According to the American Psychological Association, 80 percent of Americans die in hospitals or other institutional settings. However, physicians often have a much different view of end-of-life care than family members or the patients themselves. Doctors don’t always have expertise in emotional support or symptom management. Talking about dying is taboo even for professionals. The … Read more
The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is exploding, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The worldwide costs associated with caring for patients with the disease are estimated to total more than $600 billion. One in nine American seniors over age 65 have the disease, and 16 million more Americans will be diagnosed by 2050 if … Read more
Researchers have found that interaction with pets can lower blood pressure as much as some medications. Therapy animals have also been shown to reduce anxiety, improve cardiovascular health and reduce psychological stress. Animals have worked alongside people for centuries whether or not they’ve been in the health care industry. According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, some … Read more
The United Nations reports that population aging is at the highest level ever seen in human history. Fertility rates are declining while life expectancy is increasing. Population ageing is a global trend that will not reverse itself in our lifetime. That’s one of the reasons that intergenerational learning is becoming more important. Formal programs that … Read more