Resources
Below are books and articles and websites you might find interesting
Books
Eightysomethings: A practical Guide to Letting go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness
by Katharine Esty
A wonderful book for both family members and seniors to learn what it is like to be in your 80's. There are great conversation starters included with every chapter.
Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond (Independent Elders, Independent Lives)
by Meika Loe
The Complete Eldercare Planner
by Joy Loverde
A step-by-step guide to help prepare for eldercare. There are some planning tools to support the huge amount of information provided.
Being Mortal
by Atul Gawande
An incredible book that helps to remind us that medicine helps us live longer, but not necessarily the way we want, or dreamed of living. Through patient stories we learn that seniors are alive but they are not living and their wishes are not being heard, because no one takes the time to engage with them or listen to them.
The 36 hour day - A family guide to caring for People who have Alzheimers Disease and other Dementias
by Nancy Mace, MA and Peter Rabins, MD, MPH
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This book is a comprehensive guide for families supporting loved ones with Dementia. While this book addresses the medical concerns, and medications that are available to minimize symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, the focus of the book is on the everyday concerns on how to best support your loved ones. The topics are clearly broken down and easy to understand with great relatable examples to help demonstrate options that are available and what to avoid.
Podcasts
This is my preferred podcast. The host interviews experts across all fields and discusses different aspects of the aging process. It’s educational, provides resources and practical tips, with no ads.
Important topics are covered that are applicable to all seniors. While there are ads, the content is to the point and short. If you don’t have a lot of time, these podcasts offer valuable and offer insightful information.
Websites
A new website still not complete, but it looks promising. So far there are some video tips and product ideas that are valuable for seniors.
Empowering People To Choose How They Live As They Age. Expand Your Possibilities. Travel Discounts, Health Tips, Games And Financial Resources. Find Benefits Right For You. Retirement Planning.
Other
Senior Centers
Reach out to your local senior center, they are staffed with caring people who want to help you. They offer incredible programs for seniors and a network of local, trusted resources. Many senior centers offer the services listed below:
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Support groups and services (Caregivers support groups or bereavement support groups)
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Tax assistance
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Meal support
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Health and wellness screening – blood pressure screening and vaccinations
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Outreach and counseling services
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Tech support
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Medical equipment loans
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SHINE counselors who help you understand Medicare and the different insurance options available to you in Massachusetts (Check out SHIP for other states)