INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Make note of physical ailments that your parents suffer. This could be chronic disorders like COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Consider illnesses like pneumonia, or damage caused by falling or accidents. These are concerns that you parents may not be able to heal completely on their own and may require further assistance of a senior residence. Mental disorders in the elderly may be hard to diagnose. Make note of anything that seems out of the ordinary with your parents including forgetfulness, depression, or anxiety. These mental disorders can progress with age and your parents may require further assistance to live a happy and safe life. Signs of mental distress may include:  Forgetting dates or appointments Having trouble recalling names Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty with day-to-day tasks or routines General confusion Difficulty telling time Unable to visualize images or relationships (For example, picturing or describing concrete items may be difficult.) Trouble with speech and/or writing Withdrawal from social activities Changes in behavior, mood, and/or personality According to the National Center for Assisted Living, 54% of seniors aged 85 or older require at least some assistance with daily tasks.. If your parents or loved ones are having difficulty in the following tasks, it may be time to consider moving them into a senior residence.  Navigating stairs Bathing Dressing Eating Maintaining a clean house or yard Paying bills Tending pets or plants Taking medications Signs of unkemptness may be the beginning warning signs of other, more problematic medical concerns. If you see a decline in your parents appearance, such as changes in cleanliness, you may need to investigate for further problems. Humans are living longer and longer lives. Your parents have not have financially planned for a future. Or, medical bills may make it difficult for your parents to live the retirement they wanted. Whatever the reason, moving into an assisted living or retirement home may help the burden of debt. Sometimes, insurance companies may even pay for a portion of living expenses. If you are already involved with your parents’ health, you may be able to talk with their doctors and get a professional recommendation. They may be able to provide specific medical insight on what would be best for your parents. You can also ask the doctors for referral of different living facilities or other healthcare options.

SUMMARY: Chart physical health concerns. Note mental health concerns. Observe if they have difficulty managing daily activities. Examine change physical appearance. Be aware of financial concerns. Talk with their doctors.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Being physically strong and healthy is beneficial for your mind as well. If you're always tired and under the weather, it's going to be a lot more difficult to deal with issues that arise. Don't neglect your body's health if your goal is to be tough.   Get plenty of sleep. This will keep your body healthy and help you stay mentally alert. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. Make it a priority!  Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Making these a mainstay of your diet will provide the vitamins and nutrients your mind needs to stay strong.  Exercise. Cardio and strength training will keep your body and brain in good shape.  Destress. If your world is cluttered up with a million things to do, it'll affect your power to make good decisions. There is strength in numbers. It's easier to build a wall around yourself than to reach out and form deep relationships with other people. Earning and keeping people's trust is no simple feat.  It might sound strange, but exhibiting vulnerability with others is actually an important part of being tough.  Show your family, friends and colleagues, that you're trustworthy and dependable. Answer emails and calls promptly and be there for people when you're needed. Take on a leadership role in your community. You could volunteer your time to help others, coach a little league team, start a neighborhood garden, and so on. Have a stake in your community! Having an active spiritual life will help give you the perspective you need when your problems threaten to consume you. Find ways to become more spiritually aware and connected to the rest of the world. Doing yoga, meditating, participating in a place of worship, and spending time in nature are all good ways to enrich yourself spiritually. Ultimately, being tough comes down to knowing your values and acting on them. Understanding this will help you deflect petty insults and avoid getting wrapped up in drama. It will help you figure out what's important to you and set out to achieve your goals. Most importantly, it will help you boldly make the choice to do what you know is right.

SUMMARY:
Keep yourself in good physical condition. Form strong bonds with other people. Enrich your spiritual life. Stay true to your values.