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 […]

Family Fights Over Caring for Mom & Dad? Call in the Mediator!

senior woman sad with adult caregiver

According to a 2020 AARP research report, ” caregiving for older adults (defined as those ages 50 or older) has increased by 7.6 million caregivers since 2015, with 1 in 6 Americans now providing care to someone age 50 or older. This equates to nearly 42 million adults caring for someone age 50 or older […]

Shots Are for Seniors Too! Recommended Vaccinations for Older Adults

Senior Woman Getting a Shot

Staying healthy takes a lot of work especially when you get older. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, good eating habits, proper rest and even a good social network, but now that list includes getting your vaccinations. According to US Department of Health and Human Services, older people should talk to their doctor about the […]

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 […]

Elders and Children – The Perfect Combination

Older man reading to two young girls

If you’re anything like me, some of your fondest memories are those of spending time with a grandparent. I can still remember the special smells coming from my granny’s kitchen as I tried to climb out of her feather bed early in the morning. I loved to visit her garden and was amazed how it […]

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 […]