Category: Kathy Barthel

Comfort Life News Round-Up: The Sandwich Generation

Considering that July is officially the "Sandwich Generation" Month, we noticed a lot of buzz in the news about them . What is the Sandwich Generation you ask? They are the generation of people who are caring for young children and teens while providing some kind of assistance for elderly parents.

Comfort Life News Round-Up: When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

With an increasing number of elderly drivers we've noticed a lot of news and discussion around seniors and senior driving. Here's what caught our eye this week:

Comfort Life News Round-Up: "Till Mid-Life Do Us Part"

While the overall divorce rate on a steady the decline with the Generation-X er's, the divorce rate amongst young seniors and the newly retired is steadily climbing! There has been a lot of speculation and discussion as to the reasons why the "I do" ends with "I don't".

Comfort Life News Round-Up: Seniors And Dating

Its no surprise that in light of the increasing divorce rate amongst new retirees and the younger seniors, (see last weeks news-round-up), that there is also an increase in the amount of seniors hitting the dating scene again. With that flood gate open, we've seen a lot of new services and resources available to help seniors prepare for date night!

What You Need to Know about Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

What is long-term care insurance, and why is it important? Statistics tell us that: - 75% of those over 65 will need a caregiver or facility services - 40% of people who are under 65 are either on or will be using long-term care benefits for periods of time due to accidents or illness. When we are younger, we think we are invincible.

CARP: Grandma Is A Safer Driver Than Mom

Kids may be safest in cars when grandma or grandpa are driving instead of mom or dad, according to study results that even made the researchers do a double-take. "We were surprised to discover that the injury rate was considerably lower in crashes where grandparents were the drivers," said Dr. Fred Henretig, an emergency medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the study’s lead author.

How To Retire Early

You may dream about retiring early, but how do you know if it’s right for you? And how do you accomplish it financially? Here are some tips on how to achieve a successful early retirement.

Your Time

It is important to take time each day to spend for and on yourself. It may seem you don’t have the time, it is selfish, or there are more important things to do. In fact, in the scheme of things and as a caregiver, one of the most important things you can do each day is to spend at least ten to fifteen minutes on yourself. By doing so, you help yourself as well as those around you. Those ten to fifteen minutes spent on yourself can help you relax, ease tension, and refresh yourself. That time can help you return to your caregiver tasks with renewed energy and a new perspective.

Is Your Home Feeling Lonely?

It’s a question that many people are asking themselves... First your children moved out, and when they did you may have converted those extra bedrooms into an exercise room, a craft room, the ultimate den or the perfect guest room; but how often do you really use them? Now you may be dealing with the loss of your spouse and those unused rooms are daily reminders that you are living in an empty house.

Comfort Life News Round-Up: Seniors and Sleep

"Why can't I sleep?... Where are those damn sleeping pills..." Believe it or not is a very common statement mumbled by thousands to seniors ever single night. Is it a health problem? Indigestion from dinner? perhaps too much fresh air? Should you be concerned? Sleeping disorders are very common and can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Are Impulse Buys Killing Your Retirement?

How Coffee, Muffins and Lunch Can Add Up to More Gold In Your Golden Years

Men and Depression: Seven Things You Need to Know…Now

Traditionally, men have been reluctant to acknowledge that they’re feeling depressed, and even more unwilling to seek medical help. However, say Todd Patkin and Dr. Howard J. Rankin, depression is not a sign of weakness—it’s a medical condition that men need to know about and watch for. It’s a matter of health!

Comfort Life News Round-up: Senior Jobs

For many of those entering the twilight of their careers, retirement isn't about "throwing in the towel", its about new beginnings. With Boomers living longer and healthier lives than the generation before them, many are using their retirement to do something entrepreneurial they've always wanted... The birth of the Encore Career

Seniors and Sexuality: Enjoying Intimacy and a Healthy Lifestyle

There is the belief that seniors are too old to engage in sexual intimacy or they are undesirable to potential mates. It may be news to many, but it’s time we all realized and rejoiced in the fact the seniors are indeed sexually active well into the Third Age.

Best Prescription For Improving Health

Canadian researchers recently found that when doctors prescribed exercise to older adults who lived inactive lives, positive changes in their health occurred including dramatic decreases in weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as improved blood flow to the heart and brain.

Is living in a retirement home a positive thing?