Mary O'Connor

For better or worse the vows said are taken seriously even when catastrophic illness hits the family. When the dementia symptoms begin to take place the first response from the person themselves and their spouse is to deny or minimize the situation. Second, they hope they can somehow or another find a doctor who will prescribe some medication to slow down the process or make it go away. One woman recalled how her husband was so irritable when he found himself coping with memory loss. He had...

Research indicates that maintaining connections as we age enhances both our physical and mental well-being. Dr. Amit Shah, a geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, notes from his experience that factors often believed to be crucial for successful aging, like family longevity or absence of physical illnesses, do not necessarily ensure a positive aging experience. "What seems to matter most is the quality, duration, and nature of your relationships," he states. Dr. Shah highlights that...

When I decided to get my dog, it was my second golden retriever. I found Bailey online and brought my grandson with me to get him and hold him while I drove. Bailey was only 2 months old at the time. The first few weeks were challenging, but now he is eight and my best friend. He tells me when it is lunchtime and when we need to go for a walk. I try to keep his ears cleaned out and feed him every day. The best part of having a pet is the silent company they keep. They depend on us and at this...