If you want a simple way to improve the well-being of a senior, you may want to consider getting them a pet. 

We have often heard about the importance of eating healthy, making the home environment safe and monitoring our medications to prevent falls.  What we haven't heard much about though is the importance of a good night sleep. 

One major challenge our older Americans encounter on a daily basis is the possibility of falling and injuring themselves. 

Just over 26 years ago Healthy Aging Month was founded to bring awareness to an issue that should be crucial to all of us- a healthy active lifestyle. Healthy Aging Month was established as a promotional effort to bring national attention to the importance of healthy aging through educational or annual events.  Aging is a special and rewarding time, so take time to enjoy the process.

This opinion piece originally appeared in The Sun Sentinel.

I read the recent opinion piece by Lynn Jurich about her solar “guarantee” of a brighter future for the Sunshine State and could only cringe for those senior citizens who may hurry out to purchase a solar system. I am all for a healthy, cleaner and safe environment, but when we see the word “guarantee,” as used in the headline, attached to products and services, it can cause us great concern.

The United States Congress Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing entitled “Examining Federal Efforts to Ensure Quality of Care and Resident Safety in Nursing Homes” on Thursday, September 6^th.  The plan is to examine reports of substandard care occurring at skilled nursing facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid program.  Also, the subcommittee will explore the role of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services relating to the management and safety of these facilities.

Every year just after Labor Day, we like to give our grandparents their day in the sun by celebrating their lives on Grandparents Day. The celebrations range from special meals to family gatherings, to fun times at the movie theater, but not all are able to enjoy the jubilant occasion.

In this fast paced, instant gratification world of ours, everyone seems to want their desires fulfilled easier, faster and quicker.  Think about it, by pressing a few keys on your computer or phone, you can have the answer to any question instantaneously.  By punching a few more keys, you can have a product delivered to your home or office in a few hours. However, there are no quick fixes when it comes to your health.  The key to having good health is having a steady plan and working it over time everyday.  If you follow our tips, you will certainly be headed in the right direction to living a healthy, longer life and your heart will certainly thank you for it.

30 years ago, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21^st National Senior Citizens Day.  This special day is a creative way to pause and show our appreciation for those older Americans who have played a vital role in making the United States the greatest nation in the world. Take time to show our elders how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for their contributions across America.  Even if it is a simple phone call, a text or a hand written card, taking the time to honor them is what truly matters.

Are you one who loves to start your day with a warm cup of coffee?