Kendal at Oberlin Blog

Holiday music and movies,

Colorful lights and ornaments,

Religious and spiritual meetings,

Presents made and bought,

Festive parties and gatherings,

And food every step of the way.

Often during the holidays, we pass over healthy food and forgo good eating habits when confronted with scrumptious appetizers, plentiful buffets, cookie platters galore and festive drinks.  What’s the harm, we think as we overfill a plate with pastry puffs and rich dips, followed with the excuse, I don’t want to be rude, as the host passes around desert trays.

For many of us, the holidays bring out our best as we go the extra mile to make a special gift for a loved one, plan a dinner party for friends or donate money to our favorite charity.

But for con artists, holidays bring out the worst as they look for new and clever ways to prey on our generous spirits, especially those of older adults.

Like every chapter of their lives, Baby Boomers have redefined what it means to work and play, form relationships and find inner peace, and now grow old.

Even our language is undergoing a change as we talk about Boomers. For some Boomers, full retirement age is defined by Social Security as 65, for others 66 or 67. But many “retired” Boomers are or plan to continue working.

It was June 1970, New York City. I had just graduated from a Cincinnati high school and was riding in a taxicab with my friend Mary Gene, heading to Star Lake Camp for a summer job.

The radio was on:  

We know the value of an annual physical. After reviewing blood and urine samples, taking our blood pressure, administering an EKG and other tests, our doctor can give us a good picture of our physical health.  

But what about our brain health?

A vegetarian diet is not for everyone. But is there a benefit to considering just one day per week when you do not eat meat? A number of organizations are introducing the concept of “Meatless Monday” as an option for healthier eating… and maybe a healthier planet.

Megan Caracciolo was looking for a meaningful internship that would further her college studies in gerontology.

Retired geriatric physician Lal Arora was looking for a meaningful opportunity to use his expertise.

Kendal at Oberlin residents are a creative bunch, and the biennial “Kendal Creates” celebrates their collective creativity.

They are photographers, painters and potters, woodworkers and fiber artists, and more.

Spring has finally arrived in Northern Ohio, which means it’s (finally) time to head outdoors and get some exercise in the warm fresh air.

One of the easiest ways to get moving is to walk or run. The blooming trees, chirping birds and sunshine can make the activity feel less like exercise and more like an enjoyable activity.

We are expected to live longer. Good news, yes, but aging comes with many challenges and fears, chief among them is an increased risk of developing dementia.

With that in mind, here’s how one Kendal committee helps residents learn about Alzheimer’s and dementia.