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.
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 Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
by Margareta Magnusson
Learn new strategies for decluttering and freeing yourself for all the stuff you have saved. If you don’t want to read the book consider watching the TV show created with the same title (streaming on Peacock)
Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond (Independent Elders, Independent Lives)
by Meika Loe
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.
Why We Sleep
by Matt Walker
This is one of my favorite books. If you are wondering why am I recommending it, let’s just say sleep impacts every area of your life so we should not take it for granted.
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.
A great publication with short, well researched, understandable information on topics that impact Health, nutrition, exercise, safety, sleep etc. This is my favorite monthly publication.
(also available in print)
If you want to remain independent as you age but need supportive services such as rides to different places then look at GoGo Grandparent. It is designed to support those with or without a cell phone and seniors with walkers and wheelchairs.
(855) 464-6872
An Advanced Care planning program to help you talk to loved ones about what matters most. This site has articles, videos, and resources/workbooks available (some for purchase).
The website contains a treasure trove of information focused on women over 60, how to live happy and healthy and financially secure lives. Topics include Aging, Health, Travel, Money, Lifestyle, Mindset, Dating, Relationships, Beauty, Hobbies, and Games.
Be proactive and have important/difficult conversations with your parents.
VISION: Empowering families to become proactive caregivers ready to meet the needs of aging relatives to ensure a safe, socially engaging and inclusive old age
MISSION: Help families develop skills and the confidence to step in as caregivers in order to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of aging relatives
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.
an AI-powered platform that connects seniors and families with vetted, high-quality caregivers, making aging at home more affordable and personalized. Our services include companionship, home care, and non-emergency transportation, enabling seniors to maintain independence while receiving the right level of support. (currently in Massachusetts)
Create your own care plan using the "Who's Your Agent?" program built upon your conversations for simple to serious illnesses. Use a Tool Kit (free) to get started. There are tools to create a Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Comfort Care/Do Not Resuscitate Order, and Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). (These documents should all go into your Life Transition Binder!)
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Helping people share their wishes for care through the end of life.
The Conversation Project® is a public engagement initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The goal is both simple and transformative: to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected.
Other
Traveling Hearts Home Care LLC, based out of Norwood, MA, offers compassionate home care services tailored to meet your personal needs.
(617) 890-9572
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)