguments over three consecutive days, something that has not happened since the 1960's. I was fortunate enough to attend these hearings. What... Read more >

Resources on the Web

Alzheimer's/Dementia Resource and Support Group at The Hartwell

1415 Club at Wesley Place

Area Resources

Be sure to check out our News & Events page for current events related to the above resources.