Healthy Aging

Caregiver with her mom
Healthy Aging

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.

Senior lady and caregiver talking together
Healthy Aging

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.

Senior man welcoming family at the front door
Healthy Aging

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.

Healthy Aging

What are Blue Zones?

Blue Zones are all the buzz when it comes to healthy living - and living longer.

Johnny Agar with his dad, Jeff.
Healthy Aging

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."

Healthy Aging

Exercises for Joint Health

Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.

Healthy Aging

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.

Healthy Aging

A Healthy Diet for People with Alzheimer’s

Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?

Healthy Aging

Sun Protection Needs by Age

Should our sun safety practices change as we get older? Here are sun protection tips by age.

Senior women enjoying the health benefits of golf.
Healthy Aging

The Health Benefits of Golf

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.

Happy woman embracing her friend on the street.
Healthy Aging

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.

Modern Caucasian young woman playing video games on mobile phone
Healthy Aging

Can You Beat These 5 Brain Teasers? 

Brain teasers are not only fun but good mental exercise that supports a variety of cognitive functions.

Low angle view of happy senior couple walking outdoors on pier by sea at dusk, holding hands.
Healthy Aging

Benefits of Walking After a Meal

Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.

Senior couple hikes to protect their brain health through a healthy lifestyle
Healthy Aging

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.

The Michigan Spirits senior women's basketball team practices at the Lasky Recreation Center in Detroit.
Healthy Aging

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.

couple of two happy and fitess seniors doing exercise in the gym together running on the tapis roulant - active lifestyle
Healthy Aging

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.

A group of men and women play pickleball outside.
Healthy Aging

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.

Older woman suffers from high temperature at home
Healthy Aging

Signs and Stages of Perimenopause and Menopause 

It is important for women to get enough information about perimenopause and menopause symptoms and side effects.

Woman takes a cold plunge in a frozen outdoor lake.
Healthy Aging

What’s All the Fuss About Cold Plunges?

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus tries the cold plunge trend and reports back on results.

Women play pickleball at the Michigan Senior Olympics event during March 2023 in Rochester at Lifetime Fitness.
Healthy Aging

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.

Home caregiver helping a senior woman standing in the bedroom
Healthy Aging

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.

A heart-shaped bowl full of healthy foods like avocado, berries, fish and more.
Healthy Aging

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.

Young Asia lady in sportswear doing yoga exercise working out in living room at home at night.
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman sits at home with coffee and a journal
Healthy Aging

The Power of Journaling

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus brings a new way to positively impact your health: journaling.

Donna Mc Minn
Healthy Aging

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."

Older woman talks with a younger family member
Healthy Aging

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.

A water calisthenics class is taught at an indoor poor.
Healthy Aging

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.

Adult Strength Training
Healthy Aging

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.

Bob Van Camp plays table tennis at the Older Persons Commission
Healthy Aging

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.

Happy senior couple making dinner
Healthy Aging

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.

A Black man smiles at the camera holding a basketball as his friends look on from the park behind him.
Healthy Aging

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.

Healthy Aging

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.

immune system
Healthy Aging

Four Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System

Good sleep, proper nutrition and these other tips should help keep your immune system performing optimally.

Depression is a medical condition - sometimes arising out of changing physical and mental abilities. It’s not something to be ashamed of or hide from family or your doctor.
Healthy Aging

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.

tricks to keep memory sharp
Healthy Aging

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.

Older woman holding a cane
Healthy Aging

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.

Backpacker man looking at bright sun through polarized sunglasses enjoying mountain landscape. Eye & Vision Care human health concept image.
Healthy Aging

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.

Portrait of a daughter holding her elderly father, sitting on a bed by a window in her father's room.
Healthy Aging

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.

Elderly man talking on the phone
Healthy Aging

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.

Beautiful African-American Woman Exercising Pilates, Yoga, Fitness at Home Looking at the Laptop.
Healthy Aging

‘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.

Female friends socializing
Healthy Aging

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.

Senior woman smiling while doing a planking exercise in modern gym
Healthy Aging

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.

Young adult spotting senior adult during workout
Healthy Aging

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!)

Grandfather with grandson flying an toy airplane
Healthy Aging

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.

Mature African American couple riding bikes in park
Healthy Aging

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.

Older couple riding bikes
Healthy Aging

10 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Seniors

Find out which habits keep residents of Ikaria, a Greek Island, living well into their 90s.

Older man running
Healthy Aging

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.

Friends taking a walk enjoying ice cream
Healthy Aging

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!

Older woman lifting weights
Healthy Aging

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…

A multi-ethnic group of seniors is attending a yoga class outdoors. The group is sitting on yoga mats. They are meditating. The individual in focus is a black man. He is sitting at the front of the group. He is smiling directly at the camera.
Healthy Aging

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.

Senior African American Couple Planting in Garden
Healthy Aging

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.

Man holding his dog
Healthy Aging

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.

Closeup view mom stroking hands of adult grownup daughter
Healthy Aging

Caregiving During Coronavirus

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers are finding new ways to navigate their daily responsibilities.

Women lifting weights
Healthy Aging

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.”

Woman washing her face
Healthy Aging

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.

Smiling female caregiver embracing happy senior woman in nursing home
Healthy Aging

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.

grandparents
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman washing her face
Healthy Aging

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.

male breast cancer
Healthy Aging

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.

Middle-aged couple out for a walk
Healthy Aging

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.

Daughter caring for elderly mom
Healthy Aging

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.

Doctor examining an older patient's knee.
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman getting an eye exam
Healthy Aging

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.

Caregiver looking at calendar.
Healthy Aging

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.

Testers of different lipsticks in the cosmetic store
Healthy Aging

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.

Group of seniors sitting down together at an assisted living facility
Healthy Aging

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.

Granddaughter taking care of her grandmother
Healthy Aging

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.

Why golf is such great exercise
Healthy Aging

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.

Crowded Beach
Healthy Aging

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.

Grandfather and grandson working together in the garden.
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman with knee injury
Healthy Aging

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.

Elderly woman using Skype to talk to her family.
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman in front of a facial tanning light
Healthy Aging

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.

Two women laughing together
Healthy Aging

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.

A yellow and red tulip in bloom
Healthy Aging

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.

Older man and woman sitting on a park bench
Healthy Aging

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.

older couple
Healthy Aging

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.

bottle of blue and white pills spilling out of a prescription bottle
Healthy Aging

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.

Close up of sporty woman tying shoelace while kneeling outdoor, In background bridge. Fitness outdoors concept.
Healthy Aging

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!

Closeup of an elderly man's hands on a steering wheeel
Healthy Aging

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.

Image of happy mature couple cooking dinner together.
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman lifting weights
Healthy Aging

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.

Senior woman in her kitchen.
Healthy Aging

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.

Couple enjoying a nature walk.
Healthy Aging

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.

Young man drinking coffee listening to music on his smartphone through earbuds.
Healthy Aging

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.

Image of woman holding an umbrella reflected in a puddle.
Healthy Aging

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.

Man talking to his doctor.
Healthy Aging

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Prostate Exam

Worried about an upcoming prostate exam? Don’t be!

Woman clutching her stomach
Healthy Aging

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.

Woman with reading glasses checking a text in a library.
Healthy Aging

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.

Two dumbbells
Healthy Aging

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.

image of red stage curtain
Healthy Aging

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.

Image of a baby playing on the beach with sand toys.
Healthy Aging

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.

Man roller skiing down a street.
Healthy Aging

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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter
Healthy Aging

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.

Rollerblading on the Detroit Riverfront
Healthy Aging

Rollerblading: Your Underrated Summer Cardio

Rollerblading is not just for kids’ birthday parties anymore! Here’s why you should break out the blades this summer to help you stay fit.

Healthy Senior
Healthy Aging

Reach Old Age in Good Health with Tips from Michigan Seniors

These tips from these older Michigan residents will keep you in shape throughout your senior years.

grandparents walk in woods
Healthy Aging

Share the Facts and Join the Fight to End Alzheimer’s

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing. It's important to understand the disease to detect and provide accurate diagnosis earlier.

Salt shakers
Healthy Aging

Breaking Down the Numbers: Hypertension 101

Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is important to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Brain games
Healthy Aging

The Truth Behind Brain Games: Do They Really Work?

There is a growing market for games that supposedly improve your brain’s function. But before you buy one, there are some things you should know.

diabetes
Healthy Aging

Prediabetes: Recognizing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Most people don't realize they're in danger of developing type 2 diabetes until it's too late. Learn how to manage this risk to live a happy and healthy life.

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