Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag’s history that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14, 1777. During the Revolutionary War, colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles—and slogans—”Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to…
Understanding how the five senses change as we age can help all of us make accommodations that allow aging family and friends to get more satisfaction out of life. As much as we want an elder person to enjoy a meal with us or observe and take part in what we are seeing or talking…
May is Older American’s Month and this year will focus on how older adults can remain independent and active in their communities for as long as possible. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty…
This Monday, April 18 is Patriot’s Day – a unique secular holiday that is a source of great pride in Massachusetts. Patriot’s Day has origins here that go back to the very early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, according to Bridgewater State University history professor Bill Hanna and it used to be known as…
Stress and the Elderly: April is Stress Awareness Month. Most of us see and feel stress but studies have shown how stress plays a larger role among the elderly when it comes to our cognitive abilities. There is increasing evidence of a connection between chronic stress and Alzheimer’s, as well as cognitive symptoms that stem…
The Benefits of Flowers on Mental Health in Seniors: Those of us looking forward to spring are well aware that flowers are an instant mood-enhancer and provide greater happiness both in the present and long-term. But in case we want any additional proof of the power of flowers, we only need to look at the…
March 1 marks the start of Women’s History Month, and there are plenty of ways for senior women to celebrate and explore the stories behind the well-known trailblazers, fighters, and those who persisted. The Brookhouse Home is an historic home for aged women located in a 19th century stately home on the Salem waterfront. It…
One of the more common problems as we age is that for the elderly, is that many find that they subtly begin to lose their sense of taste. Further, a dulled sense of smell can hinder taste as well. Needless to say, this, too, is a common problem in the elderly and we tend to…
As more and more elderly people have adapted to different aspects of modern technology, researchers have found that tech companies themselves have fallen short in making laptops, phones, tablets et al more user-friendly for senior citizens. It is estimated that 96% of seniors over the age of 67 may own a smartphone, but a good…
During the winter months, ice, snow, and cold temperatures can make life challenging for everyone, especially for the elderly population. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, especially in climates like ours. At the Brookhouse Home, we have the benefit of a cozy home but we all have…