It’s fair time, and the cost for everything from vendor food to carnival rides will send a person to the poor house, or at least bust the monthly budget, especially for those, like seniors, on a fixed income. However, after the carnival rides are gone, the trash is collected, and the wallet empty, the University of Missouri Extension (UME) has some suggestions on how to beat rising food prices to save money...

Most everyone, at one time or another, has awakened to sciatica, that crippling pain, radiating from the back, through the hip, and down the leg. The condition has many symptoms, causes, and, thankfully, treatments. Knowing exactly what sciatica is, may help to understand the condition to avoid it. ...

Saving money is important for seniors, especially those with fixed incomes from small Social Security benefits and no retirement supplemental checks. These days a dollar does not go far and as winter weather nears, heating bills are bound to skyrocket with the increase in propane and natural gas...

There are so many ways to save money, especially when living on a fixed income like Social Security. The last two weeks, Aging Gracefully has concentrated on ways to help make that dollar last longer and go further in purchasing groceries, auto upkeep, utilities, home remodeling, and maintenance/cleaning. Part 3 looks at ways to stretch each hard, earned dollar when trying to find ways to tend to a yard and raise a garden, as well as expand personal finance, and enjoy entertainment...

Trying to save these days is harder than most, especially with the cost of food, fuel, and interest rates rising, along with a recession on the horizon. The first in the series of “Finding ways to save,” suggested ways to save on food and auto upkeep, as well as keeping your bank account safe by using low-limit credit cards for online purchases. Still there are more ways to save on utilities and home remodeling...

Saving these days is like throwing pennies in a wishing well, you wish for more financial security but only find less. Costs increase and content decreases. The president says his “bidenomics” is working. Maybe for him, but as a new retiree, and others like me, I don’t see it...

Like many seniors, especially those who are covered under Medicare and not Medicaid, they are finding out what that great retirement insurance does not cover. This column is meant to help those who are headed into their senior years, as well as those who are already there, or the children who are caring for them...

There is a lot to the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It always puts me in mind of the movie, “Steel Magnolias,” when set in the cemetery, after Sally Field’s character has just buried her daughter, Field is crying because she is angry and sad and just wants to hit something. ...

Growing up, my summer vacations were spent with my maternal grandparents on a farm in the Missouri Bootheel. It was during one of those summers that I was awakened by the sound of an ambulance and EMT’s quickly making their way to my grandparent’s bedroom at the back of the house. My grandmother suffered a stroke. Thankfully, she had no permanent damage and recovered, but many people are not as fortunate, especially those who suffered them in the mid-twentieth century...

The brain is extraordinarily complex and fragile. It controls every aspect of the body from breathing to feeling. As the body ages, the brain can maintain its vibrancy to recall, learn, and think, and like the body, it needs proper nutrition to function efficiently. We know that oxygen through exercise is important for both a healthy brain and strong heart, but what goes into the body is just as important. Proper nutrition is the key to staying sharp, but what does that entail?...

Choking on my own spit these days is quite easy, in fact it is becoming a big nuisance, especially now when every cough or sneeze is code word for COVID, even though we are past it. As we age, the simplest actions, even swallowing, can become difficult, but why and what can you do to prevent choking?...

More and more Americans, young and old, are diagnosed with diabetes each day, and every day, the diets of those individuals grow worse. The result is obesity, kidney disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and blindness to name a few. What is the answer to reducing the risks and gaining a healthier population for the future?...

Because the feet contain around 8,000 nerve endings, located close to the skin, they may be considered the most sensitive parts of the body. That is why a pebble in the shoe can cause agonizing pain. The feet also help in recognizing health issues in other parts of the body that might otherwise go unnoticed. They provide warning signs for heart disease, lung disease, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions, so pay attention to your feet the next time you put on your shoes...

More and more family members in the U.S. and worldwide are caring for loved ones, providing them with social and or health needs. Besides transportation and shopping, this type of caregiving may also include bathing, dressing, and paying bills. It’s this type of caregiving that drains a person mentally and physically as they help a loved one manage a chronic disease or disability. That is why Family Caregiving Support Groups are important to a community and for caregivers...

Vanity and old age don’t mix, and women seem to be more self-conscience than men when it comes down to it. But it doesn’t matter, male or female, we are all troubled by wrinkles and thin, crepey skin. Expensive creams and oils from high profile cosmetic companies to famous stars tout that their products can reduce wrinkles and crepey skin. ...

Summer is officially here with temperatures rising into the 90s and above. This is only the beginning and as temperatures grow higher seniors over 65 are the most vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. So, as the summer heats up the heat indexes are sure to rise to triple digits, and it is important for everyone to pay attention to the time they spend outside, the thermometer inside, and most importantly, pay attention to senior neighbors, family members, or clients...

Obesity is a pandemic of sorts in the United States. Between 1999-2020 obesity rose from 30.5 percent to 41.9 percent, and during that same time severe obesity increased from 4.7 percent to 9.2 percent. Why the increase, and what is the solution? Obesity is defined as a person whose weight is higher than what is considered to be a normal weight for a given height. ...

Summer is around the corner and many people are ready to pull out those short pants and swimsuits, but these days a major portion of the population, young and old, are overweight. For seniors who are overweight, they experience back and knee pain which can dampen spending time with grandchildren by the pool or at the park. ...

For decades heart disease was in steady decline, but America’s number one killer is back and on the rise. AARP, January/February 2023 bulletin, offers some reasons for the rise, as well as how American’s can turn the numbers around and improve their heart health...

Caring for your teeth is very important because healthy gums mean a healthy mind, healthy heart, and healthy body. Throughout the decades doctors have discovered the connection between the teeth and the body, from heart disease to mental disorders. So, the question is, how is your at-home dental care, and if not so good, what can you do to improve it and improve your health?...

While young, balance is taken for granted, but as the body ages, the ability to stay upright proves harder with the years. The complex process for balance involves the brain, spinal cord, inner ear, eyes, peripheral nerves, muscles, and bones, and rarely noticed when functioning properly. It can get bad enough that fear of falling limits everyday activities. What causes these issues and how can they be avoided, or at least stalled?...

Some people enjoy playing cards as a form of entertainment, while others play to compete. No matter what you like, card games that require cognitive thinking and problem-solving help decrease the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s, such as Bridge, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Poker, Blackjack, and Solitaire...

On of the most frustrating parts of aging, for me, is not the wrinkles, nor the little aches and pains, it’s not even the fact that I have to find one of fifty pairs of glasses laid around the house, the car, and the office just to read instructions on a package. No, I would say the most frustrating part is trying to make a phone call these days. Sitting among seniors, they all seem to find the same problem—the phone and the automated system, as well as new technology...

Every year more and more scams appear, each more complex and effective than the others. More talk is heard in the news about artificial intelligence and how it can make decisions independently. Think about it, how many times have you been sitting in the house alone, you say something, and Alexa turns on a tune especially for you. But what happens when computers clone voices and make hostage calls? It’s real and it’s happening today...

When looking at the United States, it doesn’t take long to see the growing number of seniors and the increasing number of programs and positions created to care for them. According to census.gov in an article updated in Oct. 2019, in less than 20 years, the number of older adults is projected to outnumber children for the first time in America’s history. What does that mean for the country, states, and communities?...

Aging is a process that starts at birth. There is no pill or tonic, nor a fountain of youth, that will stop it, so it’s best to develop healthy habits while young to enjoy the senior years later. Healthy habits like exercising, eating right, and not picking up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking are important now; otherwise, poor health, pain, and a boat load of pills is in your future...

With the internet, online purchasing, and smart phones become a big part of people’s lives, the ability to con and defraud seniors is increasing at breakneck speeds. The elderly are huge targets because many of them are living on savings and retirements, they are most likely to believe and pay scammers without giving it a second thought. ...

Studies have shown that sleep is vital to a healthy lifestyle, and without it, the body and mind suffer, creating an environment for memory loss, chronic disease, a poor immune system, and obesity. Now, the days seem to be filled with political stress, social stress, and physical stress that keeps everyone from the youngest grade schooler to the oldest senior from having a good night’s sleep...

Since 2008, scientists and doctors have found that bad oral hygiene, and lack of teeth brushing, boosts the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is a known fact that teeth and gums (tooth anatomy) are connected to various parts of the body and can be related, such as people with gum disease are more likely to experience heart disease than those who don’t because of mouth bacteria. ...

The other day I heard an advertisement for Obesity U.S.A. on the radio. It was a public health notice bringing attention to how overweight America has become through the years, and today, both children and adults are tipping the scales. With that weight comes inflammation, which causes conditions such as gout and arthritis, some crippling. ...

Today more than ever, knee replacements are becoming more common and a lot safer, especially for the elderly. Approximately 700,000-800,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S. So, if you are trying to decide on replacing one or both knees, preparing for it can never be too early, whether one year or ten years...

Spring is around the corner and warm, sunny days will beckon, pulling everyone from the cool, dark hibernation days of winter. We all cannot wait to feel the sun on our face, the heat at our backs as we plant flowers, prepare yards, and sweep off patios for those weekend barbeques and get togethers. But the sun and fun may give us more than great memories with family, they also can give us unwanted wrinkles, age spots, and worse, skin cancers...

Shingles are a viral infection that causes a painful rash, and although they can occur anywhere on the body, they most often appear as a single stripe of blisters that wrap around either the left or right side. Few people really understand what the virus is, how it is contacted or a way to treat it. ...

According to State Cancer Profiles, a publicly available online database created from records of the Center for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute, the Missouri Bootheel is among the highest in cancer death rates in the country. Because the Bootheel is part of the Delta, which is considered some of the poorest areas in the country, cancer is more prevalent with lung cancer having the highest rates, along with colon, and breast cancer close behind...

February is filled with a celebration of hearts from chocolate Valentines to heart healthy awareness. Heart Healthy Awareness Day on Friday, February 3, followed by Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. This month is filled with hearts--healthy in love and body, but what do we need to know about heart disease and keeping that wonderful heart healthy...

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and it may range from light stroking to deep pressure. Usually, a massage is most associated with expensive high-end spas and health clubs and enjoyed by only the wealthy. But who isn’t keen on a good foot or back rub?...

Everyone needs electricity. In fact, people cannot survive without it. The brain cannot operate without the body’s own electricity. Everything is made up of atoms, and atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Our bodies are made up of huge masses of atoms that generate electricity. So, how do we use those atoms, neutrons, and electrons?...

Whether you believe in God, reincarnation, life after death, or aliens, one thing is true and sure, no one lives forever in this world and there is no getting around it. But your death doesn’t have to be a burden on family or friends. When a loved one dies, the pressure of paying for a funeral, making the arrangements, and locating important documents, should not be a stressful experience or a scavenger hunt. That’s why everyone should prepare for death just like they do for old age...

Several years ago, I wrote “Rules to live by, succeed.” It was based on some note cards I found in a draw that belonged to my late mother. As the country becomes a “criminal’s paradise” rather than the home of the free and the brave, it is important to revisit the rules that make a strong, moral country and promote success. Perhaps coming into a new year, this is the best time to make some more useful resolutions to live by and succeed...

The old year is ending, and the new year beginning, but with weather patterns changing and more artic blasts hitting the Bootheel, new problems add to the old ones, especially for seniors in rural areas. During the latest Siberian blast, my little electric heater couldn’t stand up to it and my pump fell victim to it and busted, so for me, that means no water. Yikes!...

Today, more than ever, it seems people are becoming immune to all things negative, including crimes against humanity, great or small, rich or poor, young or old. Foul language is as common as, “good afternoon,” or “how do you do.” Christmas should be a time of redemption, with people helping their fellow man at the top of the list rather than robbing people of porch delivered packages for their loved ones...

Staying healthy is important, but what if you could have fun at it by simply laughing. For years it has been said, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but did you know there are actual studies that support it? There is even “laughing yoga,” a popular movement that has grown worldwide. So, there are people laughing their way to good health and happiness...

Winter does not only bring falling leaves, north winds and icy snow, but it also brings influenza, colds, coughs, and now Covid. For seniors with weakened immune systems, any of these can mean lengthy hospitals stays or even worse, death. Immunizations and vaccines are important for many reasons, but especially for the elderly to remain healthy throughout the fall and winter months...

Do you find yourself swatting at gnats that are not there, or wiping away a hair from in front of your face that does not exist? Well, if you are a senior (50+), you are not alone. As a senior, I found myself seeing these little spots in front of my eyes that seem to move when I followed them. ...

This week is Thanksgiving, and we all have something to be thankful for, whether it is for a roof over our heads or the family we have round us. Even for those who don’t have a home or family, there is still something to be thankful for. Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35 that through our labors and hard work, “we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”...

For seniors, low potassium levels can be very dangerous because this is a critical mineral necessary to maintain homeostasis or balance in the body. Potassium helps the muscles to contract and expand that assists in movement of the limbs. Providing muscle movement is not all the mineral helps with throughout the body, it also helps the body absorb nutrients necessary to efficiently act as a communicator for the cells and the nervous system...

For centuries, chicken soup has been served to cure numerous ailments including the common cold. Even today, when sick in bed, a bowl of chicken soup seems to soothe both body and soul. But chicken is good for curing more than just a cold, and for the elderly, it can help provide the nutrients needed to keep them healthy both physically and cognitively...

Every election is important, but for seniors, they are most important since they live on fixed budgets. The elderly depend on government programs for their health insurance and various programs, so when it comes to voting, it is important to look at not only the issues and political figures, but it is also important to look at what is buried in those bills and amendments...

Wow! Over the last several months, I have been overwhelmed at work (my day job), and decided to take a break, so I went on vacation. Now, it was not the vacation that most people take to some Pacific Island or cruise through the Caribbean, it was the kind that you stay at home and just lay around and decompress. However, it was harder on my body than it would have been if I had been at work...

Older adults are 3.5 times more likely to die in fires than the general population, with about 930 deaths annually. Smoking materials and cooking are two are the major reasons for major fires among this group, and clothing fire deaths are a hazard that disproportionately affect this population...

The most common cause of neuropathy in the feet is diabetes, but there are other forms and causes, as well as treatments. An estimated 25 to 30 percent of all Americans will one day be affected by neuropathy, and about 8 percent of adults 65 years and older will have some degree of the condition. What is neuropathy, the causes, treatment, and prevention?...

When it comes to the core, not the earth’s core, not the core of an apple, but the core of good health, the mid-section, or core, is the most important part of the body. The core of the body is the epicenter from where every movement revolves. It helps to bend forward and backward, as well as twist side to side. It does everything from lifting to maintaining balance, but what is it, what else does it do and what is needed to keep it healthy and strong?...

Get ready for it! Missouri is one of 12 states that tax social security and retirement benefits. According to author, Katie Brockman, in “The Motley Fool,” a financial website, “Retirees can expect a massive social security raise in 2023, but with that raise also comes a higher tax bill.” In her article, Brockman claims that next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) may be the highest ever, but it could also trigger more taxes, depending on a senior’s retirement income...

We have all heard the saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but these days it can be more than a treasure, it may be a survival tactic in the world of older Americans. Today, more than ever, with prices of everything from beans to coffee tables increasing, being able to find those items for nothing from eggs to Christmas gifts are important and “priceless.” How do you do it?...

The body, for most, as it ages not only loses elasticity in the skin, but it also loses muscle mass and balance. This can make it difficult to remain independent, unless older Americans take the steps to keep their homes safe from falls, fires, and invasions...

Now that I’m over 60, I realize that I don’t bounce quite as good as I did in my thirties, so avoiding situations that could possibly cause a fall is high on my list these days. Even those beautiful stiletto heels I always loved wearing have been put to rest, well most of them anyway. With September 18-24 slated as Fall Prevention Awareness Week, it is important to remind everyone how easy it is for a senior to slip and fall...

The saying, “you are what you eat” is so true, because of the food that the body absorbs. A healthy digestive system provides the body with a healthy body, mind, and attitude. The reason is because a variety of chronic conditions can be traced back to poor digestion and inadequate nutrition absorption...

When a child is cranky and hard to handle, a mother says, “It’s nap time, and he is fighting it every step of the way.” It’s seems like from birth, most people fight the urge to sleep for fear of missing something, or today, they are too busy with a lot on their minds and their plates. However, studies have shown that sleep is vital to a healthy lifestyle, and without it, the body and mind suffer, creating an environment for memory loss, chronic disease, a poor immune system, and obesity...

When looking at addictions, sugar must be the biggest “legal” drug of them all, and candy companies, sugary candy stores, ice cream shops, and yes, even those innocent sellers of cookies, candies, and sweetened popcorn are the dealers. But, who can resist a double dip of butter pecan, or even worse, a box of caramel turtles, I know I can’t. If it is there, I will eat it. But, what happens to the body and the mind as we age if we give into our urges too much?...

Aging is a process that starts at birth. There is no pill or tonic, nor a fountain of youth, that will stop it, so it’s best to develop healthy habits while young to enjoy the senior years later. Healthy habits like exercising, eating right, and not picking up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking are important now; otherwise, poor health, pain, and a boat load of pills is in your future...

Recently, a senior and friend was scammed through the new method of payment that is becoming more popular with the BitCoin craze. This senior logged into the computer to only see a blue screen along with a number at the bottom to correct the problem. ...

The “Dog Days of Summer” are here and when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, it does, and seniors over 65 are the most vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. So, with heat indexes in triple digits, it is important for everyone to pay attention to the time they spend outside, the thermometer inside, and most importantly, pay attention to senior neighbors, family members, or clients...

AGING GRACEFULLY

When retiring, I opted for the 70-year mark, so I have approximately six years before I start collecting my social security. But retirement is more than just collecting Social Security, especially if a monthly pension is in one’s future. For me, I have several pensions, in which I cashed in one 401(k) to pay off bills and put back in savings for emergencies. In this financial environment, I felt safer making sure I had no debt, but making the right decision for you may be different...

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY

AGING GRACEFULLY