Relationships

Getting together with extended family you see just once or twice a year can be both good and bad at the same time. Let's start with the bad; political discussions, rude questions about your personal life, criticism about your looks—the list of uncomfortable topics is nearly endless. The good part? Catching up with beloved family members, sharing stories, and meeting new babies and new spouses-to-be. But according to a Cleveland Clinic doctor, maybe we should add a bit of detective work to that the next family gathering. ...

Researchers have found that people who volunteer and socialize lead longer, healthier, happier lives. Connect with an older adult in your life who may be alone this season. If you’re alone, reach out to someone. You can enrich your holiday and help others in simple ways, often from the comfort of your own home. ...

What better way to pass a winter's day than making gingerbread men with the grandkids? Our columnist tells us how to have a sweet time with this sweet treat. ...

It requires thoughtful preparation to help an older loved one enjoy the holidays safely. Creating opportunities for a loved one with some changes in functioning so they can enjoy time with friends and family is a gift to all. ...

Multitasking can be exhausting for anyone. But heightened levels of multitasking during the holidays may prove utterly overwhelming for an older family member who used to 'do it all' for everyone else. ...

It's time to have great fun in a great pumpkin patch with your grandchildren. Help your grandchild pick out their special pumpkin from that perfect pumpkin patch in Northeast Ohio. Walking up and down the paths of pumpkins in a vast field while stopping to check out a pumpkin is good old-fashioned fall fun. ...

Some people with dementia have difficulties controlling their emotions, and their personalities may change. As dementias progress, individuals are often challenged with communication skills and can have difficulty or lose the ability to express themselves. Too often, pain and discomfort are overlooked and quickly labeled as “behaviors” due to dementia. Take time to decode these behaviors to understand and resolve unmet needs.  ...

The following story is the last of a three-part series on elder abuse. Previously, we defined the issue with facts and numbers, and then introduced you to people whose loved ones have experienced financial abuse. Now, we offer a roadmap and action plan for victims and their families. ...