There’s power in the written word, particularly in reading stories and books that convey a shared experience, shedding light on the ways in which we might, in our own lives, cope with a challenge, heal from a loss or trauma, or become more informed before making difficult decisions for ourselves or for a loved one. All of these are reasons we might turn to reading, both fiction and nonfiction, about how other people navigate a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Several authors have written about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, exploring how to come to terms with the diagnosis, tips for seeking care, and finding hope and meaning in the days that remain to be lived. 

Below, we highlight a few of these authors and their memoir, novel, or non-fiction ‘practical guide.’ Not just for adults, you’ll find books that can be helpful for young adults and children who will also need support as they witness mental decline in a beloved family member.

Novels

Conversations with My Mother by Ronald-Stéphane Gilbert is set on the Maine coast where Yvette Allaire has lived her life. As she succumbs to dementia, her nomadic son and acerbic daughter attempt to cope. The novel draws parallels between the erasure of memory brought on by the illness and the deterioration of Maine’s once idyllic coast. It’s a deeply moving story about the ways in which dementia touches the lives of family members, bringing them to find hope in the present moment—for there is no other moment in time when losing a loved one to dementia. 

Still Alice by Lisa Genova is a remarkable novel about Alice Howland’s rapid spiral into Alzheimer’s disease at just 50 years old. A Harvard professor with everything going for her, Alice must re-evaluate everything in her life—work, family, relationships, identity—and find her new place in the world, while being still Alice. Genova, who lives in Massachusetts, is a Harvard trained neuroscientist, who has written several novels dealing with the mystery of memory—how it is formed and what happens to people’s lives as it slips away. 

Nonfiction

The Inheritance Drawing from several years of in-depth research, Boston-based journalist Niki Kapsambelis tells the story of Alzheimer’s through the humanizing lens of an ordinary family made extraordinary by both their terrible circumstances and their bravery. The DeMoe family has an inherited genetic mutation that causes Alzheimer’s in one hundred percent of cases and has a fifty percent chance of being passed on to future generations. The DeMoe’s story is intertwined with the dramatic narrative exploring the cutting-edge research looking for a possible cure and an in-depth account of the physicians spearheading this groundbreaking research.

My Father’s Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s by Sandeep Jauhar, M.D. is a deeply affecting memoir of the author’s father’s descent into dementia. With humility, humor, and heartbreak, Jauhar, a practicing cardiologist based on Long Island, explores the moral and psychological concerns that arise when family members must become caregivers, when children’s and parents’ roles reverse, and what it means to be oneself. Throughout we gain insight into why the brain and memory degenerate with age, the bioethics of research, and how researchers, doctors, and caregivers are left to confront with this devastating illness.

For Young Readers

Cassie and the House of Mirrors, a graphic novel by Dean Stuart depicting the enduring bond between a grandfather and grandchild as the grandfather succumbs to dementia. With sensitivity and care, the books takes readers on a journey into the mind of Alzheimer’s When Cassie’s grandfather wanders off, sets out to find him but instead finds herself in “grandpa’s memory place”—a mysterious place not unlike a house of mirrors or a Salvadore Dali painting, which gives Cassie access to her grandfather’s memories and state of mind. Not merely story, the graphic novel is informative in an age-appropriate way allowing Cassie to appreciate her grandfather’s life and understand him as he grapples with dementia. 

A Loved One with Dementia: Insights and Tips for Teenagers by Jean Rawitt gives young adults insight into what dementia is and offers meaningful ways for continuing to have positive interactions with their loved one. With thoughtful guidance from professionals and glimpses into coping from other young adults who have experienced dementia in a loved one, this is a wonderful guide helping young people cope with the mix of difficult emotions that arise when a family member is losing their memory.

Additional book titles and lists

The Complete Family Guide to Dementia

Auntie P, Music & Me by Pamela Krist Atwood

Dementia Action Alliance Reading List

Books to help children understand dementia 

It can be easy for us middle-aged adults to think that our aging parents, well into their retirement years, don’t experience stress. After all, they are no longer running frantic with the responsibilities of work, family, and community. Yet stress is a real issue for our aging loved ones. Often, symptoms of stress in an aging parent can be mistaken for symptoms of dementia.

Furthermore, chronic stress in older adults has even been linked to onset of dementia. It’s important for adult children and caregivers to understand sources of stress in older adults and how this differs from dementia symptoms.

A 2021 survey showed that 44% of older adults age 50-80 experience significant stress that affects how they feel, think, and function in daily life. Even in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has not been a significant change in rates of stress and stress related illness among American adults, including older adults. 

Stressors Affecting Older Adults

There are many sources of stress that can affect an older adult. Some of these are personal stressors—events or circumstances that are unique to each individual. Others are ‘collective’ or ‘global’ stressors—things that all of us, across age groups, are exposed to and affected by to some degree. Here is a short list of common stressors affecting older adults:

• Loneliness
• Sleep changes and sleep deprivation
• Grief
• Changes in social status
• Changes in financial circumstances 
• Changes in health and/or mobility
• Retirement & loss of sense of purpose
• Caregiving for a seriously ill partner
• Poor eating habits
• Chronic Pain
• Feeling helplessness about or being affected by social issues such as gun violence, economic upheaval, climate disasters

How Stress Affects Older Adults

When the body is under stress, activating all physiological systems for fight or flight. In the short term, and with access to strategies and resources to mitigate the stress, the body adapts and recovers, returning to a state of balance.  Chronic stress, however, causes significant physiological changes and accumulation of stress hormones leading to inflammation, weakening immunity, and increasing the risk of stress-related illnesses, such as digestive issues, weight gain, chronic pain, heart disease, stroke, depression and anxiety and even risk for dementia. 

Older adults display symptoms of stress such as

• Problems sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Feeling pressured or rushed
• Eating too much or not enough
• Being irritable or moody
• Forgetting things
• Experiencing physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or back pain

Compare the above stressors with the early symptoms of dementia, below.

Early Symptoms of Dementia

• Everyday tasks that should come easily cause frustration or agitation
• Changes in mood that show a significant shift in personality
• Trouble communicating, following a conversation, and losing train of thought
• Forgetfulness in a variety of circumstances
• Difficulty concentrating, following a conversation, or train of though
• Unusual anxiety, fear, or suspicion
• Neglecting personal hygiene or care of living space
• Confusion about time and place
• Not taking medications as directed

Remember, lots of older adults—all adults, really—can be forgetful and have problems sleeping especially during a stressful time. This does not necessarily indicate an increased risk for dementia. You have to look at the duration, the context, and the pervasiveness of the symptoms you are observing in an aging parent. If the symptoms are out of context with the situation, are long-term, and pervasive, then something more than stress may be going on. Be sure record your observations and discuss your concerns with a geriatric physician. 

The Right Care at the Right Time for an Aging Parent

If you find that your aging parent is experiencing long-term stress that is deteriorating their ability to care for themselves in their living space, then it may be time to consider assisted living. This is especially important to do if you are unable step into the caregiver role for your parent. At Everbrook Senior Living, our compassionate care counselors offer support and guidance through the complex choices around care for an aging parent. We are here to help you make informed choices that best suit your loved one’s needs. Our state-of-the-art, affordable luxury residences provide both social-emotional outlets and medical attention that your loved one may made need. Our properties located throughout New England offer a full complement of health, wellness, recreational, social, and cultural activities to support older adults from independent living to assisted care.

Other Resources

Can Stress Cause Dementia? 

The Influence of Chronic Stress on Dementia-Related Symptoms

Is Stress an Overlooked Risk Factor for Dementia?

The luck o’ the Irish is upon us, as March springs forth it's meadows of four-leaf clovers and golden daffodils. Warmer weather means more time outdoors in the New England region and a perfect opportunity for older adults to engage in fun activities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

You don’t have to be a little leprechaun to enjoy the festivities around St. Patrick’s Day. Older adults can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Mad Hatter crafts, Irish dancing, baking traditional Irish treats, playing luck-themed games, or attending parades and community events.

For those who love basketball – you can show-off your team colors in crafty ways during March Madness! And, if there are little leprechauns in your life, invite them to join you at your residence at Everbrook Senior Living.

Mad Hatter Top Hat Craft for St. Patrick’s Day

No matter your age, this craft is a big hit because there are countless ways to design and decorate a top hat. You can work with inexpensive paper craft materials or get really fancy by starting with an actual top hat (check vintage stores or online) that you transform into your own Mad Hatter Top Hat. Let these images inspire your creativity and follow the links for all manner of designs. 

Glittery Leprechaun Top Hat  – perfect for all ages and particularly fun to do with the grandkids!

Truly a Mad Hatter Fascinator – you won’t find the Queen wearing these fascinators, but you will have a blast designing one! From chic to funky, you determine just how “mad” you want your design to be…or tie in with March Madness and incorporate your team’s logo/colors.

Easter Mad Hatter Top Hat – incorporate the Easter season colors and patterns with this paper-craft design using cardstock. 

Lucky Leprechaun Fabric Top Hat – begin with a vintage hat that you want to upcycle or use the cardboard “frame” and decorate with fabric scraps. A great way to bring together your crafty friends to reuse scrap materials! 

More top hat design ideas to share with friends and family.

Not Crafty – No Problem! St. Patrick’s Games and Events for Older Adults

Not everyone has a green thumb for crafts. The activities below will keep everyone engaged in the St. Pat’s festivities.

St. Patrick's Day Parades & Special Events – Most local municipalities will “paint the town green” with parades, music or art events, and entertainment. Check with your Everbrook Senior Living concierge for activities in the local area including those at art museums, libraries, restaurants, and parks and recreation venues. (FYI:  In New England, Daffodil Festivals are very popular!)

Irish Trivia Night – Whether you use index cards or PowerPoint to set up a game and see who knows the most about all-things-Irish film, books, art, or history... trivia night is a fun way to learn together. Consider adding prizes for the individual and/or team with the most points.

Gold Coin Toss Game – You might not shoot hoops anymore, but we bet you can get a gold coin in a pot that’s a few feet away. Get your teams together, line up your leprechaun pots and give each team 20-25 gold coins (the plastic kind).

The goal: get as many gold coins in the pot as possible from behind the line of demarcation. Two teams of 2-5 each compete against each other to progress to the “playoff”. (All teams should have equivalent number of players and each player gets the same number of coins). The team that has the most coins in the pot after each round moves on until only one team remains. Plan to have a great prize for the semi-finalists and finalist, too.  

Irish Movie Night – we’ll just give you a few new and classic movies that revolve around Ireland, Irish themes, or Irish actors. Pop some green popcorn, serve your favorite beverages, and green-themed treats to share. The Banshees of Inisherin, The Devil’s Own, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Ondine, Calvary, Leap Year, Waking Ned Devine, The Luck of the Irish (young adult/family with basketball theme), Gangs of New York – search your favorite streaming service or Google for more film ideas.

Irish Baking Bonanza – from soda bread to clover-shaped cookies to lime-green scones and mint-chocolate chip pie (with or without the Baileys!), you can find a great variety of Irish themed recipes online. Whether you all bake together or simply come together to share your creations, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy before the day is done. Check out these Irish treats from the folks at Delish! 

An Intimate Irish Evening – just the two of you or an intimate group of friends? Plan an Irish luncheon or dinner with the traditional recipes from “the great island”. 

Irish Jig Dance – Bring in the Irish steppers and jig dancers to teach lessons to your friends and family... then have a Jig Dance-off. For those with arthritis, a line dance or chair dancing is a great alternative.

We hope you have a lucky St. Patrick’s Day, rich with the blessings of good health, the comforts of a nurturing home, and the bonds of friendship. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Everbrook Senior Living – a community of support that suits your lifestyle and meets your unique social, emotional, and health needs. To learn more about our first-in-class amenities, residential lifestyles, and specialized services call today to schedule a tour. 

In 2013, some thirty years after Diana Nyad tossed in the proverbial towel on her dream to swim from Cuba to Florida, she returned to the ocean—at age 64—to complete the dangerous feat. It took her 5 attempts over four years to complete the 110-mile ultra-swim that she failed to do at age 28.

Diana is proof that you’re never too old to get back in the water and swim after a dream. Her achievement is not just a testament to the ability of the body to adapt to physical conditioning at any age, but to the power of mindset, social support, and trust in the possibility of “What if I still can?”

It’s true that she had the benefit of modern training techniques and nautical technology, both of which had come a long way since the 1970s. These things were not what kept Diana in the pool or the ocean every day for hours. 

Diana did something each of us can learn to do:She embraced the wisdom of her age and life experience to shift her thinking away from all the things she did wrong or should’ve done differently. By letting go of regret and resentment, Diana could channel her energy into the possibility of what she could do—and could she—just possibly—do now what she physically failed to do in her youth?

Today’s older adults are entering their sixties with a desire to revitalize goals and dreams from their younger days. And, we want our lives to be meaningful and healthy well into our 80s.

Even if you weren’t an athlete “in a former life,” there are many things you can do to maintain—or restore—healthy exuberance in your sixties and beyond. Before we talk about those tips, let’s understand the changes that we all face in our sixties.

Mind and Body Changes that Take Place After Age 60

The changes that began in your 40s and 50s carry over become more noticeable in your 60s:

• Tiring more easily
• Increased recovery time from illness and injury
• Loss of muscle mass leads to reduces strength & flexibility
• Slowing metabolism can lead to weight gain
• Lower libido & other changes in sexual function
• Being more forgetful and less focused
• Feeling less emotionally resilient
• Increased risk for falling and for fractures
• Changes in appetite and food preferences
• Reduced control of bladder function

Also, you want to be sure to keep-up with routine health screenings based on your age and gender. 

6 Ways to Be Healthy in Your 60s so You Can Be Active in Your 80s

The six tips presented here are a good starting point for discussion with your healthcare provider to create a plan that suits your needs. If you are an Everbrook Senior Living resident—or thinking about becoming one—we have an array of health and wellness programs to help you reach your goals.

1. Cultivate Optimism

No matter your age, how you think about yourself and your experiences has a significant influence on how you feel physically and emotionally. As we learn from Diana’s story, it is never too late to make amends with ourselves or with others and flex a different mindset. To adopt a more positive outlook—and see the possibilities that are within your reach—consider the benefits of mindfulness practices.

At Everbrook Senior Living, we offer many such programs including yoga, guided imagery, journaling, meditation, music and arts programming. Mindfulness practice help us still the mental chatter, let go of stress and worry, and cultivate a non-judgmental perspective. In addition to supporting emotional wellbeing, mindfulness practices have been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and chronic pain, and contribute to exceptional longevity and health in older adulthood, 

2. Keep Moving 

Physical activity is medicine for body and mind, providing numerous benefits for folks age 60 and older:

• improves range of motion, coordination & balance, which decreases risk for falls
• stronger bones & improved joint health
• improves blood flow to muscles & vital organs, supporting overall health 
• enhances learning, memory, mental processing & focus
• enhances sleep
• builds social connections when we exercise with others
• lowers the risk of chronic illness

There is enough variety of exercise programs for you to find something you love—or to rekindle an activity you enjoyed long ago. Inquire with your local YMCA, JCC, or your Everbrook wellness concierge if you have a specific interest and need help getting started.

If you’ve maintained your fitness level throughout your life, then you may be your own version of Diana Nyad, and have a higher capacity for vigorous exercise—and the next Big Goal! 

3. Exercise Your Brain

The best way to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems that are typical with aging is by exercising your brain. Be sure you are getting out and about: Visit farmer’s markets, craft shows, museums, and local parks. Do a daily puzzle or a word search. Read widely and often. Gather with friends for an evening of games. Take an art class. Learn new technology or pick-up an instrument and fiddle around. At Everbrook, you have access to a great variety of social, arts, and cultural programs and trips. We also offer specialized memory care programming.

4. Nourish Your Body

A healthy diet is essential to disease prevention and maintaining youthful vitality. As an older adult,  your nutritional needs change quite a bit. Your activity level drives your body’s need for calories, but nutrient needs after age 60 become more specific and in some cases will be higher than what you needed in your 30s and 40s!

Older adults also may want to consider a few specific nutritional: calcium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin D, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, probiotics, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Always check with your health provider or a licensed nutritionist before starting any type of supplement.

5. Nurture Social Connections

Studies show that older adults who are socially connected are less prone to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Socially connected adults also seem to live longer, more fulfilling lives. Make time to meet regularly with friends and family, check-in on your neighbors, join a hobby group or book club, take a class, or volunteer in your community. Also, it’s important for older adults to maintain intimacy with their partners. 

6. Prioritize Sleep

As we age, we tend to experience interrupted sleep. This can be due to aches and pains that wake us, medications, or illness that affects the quality of sleep. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, you can create a sleep routine to help you get the rest you need.

Investing in your health and wellbeing is something you can do (or resume doing) at any age. If you want to be part of a community that values your wellbeing throughout the Golden Years, and where you can find support for what inspires you to be well and live well, look no further than Everbrook Senior Living. We hope you will reach out to us, today! 

So, what does it mean to have quality of life in your Golden Years? The topic is so important that the month of January is recognized as International Quality of Life Month.

Whether you’re approaching retirement age or helping a parent plan for their Golden Years, an important consideration is how to create and maintain quality of life. Older adult quality of life goes well beyond the size of one’s retirement income. There are plenty of people with substantial retirement accounts who don’t have quality of life. 

Beyond the basics of physical health, comfort, and safety, older adult quality of life encompasses the individual’s needs, interests, and goals so they can experience wellness and happiness, day-to-day. At the core of quality of life for older adults are social-emotional factors that empower them to maintain their dignity, independence, and social connection and which create opportunities for a fulfilling life.

Tips to Create & Enhance Quality of Life in Older Adulthood 

The habits and attitudes that you adopt during older adulthood can keep the mind “youthful” and contribute to feeling more energetic, motivated, and connected in life. It’s never too late to take action to create and enhance your quality of life.

1. Keep Your Mind Sharp

A mind kept active by learning, reading, exploring, and meditating pays big dividends! Keeping your mind sharp offers protection against dementia-related decline, improves memory and reaction time, and supports independent living. Here some ways to challenge your brain:

• Solve puzzles: jigsaw, word search, crossword, sudoku
• Learn sign language
• Learn a new craft 
• Learn a new skill including new technologies
• Keep a diary
• Play games—board games and digital games both have benefits
• Do an 'Escape Room' with friends—2 benefits: brain challenge and social connection!
• Exercise—it’s good for your brain! 

2. Don’t Be a Loner

As we get older, our social circles change—children grow-up and create lives of their own, so ours don’t revolve around their needs anymore. Work relationships change after retirement and casual get-togethers tend to dwindle. Social isolation and lonliness is a significant national health concern, particularly for older adults. Don’t fret! There are so many ways to maintain/create social ties and build community in the Golden Years. Try these:

• Join the Y, JCC, Senior Center, or a special interest club (art, photography, book club)
• Inquire at a local public library about online or in-person groups for seniors
• Volunteer – older adults make great readers to young kids, literacy coaches, and helpers at soup kitchens, or with programs like Habitat for Humanity. 
• Schedule a weekly date with one or more friends—and keep it!

3. Get a Move On!

Physical activity is essential for mental and physical health. It also supports healthy social connections. Regular physical activity helps an older adult maintain mobility, balance, strength, and heart and lung health. You don’t have to move like Jagger, but you do need to move, even if it is from a chair. Try these activities to do your body and mind good: 

• Chair (or mat) yoga
• Country line dancing or other dance class
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Walking with a friend
• Gardening

4. Bridge the Generational Gap

Keeping in touch with the younger folks in your family or community can be challenging. They’re busy living lives of their own and as we age we tend to put the onus of maintaining connections of the young person. Don’t wait for them to reach out—call, text, write a letter and don’t give up. Do, of course, let them know that when their lack of response bothers you and express how you feel Be proactive—suggest plans, invite them over, or schedule regular video chats to share what is going in your lives. 

5. Practice Relaxation

Establishing a routine relaxation practice helps to reduce stress, improves brain function, reduces muscle tension, and supports a healthy immune system. Some of the best ways to practice relaxation include: sitting (or lying) meditation, yoga, visualization, deep breathing, listening to soothing music, journaling, and spending time in nature. All have similar and their own unique benefits for mind and body health and to promote overall wellbeing.

• Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to practice
• Keep a journal of your state of mind before and after your practice 
• Try a meditation app to help you begin and progress

There are many other factors that contribute to older adult quality of life, some of which you can learn more about on our blog, including:

• quality sleep for older adults
• nutrition for wellness and brain health
• hobbies and volunteerism
• setting intentions
• maintaining intimacy and social connection

Redefine Purpose, Passion, and Leisure at Everbrook Senior Living 

Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities is vital to quality of life in the Golden Years. The activities we’ve discussed offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment, both of which support healthy, independent living for older adults. Really, though, it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as there are as many ways to create meaning and quality of life in older adulthood. 

At Everbrook Senior Living, our best-in-class programs and services are focused on the unique interests and needs of every resident. We design custom programs to help our residents explore meaning and redefine purpose and passion for themselves. 

Whether it’s gardening, painting, a club focused around movies, books, or the NFL, or any other activity, we offer a multitude of options for creativity and self-expression and social interaction.

We create environments and provide care that addresses and nurtures an older adult’s physical, emotional and social well-being. A holistic approach is crucial in truly enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Everbrook's caring and professional staff considers every aspect of an older adult quality of life. We wouldn’t want any less for our own family members and you should expect no less for you and yours.

We often hope for holiday visits with aging parents to be sentimental celebrations. For some adult children, though, the holiday visit can be a distressing time. Subtle signs may surface, indicating their parent is not taking proper care of themself—and it may be time to consider assisted living. 

You may already be familiar with the more obvious warning signs that an aging parent is not able to live on their own, such as frequent falls, persistent forgetfulness, hoarding, lack of social relationships, misuse of medication, and overdue bills. During holiday visits, adult children can pay attention for subtle signs that an aging parent needs assisted living care.

When visiting an aging parent, be observant of the following:

• Is their home environment tidy and relatively clean? Or, is there an odor, dirty sinks/toilets/floors, and general messiness that is not typical for them? 
• Are there late notices for bills? Is mail piled up?
• Do they appear unsteady in their gait? navigating stairs? difficulty rising from or lowering to a chair?
• Do you notice any weight loss? 
• Are they maintaining personal hygiene?
• Do they see friends, engage with social groups, or do they spend more time alone?
• Are they taking medications properly? (count pills and check refill dates)
• Do they become defensive about you touching their things or helping to tidy up?
• Are they quick to anger, more easily frustrated, or impulsive? 

How concerned should you be about changes noticed in an aging parent?

There are many reasons why changes occur in an aging parent. Sometime the changes are transient, even temporary, caused by things like a recent illness or injury, or the loss of a beloved pet, friend or partner. Retirement or societal changes that require personal adaptations (such as to new technologies) can bring about temporary attitudinal and emotional shifts as your parent tries to establish a new sense of meaning and purpose for their life.

While such changes warrant careful monitoring and should be addressed with appropriate physical and emotional support, they likely are not indicators that your parent needs assisted living.

You should be concerned, and ready to consider assisted living care for an aging parent if the changes you notice are persistent, intense or worsening, and if they result in frequent visits to the doctor or hospital. Be on the watch for increased isolation, suspicion that your parent is experiencing more than just holiday blues, or overt signs of emotional and physical hazards or self-harm, which require immediate medical attention. Now would be the time to make inquiries about assisted living care.

Start the Conversation: Is it Time to Move to Assisted Living?

When you realize your aging parent is not able to care for themselves and their living space, you may experience conflicting emotions, too. It’s important to be open and honest with your parent. If having the conversation with them is difficult, consider working an aging advocate who can help you both navigate the decision with impartial support for both of you. It’s a good idea to schedule a tour of senior living communities so your loved one can see what the community offers and how their life can improve in an assisted care environment. 

Everbrook Assisted Living offers support from compassionate counselors who can in help you decide about the residential lifestyle and care that meets your parent’s unique needs. We provide a variety of affordable, quality living options (including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care), amenities, and the medical resources an aging parent needs to live a healthy and meaningful life.

From youth through older adulthood, we’ve all experienced the power of music in our lives. Whether it’s a moving instrumental piece or a swift beat with diverse vocal range, music has the power to shift your mood, inspire creativity, enhance concentration, evoke memories, and make mundane tasks more enjoyable.

The influence of music on health and behavior, particularly among older adults, is a topic of growing research interest. A specific set of 10th Century musical frequencies, known as the Solfeggio Frequencies, lay the foundation for modern interest in music and health.

In this article you’ll learn more about:

• the effects music can have on an older adult’s physical and emotional wellbeing
• what the Solfeggio Frequencies have to do with music and health, and 
• tips for bringing the health benefits of music into an older adult’s life

Health Benefits of Music for Older Adults

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging (2024), more than 50% of adults age 50-80 listen to music daily and 98% stated they feel music provides health benefit. In particular, the older adults also indicated that listening to music reduces stress and tension and helps them relax. Since stress plays a crucial role in many disease processes, the ability of music to reduce a person’s experience of stress is important to wellbeing. Participants also reported that music: 

• positively affects an older adult’s mood, attitude or mental health
• motivates or “energizes”
• keeps the mind sharp, improves mental focus
• brings joy
• creates connection with others (reduces social isolation)
• reduces pain
• evokes memories & recall of life events

Even though these findings are subjective—meaning they are a compilation of data as reported by the participants, the results align with findings from well-designed studies on music and health. A variety of studies show that music has effects on: 

• psychological state (mood, emotion, anxiety, depression, agitation, etc.) 
• physical health (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, balance, coordination)
• brain function (brain waves, learning, memory, concentration)
• activity in the nervous system (states of physical and mental tension/relaxation)
• immune system response (healing from illness, recovery from surgery)
• endocrine system function (hormone balance)

Overall, the research points to music as a valuable intervention to support older adult health and wellbeing. Some studies even indicate music as a useful therapeutic intervention for people who are experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as well as other conditions that affect learning and memory. 

So, what do the ancient Solfeggio Frequencies have to do with music and older adult health?

What are the Solfeggio Frequencies?

The effects of music on health and behavior fascinated the ancient Greeks and the great thinkers of other early civilization. The earliest effects of music on states of wellbeing were observed using a specific six-tone scale, a.k.a., the Solfeggio Frequencies.

The Solfeggio Frequencies are most commonly associated with Gregorian Chants, a form of spiritual music common to early Christianity and ancient Sanskrit chants. The intention was to use sound to evoke a trance like state to facilitate deep spiritual insight or meditation. Over the millennia, the scale has been incorporated into all types of modern instrumental and vocal music. Think of your own everyday experiences of listening to music through film, radio, live performance and how the tones and scales evoke feelings and allow us to form a connection between the music and oftentimes, other things happening in our life at the time. This unique feature of music, as intriguing as it is, is not the reason why the Solfeggio Frequencies matter to health.

The Solfeggio Frequencies Importance in Health & Behavior 

The Solfeggio’s six scales were claimed to be associated with specific healing attributes:

• First Note, 396 Hz - release feelings of guilt and fear.
• Second Note, 417 Hz - facilitate change in life; release the conscious and subconscious mind from traumatic past experiences.
• Third Note, 528 Hz - bring about profound physical transformation. 
• Fourth Note, 639 Hz - improve our connection and relationships with the people in our lives, ex.: healing strained relationships and forming new ones.
• Fifth Note, 741 Hz - help us communicate and share our gifts more fully.
• Sixth Note, 852 Hz - facilitate a return to spiritual tranquility.

When the modern 12-note scale was introduced, only a subset of spiritual practitioners retained the tradition of Gregorian Chants; the Solfeggio was nearly lost to history. Around the 20th Century, a resurgence in Gregorian Chanting brought about interest in the healing effects of music and scientific inquiry into music tuned to the Solfeggio. This led to the scientific and medical research of today, as well as the use of music therapy in clinical settings and in older adult wellness programming.

It's easy for older adults (or their caregivers) to bring the healing power of music into their lives to promote health and wellbeing. Here are a few ideas:

• Join a music listening group with a friend or loved one. Many support groups (e.g., for dementia, chronic disease, cancer and cancer survivors) have resources for choirs, instrumental groups, and music listening groups.
• If you have a religious tradition, consider attending a religious service to sing spiritual hymns and songs.
• Play music at various times of day to stimulate positive atmosphere and shift mood

For someone living with disorders of memory, consider these approaches:

• Choose music from the era when they were a teenager.
• Encourage an older adult who previously played an instrument to try it again.
• Attend a local concert or watch a filmed concert
• Sing, dance and move to music 
• Play soothing music, Gregorian Chants or sound therapy music to help with transitions from activity to rest (naptime, bedtime)

If you aren’t sure where to begin with music for health, inquire with a holistic practitioner for a referral to a music therapist or a sound healer. Or contact one of the following organizations to find a practitioner in your area:

International Sound Therapy Association  https://ISTASounds.org 

The Association of Sound Therapy https://harmonicsounds.com/association-of-sound-therapy

Sound Healers Association https://www.soundhealersassociation.org 

American Music Therapy Association https://www.musictherapy.org 

World Federation of Music Therapy  https://wfmt.info 

Resources

Chandra, ML. & Levitin, DJ., “The Neurochemistry of Music.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, (April 2013) 17:4. Accessed 4 May 2017: https://daniellevitin.com/levitinlab/articles/2013-TICS_1180.pdf 

APA.org “Science Watch: Music as Medicine.” Posted by Amy Novotney; (Nov 2013 44:10). Accessed on 4 May 2017:

Sloboda, J.A. and O’Neill, S.A. “Emotions in everyday listening to music.” In Music and Emotion: Theory and Research (Juslin, P.N. and Sloboda, J.A., eds) (2001)  pp. 415–429, Oxford University Press. Accessed 4 May 2017 

Unlike most major league sports, baseball seems to harken us back to a more nostalgic time. Whether you have grandkids visiting or are gathered with friends at your senior living community, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy the World Series than by baking cookies while watching the game. 

Check out our favorite recipes (and we've tested many!), then pair your baking with a classic baseball flick before the games begin. Remember, baseball games seem to go on forever… so you’ll need a lot of cookies!

Back to the Sandlot

Only a handful of movies seem to perfectly capture the nostalgia of a baseball era gone-by. Movies like A League of Their Own, Field of Dreams, The Bad News Bears, Angels in the Outfield, and (of course) The Sandlot come to mind. These are wonderful movies to watch while the cookie-making is getting done… sparking memories and stories to come back to life, to be passed on from one generation of baseball fans to the next.

3 World Series Cookie Recipes to Make with Older Adults 

The Sandlot “Chocolate Dirt” Cookie Recipe—like the famous baseball in this movie, which spends most of its time covered in dirt, this scrumptious chocolate cookie will delight just about every baseball fan. 

If chocolate doesn’t hit a homerun for your group, then sweeten-up things up with Baseball Sugar Cookies prepared in fun baseball gear shapes. Making (and eating) these cookies will be a big hit among your little leaguers and big leaguers alike! 

If you have a particularly picky crowd for the big games, you might need to break out an extra special baseball cookie recipe. These White Chocolate Baseball cookies elevate the oreo-style cookie to a whole new level in the cookie game! Pairing white chocolate, vanilla crème and/or chocolate crème filled cookies, this recipe delivers on being fun to make and delicious to eat.

Make Baseball Cookie Making a Team Event 

Now that you’ve got your recipes, gather your friends and loved ones into teams and have them decorate the cookies with the colors or logos of the teams their rooting for. 

While everyone’s hands are busy, fill hearts with baseball stories, historic moments, and Hall of Fame players that you look up to. Go around the room and have everyone share a favorite baseball moment—historic or personal. We will bet there is someone in your group who has a “sandlot story” of their own to tell.

Ah… the big 5-0! Whether you’re just celebrating the “half century” milestone, or you’ve been in your 50s for a while, you’ve probably noticed the subtle signs of aging in the way you move, how you handle stress, and your energy level. Fear Not!

You can continue to age wise and well by following our tips for aging into your fifties—giving additional longevity to your mind-body vitality. 

How Your Body Changes During Your 50s

The aging process actually begins in earnest shortly after age 30. At this point, age-related changes tend to be slow and subtle, but become definitively noticeable by the time you enter your forties. 

For both men and women, the body loses physical and emotional resilience as they age. Once you get to age 50, there are several noticeable changes such as:

• Lower energy level
• Tiring more easily 
• Longer time to recover from illness
• Decrease in muscle strength, agility & flexibility
• Joint stiffness, back pain
• Changes in fat-to-muscle ratio 
• Wrinkles are more noticeable
• Thinning hair
• Increased sensitivity to noise
• Changes in sex drive or function
• Menopause for women
• Increased forgetfulness
• Decreased emotional resilience

Some of these changes will be due to hormonal fluctuations, such as the loss of estrogen during menopause for women, and dropping testosterone levels for both men and women. 

Really, why do we age?

New research points to inflammageing as significant underlying cause for the aging process. The theory goes something like this:

Age-related changes happen due to inflammatory responses that occur in in the body over time. These changes have effects on all the major physiological systems: immune, nervous, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine. Essentially, everything from the brain and nerves to muscle and bone, heart, lungs, and metabolism go into decline. 

What’s that mean, exactly?

You start to feel less resilient to the stresses of life, the environment, illness, and so on. This “inflammageing” process looks different for each person based on factors such as:

• Genetics – some people age slower, others fast
• Personal health history – how well have you taken care of yourself over the years?
• Illness history – have you had many health problems?
• Lifestyle – do you take the time to take care of your mind, body and spirit? Diet, how much you drink/smoke, exercise, etc.

How to Age Well in Your Fifties

Here are our 5 essential tips to support optimal health and youthful vitality in your fifties:

Tip #1: Stay Up to Date on Health Screenings. Be sure to see your healthcare provider for the appropriate age-specific health screenings. For example, if you’ve been a smoker, then a lung cancer screening may be essential. And, if you do still smoke, try to quit—it’s never too late! You likely also need to have routine screenings for breast cancer, prostate cancer, colonoscopy, among others. 

Tip #2: Stay Mentally Fit. Mental stimulation is essential to protecting the brain from age-related decline and dementia. Stay mentally engaged by learning a new skill or teaching someone a skill you are good at. Put you mind to work on a daily puzzle or crossword. 

Tip #3: Prioritize Sleep. If you don’t have a sleep routine, it’s not too late to create one. Quality sleep isn’t just about how many hours you're asleep; it’s the quality of those hours. A sleep routine includes a routine such as a warm bath or skincare ritual before bed, darkening the room and keeping the temperature cool, and turning-in and waking at consistent times each day. Remember to unplug from digital devices within 2 hours of bedtime. 

Tip #4: Eat Fresh, Whole Foods. A “rainbow on your plate” is a great way to think of healthy eating. Be sure your diet is full of a variety of fruits, veggies, lean protein, and unprocessed grains. Limit eating foods from a box or bag as this will reduce your intake of sodium, sugar, and trans-fats. Hydration is important, especially for older adults. Be sure to drink more water, less soda and alcoholic beverages to support optimal health in your fifties.

Bonus Nutrition Tip: Aging bodies don’t always absorb nutrients as well as when we were younger. And sometimes, as we age, we don’t or eat a balanced-enough diet to provide essential nutrients that aging cells need. You may want to consult with your doctor about nutritional supplements for older adults, including: calcium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin D, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, probiotics, and Omega-3 fatty acids. You may also need more protein in your diet. 

Tip #5: Move Your Body.  Daily physical activity helps to protect the heart, lungs, muscles, bones, and joints. Your 50’s is the ideal time to participate in gentle, weight-bearing activities to help slow down bone loss. New to exercise? Follow the physical activity guidelines for older adults, or consult with a certified fitness professional who specializes in older adult exercise and wellness. 

Tip #6: Connect with Others. Social connections are crucial to mental health at every age, and even more so in the older adult years. Connecting with others reduces loneliness, which the US Surgeon General has stated is as deadly as smoking! Look for ways to engage with people of all ages and in different settings. If your family and friend circle is small, consider volunteering in your community or joining a book or board game club at your local library or bookstore.

At Everbrook Senior Living, we view the fifties as a time to focus on you! After years of attending to family, a career, and community obligations, we support your health and wellness journey through state-of-the-art residential and wellness amenities. We offer programs, clubs, classes, and outings that help you preserve and enhance your physical and emotional well-being. Contact us today and come see for yourself what aging wise and well looks like at Everbrook! 

It’s easy for anyone to overheat in the summer months. Older adults, especially, are more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. It’s important to stay aware of how you’re feeling during hot weather, or you can quickly overheat and be at risk for a serious—and potentially dangerous—heat illness.

Why is Hot Weather Dangerous for Older Adults?

People age 65 and older typically do not adapt easily to changes in temperature, particularly the sudden and extreme bouts of heat that we’ve been seeing in recent years. Unlike younger people, older adults don’t have the physical resilience to adapt quickly, produce sweat and regulate their body temperature.

There are few reasons why this happens. including:

• Older also tend not to drink enough water, and often drink coffee and tea—caffeine causes the body to dehydrate more quickly.
• Some prescription medications that older adults commonly take have an effect on water retention, heart rate, and blood pressure—all of which are important for regulating body temperature. 
• Older people are more likely to have chronic health conditions that affect the body’s response to temperature and ability to sweat efficiently to properly cool the body. 

Signs & Symptoms of Heat Related Illness

According to the CDC, as the body becomes overheated, a person can be in danger of heat-related illness including:

• Sunburn
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Rash
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Stroke 

The symptoms of these illnesses can range from mild to severe, and one can quickly progress to another. For example, heat cramps and exhaustion may precede heat stroke.

Some signs that you are experiencing heat illness include:

• Syncope (dizzy spells, dizziness)
• Fainting
• Muscle cramps
• Edema (swelling in your legs and ankle)
• Body stops producing sweat
• Body feels very hot
• Increased thirst, despite drinking more fluids
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea/ vomitting

Keep an eye out for these serious heat illnesses:

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body can no longer stay cool. This often appears as feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, or nauseated. You may sweat a lot and have cold and clammy skin, or a rapid pulse.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs can include fainting, behavior changes, high body temperature (over 104° F), dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, a slow and weak pulse, and no longer sweating even though it’s hot outside.

Seek medical care immediately if you suspect heat illness. 

How Older Adults Can Stay Safe in Hot Weather

The best way to stay safe is to know the signs of heat illness and know what to do to address those signs and protect yourself or a loved one. 

Older adults can stay safe in hot weather by following these tips:

• Drink water frequently throughout the day. Do NOT wait until you feel thirsty to start drinking water.
• Avoid using your oven or stove to prepare meals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes. Wear a hat.
• Take showers or baths to cool down.
• Keep your home heating and air conditioning system in good working condition.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, consider staying with a friend or family member during a heatwave. You can also take an “AC break” at a local mall or library during the hottest parts of the day.
• Get plenty of rest. 
• Do outdoor activities/chores earlier in the day or later in the evening.
• Have others check-in on you at least during the day.
• Wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from sunburn (Sunburn makes your body work even harder to cool down).
• When outside in the heat, seek the shade.

Hot days are not time to try to keep up with the young kids in your life. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the heat so that you can enjoy summer days without risk for illness.