aging

Why Gut Health Matters – And How to Support It

An artistic and symbolic representation of gut health, featuring a human silhouette with a glowing digestive system. Inside the digestive area, include colorful fruits (like berries, apples, bananas), vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, spinach), whole grains (like oats, quinoa, and brown rice), and a variety of meats (like grilled chicken, salmon, and lean beef). The background should be bright and clean, with natural elements like leaves and water droplets to suggest freshness and vitality. The overall tone should be healthy, balanced, and holistic, emphasizing the importance of a diverse diet for gut health

Your gut is more than just a digestive system – it is a bustling ecosystem of trillions of microbes that play a vital role in your overall health, they are called the gut microbiome. This community, of microbes, includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live primarily in your colon. Although they are tiny, their impact is anything but.

The Gut-Body Connection

A healthy gut microbiome supports your body in several important ways:

  • Digestion and Nutrition Absorption: Gut bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates and fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish your colon and support metabolic function.
  • Immune Function: About 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. A balanced microbiome helps regulate immune responses and protect against harmful pathogens.
  • Mental Health: The gut and brain are closely linked through the gut-brain axis, and often your gut is referred to as your second brain. Some gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and cognitive function.
  • Chronic Disease Prevention: An imbalance gut microbiome has been linked to conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

What Disrupts Gut Health?

Modern lifestyles can throw your gut out of balance. Diets high in processed foods and low in fiber, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and overuse of antibiotics can all reduce microbial diversity and allow harmful bacteria opportunity to thrive.

How to Support a Healthy Gut

Fortunately, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

  • Eat More Fiber: Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables feed beneficial bacteria and promote diversity.
  • Include Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain live cultures that can enhance your microbiome.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity may help increase microbial diversity and reduce inflammation.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: Use them only when prescribed, as they can wipe out both harmful and helpful bacteria.

Your gut health is foundational to your overall well-being. By making mindful choices in your diet and lifestyle, you can cultivate a thriving microbiome that supports everything from digestion to mental clarity. Think of your gut as a garden – how you care for it, and what you feed it determines how well it grows.

Written By: Sofia Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Champaign County

Reviewed By: Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Fairfield County

Celebrating Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month – a time to recognize the contributions of older adults, reflect on aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting older adults. This year, the Administration for Community Living has chosen the theme “Flip the Script on Aging”, to encourage us to rethink how we view, discuss, and approach aging. It’s a call to challenge outdated stereotypes and celebrate the many opportunities of growing older.  There are numerous, valuable programs and resources to help older adults stay healthy, active, and joyful. Here are some services to support senior citizens looking to stay engaged, supported, and thriving!

An older woman dancing with a smile, with the text “Flip the Script on Aging” and the Older Americans Month logo.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The Ohio Department of Aging offers a wonderful program that provides eligible seniors with $50 to spend on locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and raw honey. To qualify,  you must be age 60 or older; live in one of the 80 participating counties, and have a household income that falls within 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can apply online through Homegrown Benefits, where you’ll choose to receive your benefits either on a physical card or through a convenient mobile app. A list of participating vendors and additional resources is available on the Ohio Farmers Market Network’s page.

Local Senior Centers

Community senior centers are an invaluable resource to older adults, offering opportunities for socialization, engaging activities, access to resources, meal services, and much more! Senior Centers are one of the most widely used services for older adults, with more than 11,000 centers serving more than 1 million older adults each day. According to the National Council on Aging, seniors who participate in senior center programs report better health and higher levels of life satisfaction. Senior Center programs have been shown to delay the onset of chronic disease and contribute to meaningful improvements in physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being. Many senior centers also partner with other community organizations to expand their offerings and increase access to services and support.

Area Agency on Aging

In Ohio, there are 12 Regional Area Agencies on Aging covering all 88 counties, providing and coordinating essential support and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. These regional offices lead a wide range of programs, including fall prevention activities, medication safety classes, transportation assistance, caregiver support, and much more! These Agencies also act as a vital link to other community resources, such as Community Action Organizations, Veteran Services, and medical services. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, visit the Ohio Department of Aging website.

These are just a few of the many valuable resources available to senior citizens. Local public libraries also offer a variety of events, classes, and services tailored to older adults. For even more opportunities, consider reaching out to your local extension office or senior center to learn about more programs in your community!

Written by: Zoie Clay, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Lawrence County

Reviewed by: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County

Sources:

Get the Facts on Senior Centers. (2024, August 15). National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-senior-centers/

Ohio Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. (2025, April 16). Ohio Farmers Market Network. https://ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/

Older Americans Month 2025. (2025, April 14). Administration for Community Living. https://acl.gov/oam/2025/older-americans-month-2025

Retirement: Ready or not here it comes.

 
man sitting on a bench

My most recent birthday entered me into a new demographic. I am officially a senior. I have started receiving Medicare enrollment notices, and I have noticed over the last several years high school classmates announcing their retirements. A couple of months ago my younger brother asked me when I was going to retire and told me of his plans in the next couple of years. It has really caused me to think about when is the right time for retirement?

Financially ready? The best time to prepare is when you are closer to the beginning of your career, than the end. Compound interest has time as a part of the equation. One financial planner explained it this way. If a 20-year-old puts $100 dollars per month into a retirement program that averages 8% growth at age 60 they will have over $1,000,000 dollars in that account. If the same person starts at age 40 it takes $1000 per month at 8% until age 60 to have the same amount.

Most of us will need about 75 % of current income for retirement, to maintain current lifestyle. The closer to retirement that one gets, the closer they need to look at income, such as Social Security or retirement plans, savings and investments. What age do these plans require? For example, Social Security can start at age 62, however there is a reduced benefit amount and reduction of benefits with other income. An individual needs to look at current expenses and reduce debt, if possible. Medical care, prescription drugs and those related costs are a huge consideration. For some a part time job after retirement helps with finances in addition to reducing isolation. The cost of living can vary greatly depending on location. Most people look deeply at the finances of retirement, fewer look at some of the other considerations.

Emotionally, is it time to go? According to American Association of Retired People (AARP) there are 8 signs that it is time to retire. Five of them have to do with emotions: Becoming uninterested in the job having no sense of purpose, not wanting to go to work; health is suffering due to stress; feeling burned out causing problems with focusing or temper; technology is causing stress (sorry fellow boomers); desire to try something else like own a business or travel. Another group (Retirely.com) talked about not wanting to get out of bed; not feeling valued at work by younger colleagues. Ideally deciding to retire involves much more than having enough money. Understanding what is going on emotionally can help being ready to retire is important. It’s difficult to move to this next phase at times.

What can I expect after retirement? After retirement it is typical for most people to go through the 4 stages of retirement. The first stage is called the honeymoon stage this often a period of travel. I know a couple that soon after their retirement purchased a motor camper and took other family out west to see the many of their ‘bucket list’ sites. They spent several months touring national parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. I don’t think that they have gone anywhere in it for a couple of years now. Like honeymoons this phase ends usually with in the first year or so. The next phase is the disenchantment phase characterized by feels of ‘lack of purpose’, maybe disappointment with thoughts of ‘is this all that there is?’ The connections with others from work are missed as well. The next phase is the reorientation stage, characterized by people finding renewed purpose in art, hobbies, volunteering, business ventures, family time etc. The final phase is the stability stage, this stage is characterized by again finding purpose, enjoyment and a rhythm to life.  For more on this topic watch the Healthy Aging Network Telecast.

The retirement decision is very individualized. The timing will vary from person to person.  

Written by: Ken Stewart, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Monroe County.

Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County.

You’re Ready to Retire-Now What?

You’re Ready to Retire-Now What?

We spend decades working hard and saving, so our retirement years should be what you envision.  However, preparing financially is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to a happy and fulfilling life in retirement. We also need to plan for the emotional aspects of retirement as well. As we make this transition to retired life, there are several stages that we go through to reach harmony in our newly invented life.

Stage 1 is often referred to as the honeymoon stage or vacation stage. You are finally free from all the obligations and pressures that come with being employed. No more alarm clocks, meetings, or deadlines. You get to do whatever you want all day long. For most people, this is what they envision when they think of retired life. However, honeymoons don’t last forever, and many retirees find themselves moving out of this stage.

Stage 2 is often referred to as the disenchantment stage; when we feel lost and feel a deal of loss. In this stage many people report feeling restless, bored, unfulfilled, and even depressed. Studies show that this is due to a lack of purpose and/or the feeling of significant loss. In this stage, people This stage is also a time that people feel a series of losses that include the loss of routine, loss of their identity, loss of work relationships, loss of sense of purpose, and a loss of feelings of power. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to taking steps to move beyond this stage.

Stage 3 is called the reorientation stage. In this stage, individuals take time to evaluate priorities and work to clarify what can be done to regain a sense of purpose. It is also a time to try new things, find hobbies and rediscover or uncover passions. This stage might include some trial and error, but taking the time to truly evaluate what gives your purpose will allow for the transition into the final stage.

Stage 4 is referred to as the stability stage in retirement. After the initial excitement and the highs and lows of retirement have worn off, people start to find a new normal. This is the time that individuals get to reinvent themselves and settle into new routines that lead to feelings of accomplishment.

Just like planning for financial security in retirement, there should also be retirement for emotional security. The plan should include resources like meaningful activities, social engagements, and a sense of purpose. For more information how to make a smooth transition into retirement, please view our Healthy Aging Network Telecast on this topic.

Written by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

Chamberlin, J. (2014), Retiring Minds Want to Know, American Psychological Association, Vol 45, No. 1

Mitchell, T. (2021), The Retirement Process: A Psychological and Emotional Journey, The University of Washington Retirement Association, Retrieved from: https://www.washington.edu/uwra/terry-mitchell/

Moynes, R. (2017) Squeezing All the Juice Out of Retirement

According to Plan-Finances in Later Life

There is an old adage that states, “Life can’t go according to plan, if you don’t have a plan.” This rings true when you think about later life planning. Planning for later life issues is not only; such planning can give you control of your affairs while you are living and after your death. When preparing for the discussion about later life, one crucial topic to focus on is your finances.

checklist and calculator
Calculator and checklist of finances

When determining the future of your finances, you will want to create a plan so that you know what resources will be available to you and your family. This knowledge will help shape decisions on things such as living arrangements and medical care. One such plan is a retirement income plan, outlining your anticipated income and expenses. To figure out if you will outlive it or not, you should also analyze your nest egg savings. When creating this plan, it is recommended that you hold off on receiving your social security benefits for as long as you can.

Another important aspect is to plan for role reversal. There may come a time when someone else will need to take over the responsibility of paying your bills and managing your assets. Deteriorating health, mobility, and cognition may result in a change in the handling of your finances. Unfortunately, all too often, when a health crisis occurs, an older person is faced with the fear of losing their independence. As a result of this fear, they recant what they previously expressed as their wishes.  This wavering can result in a burden and stress on your loved ones.  It can make them wonder if they are doing what is right for you. This lack of clear communication can also result in turmoil within your family.

As part of your plan, it is recommended that you choose a financial power of attorney. This document allows you to name a trusted person, to handle your financial matters if you become unable to manage them on your own. Durable powers of attorney for finances are mainly preventive documents. If you don’t have them and you become mentally incompetent, a judge will have to appoint someone to manage your finances for you—even if the appointee is unfamiliar with you or your money matters. Ohio Legal Help is an excellent resource with forms to help you designate your financial power of attorney.

It is never too early to start planning for your future. Drafting documents before a crisis occurs, such as advanced directives, can prevent the discomfort of family members and make the end of your life more enjoyable for the entire family.

Written by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

     Ohio Legal Help, Financial Power of Attorney Form, https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/letters-forms/fpoa

     Prosch, T. (2014). The Other Talk: A Guide to Talking with your Adult Children About the Rest of Your Life. United States: McGraw-Hill Education.

     Scholten, G., Bourguignon, S., Delanote, A., Vermeulen, B., Boxem, G.V., & Schoenmakers, B. (2018). Advance directive: does the GP know and address what the patient wants

     Tutt, K. (2022). The Gift of Planning, Retrieved from https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/12/05/the-gift-of-planning/

Muscle Loss and Aging

As aging occurs many experience the loss of strength, power, and balance, but why? The reason is sarcopenia. 

An elderly person sitting with their arms in their lap, hands clasped together

What is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a medical term for muscle loss. This naturally occurring muscle fiber loss starts around the age of 30. Muscle loss may begin at a rate of 3-5% and can gradually increase by 10% per decade. By the age of 80, up to 50% of limb muscle fibers can be lost.

Why is it important to understand muscle loss?

Muscle loss plays a key role in many day-to-day activities from climbing stairs to opening cupboards. Our limb muscles provide us with strength and stability to complete those tasks. Muscle strength is also a key component of balance. Maintaining muscle strength throughout life can prevent falls, the number one accidental cause of death in adults over the age of 65. Muscle strength also helps older adults maintain independence and quality of life.

How can one prevent muscle loss?

Poor diet and physical inactivity are risk factors for sarcopenia. Eating a nutrient-rich diet to support healthy aging and remaining physically active can go a long way toward preventing muscle loss. Although the body needs many nutrients to run efficiently, the following nutrients are specifically useful for preventing muscle loss and promoting healthy aging:

MyPlate
  • Protein – Takes care of cell repair and regeneration
  • Folate / Folic Acid – Decreases risk of dementia, stroke, and heart disease
  • Vitamin B12 – Assists folate to reduce risk of dementia, stroke, and heart disease
  • Vitamin D – Aids in calcium absorption, helps repair the nervous system, and aids the immune system
  • Calcium – Aids in blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction and blood clotting
  • Iron – Transports oxygen through the body, works with folate and vitamin B12 for DNA synthesis and protein transportation
Two older adults doing dancing or doing tai chi in a park

Exercise is important as well. There have been many studies done to determine which types of exercise are most effective for older adults, and Tai Chi has been identified as an effective way to maintain muscle mass because it helps with balance and skeletal strength. Other beneficial activities include swimming, yoga, Pilates, bodyweight training, and cardio training like walking or running. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, and walking 30 minutes five times a week is a good starting place. Exercise routines should be based on your personal needs and your primary care physician’s recommendation. Any activity is better than none!

Written by: Angela Manch, Dietetic Intern, The Ohio State University and Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Franklin County

Reviewed by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Sources:

Acclimate Nutrition (2022). Sarcopenia. https://sites.google.com/view/sarcopeniabasics/home

Fielding, R. (2021). Muscle Loss in Older Adults and What to Do About It. https://now.tufts.edu/2021/02/09/muscle-loss-older-adults-and-what-do-about-it

Lobb, J. (2021). Smart Eating for Healthy Aging. Ohio State University Extension. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ss-207

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition. https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf

Don’t Fall This Fall

Senior woman sitting on carpet and touching forehead with hand

Falls are the leading cause of injury, even fatal injury, among older adults, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 1 in 4 Americans experience at least 1 fall every year, resulting in over 800,000 hospitalizations annually. Unfortunately, the numbers of people dying as a result of falling has been increasing, and researchers predict that by 2030, 168 deadly falls will occur each day in the U.S. 

The topic of falls is something to think and talk about. There are many commonly believed misconceptions about falls that may hinder someone from taking appropriate action that may reduce their risk of falling. For instance, some believe that loss of strength and accompanying falls are a normal part of aging and feel that limiting their activity and staying home will help prevent falls. However, the majority of falls (60%) occur in the home, while only 30% occur in public. Getting regular physical activity helps maintain strength and independence. Living spaces can be made safer by keeping floors free of clutter, making sure handrails and adequate lighting are present in all stairways, and securing rugs with double-sided tape or removing them altogether. Bathrooms can be made safer with the installation of grab bars in the tub/shower and toilet areas. 

Another misconception is that use of an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, will make a person more dependent, but these aids help many adults maintain or improve their mobility, allowing them to move about without assistance from others, even helping them to transport or carry items using a walker storage seat. For optimal benefit and safety, however, it is best for a physical or occupational therapist to provide proper fit and instruction on the use of such devices. 

While loss of balance and decreasing eyesight carry obvious risks for falls, there are other health concerns that require regular attention as well. Older adults should have their hearing and feet checked regularly;  according to John’s Hopkins Medicine, people with even mild hearing loss are 3 times more likely to fall than those with normal hearing. Certain disease states can affect the shape and sensitivity of our feet, possibly requiring special footwear for optimal safety and fit.

The National Council on Aging has set aside September 18th-24th as Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the devastating impact of falls and to increase knowledge of risk factors and actions which can be taken to prevent falls in the first place. They offer an online  “Falls Free CheckUp” tool to help individuals and family members assess fall risk and link them to other resources providing practical ways to help prevent a fall. The first step for most of us is to have a conversation, whether with a loved one we may be worried about or with our own care provider, about fall risks that should be addressed. 

Another practical way to improve mobility and decrease the risk of falling is to take part in Tai Chi for Beginners, a free online class offered Sept 19-Nov 4 through OSU Extension. Register at: https://go.osu.edu/tai-chi-autum2022

Written by Jennifer Little, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Hancock County

Reviewed by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

Sources:

Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls.  NCOA Falls Prevention Week Toolkit.  https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-awareness-week-toolkit.  Accessed 8/31/2022. 

Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.  July 21, 2022.  NCOA Center for Healthy Aging.  https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention.

Falls Prevention Conversation Guide For Caregivers.  June 29, 2021. https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-conversation-guide-for-caregivers. 

Memory Lapse or Something More?

Daughter and Mother Living with Dementia

Do you ever forget where you’ve placed your remote, or just can’t recall the name of acquaintance? When this occurs, do you wonder if you are starting to develop dementia? It’s common to become somewhat more forgetful as you age. The question is, how you can tell whether your memory lapses are part of normal aging or are a symptom of something more serious.

If you are in your 40’s, 50’s or 60’s, you may have noticed that you might need a bit longer to remember things, get distracted more easily or struggle to multi-task as well as you once did. You may worry that these are an early sign of dementia, it is important not to worry too much. While these changes are frustrating at times, they are a part of normal aging.  

By contrast, people with dementia have a loss of memory and other mental function severe enough that it affects their ability to live independently at home, interact is social activities and at work. While some memory loss, such as recall and recognition, is the result of the aging brain, dementia is some type of injury to the brain that goes beyond normal changes. For a variety of reasons, once-healthy neurons (nerve cells) in the brain stop working, lose connections with other brain cells, and die.

Dementia can cause a significant decline in a person’s mental abilities by affecting their capacity for things like memory, thinking and reasoning.

Although people in the earliest stages of dementia often sense the something is wrong, the illness eventually deprives them of the insight necessary to understand their problems. So it’s usually up to a family member or friend to recognize the symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Association,  Know the 10 Signs brochure highlights a list of 10 signs that should not be ignored.

  1. Memory loss that is severe enough to disrupt daily life-for example, asking for information over and over again.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems, such as trouble following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure-for example, trouble driving to a familiar location.
  4. Confusion over time or place.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, including difficulty judging distances and determining color.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing, including difficulty following or joining a conversation.
  7. Putting things in unusual places and being unable to find them again.
  8. Decreased or poor judgement-for example, giving large amounts of money to telemarketers or paying less attention to personal hygiene.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
  10. Changes in mood and personality, including becoming suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.

If after reading this list you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, arrange for a medical evaluation. Making a diagnosis of dementia requires a thorough examination by a physician. Many forms of dementia are not reversible, but early detection provides an opportunity to minimize other medical conditions that may bring on severe dementia symptoms earlier than they might otherwise show.

If you would like to learn more about your memory, please join us at 10a.m. on Wednesdays in May for the Virtual Master of Memory. These four sessions will be offered online. Sessions will include information on memory strategies, nutrition, medications, medical conditions, and exercise for the body and mind.

Sessions are free – but registration is required. You may register here: https://go.osu.edu/masterofmemory

Written by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension-Clark County, tutt.19@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Roseanne Scammahorn, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension-Darke County, scammahorn.5@osu.edu

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dementia-Information-Page

Care for the Caregiver

When you hear the word caregiver, what image comes to mind? Maybe what you see is someone in your family, someone you work with, a friend, or even you.  The reality is approximately 25% of adults in the United States report being a caregiver to someone with a long-term illness or disability in the past 30 days. The caregiving role can look different for everyone. Some people feel that being a caregiver makes them feel good about themselves, has taught them new skills, and has strengthened their relationship with their loved one. However, many people find themselves in a caregiving role that has a negative impact on their financial health, physical health, and mental health. In fact, there is such a concern for caregivers that  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refer to caregiving as a public health priority.

.

In addition to the health of the caregiver, these negative impacts can affect the care that is being given as well. Caregivers who experience compassion fatigue can feel hopeless, resentful, less patient, and lose empathy. They develop a negative view of their caregiving role. To be a good caregiver, you first need to care for yourself. One way to take care of yourself is to have a respite plan. The term respite means to have consistent breaks from your caregiving responsibilities. Respite care can be provided by family, friends, or outside agencies, and the services can range widely. In the January episode of the Healthy Aging Network , Dr. Teresa Young shares the following tips to get started with making a respite plan.

  1. Focus on Strengths – What are the things that have helped you make it through to this point. Is it that you are organized? Is it a sense of humor? Are you flexible?
  2. Determine the needs – Once you know your strengths, the next step is to determine what help you really need. Is it transportation? Could you use help with household chores? Do you just need time away?
  3. Be specific – Make sure to be specific when expressing needs.

For some who are already overwhelmed with responsibilities, the idea of seeking respite or creating a plan can feel like one more task that is added to their plate. Caregivers often lack a respite plan because they simply don’t know where to start. The Ohio State University Extension’s Caregiver Support Network is offering two free webinars on February 17th, 2021. The workshops are open to anyone and will focus on creating a respite plan, sharing caregiving experiences, and sharing resources. To register for the workshop, go to go.osu.edu/caregiver2021. To learn more about the Caregiver Support Network, please contact Laura Akgerman at akgerman.4@osu.edu.

Writer: Kathy Tutt, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Clark County, tutt.19@osu.edu

Reviewer: Emily Marrison, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Coshocton County, marrison.12@osu.edu

References:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) Caregiving for Family and Friends -A Public Health Issue https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/caregiver-brief.html accessed January 2021

Day, J., Anderson, R. Davis, L. (2014) Compassion Fatigue in Adult Daughter Caregivers of a Parent with Dementia, Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Vol 35, Issue 10

Schulz, R., Sherwood, P. (2008) Physical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving. American Journal of Nursing, Sep: Vol 108, Issue 9, pgs. 23-27