Tag: wellbeing

Functional Fitness: Keeping Independent as You Age

senior fitness

Although exercise is no panacea for some of the challenging conditions associated with aging, it’s far and away the best tool we have. Regular physical activity can slow down the loss of muscle mass, help you lose weight, manage your pain, reduce the risk of falls, and help stave off heart disease. Exercise can also… Read more »

Holiday Light: The Beauty of Traditions

Holiday Lights blakeford at green hills

I love seeing all the holiday lights come out. I love the brightly lit trees, the candles, streetlights, storefronts….well, all of it! The lights are especially a welcome sight this time of year. In this part of the world the daytime is short and the nighttime is at its longest. Darkness seems to dominate the… Read more »

Five Important Independent Living Skills for Aging in Place

senior driving independent

Ninety percent of seniors prefer to remain in their own homes during their golden years; however, the reality is that successful independent living requires certain skills. If just one of these vital skills is missing, self-care can be a serious problem, leading to safety, comfort and health issues. Like baking, these ingredients─these skills─combine to help… Read more »

Four Ways to Get Active After a Fall

older woman older man tai chi fall blakeford at green hills

Falls aren’t just painful; they’re scary, too. Then, before we know it, our shaken confidence and fear of falling starts to change our lifestyle. Less gardening, less shopping, less movement. Before we know it, that new “lifestyle of less” snowballs into decline. The reduced amount of activity and mobility leads to muscle weakness and more… Read more »

Secrets of a Brain-Healthy Diet

It’s no secret that what you eat can have a significant effect on the health of your heart. However, there are also foods that can help or hinder your brain. We focus on one brain-healthy food plan that is seeing positive results. The MIND Diet The MIND (Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is… Read more »

How Your Children Can Help You Make Your Decisions

Blakeford at Green Hills photo of senior woman and her adult child

In the many conversations I have with today’s seniors, there is a sense of role reversal when life begins to change. Adult children, however, can be one of the most significant resources in proactively planning for your future. They are the best “sounding board” you could have as you begin to explore the available options…. Read more »

Living with Dementia: A Husband’s Story, Part 2

dementia, blakeford at green hills, dementia society of america

Kevin Jameson’s wife, Ginny, lived with Dementia for several years. During the couple’s journey, Kevin became very knowledgeable of the disease and the need for more resources. In part 2 (read part 1) of our post with Kevin Jameson we explore the mission of the organization he founded, Dementia Society of America, and the power… Read more »

Cultivating Your Purpose: A Spiritual Approach

purpose

I love how one simple letter transforms age to sage. A sage is someone who is venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment and experience. Perhaps that is how we got the saying, “With age comes wisdom.” When I hear those words my mind is filled with images of beautiful stories passed on like golden… Read more »

Fighting Parkinson’s with Boxing Gloves

parkinsons boxing

In 2006, Rock Steady Boxing was founded in Indiana. This unique program featuring intense and high energy workouts has grown across the country. What makes it unique? It’s designed to help Parkinson’s patients fight against the daily battles waged by the disease. Nashville’s Rock Steady program is located at STEPS Fitness in Nashville and headed… Read more »