• Kapok

    Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: The Impacts of Discrimination on LGBTQ Seniors

    This article is excerpted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources. You can listen to my conversation with Angelica here. – Mark/Editor

    By Angelica Herrera Venson,DrPH, MPH

    Angelica Herrera Venson

    There are currently more than 9 million people in the United States that place themselves in the category of LGTBQ. That’s no small number.

    Of these, 2.7 million are around the age of 50, and another 1.1 million are 65 years of age or older. It is expected that this number will double over the next three decades.

    Many LGTBQ individuals have faced discrimination, in one form or another, throughout their lives. Older LGTBQ seniors come from a generation that isn’t known for inclusivity. Some may have hidden parts of their identity or preferences in an attempt to fit in with the world around them.

    Older LGTBQ individuals continue to be underrepresented in the media and even Pride parades. They’ve faced many challenges throughout their lives, some of which may influence their physical and mental health.

  • Kapok

    Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: Working in Older Age – The Benefits and Drawbacks

    This article is excerpted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources. You can listen to my conversation with Angelica here. – Mark/Editor

    By Angelica Herrera Venson,DrPH, MPH

    Angelica Herrera Venson

    A question that often weighs heavily on the minds of a growing number of seniors is whether they need work in their old age. For some people, retirement cannot come soon enough, especially if they have a stressful or physical job. But, for others, retirement may be less attractive.

    So, should you continue to work as you age?

  • Kapok,  LGBTSR

    Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: Holistic Pain Management for Seniors

    This article is excerpted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources. You can listen to my conversation with Angelica here. – Mark/Editor

    By Angelica Herrera Venson,DrPH, MPH

    Angelica Herrera Venson

    Pain is a serious problem for many seniors and caregivers. When Western medicine fails us, or is out of reach financially, the pain can drive many of us to explore alternative forms of therapy. Indeed, holistic pain management for seniors can be a powerful tool, where you are combining multiple approaches for reducing and managing your pain.

    However, before you do that, make sure you understand the strength of the science behind these options and the limitations of what they can and cannot treat. You should also be aware of the risks, along with when such techniques might not be suitable.