Healthy Aging
Balance Exercises for Falls Prevention
The risk of falls and injuries from falls increases as we age due to loss of bone mass, muscle mass and balance. Balance exercises can lower the risk of falling as well as the risk of injuries. Here are some balance exercises that are helpful for balance training and preventing falls and related injuries.
How to Support a Family Member in Assisted Living
Having a family member in assisted living can be difficult for everyone involved. People who move into assisted living can struggle with a loss of independence, leaving their home or fears of fewer family visits. Family members of those in assisted living may feel guilt, helplessness and concern.
Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Music therapy experiences may include singing songs, playing instruments, writing music, or listening to music and analyzing the lyrics. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of health care and educational goals.
The MIND Diet Slows Aging and Reduces Dementia Risk
Combining the strategies of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the MIND diet revolves around healthy combinations of foods that may help reduce inflammation, hypertension and high blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular and neurological diseases and signs of aging.
Why Walking Isn’t Enough Exercise to Stay Fit While Aging
Adults 65 and older need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, such as walking, but also at least two sessions of strength training a week. Besides moderate exercise and strength training, balance training and exercises are also recommended routinely for older adults.
Seven Ways to Keep Kidneys Healthy
Chronic kidney disease is a public health crisis that's serious but also preventable. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar are two of the seven ways recommended to keep the kidneys healthy.
A 5-Step Action Plan for Caregivers of Aging Parents or Loved Ones
Caring for a loved one can be tough. This simple action plan for caregivers can help you get your bearings and make your caregiving role a little easier.
How to Have Difficult Conversations with Aging Parents
Are you caring for an aging parent? Here's how to approach difficult topics like caregiving and end of life planning.
Caregiving During the Holidays: Tips to Navigate Gatherings
Contributor Julie Edgar of the AAA 1-B offers advice on how caregivers of older adults can navigate holiday family gatherings to make them fun and manageable.
What are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are all the buzz when it comes to healthy living - and living longer.
Triathlete with Cerebral Palsy Writes about “Impossible Mile”
Johnny Agar, who competes in triathlons with his dad, is the author of the bestseller, "The Impossible Mile: The Power in Living Life One Step at a Time."
Exercises for Joint Health
Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.
Preventing Falls at Home: Ways to Reduce the Risk for Seniors
Understanding why seniors are at risk of falling can help individuals, caregivers, friends and families prevent them from happening in the first place.
A Healthy Diet for People with Alzheimer’s
Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?
Sun Protection Needs by Age
Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.
The Health Benefits of Golf
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.
The Importance of Connecting with Old Friends
Reconnecting with an old friend can feel good. You being the one to initiate the contact can be good for both of you.
Can You Beat These 5 Brain Teasers?
Brain teasers are not only fun but good mental exercise that supports a variety of cognitive functions.
Benefits of Walking After a Meal
Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.
Ways to Protect Your Brain Health Through a Healthy Lifestyle
Aging experts say diet, exercise, sleep and social habits play a big role in protecting brain health and preventing mental declines and dementia.
Life and Basketball: Senior Detroit Women Play to Stay Young
For two hours every Monday afternoon at the Lasky Recreation Center in northeast Detroit, time doesn’t matter – only basketball.
Best Exercises for Seniors at Home
Seniors looking for ways to get fit or maintain their health have plenty of at-home exercises to pick from.
Five Reasons to Start Playing Pickleball
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus dives into the pickleball craze — and finds it can be good for your health.
Signs and Stages of Perimenopause and Menopause
It is important for women to get enough information about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and side effects.
What’s All the Fuss About Cold Plunges?
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus tries the cold plunge trend and reports back on results.
Winning Pickleball Tournaments in their 70s: How the Sport Keeps Seniors Young
Staying active and making new friends: these seniors are reaping the benefits from pickleball, a sport that surged in popularity during the pandemic.
Vitamin D May Help Prevent Dementia
Results from a new study that tracked thousands of people in the U.S. show regular vitamin D use may help prevent dementia.
Boost Your Brain with These Healthy Foods and Habits
It’s never too early to think about your brain health. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, these tips can help keep your mind young.
Best Bedtime Stretches to Improve Sleep Quality
Going to sleep with tense muscles is not a recipe for good sleep. Here’s how stretching can improve your zzzz’s.
The Power of Journaling
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus brings a new way to positively impact your health: journaling.
Diving into Competitive Swimming During Retirement
Ask Donna Mc Minn why she took up competitive swimming during her retirement and she’ll grin and say: “In the pool, no one can see you sweat."
Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving
If you live at a distance, here are tips for maximizing your caregiver effectiveness – and maintaining your peace of mind.
Cardio Doesn’t Have to Hurt: The Best Low-Impact Workouts
Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself at any age, but as you get older, regular exercise becomes more important than ever.
How Strength Training Can Help You Age Gracefully
Adding weights and resistance training to your workout can make a big difference in how well you age.
Table Tennis Helps Michigan Man Lose Weight, Stay Active in Retirement
Don’t call it ping pong. This is table tennis. On a recent weekday afternoon several men, aged 50-plus, are breaking a sweat.
5 Unusual Health Tips for a Daily Better Life
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus shares five unusual health tips that most people don’t know about.
10 Ways to Protect Your Bones Today
As you get older, it becomes more and more important to keep your bones strong and healthy. Here are simple steps you can take to make a difference.
Your Roadmap to Conquering Flu Season
An annual flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu, but it’s only the first step. This guide should help you conquer flu season.
Four Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
Good sleep, proper nutrition and these other tips should help keep your immune system performing optimally.
Signs of Depression in People Over 50
Knowing the signs and types of depression can help older adults get the treatment they need to feel better.
5 Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Memory Sharp
Keep your memory sharp as you get older by incorporating these simple habits into your everyday life.
Tips for Preventing Senior Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults but there are many ways to avoid them.
Five Tips for Picking Out Sunglasses
The sun can damage more than just your skin. Follow these tips to pick out the right sunglasses for you, and start protecting your eyes today.
Ways to Encourage Seniors in Your Life to Maintain Independence
As people get older, it can become difficult for some to keep the lifestyle they want. But there are ways for seniors to preserve much of their independence.
Checking In On the Mental Health of Older Loved Ones
Seniors staying safe by staying at home have lost normal social connections, increasing their risk for isolation and depression. Listen for warning signs.
‘Fitness Over 40’ Series Offers Tips for Staying Active at Home
Certified trainer and mother of three Ann Marie Wakula shows you ways to stay active even when you can’t go to the gym.
4 Changes Women Should Make for Their Heart’s Sake
Read up on cardiologist Joni Summitt’s tips to help women reduce their risk for heart disease.
Staying Active and Healthy At Any Age: Safe Exercises for Seniors
Try some of these safe and effective exercises to remain active and well as you age.
Too Old to Lose Weight? No Such Thing!
Here are a few suggestions for developing the kind of habits that can get you to be more active (and maybe even shed a few pounds along the way!)
Got Grandchildren? It Turns Out They’ll Keep You Healthy
Not only do your grandkids bring a smile to your face, but spending time with them also helps improve your mind, body and spirit.
Ride On: Biking and Cycling Tips as You Age
Cycling is growing in popularity among older adults, but biking-related accidents are also on the rise. Here’s how to stay safe on two wheels.
10 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Seniors
Find out which habits keep residents of Ikaria, a Greek Island, living well into their 90s.
Aging with Attitude: Michigan Seniors Living with Vitality
People are living longer, healthier lives. These seniors say finding activities you're passionate about can help you live out your senior years with vigor.
The Health Benefits of Close Friendships
Research points to a variety of ways friendships benefit our well-being. It might be time to give your bestie a call!
Encouraging Exercise for an Aging Loved One
Fear, fatigue, chronic pain or just plain lack of motivation might be keeping your loved one stationary. So how do you get them off the couch and on to healthy…
Want to Feel Younger Than Your Years? Try Yoga!
Yoga is a great way to improve your strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Add some of these moves into your day for an easy way to improve your practice.
Grow Your Garden Without Aches and Pains
Spending time in a garden is good for your physical and mental health–you just have to be careful you don’t overdo it.
Finding New Purpose in Life as We Age
It’s important for older adults to seek meaningful ways to stay engaged for their mental health. These research-backed ideas can help seniors find purpose.
Caregiving During Coronavirus
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers are finding new ways to navigate their daily responsibilities.
Crushing Sets and Setting Records: Women 50+ Find Their Happy Place at the Gym
“My health is everything. It’s freedom to choose the activities I want to do.”
Q&A with a Dermatologist: Real Advice for Great Skin
Dermatologist Dr. Brittany Carter-Snell answers the most common skincare questions and offers us insight on the best practices for maintaining healthy skin.
How to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey
Caregiving is a unique role that requires patience, discipline and trust. Here are seven tips on how to manage one's new responsibilities.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia. “World Alzheimer’s Month” is an opportunity to learn more about the disease.
Eat Your Way to Better Skin
Skin care doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, you can easily take care of your skin by changing what you eat.
The Breast Cancer Few People Talk About
When you hear about a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to assume it’s a woman who is dealing with the news. But breast cancer can also happen to men.
The Midlife Hormonal Rollercoaster: What Men and Women Can Expect
Aging brings on another major hormonal change for both women and men – and it can start earlier than you think.
Combating Caregiver Isolation and Loneliness
In this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, caregivers can learn how their duties can lead to isolation and what they can do to stay connected.
Senior Falls: Why They’re Dangerous and How to Avoid Them
Falls are the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury among older Americans. Find out how to reduce your risk.
When Age-Related Vision Changes Could Signal a Problem
Noticing changes in your vision as you approach middle age? Find out what’s normal and what might be a cause for concern.
Caregivers: Tips on How to Say “No” and When to Say “Yes”
For some caregivers, it’s hard to find balance between taking care of yourself and the person you’re caring for. Read up on these tips to protect your time.
The Concealed Truth: What Your Makeup is Made Of
Using cosmetics to enhance appearance is extremely common across the United States. One study found 31 percent of people ages 18 to 29 wear makeup everyday.
Housing Options for Seniors Who Can’t (Or Don’t Want) to Live Alone
What are the options when it comes to senior housing? This guest post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B provides tips and considerations for choosing wisely.
Things You Might Not Expect on Your Caregiving Journey
If you’re caring for a loved one, there could be aspects of caregiving that will surprise you. Read on for what to expect and how to cope.
4 Reasons Golf is Great Exercise
Other than being much harder than it looks, golf is a great source of exercise for all ages. It might be time to pick up that driver and hit the links.
How to Stay Safe in the Sun
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but is also when we're most vulnerable to the sun's rays, making prolonged exposure dangerous.
Seven Ways to Avoid the Post-Retirement Blues
As they enter retirement, seniors may struggle with their value or sense of purpose. Here are seven meaningful activities for post-retirement life.
Arthritis Does Not Discriminate By Age
Read our team member's first-hand experience dealing with osteoarthritis at the young age of 32 years old.
Long-Distance Caregiving: How Can You Help a Loved One?
Experts from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B share tips on caring for a loved one from afar, including warning signs they might need more help and how to find it.
Why I Regret Tanning in My Teens and 20s
There is no safe way to tan. The darker skin tone that results from time in a tanning bed or in the sun is caused by cellular damage to the skin.
Love the Skin You’re In
Adjusting to aging skin in midlife can be trying in a youth-focused society. Read up on accepting your skin at every age and when to see a dermatologist.
Talking to a Loved One About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects approximately 20% of Americans. Despite its prevalence, it can be difficult to talk to loved ones about signs of hearing loss.
Four Strategies for Boosting Your Retirement Readiness
If you’re north of age 40, retirement planning takes on more financial urgency than it did in your 20s and 30s. Learn strategies to boost your nest egg now.
Parkinson’s Disease: What are the Risks and Signs?
Due to the unpredictable nature of Parkinson's Disease, it’s imperative to understand the signs and risks associated with the illness.
Tips for Prescription Safety, Storage and Disposal
60 percent of Americans take a prescription drug, so it is important to know how to safely consume, store and dispose of them.
Walk Your Way to Better Health
Many people overlook the benefits of a simple walk every day. Read about how walking each day is great for your health!
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
Worried about an older loved one’s ability to drive? Read up on how to approach this delicate subject with tips from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B.
Why Aging Changes the Rules of Nutrition
It’s a bit surprising to learn how much adults’ nutritional needs change during middle age. Learn what you need more and less of as you get older.
Get Fit in Your 40s, 50s, 60s and Beyond
Metabolism decreases 1 to 2 percent every decade for women and 5 to 8 percent for men. Exercise can help bridge the gap.
5 Tips to Help Seniors Stay Independent for as Long as Possible
If you have aging parents or are a senior wanting to stay in your home independently, this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B is full of helpful tips.
Taking Care of Your Heart in Your 40s, 50s and 60s
Healthy habits are crucial for your heart during the middle-age decades. Whatever decade you’re in, take some simple steps to show your heart a lot of love.
Everything You Need to Know About Healthy Earbud Use
Wear earbuds at work, the gym or in your car? Here are some trustworthy answers to frequently asked earbud questions to keep your ears healthy.
Depression Triggers at Different Ages
While depression doesn’t always have a direct cause, there are certain stressors that can trigger depression at different ages. Learn about risk factors.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Prostate Exam
Worried about an upcoming prostate exam? Don’t be!
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs and Risk
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest reproductive cancer for women. Learn about subtle warning signs to pay attention to, as well as factors that could up your risk.
Vision Disorders and Aging: The Implications for Seniors
Without even knowing it, your health choices today could impact your vision health later in life. Most eye disorders develop painlessly over time.
Finding the Right Workout for Your Fitness Goals
Trying to become stronger, leaner or just healthier overall? There’s a workout just right for you.
Beyond Belief: Theatre Encourages Friendship and Senior Health
Carol Holland, 85 and Marion Cowan, 92 are best friends who love to sing and dance onstage through Beyond Belief Senior Theatre in Novi.
Sunscreen Dispensers: Healthy Trend Spreading Through Michigan’s U.P.
An organization called Just Believe is working to spread sunscreen dispensers throughout U.P. communities, in memory of a loved one lost to skin cancer.
New Fitness Trend: Roller Skiing
Roller skiing provides a unique total-body workout. Strengthening 90 percent of your muscles, this low-impact sport can be enjoyed by many.
This Association is Fighting Alzheimer’s Head On: How You Can Get Involved
The Alzheimer’s Association has many support groups and events for Michiganders impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.