Aging Untold: How to support aging parents through loss of a child

(Aging Untold) — On this episode of Aging Untold, we navigate the unimaginable grief of losing a child and discuss where parents and families can find meaningful support.

We also break down what causes involuntary tremors, how to distinguish them from conditions like Parkinson’s and when to consult a physician.

Finally, we introduce you to a 78-year-old logger, polo umpire and state lawmaker proving it is never too late to reinvent yourself.

No parent expects to lose a child. When an older adult suffers the unimaginable loss, their grief is often overlooked, but there are things families and caregivers can do to help.

The Aging Untold hosts say that acceptance — not resolution — is the realistic goal, and staying connected with loved ones can help with healing.

For friends and family who aren’t sure how to support a grieving parent, Katherine Ambrose, an aging-well coach, said they don’t need the right words — just their presence.

If you have experienced a new tremor, it can be unsettling.

Essential tremor and tremors associated with Parkinson’s are not the same, Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said.

An essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes parts of your body to shake, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Some causes behind a new tremor can be treated and reversed.

Rogers recommends sitting down with a physician to rule out underlying causes before assuming a tremor is benign.

Brett Horn has created the only child safety demonstration house in the United States in the hopes that it will prevent the type of tragedy that happened in his own family.

Horn and his wife lost their 2-year-old son, Charlie, when a 30-inch dresser fell on him in 2007.

“I want Charlie’s legacy to be that other children are not harmed from simple things in their own home,” Horn said. “And I believe we’re accomplishing that.”

He founded Charlie’s House in Kansas City, Missouri. It is an interactive home that teaches parents about hidden dangers that experts say cause 90% of childhood accidents.

Read the full article here to get a look inside Charlie’s House and learn about the dangers you can prevent.

At 78, Jed Lipsky works alone cutting down pine trees in Vermont.

He said logging is considered the most dangerous profession in North America, and he has had multiple surgeries and broken bones during his 55 years in the profession.

During his “pretty complex life,” Lipsky has been a competitive skier, a pilot and a professional polo player. He also now serves in the Vermont Legislature.

“I’m definitely the only logger in the Vermont Legislature,” Lipsky said. “I feel very fortunate.”

This program is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen on this program. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this program or its use. Aging Untold/Gray Media, nor its employees, contractors or agents, nor any contributor to this program, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.