Author: Admin01

Many individuals are finding themselves grappling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 virus. Dubbed “long haulers,” these individuals experience lingering symptoms that can persist for months, affecting their overall quality of life. For women over 60, managing these symptoms can be especially challenging. Fortunately, essential oils offer a natural and holistic approach to support health and well-being during this difficult time.

Understanding Long Covid

Long Covid, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute infection has been resolved. Symptoms can vary widely and may include fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, joint pain, and respiratory issues. For older women, addressing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and active lifestyle.

The Power of Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma and therapeutic properties of their source. They have been used for centuries in various cultures for their healing benefits. When inhaled or applied topically, essential oils can promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Here are some essential oils that may offer support for long hauler symptoms:

1. Lavender Oil

Renowned for its calming properties, lavender essential oil is an excellent choice for those experiencing anxiety or sleep disturbances. Its soothing aroma can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Consider adding a few drops of lavender oil to your evening routine – whether in a warm bath or in a diffuser – to help ease anxiety and enhance sleep quality.

2. Peppermint Oil

If fatigue and brain fog are persistent issues, peppermint essential oil can provide a refreshing boost. Its invigorating scent can enhance mental clarity and focus, making it beneficial for those struggling with cognitive functions. Inhale peppermint oil directly from the bottle or apply a diluted version to your temples for a revitalizing effect.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

For those experiencing respiratory issues or congestion, eucalyptus oil is a powerful ally. Its decongestant properties can help open up airways and promote easier breathing. Consider using eucalyptus in a steam inhalation or adding it to a diffuser during cold evenings to create a soothing atmosphere.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is well-known for its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for supporting the immune system. For long haulers, maintaining immune health is essential. Consider using tea tree oil in a homemade hand sanitizer or as a topical application (diluted with a carrier oil) to help ward off infections.

5. Lemon Oil

The uplifting scent of lemon essential oil can help combat feelings of sadness or fatigue. Its zesty aroma is invigorating and can enhance mood. Add a few drops of lemon oil to your favorite cleaning products or diffuser to create a refreshing and energizing environment.

6. Frankincense Oil

Often referred to as the “king of oils,” frankincense has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. For long haulers experiencing joint pain or inflammation, frankincense oil may provide relief. Dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to affected areas, or add it to a warm bath to promote relaxation and reduce discomfort.

Incorporating Essential Oils into Your Routine

Adding essential oils to your daily routine can be easy and enjoyable. Here are some practical ways to incorporate them into your life:

Diffusion

Use an essential oil diffuser to fill your living space with calming or invigorating scents, depending on your needs. 

Topical Application

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) before applying them to your skin. A 2-3% dilution is generally safe for most adults. 

Bathing

Enhance your bath with a few drops of essential oils for a spa-like experience. This can help relieve tension and promote relaxation.

Inhalation

Simply inhale oils directly from the bottle or apply them to a cotton ball and keep them nearby.

Safety Precautions

While essential oils are generally safe, it’s important to use them correctly, especially for older adults or those with underlying health conditions. Here are some safety tips:

Consult Your Doctor

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Patch Test

Before using a new essential oil topically, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.

Choose High Quality Tested Oils

Opt for high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources like Grow Out Oils Clinical Aromatherapy Company. Our oils are 100% pure and free from synthetic additives, heavy metals, artificial chemicals or dyes. Each oil goes through Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, GCMS, which is the gold standard in the chemical analysis of essential oils.

Conclusion

For women over 60 navigating the challenges of Covid-19 long hauler symptoms, essential oils can offer a gentle yet effective way to enhance health and wellness. By integrating these natural remedies into your daily routine, you can support your body and mind as you work towards recovery. As you embark on this journey, remember to prioritize your well-being, listen to your body, and embrace the healing power of nature. With the right tools, you can reclaim your quality of life and thrive in this new chapter.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced Covid-19 long hauler symptoms? What were they like for you? How have you dealt with them and did you know that essential oils could help you with faster recovery?

As caregivers, we often search for ways to help our loved ones preserve their independence and sense of self – especially when signs of cognitive decline begin to show. A groundbreaking new study gives us practical hope.

The U.S. POINTER trial, one of the largest and most diverse Alzheimer’s prevention studies in the United States, has shown that everyday lifestyle changes – improving diet, increasing movement, staying mentally engaged, and tracking health – can actually slow cognitive decline in people aged 60 to 79 who are at risk for dementia.

Here’s what family caregivers need to know.

1. Make Movement a Daily Ritual – Together

The study’s structured group showed the most benefit by engaging in regular, goal-driven movement: 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, plus strength training and flexibility work. But for family caregivers, it doesn’t need to be complicated.

• Go for daily walks or dance in the kitchen. The science behind music is becoming well-established. It promotes wellness and can calm agitated loved ones.
• Try chair yoga or resistance bands together while watching a favorite show.
• Set small goals (like 10 minutes a day) and celebrate wins – maybe with a shared playlist – afterward.

2. Cook with the MIND Diet in Mind

The U.S. POINTER trial used the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, and olive oil – while limiting red meat, sweets, and fried food.

• You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with adding a green veggie to lunch or swapping dessert for fresh berries.
• Try cooking together – it’s not only nutritious but also mentally stimulating and a great time to bond.
• Add music to your kitchen routine. Studies show that music increases focus, even in people living with dementia.

3. Keep the Brain Busy – But Joyfully

Mental stimulation in the study came from digital brain games and educational engagement. You can go beyond screens:

• Do puzzles together. Read aloud. Play cards.
• Learn something new – whether it’s a hobby, language, or recipe.
• And here’s where music becomes your superpower.

Music taps into long-term memory even as short-term memory fades. That’s why tools like Sage Stream – a live, interactive concert streaming platform for older adults – are so powerful. You and your loved one can create a “Life Playlist” of meaningful songs and join concerts where professional musicians sing your story back to you in real time.

Music isn’t just entertainment. It improves mood, sharpens focus, and evokes personal memories that can lead to meaningful conversations and emotional connection. You can even use a playlist to anchor daily routines, like using a specific tune to cue exercise, meals, or bedtime.

4. Monitor the Basics

The U.S. POINTER program included regular check-ins for blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar. As a family caregiver, you can:

• Use a weekly routine to check blood pressure or weigh in.
• Track energy, sleep, or mood patterns in a simple journal.
• Share this info with your loved one’s healthcare provider to help personalize care.

5. Build a Rhythm of Support

One major takeaway from the study? Structure matters. The participants who received group support and accountability improved more than those who didn’t. As a caregiver, you can’t do it all alone – but you don’t have to.

• Invite friends or neighbors for regular “movement and music” dates.
• Join a local support group or attend virtual events through platforms like Sage Stream.
• Encourage other family members to share in activities or contribute to the “life playlist.”

Caregiving That Feeds the Soul – Yours Too

Caregiving is a labor of love, but it can also feel overwhelming. This research offers more than just hope – it gives you a blueprint for daily living that’s doable, meaningful, and joyful.

Using music as a therapeutic anchor, embracing small daily habits, and creating shared experiences can not only protect your loved one’s cognitive health – it can protect your bond, too.

You don’t need a clinical trial to start. You just need a song, a walk, a meal, and a little bit of love.

To learn more about integrating music into caregiving, visit Sage Stream and explore how you can create your loved one’s Life Playlist today.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you concerned about memory loss for yourself or a loved one? What information have you found that has helped you improve your memory?

I’ve been thinking lately about how many of us have a longing or desire that has either been put on pause, pushed aside, or temporarily or permanently forgotten. Or talents, abilities, and skills that are just waiting to be discovered.

For instance, I recently heard a story of a woman who didn’t discover her talent for drawing until she was in her 80s, and now she has people lining up to buy her work. American folk artist, Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until the age of 78. Julia Child didn’t start learning to cook until she was 40. Louise Hay, self-help author and publisher founded Hay House at the age of 58! Heck, I didn’t start my podcast, Loving Later Life, until I was over 60.

Not Too Late

One theme that is a constant thread in my podcast is that it’s not too late. It’s never too late to pursue a passion or learn new skills. It’s not too late to try, to do, to make something happen that is pulling at you, that won’t leave your heart and mind alone. Something that keeps nagging at you saying, I wish I could, I wish I had, I’d really like to [……] fill in the blank.

Or maybe something is calling to you that you never had any interest in before.

So why not try it? Why not do it?

The reason? We all manage to come up with many!

Do any of the following sound familiar?…

• It’s too risky.
• I’m too old.
• People would think I’m nuts.
• I’m afraid to “fail.”
• I don’t have the time.
• I missed my window of opportunity.
• I tried before and it didn’t go well.

Remember, please, that the number one regret of the dying is not what they did do, but what they didn’t do.

Listen to your inner knowing, perhaps it’s even your younger self who is still in there.

That Voice: Listen to It

When I was about 24 years old, I saw a speaker who revved my engine so much so that I wrote to them asking if I could have a conversation with them about public speaking. I never heard back from them but to this day, I can still picture sitting there thinking, I want to do that.

Fast forward 41 years, and I will be doing it. An hour-long keynote, and my brain is fighting me big time, trying its best to convince me in a multitude of ways (some quite valid, by the way), that maybe I’ve taken on more than I should have at this time.

I’ve been on stage in many different venues and in many ways speaking and performing, but an hour-long keynote is a first, and it won’t be the last.

There is a quote from Paulo Coelho, “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.”

What Are We Waiting For?

I think I can safely say that we’ve all had a recent conversation about how fast time is going. Am I right? Something like, I can’t believe it’s almost Fall!

Here’s the thing: time is going to keep tick-tocking no matter what, so what exactly are we afraid of happening if we try whatever it is?

So what if we try something and we don’t like it or discover we’re not good at it? Honestly, who cares if we fail fabulously or “succeed”?

Time is going to pass regardless, so why does the outcome matter so much?

And what, pray tell, qualifies as successful anyway? I believe we’ve grown up in a society where productivity is rewarded and revered and seen as some kind of success. I happen to believe that merely making the attempt to do something qualifies as a success.

I ask again, what are you waiting for? If it’s putting that bathing suit on and wearing it to the pool proudly, getting up to sing at a karaoke party, going on a trip by yourself, learning to play pickle ball, go sky diving, taking a painting class…

What. Do. We. Have. To Lose!?

Life is an adventure. And the truth is that our brains are wired to scan for threats and keep us safe. A quote I once read decades ago just popped into my head. It’s by American author John Shedd: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”

Also, us. We were not made to remain moored to the couch.

So, what’s it gonna be!?

Will you consider getting quiet and listening to what is bubbling up for you, pulling at you, calling to you? Will you take one small step toward it?

If you’re looking for a sign, this is it.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

So, what are you waiting for? What thing(s) have you been putting off or not daring to even try?

As we age, the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline becomes increasingly apparent. Understanding the unique patterns of how hearing loss affects cognition in older adults is crucial for maintaining overall health and quality of life. Let’s delve a bit into the intricate relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function, highlighting key insights and implications for women.

If you or someone you know would like more information on hearing health, I invite you to explore our network of certified hearing healthcare specialists at www.ExcellenceInAudiology.org.

And please keep in mind today and everyday that the #1 way to prevent hearing loss from diminishing your brain capacity and impacting your memory is to treat it ASAP!

Hearing Loss Is More Than Loss of Hearing

Hearing loss is not just a matter of reduced sound perception; it can significantly impact cognitive abilities. Research suggests that untreated hearing loss may accelerate cognitive decline, leading to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The reasons for this link are multifaceted:

1. Brain Overload: Straining to hear can overload the brain, diverting cognitive resources from other tasks such as memory and problem-solving.
2. Social Isolation: Untreated hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
3. Brain Structure Changes: Studies indicate that sensory deprivation due to hearing loss can lead to structural changes in the brain, affecting areas responsible for memory and cognition.

Gender-Specific Considerations

Women, in particular, face unique challenges related to hearing loss and cognition:

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes, particularly those related to menopause, can significantly impact both hearing and cognitive function in women. Estrogen, a hormone that declines during menopause, plays a protective role in the auditory system and brain health. Reduced estrogen levels have been linked to increased risk of age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, including memory issues and slower information processing.

To counter these effects, women can adopt strategies such as maintaining a balanced diet rich in phytoestrogens (like flaxseed and soy), staying physically active, managing stress through mindfulness or therapy, and consulting with their healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when appropriate. Additionally, regular hearing checks and cognitive assessments can help detect early changes and guide personalized interventions to support long-term brain and auditory health.

Social Dynamics

Social engagement plays a vital role in preserving both hearing and cognitive health, especially for women, who often serve as central figures in family and community networks. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities. This isolation not only affects emotional well-being but is also a significant risk factor for cognitive decline, including memory loss and reduced executive function.

To combat these effects, women are encouraged to stay actively involved in social groups, volunteer activities, or clubs that bring joy and purpose. Using hearing aids or assistive listening devices can dramatically improve communication and confidence in social settings. Building strong support systems and prioritizing meaningful connections can help protect cognitive vitality and improve overall quality of life as women age.

Healthcare Disparities

Women may experience disparities in healthcare access and diagnosis, affecting timely intervention for hearing loss and cognitive health.

Healthcare disparities can significantly influence how and when women receive care for hearing loss and cognitive issues. Women – especially those from marginalized communities—may face barriers such as limited access to specialists, underinsurance, or a lack of awareness about the importance of hearing and cognitive screenings. Additionally, symptoms may be dismissed or misattributed to aging or stress, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.

To address these challenges, it’s important for women to advocate for their health by seeking regular checkups, asking for referrals to audiologists and cognitive specialists, and educating themselves about available resources. Community health centers, support groups, and patient advocacy organizations can also help bridge the gap in care. Proactive self-advocacy and increased awareness can empower women to overcome systemic barriers and ensure they receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Well-Being

Understanding these patterns empowers women to take proactive steps:

• Regular Hearing Assessments: Routine hearing screenings can detect changes early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Cognitive Engagement: Activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles, learning new skills, and social interactions, can help maintain cognitive function.
• Technology and Support: Prescription hearing treatment not only improves auditory perception but also alleviates cognitive strain and promotes social engagement.

By recognizing the intricate relationship between hearing loss and cognition, women can advocate for their health and well-being. Addressing hearing loss promptly and nurturing cognitive health through proactive measures is essential for a vibrant and fulfilling life as we age.

Resources to Explore

Here are several trusted resources where women can become informed and empowered to advocate for their hearing and cognitive health:

Hearing Health Resources: www.ExcellenceInAudiology.org

Cognitive Health Resources: www.alz.org

Advocacy and Support: www.ElderCare.acl.gov

By exploring these resources, you can take proactive steps to stay informed, seek care early, and advocate for better hearing and cognitive health throughout aging.

If you need more insight on hearing healthcare and cognitive wellness, feel free to reach out at keith@excellenceinaudiology.org.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you noticed any recent changes in your ability to hear or understand conversations, especially in noisy environments? What challenges have you faced in accessing hearing or cognitive healthcare, and how have you addressed them? What steps have you taken – or would like to take – to stay socially and mentally active as you age?

They say women after a certain age should wear their hair short. That long hair past 50 is too much, too youthful and too heavy. Too… something. Maybe too shocking that women our age can actually still be sexy and sultry because we don’t have a sell by date despite what the media would like us to think.

With regards to my long locks, I say to the stylist: “Too bad, I’m keeping mine. And not only am a keeping it, I am extending it with luscious long extensions that fall past my ribs.”

At my age I’m not here to follow outdated rules about what women should look like. I’m here to feel like me – and for me, that means long, healthy hair that flows, swings, and makes me feel vibrant, and, if anything, I look and feel better than I did in my 30s.

People often assume that once you hit midlife, you’ve got to chop it off, go grey, and act your age. But I am acting my age. I’m acting like a woman who knows herself. And I know that my hair is part of my identity, it’s not just a style, but a statement.

The Myth of the Midlife Makeover

There’s this persistent myth that women need a drastic change once they hit their 50s. The pixie cut. The salt-and-pepper look. The muted wardrobe. And while there’s nothing wrong with any of that if it makes you feel fabulous, I resent the idea that it’s the only acceptable way to age gracefully.

So many women feel the need to chop their hair above their shoulders to keep it neat and tidy, to blend into the background and don’t make a fuss. For me, grace doesn’t come from conforming. It comes from confidence. And that includes the decision to keep my hair long, shiny, and dark.

Yes, It’s Still Dark – And No, I Don’t Apologize

Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m lucky. I still have dark hair with only the occasional silver strand trying to peek through. I touch up my roots every couple of months, not because I’m hiding, but because I enjoy the ritual. It’s self-care, not self-deception.

And maybe I have genetics to thank for some of it. My dear Poppa had jet black hair into his 80s. He passed on more than just great hair, he passed on a belief in taking pride in your appearance and doing what feels good for you, not what the world expects.

I think about him every time I brush my hair and remember him brushing his hair back in front of the hallway mirror every time he prepared to step out of the house.

Hair Is History

Our hair carries so many stories. For many of us, it’s been a silent witness to our lives, pulled back for school runs, let down for date nights, tossed up for long workdays, and carefully styled for celebrations. Why, then, should we give it up just because someone decided we’ve aged out of long hair?

Long hair isn’t about clinging to youth – it’s about honoring your own narrative. Every inch tells a story. Every strand represents your strength.

Breaking the Beauty Rules

The unspoken rulebook for women over 50 is outdated and, frankly, boring. We’ve spent decades learning to love ourselves, fight for our worth, and show up authentically. Now we’re supposed to shrink back, soften up, and stop being too much? No, thank you.

I believe in rewriting those rules. If you want silver hair, rock it with pride. If you want purple streaks or a bold buzz cut, go for it. But if, like me, you still feel most like yourself with long, flowing locks, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The Confidence Factor

One of the best things about being over 50? You’ve stopped needing permission. From anyone. You wear what you want. You say what you mean. And if long hair makes you feel strong, sensual, elegant, or just you, then you owe it to yourself to keep it.

Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from showing up as yourself, fully and unapologetically. I even wrote a book about living your truth, You’re Going to Die So Do It Anyway and embracing your style your way features very strongly. There are no style rules for us. We can do what we want.

Tips for Keeping Long Hair at Any Age

Let’s be real: Long hair does require a bit of maintenance but it’s worth it.

Here are a few of my go-to tips:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – both your hair and your body. Healthy hair starts from within.
2. Trim regularly – every 8–12 weeks keeps ends from looking tired.
3. Use heat sparingly – and always with protection if you do.
4. Invest in quality products – sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing oils are your friends.
5. Touch up your roots your way – whether it’s at the salon or with a home kit, do what makes you feel good.

My Hair, My Rules

At the end of the day, I’m not keeping my long hair to prove anything. I’m keeping it because I love it. Because when I look in the mirror and see those dark, shiny strands, I see a woman who’s lived, laughed, loved, and learned.

I see someone who’s earned every bit of her confidence, and I feel sensuous; I see people stare at me in either confusion or admiration and I love it. So, if you’re over 50 and wondering whether it’s okay to keep your hair long,the answer is yes, it’s more than okay. It’s beautiful. It’s powerful. And it’s yours.

Wear it your way because age doesn’t define you.

You define you.

Also read 12 Best Longer Hairstyles for Older Women and 8 Low-Maintenance Long Hairstyles for Women Over 60.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you wear your hair? Have you transitioned to a shorter hairstyle? Do you still dye your hair? Tell us more about your hair experience after 60!