Author Archives: Karen Everett Watson

About Karen Everett Watson

Karen Everett Watson is a gerontologist and a freelance blogger/journalist. Her parents, grown children and 10 grandchildren keep her busy learning about life while living in the Sacramento Valley with her chickens and dogs.

Helping Loved Ones Remember Who They Are

An older woman and a younger woman looking in the mirror

As our older loved ones experience the changes of later life, it is easy for them to become discouraged about their ability to stay independent and productive. Most of us will experience health issues that make doing what we enjoy harder and the fear of losing our independence can be a blow to our sense […]

Time to Forgive and Heal

Time to Forgive and Heal

Are old family wounds making your caregiving a huge chore and a daily reminder of old hurts? Taking care of an older loved one is a challenge in the best of situations. Chances are they are struggling with health issues and a loss of independence. We all know that just the thoughts of having to […]

How Much Sleep Do Seniors Need?

senior woman sleeping

Many think that older people need more sleep but it’s a misconceived idea. Generally all people need about the same amount of sleep — around 8 hours per night but according to to a Medline Plus article, less time is spent in deep, dreamless sleep, waking up more often during the night and earlier in […]

Time to Get Creative!

Senior woman painting in a park on a sunny day

Do you want to add quality, satisfaction and accomplishment to your life? Well, if you’re in your senior years, the time has never been better! While you may not become a prima ballerina or an Olympic champion, chances are optimum for you to blossom in a new pursuit that will bring you great pleasure. You’re […]

Loneliness Can Kill

Loneliness Can Kill

Aging into our senior years can be a wonderful time of life. We have more time to spend on activities we enjoy with family and friends. However, there are many seniors that find loneliness is their only companion. Studies have found that lonely and isolated seniors have one of the highest rates for dying and […]

Killing the Clutter Before It Kills You

Killing the Clutter, lots of old items stuffed in a garage

Home is a place we enjoy comfort, joy, family and friends, but did you know that it’s one of the most dangerous places for seniors? According to the National Safety Council, home-related deaths in 2021 numbered128,200. Nearly a quarter of the home deaths were due to falls and over half due to poisonings. So, what can […]