Many people feel lonely and isolated right now due to the social distancing and self quarantining imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic. However, even during more normal times, older adults often deal with these feelings on a regular basis. A recent survey of U.S. adults indicated that almost 50 percent of adults over the age of 65 experience frequent feelings of loneliness. On the whole, human beings are naturally social creatures. Numerous … [Read more...]

We’ve all heard a myriad of statistics about fitness and seniors. For example, studies indicate that more than 80% of adults in the United States do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities and less than 5% of adults participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Most people are well-aware about the importance of staying physically active through all stages of life, so why aren’t older … [Read more...]

Taste is something we often take for granted, but it is one of the five major senses and adds both variety and pleasure to our lives. Unfortunately, with age it is very common to lose the sense of taste for a variety of reasons. According to statistics published by the National Institutes of Health, 20 percent of people in the US over the age of 40 are dealing with some change or loss of taste. Learn more about the root causes and what can be … [Read more...]

According to the US Department of Commerce, US consumers spent more than $517 billion online in 2018, and are expected to spend even more this year. There are several reasons why eCommerce, or online shopping, has become so popular - it offers ease and convenience and a multitude of buying options. Before starting your online shopping journey, read these tips to make the most of your experience. Avoid The Crowds One of the biggest benefits … [Read more...]

The fall and winter seasons bring cooler temperatures and shorter days, which means less natural light. Sunlight (even when diffused behind cloud cover) provides significant health benefits, and having too little natural light can negatively affect a person’s health and well-being. From boosting Vitamin D levels to improving mood, natural light boasts a number of benefits. Here’s a look at the importance of natural light and how to get … [Read more...]

The health of teeth and gums is often a window into overall wellness, and health issues can arise or become exacerbated due to poor dental care. Older adults face unique challenges in this area and should be appropriately diligent about caring for teeth and gums. Similar to the intestinal tract, the mouth contains bacteria although most of it is the good kind that can be protective against pathogens. However, if mouth develops an imbalance of … [Read more...]

Some people regularly take part in some part of organized worship at a church, mosque or synagogue while others prefer to commune with nature or take part in volunteer projects that create a deeper connection with humanity. No matter the place of worship or rituals of practice, spirituality and religion can play a pivotal role in a person’s life. And although the definition of spirituality varies from one person to the next, it often includes a … [Read more...]

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” At Lighthouse we believe this sentiment is true - the key to staying young at heart it to partake in fun activities. Video games, and other types of computer games like electronic versions of chess, puzzles, card games, sudoku and crosswords, are challenging, provide great brain exercise and can be enjoyed at just about any time. … [Read more...]

Enjoyable time out of doors can sometimes be cut short by the arrival of biting mosquitos. In addition to being annoying, mosquitos are actually quite dangerous as they may carry illnesses such as West Nile Virus. In fact, to date, a total of 34 states (including Maryland) have reported cases of West Nile Virus in either people or animals, according to the CDC. Thankfully, there are many preventative measures that may be taken to prevent mosquito … [Read more...]

Nature is fascinating to witness, and throughout the entire year there are ample opportunities to watch nature play out through the lives of the local bird population. Bird watching, or “birding”, is a fulfilling hobby that requires no prerequisite knowledge and minimal equipment. Plus, it can be done virtually anywhere. If you do like to watch birds, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service, some 45 million people … [Read more...]