Have you heard about the term "Silver Squatters"?

This interesting concept came to my attention when a friend texted me about it after hearing it on the Today Show. So, naturally, I did what anyone would do—I Googled it to learn more.

When we hear "squatters," our minds typically jump to individuals taking over properties without paying rent. However, the term "Silver Squatters" refers to something quite different. It describes older adults, particularly those from Generation X—individuals born between 1965 and 1980—approaching retirement age without sufficient financial resources to support themselves fully during retirement. Consequently, they often rely on financial and housing support from family members.

Silver Squatters: the outcome of a complex situation

This phenomenon has started gaining attention due to the unique challenges facing Generation X. Many in this group have experienced economic downturns, the impact of the pandemic, and the disappearance of traditional pensions once provided to older generations. Alongside the ever-rising cost of living, these factors have left this generation in a difficult financial situation as they approach retirement.

What the data says:

One study by Prudential Financial found that nearly a quarter of 55-year-olds expect to need financial support from family in retirement—a percentage that's twice as high as for those aged 65 to 75. Additionally, 21% of Gen Xers anticipated requiring housing support. This demonstrates how significant and concerning these financial challenges have become.

Another notable issue facing this generation is their membership in the "sandwich generation." This group finds themselves supporting both aging parents and their own children, making it incredibly challenging to save adequately for retirement.

Alarmingly, a study revealed that 35% of 55-year-olds would struggle to assemble $400 in an emergency. That's a stark contrast to the 19% of those aged 65 and older who share this difficulty.

What is happening in Real Estate

To better understand the impact of this phenomenon, I spoke with some industry friends. A realtor friend, and previous guest of the podcast, Trisha Spurrier, has noticed an increase in multigenerational housing demand—people looking for homes with in-law suites or additional living spaces as families move parents in to live with them. Similarly, a friend who works at a home care agency is witnessing younger generations assisting their grandparents because they lack the financial means to do so independently.

From a senior living perspective, the rise of Silver Squatters could influence the demand for multigenerational housing and alternative senior living arrangements. Families might consider cohabitating to manage costs, similar to how families lived when I was growing up.

On a personal note, my own family provides an example of this modern phenomenon. Although I'm not a Gen Xer, my son currently lives with us to help care for my husband, who had four strokes nearly two years ago. This highlights how adult children can play a crucial role in supporting aging parents and managing household needs.

So, what can we do from a financial perspective? Well, first and foremost, it's never too early to start planning. Financial advisors emphasize the importance of proactive retirement planning, urging those approaching retirement to maximize contributions to retirement accounts and consider additional income streams. Open discussions between family members can also be key to planning for the future.

Ultimately, the development of Silver Squatters underlines the critical need for effective retirement planning for everyone. With the potential rise in family-centered living arrangements, adapting to financial challenges will require cooperation and strategic planning. Despite the challenges, there are ways to...

How can you adapt your home and life to caregiving?

Ever since my husband Mark had a stroke over Christmas, life has been one big learning experience. I knew about common caregiving struggles secondhand from my clients, but living it has been more impactful than I could ever imagine.

My podcast producer, Ana Xavier, joins me to discuss life since Mark returned home this summer after spending months in rehab - and we answer my most common questions about our journey.

Mark has continued rehab and is working to become stronger over time, but our home needed many adjustments. An occupational therapist visited our home in March to make suggestions on ways to make our home accessible - long before he came home in July. Our bathroom layout was an issue, as the toilet was in its own separate room with a narrow door. As a result, we had to update our other downstairs bathroom.

The second issue was getting Mark up and down: from the bed to his wheelchair, and from the wheelchair to the toilet. Thankfully grab bars have been our best friend, and Mark and I have our system for getting him out of our sleep number bed. A contractor also helped us reconfigure the sink to become wheelchair friendly, and we added a heating lamp to keep Mark warm while showering without a curtain or door. A great shower chair is a must, as is a detachable showerhead.

Wheelchair-proofing the rest of the house has also been a journey. I never realized how beat up our baseboards and walls would become. We’ve also had to move everything against the wall and remove rugs and any clutter so Mark can easily get around. Outside, we’ve also had to add a ramp to the front door. We don’t have any stairs, so a $99 ramp from Amazon has worked great.

Other adjustments were to find a dinner situation where the table would be just the right height, and making sure he has snacks and water within reach during the day. I also got a new van to accommodate Mark’s wheelchair, and we named her “Large Marge.”

The important thing to remember is that everyone’s situation is different. What works for one caregiver may not work for another. Maybe there are other solutions or even workarounds. Find what works best for you. Also, it’s okay to feel sad about your home changing when you make it accessible - I know I hated removing my favorite rug. However, it’s important that Mark is safe as he regains his strength. That’s the priority.

Topics discussed:

-Making your home accessible

-Bathroom renovations for wheelchairs

-Caregiving

-Occupational therapy

-Home wheelchair ramps

Takeaways from this episode:

-Beware of grab bars that attach to your wall via suction cups. If they become loose and detach, you can become seriously injured.

-An easy way to make your bathroom sink wheelchair friendly is by removing the cabinet doors.

-As you come up with new habits and routines, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t – and it’s okay to adjust.

-The Texas Ramp Project helps build ramps for homebound individuals. Check if your area has a similar nonprofit, or check for volunteer opportunities at your local church for help with your home.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

Grappling with Faith

When you're faced with a loved one's health crisis—be it a spouse, child, or parent—it's natural to question and confront every emotion you feel, including those tied to faith. Experiences like this can push some to lose faith, while others find their faith strengthened. Personally, during the two years since my husband Mark suffered four strokes, I've found my faith not just intact but growing. Of course, I've had moments of profound anger and even directed harsh words at God, questioning why this would happen to us.

Questioning Why

It's very human to ask why catastrophic illnesses affect our loved ones. Watching someone you cherish suffer is excruciating, and it's common to feel helpless and angry at the situation—and even at God. You're left wondering why such a wonderful person, who has only shown kindness, has to endure such hardship. But I've learned to turn to my faith for strength. This is not to say everyone will resonate with this path, but for me, prayer and my relationship with God have been pivotal. It's important to find a purpose amidst the struggle.

Finding a Purpose

Through this challenging journey, I discovered a new purpose—to educate others about strokes. By sharing our story, I've been able to help many, whether through my podcast, my book, or the Stroke Smart series I developed. Educating others about preventing strokes, navigating medical systems, and being a caregiver has been a pathway I never expected but one I now embrace.

Embracing Joy in Caregiving

At first, becoming a caregiver was the one thing I never wanted to do. But I learned to find joy in the role. Little things, like funny moments shared with Mark, have brought laughter and light. It's okay to find humor in unexpected places, like when our beloved dog Sadie ended up with chicken pot pie on her head due to a caregiving "mishap!"

Sustaining Faith

If your loved one is a person of faith, it's important to help them maintain their spiritual practices. Whether it's attending mass or having someone pray with them, these moments can be profoundly comforting. Navigating the emotions tied to faith—from sadness and anger to peace and growth—is okay. We must remember to seek support, whether from therapists, support groups, or spiritual leaders.

Miracles in Everyday Life

Even amidst trials, I've witnessed miracles. There are moments when seemingly small blessings, like a stranger’s kind word or someone paying for a coffee at Starbucks, remind me of the goodness in the world. My experience with a kind driver who stayed with me during a tense hospital visit was such a moment of grace.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Testimony
• 01:11 The Role of Faith in Caregiving
• 02:29 Struggling with Faith During Health Crises
• 04:16 Finding Strength in Faith
• 06:44 Purpose and Growth Through Adversity
• 07:50 Finding Joy in Small Moments
• 08:40 Finding Joy in Caregiving
• 09:08 A Funny Story About Mark and Sadie
• 11:18 The Importance of Faith in Dementia Care
• 11:56 Navigating Emotions and Seeking Support
• 12:50 Little Miracles and Acts of Kindness
• 16:13 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

1. Faith in the Face of Crisis: When caring for a loved one with a severe illness, your faith can be challenged. However, it can also become a source of strength and growth during difficult times.
2. Finding Purpose Through Struggles: Difficult experiences can unexpectedly lead to discovering new purposes, such as sharing knowledge and educating others about specific health issues.
3. Embracing Joy and Humor: Even in trying...

What are the top 10 most frequent expectations of caregivers?

Caregiving is a profound and often challenging experience and in this episode,I want to explore the intricacies of managing expectations when caring for a loved one recovering from a serious health condition.

Drawing from my own journey as a caregiver for my husband, Mark, a stroke survivor, I'll be sharing ten insightful tips that provide a roadmap for others in similar situations.

It's important to approach the experience with both compassion and realism so that as a caregiver, we're able to embrace the non-linear nature of recovery, where progress is often interspersed with setbacks.

When I reflect on my caregiving journey, the emotional rollercoaster I went through stands out clearly. There were moments of intense turmoil, but also deep learning, which is why I wanted to share my story in this episode.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of education in the caregiving process. I can't stress enough how critical it is to ask questions and seek out knowledge about your loved one’s condition. I made it a point to gather as much information as I could about my husband's situation, and that empowered me to advocate for him throughout his recovery.

When I understood what was happening medically, it made decision-making easier, and I felt more equipped to offer meaningful support. Celebrating small milestones became part of the process—whether it was him regaining some mobility or relearning communication skills. These moments became a beacon of hope, not just for him, but for me as his caregiver.

But one thing I learned the hard way was the importance of self-care. I struggled with burnout, often thinking I had to do it all. Asking for help felt like admitting failure, but I’ve since realized it’s the opposite—it’s necessary. Building a strong support system, including both family and professional help, was key to my well-being.

In this episode, I open up about these experiences in the hope that they resonate with others going through something similar. The caregiving journey is challenging, but with the right support and information, it’s possible to find balance. Resilience is built through community, and together, we can navigate the complexities of caring for a loved one in need.

• 00:43 Understanding Recovery Expectations
• 01:46 Ten Tips for Caregivers
• 04:00 Educate Yourself on Medical Conditions
• 06:32 Celebrate Small Milestones
• 14:02 Communicate Openly with Loved Ones
• 14:44 Building a Support Network
• 18:00 Managing Caregiver Burnout
• 20:00 Conclusion and Resources

Takeaways:

1. Recovery from illness or injury is not linear; expect both progress and setbacks.
2. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition and ask healthcare professionals questions.
3. Celebrate small milestones in recovery to keep morale high and encourage progress.
4. Encourage independence in your loved one to help them feel empowered and involved.
5. Be prepared for plateaus in recovery and understand that they are a common part of the process.
6. Take care of yourself as a caregiver to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email

Visiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging. My husband, Mark, had a stroke, and it's been a journey for us. Initially, everyone was supportive, but as time went on, visits dwindled. It’s sad to see him feeling isolated, especially when his friends have stopped checking in.

People have their lives, and I understand that. But seeing someone you care about in a vulnerable state is hard. The changes can be frightening, and you may feel helpless watching them struggle. These feelings are valid, and I'm not here to judge anyone.

The Importance of Showing Up

When you don’t visit, it’s often because of the discomfort you feel or the guilt of not coming sooner. These feelings are natural, but it’s crucial to overcome them. Remember, it’s about your friend and how much your visit can mean to them.

Mark's birthday party in June was a testament to this. His friends showed up, and it brought so much joy to him. Seeing him light up with excitement is a reminder of how important these connections are.

Your Presence Matters

For those with dementia or other progressive diseases, the presence of friends offers comfort, familiarity, and a sense of the past. Even if they don’t fully recognize you, your visit can bring a sense of peace and connection.

Think about the caregiver too. As a caregiver myself, having friends visit Mark gives me relief and happiness. It reminds me that we’re not alone in this journey.

Overcoming Emotional Hurdles

Yes, visiting a friend who’s ill can be emotionally taxing. It might bring up feelings of grief or worries about your own health. But doing so is an act of love and empathy. It’s about making them feel valued and supported.

Even a short visit can make a difference. Spend 15 minutes, hold their hand, and talk. It's not about the duration but the quality of the time spent.

Supporting the Caregiver

Support for the caregiver is equally important. When Mark’s friends visit, it lightens my load and spreads joy. It’s a relief to see him interact with those who care about him, sharing stories and laughing together.

Kevin, Mark's best friend, was incredibly supportive until he tragically passed away in October 2023. His dedication meant the world to us, and his loss was devastating. It underscores the importance of those who remain, stepping up to show their care.

Final Thoughts

So, I urge you to overcome your discomfort and visit your friend. It’s not about you; it’s about offering love and connection to someone who needs it. Visiting a friend with dementia or a disability is an act of kindness with immeasurable value.

Please, don’t let too much time pass thinking it's been too long. Just go.

Episode Takeaways:

1. Watching someone you love struggle with memory loss or a physical disability, it can make you feel powerless but it shouldn't be the reason why you don't visit them.
2. Visiting friends who are suffering from a debilitating disease, Alzheimer's or any form of disability goes beyond that single person. Their caregiver also gets supported during those visits.
3. Visiting friends struggling with disability or hardship can have a bigger personal impact than you think: it teaches you empathy patience and doing the right thing and showing up for someone that needs you the most, even when it's hard.
4. Visiting a friend with a disability or dementia can make their day, combat isolation and seriously improve their mental health- even a quick 15-minute visit can be powerful and meaningful.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
• 00:30 The Challenge of Visiting Friends with Disabilities
• 01:27 Understanding the Emotional...

With a podcast called Aging in Style, it’s only fitting to welcome a guest who embodies the concept so fully. That’s why I'm welcoming Doug Brown: Great Depression baby, World War II veteran, and current refurbisher of computers … who is 99 years young.

Though he’s nearly 100, Doug says he feels at least 20 years younger. His secret? Staying busy. Along with words of wisdom (such as “Volunteer or die”), he shares his tactics for longevity and the importance of living an active life - both mentally and physically. You’ll be fascinated as you hear about his life with his wife Claire, his typical schedule and how he stayed busy during quarantine.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Having a purpose in life keeps you alive and doing good things; staying busy is the key to happiness.

- If you don’t volunteer or find some way to stay active, you’ll start to go downhill. Likewise, if you let your mind go, then your health follows.

- Once you start doing something, it’s easy to keep doing it - it’s just the initial inertia that can be difficult to overcome.

- You must have companionship where you’re exposed to new ideas, thoughts, and (polite!) disagreements.

- Doing something physical may be difficult, but the minute you stop doing it completely, then it becomes impossible for you to do it anymore.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

To locally donate computers and parts, please get in touch with: douglasabrown@verizon.net

When my husband had his first stroke on Christmas Day 2022, I wasn’t prepared for how much our lives would change. One moment, we were preparing a late dinner; the next, I was rushing him to the hospital. That night marked the beginning of a series of events that would redefine our family's routine and my role as a caregiver.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot about strokes, from prevention to recovery, and how crucial it is to be stroke-smart. Through my personal journey, I hope to share what I’ve learned to help other families avoid some of the mistakes I made and prepare for the challenges of stroke recovery.

Understanding Strokes: What I Wish I Knew

Looking back, I wish I’d known that 80% of strokes are preventable. This is a staggering statistic that continues to resonate with me. If we’d been aware of the risk factors, maybe we could’ve prevented my husband’s strokes. The fact that strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability underscores just how critical it is to be informed.

So, what exactly is a stroke? There are two main types:

1. Ischemic stroke, the most common type, occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain.

Spotting a Stroke: The B.E. F.A.S.T. Method

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, time is of the essence. The B.E. F.A.S.T. method helps you identify the signs and act quickly:

1. Balance loss
2. Eyesight changes
3. Face drooping
4. Arm weakness
5. Speech difficulty
6. Time to call 911

I made the mistake of driving my husband to the hospital instead of calling 911, which delayed the care he needed. Calling 911 ensures the stroke team is ready when you arrive.

The Long Road to Recovery

Recovery after a stroke isn’t quick, but the brain has an incredible ability to adapt, thanks to neuroplasticity. Through continuous physical, speech, and occupational therapy, my husband has made progress, even two years later. We celebrate every win, no matter how small. If you or your loved one is recovering from a stroke, remember that improvement is possible—even years later.

1. Know the Signs of a Stroke: Balance loss, eyesight changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the importance of calling 911 immediately.
2. Prevent 80% of Strokes: Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quit smoking, stay physically active, and manage health conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea.
3. Understand Stroke Impact: Strokes cause permanent brain damage and can result in a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.
4. Leverage Neuroplasticity for Recovery: Engage in repeated therapy to help the brain re-route around damaged areas and promote recovery.
5. Support and Community Matter: Simple acts like meal trains and walking the dog significantly ease the burden on families going through medical crises.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com...

In this raw and touching episode of Aging in Style with Lori Williams, Kelli Sattler takes the guest's seat to reveal her mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, and open up about how she navigated this sensitive time as daughter, wife and mother to three boys.

Some of the most insightful tips from this conversation include

-The warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

-How Kelli used technology to keep her mother safe

-How dementia affects family dynamics

-The journey to accept the truth

-The importance of self-educating and researching

-The journey of transitioning to memory care

In this conversation, I share my knowledge as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, to guide this difficult conversation in a time when families may struggle to identify (or accept) the need for help, and how picking the right type of care for the family member doesn't need to be an overwhelming decision.

Takeaways from this episode:

-Education and research are key for family members dealing with Alzheimer's disease patients.

-Once the disease progresses, it will be hard to make a family member who is suffering from dementia happy, as they experience a constant feeling of confusion.

-Be intentional with the type of belongings that the family members takes to a memory care facility.

-Technology gives a sense of security but it's an unfiltered reality of the daily struggles of a patient with Alzheimer's.

-Paranoia is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

-The amount of caregivers and the frequency of their shifts needs to be selected intentionally.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Therapeutic Fibbing and Dementia Patients

-Sandwich generations

-Caring for dementia patients

-Alzheimer's disease and dementia

-Personal stories of Alzheimer's disease

-How dementia affects family dynamics

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/