Bruce Willis’s wife talks about dementia
Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, has spoken about the “grief and sadness” she feels over her husband’s dementia, as they celebrated his 68th birthday.
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February.
The news came after he developed aphasia, which causes difficulties with speech, last year.
In her post, Heming Willis addressed the loss she feels as she cares for her husband on a regular basis.
“I always get this message where people always tell me, ‘Oh you’re so strong. I don’t know how you do it’,” she said.
“I’m not given a choice. I wish I was but I’m also raising two kids in this.” Emma Willis is going public with her experiences, as the “silver lining or flip side” is that she and the family are appreciative of all the genuine “warmth and love” that fans have given them.“Sometimes in our lives, we have to put our big girl panties on and get to it, and that’s what I’m doing,” she says.
“As much as I do it for myself, I do it for you because I know how much you love my husband.”
Source: bbc.com
Ecophsycholdog: How nature benefits health
A growing body of research points to the beneficial effects that exposure to the natural world has on reducing stress and promoting healing. As a result, policymakers, employers and healthcare providers are considering the human need for time into both planning and operating procedures.
Recently, research done at the University of Exeter found that nature is not only a nice to have but it is a have-to-have. Findings showed that people who spent but two hours a week in green spaces were substantially more likely to report good health and have a stronger sense of well -being regardless of their occupation, ethnic or socioeconomic grouping, previous illnesses and /or disabilities.
The study found the being in nature had robust positive effects on not only physical and mental well-being but also participants emotional health. Findings also showed that as long as people felt safe in nature it had the potential
to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, slow nervous system arousal and enhance immune system function. Time in nature also increased self-esteem improved mood.
Source: Yale environment
12 tips for flying with an older person
A little research helps at the best of times but as we age, there are additional considerations that will help make the flight as smooth as possible.
1) Choose your travel style and destination carefully.
2) What is the real reason for the trip—visit family, vacation or exploring
3) Be realistic and consider energy levels, mobility and luggage
4) Leave yourself plenty of time and consider wheelchair or walker logistics
5) Reserve travel assistance for seniors and any additional costs
6) Access potential health issues and risk factors related to your trip
7) Discuss any dietary needs and personal care items that need to be brought and or ordered at the destination
8) Review parking as well as drop off and pick up logistics
9) Prepare for security checks and pack accordingly
10) Check medication needs and adequate supplies
11) Explore easiest routes and post flight transit options
12) Explain the situation to travel partners and hotels.
Source: Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide
