Category Archives: Living Well
The Little Gestures that Count
After turning my alarm off in the morning I check in on a few news and social media sites and then spend a little time on one of my writing projects. About an hour later I arise to start Cindy’s … Continue reading
I Told You So
The Special Report for the most recent issue of the AARP Bulletin was titled: “The Future of Alzheimer’s.” After glancing through the content I feel compelled to remind folks that I told you so. On page 17 of the bulletin … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Positive
A few biochemicals produced by our bodies enhance brain health. Neurotransmitters send messages within our central nervous system, while hormones circulate throughout the larger, peripheral nervous system. Sometimes the same biochemical serves both functions. Rather than producing them on a … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Active
Being active takes different forms. Much of being social requires being active, and we all know the importance of exercise. As for that, this year I resumed regular stair workouts this year. With the expanded coverage I had for 2023 … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Social
Three types of social conditions benefit brain health: intimacy, altruism and fellowship. “The Joy of Sex” is aptly titled, but even the intimacy of prolonged hugs can release the neurotransmitters that give you a joyful high. As long as Cindy … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Becoming a Superager
Caregivers for spouses with dementia are six times more likely to get dementia themselves. Such caregivers have higher levels of stress and depression, and lower levels of subjective well-being. My contrarian nature causes me to view that as a challenge … Continue reading
Resolutions, Routines and Resources
On New Years I went for my traditional long hike. The hike allows me to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the upcoming one. Since New Years follows a month worth of holiday feasting and leftovers, the … Continue reading
Beyond Palliative Care – Physical Therapy
Once Cindy struggled to walk, I requested that the VNA provide me instruction for physical therapy exercises to do with her. She receives these exercises to preserve the range of motion in her limbs 4-5 times a day, mostly from … Continue reading
A Change is Gonna Come
“There have been times that I thought I couldn’t last for longBut now I think I’m able to carry onIt’s been a long, a long time comingBut I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will.” A Change … Continue reading
Cognitive Decline – The Triumphs
Stages of Decline Series Outline: Sixth Installment. Once Cindy was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s we decided we would share our experiences on the Humanity Hiker blog. We faced the customary trials and tribulations of people with Alzheimer’s, but determined we … Continue reading