Source article: https://www.saintlukeskc.org/about/news/gentle-exercises-cold-days#

This webpage from Saint Luke's Health System promotes gentle exercises for older adults during winter. It suggests simple at-home activities like chair stretches and light strength training to improve physical and mental well-being.

The article also highlights the importance of staying active to combat the "winter blues" and prevent isolation. Finally, it advertises Saint Luke's Senior Life Solutions programs for those experiencing age-related depression or anxiety. Contact information for these programs is provided.

Originating article: https://www.hrdive.com/news/is-caregiving-leave-the-next-frontier-for-paid-time-off/738074/

Caregiver leave is becoming an increasingly important topic for companies to address, as many workers find themselves in the "sandwich generation," caring for both young children and aging parents.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of caregiver leave:

• The Need for Caregiver Leave: Many workers, particularly those in the sandwich generation, spend a significant amount of time, approximately 50 hours per week, on caregiving. This situation can lead to stress and strain, causing employees to need time off to care for themselves in addition to their caregiving duties.
• Current Legal Framework: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid, protected leave to care for a family member or manage a personal illness. However, this may not be sufficient to address the needs of caregivers.
• Company Responses and Trends:
  • Companies are beginning to look at improving caregiver leave options as they have made progress on parental leave.
  • Many companies are moving towards more flexible and customized benefits and leave policies to accommodate workers. This could include flexible work arrangements, such as adjusting schedules for doctor's appointments or working remotely.
  • Companies are finding that planning for leave is better than dealing with unexpected absences.
• Benefits of Supporting Caregivers:
  • Offering flexible work arrangements and leave can help alleviate stress on employees.
  • It can also reduce the impact on the business by decreasing unexpected absences.
  • Providing caregiving leave is also seen as a matter of equity among employees.
• Legislative Developments:
  • Some states are taking steps to protect caregivers from employment discrimination. For example, as of January 1, 2025, Illinois protects caregivers from employment discrimination in areas such as recruitment, hiring, and promotion. This legislation is seen as a leader in worker protection for family responsibilities.
• Communication is Key: Open communication between employers and employees is essential to finding solutions that work for both parties. Understanding employee needs and working to meet them can lead to positive outcomes for all.
• Beyond Caregiver Leave: Companies are also considering other leave policies such as expanded parental leave, "pawternity" leave and paid leave for military spouses.

In summary, caregiver leave is an emerging area of focus for companies, with many seeking to better support their employees who are balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. This includes offering flexible work options and better leave policies that can benefit both employees and employers.

Source article: https://happiful.com/sandwich-carers-more-likely-to-experience-a-decline-in-mental-health-and-physical-health

In this episode , the cited UK article explores the unique challenges faced by "sandwich carers"—individuals juggling the responsibilities of caring for both young children and aging relatives. With over 1.3 million people in the UK taking on this dual caregiving role, new research from University College London reveals the toll it takes on their mental and physical health, particularly for those providing extensive unpaid care. It also discusses the financial, emotional, and professional pressures they face, along with practical tips to find support, access resources, and prioritize self-care.

Tune in to learn how sandwich carers can navigate these demanding roles while maintaining their well-being.

Main Themes:

• Challenges of grocery shopping for people with limited mobility: The document highlights the difficulties individuals with mobility issues face while grocery shopping, emphasizing tasks like bending, reaching, and carrying heavy bags.
• Strategies and tools to improve accessibility: The briefing doc focuses on various tools and strategies to enhance the shopping experience for people with mobility challenges, ranging from in-store assistance to utilizing assistive devices.
• Kroger Boost program as a solution: The document presents Kroger Boost as a potential solution for seniors and individuals with mobility limitations, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

Challenges:

• Grocery shopping requires a significant amount of physical exertion, posing challenges for people with limited mobility.
• Older shoppers and individuals with disabilities may face additional difficulties in navigating stores and handling groceries.

Solutions:

In-store strategies:

• Customer service assistance: Seek help from store employees for retrieving items and carrying groceries.
• Mobility scooters and carts: Utilize available in-store mobility aids for easier navigation.
• Non-peak hours shopping: Shop during less crowded times to avoid tight spaces and ensure better assistance availability.

Assistive devices and tools:

• Extender grabbers: Essential for reaching high or low shelves without straining.
• Backpacks: Offer a hands-free carrying solution for lighter loads.
• Grocery bag holders: Facilitate carrying multiple bags at once.
• Dolly carts: Ideal for transporting heavier groceries, with options for stair climbing.
• Baskets: Provide a convenient way to carry items within the store and to the car.
• Specialized shopping bags: Lotus Trolley Bags for organized cart loading and easy transport, foldable bags for sturdiness, mesh produce bags for easy access.
• Cup and phone holders: Attach to carts or walkers to free up hands.

Kroger Boost Program:

• Subscription service offering free delivery and fuel savings: Available in two tiers: Boost by Kroger Plus ($59/year for next-day delivery) and Boost by Kroger Premium ($99/year for same-day delivery).
• Benefits for older adults: Increased convenience and accessibility due to free delivery, eliminates the need for physical store visits, consistent access to fresh groceries.
• Challenges: Limited availability in certain areas, potential difficulties for seniors unfamiliar with online ordering platforms.

Key Quotes:

• Cathy Ellis, retired physical therapist: "Grocery shopping can have extra challenges for older shoppers and folks with limited mobility... [suggesting] going to customer service to ask for assistance when grocery shopping in person and utilizing the mobility scooters or motorized shopping carts available for use."
• Jim Wynne, Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist: "... recommends finding out when your store is less crowded and grocery shopping at non-peak hours... fewer people and carts in the aisle can give you more room to safely move around without feeling rushed or pushed."

Article Source:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/products-grocery-shopping-easier-older-adults-limited-mobility_l_677ecdb3e4b018662a3babd4

Source Article: https://woc1420.iheart.com/featured/woc-am-local-news/content/2025-01-15-illinois-changing-driving-test-rules-for-seniors/

Illinois lawmakers are debating the proposed Road Safety Fairness Act, which aims to raise the age for mandatory driving skills re-tests for seniors from 79 to 87. Supporters highlight lower crash rates among older drivers, while opponents argue the extended gap between tests could pose safety risks. Join us as we unpack both sides of this controversial proposal and its potential impact on road safety.

A summary of 3 articles on the topic of assisted living for older adults.

When is it time to consider this option. How technology can help not only residents but also staff at assisted living communities.

Article Sources:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/3-signs-aging-loved-one-may-ready-assisted-living

https://www.care.com/c/how-to-talk-to-a-parent-about-moving-long-term-care/

https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/smartphone-technology-helps-therapists-prevent-falls-in-senior-living-residents/

Article Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/01/15/tim-cook-talks-wine-chocolate-and-how-apple-watch-saved-his-father

In this episode, we dive into a personal interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook on the "Table Manners" podcast. Cook shares how the Apple Watch's fall detection feature saved his father's life, offering a touching story that bridges his personal and professional worlds.

He also opens up about his love for food, from his favorite Palo Alto restaurant to the global cuisine served at Apple Park's Cafe Macs. Plus, hear about the unique jam made from Apple Park's own trees, his thoughts on chocolate, and how Apple's work-from-home policies have evolved post-COVID. A fascinating glimpse into the life of one of tech's most influential leaders!

Source: https://www.uchealth.org/today/advice-for-aging-in-place-safely-stay-in-your-home-as-long-as-possible/

This article from UCHealth Today provides advice on aging in place, focusing on how older adults can safely remain in their homes as they age. It emphasizes proactive planning for safety, health needs, and home modifications. Experts discuss the importance of considering various factors, including physical accessibility, support systems, and financial resources. The article offers practical tips for creating a fall-proof home and maintaining social engagement to support successful aging in place, along with suggestions for available community resources and financial assistance programs. Ultimately, the article advocates for early planning and open communication with family and healthcare providers.