Freddie Felder noticed changes in his wife’s behavior in 2018. As her condition slowly deteriorated, Freddie sought answers. Finally, doctors diagnosed Cynthia, Freddie’s wife of 55 years, with a form of dementia. As Cynthia’s lone caregiver, Freddie was at a loss for how to care for his wife into an uncertain future. Freddie sought help from Senior Connections Center, Inc., and received a referral to Empath LIFE (Living Independence for...
Guide Provides Trusted, Up-to-Date Information on Where, When, How to Vote With the 2024 election approaching, AARP Florida is calling on voters aged 50 and older to ensure their voices are heard and their votes make an impact on critical issues. Key topics affecting older Floridians include supporting family caregivers and safeguarding Social Security. To help voters stay informed, AARP Florida’s voter guide is now available online at aarp.org/FLVOTE, providing...
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) poses a profound challenge not only for those diagnosed but also for their caregivers. As a caregiver, staying informed about the latest research, advancements in clinical treatments, and understanding genetic factors can significantly enhance the quality of care provided. Here’s a comprehensive overview that caregivers might find valuable. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually,...
Yours, Truly is a program that provides those with Parkinson’s disease an opportunity to learn more about the nonmotor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and lend their voice to join those speaking out to raise awareness. By showcasing the stories of those impacted by this condition, the program aims to inspire others in the Parkinson’s community to share their own experiences and encourage others to speak out. Parkinson’s disease affects about...
Dr. Martine Extermann Moffitt Cancer Center’s Senior Adult Oncology Program is working to afford the best treatment opportunities for all cancer patients, especially if they are older. A 75-year-old woman in the United States has on average 15 years to live, and an 80-year-old in this country has a 40% chance of living to 90. “My elderly patients are surprised to hear that if they have cancer or metastatic cancer, it’s...
I read a book this year on how to make friends. It sounds silly, but the most important takeaway was that we’re meant to do life with others – family, friends, spouses, colleagues, and people in our community. It seems like an obvious takeaway, but if it was, I don’t think as many people would feel as lonely as they are. If you’ve ever felt lonely, you’re not alone –...
By Steven Ruiz, Humana Central and North Florida Medicare President As inflation causes us all to stretch our dollars, the majority of Americans – including Florida residents – are likely focused on finding the best prices without sacrificing quality. Healthcare can be expensive, so picking the right insurance plan that meets your individual or family needs can be critical to maintaining a balanced budget. Right now – during the Annual...
At Suncoast, we believe that older people deserve to live their golden years with dignity and respect. That’s why we have a team dedicated to advocacy and support for the financial well-being of our members and their families. Donna Moses is an integral part of this team, serving as lead member victim advocate. Donna leads Suncoast’s efforts to prevent financial exploitation through community outreach and education. If a member is...
June marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until November 30. NOAA predicted an“above normal” season and forecasts 21 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes. Six of those could reach Category 3 or higher. AARP Florida is your fierce advocate, there with resources to help you prepare for all aspects of your life, including natural disasters. We know it is not a matter of “if” Florida...
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month – a time to bring greater attention to Parkinson’s and its associated symptoms while encouraging and empowering those impacted to share their experiences. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive central nervous system disorder that affects about one million people in the United States.[1],[2] Signs and symptoms can vary with people experiencing both motor symptoms (such as bradykinesia, resting tremors, rigidity and balance) and lesser-known non-motor...