Relationships

Serendipity, coincidence and romance meet at Ray's Place in Kent each December, as told by Pat O'Connor. ...

Pat O'Connor shares two Christmas memories that still make him chuckle today. Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and this sweet trip down memory lane. ...

Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. The Alzheimer's Association suggests thoughtful and useful gifts for the 6 million people in the early, middle and late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes ideas for the 11 million Americans who serve as unpaid caregivers.  ...

Is your older loved one balking at attending a big holiday gathering? If so, it's time to ask questions, plan ahead and make accommodations so they don't feel overwhelmed. Changes in their hearing, vision, speech, memory, mobility, balance, etc., can cause a reluctance on their part to want to participate. ...

The season of gifting is upon us. For most, our gift- giving behavior is at its peak from the end of November through December. Here is a simple brain-healthy concept that you can readily gift your loved ones this holiday season: the present of your presence. In this blog, we explore the tradition and history of holiday gifts and how gift-giving impacts social connections, memory and brain health.   ...

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. ...