For decades researchers have tried to figure out on a global scale why more people die in January than any other month of the year?Known by statisticians as excess deaths it appears to have nothing to do with weather. The spike in deaths is as true in tropical areas as it is in the snow shoveling northern parts of the United States. This also eliminates the theory that staying inside because of the cold weather spreads more germs and results in a higher January death rate. They also eliminated the connection on a socio-economic basis as the reaper makes no distinction between affluence and poverty when it comes to the end of life. The final myth is that the bump in deaths is due to people being sent home from the hospital too early just for the sake of the holidays.The data shows that hospitals are actually a dangerous place and you are more likely to die there then at home. Since it is so confusing I went to some online apps that offer to predict your day of death. I asked three of them to consider my chances: The Death Clock, Lifespan Calculator, and Fateful Day, to give me their best shot. Death Clock.com asked my gender, if I smoked, my outlook on life and how many alcoholic drinks I had each week. It reported that Wednesday, July 2, 2031 will be my last day on earth and a countdown clock was clicking away toward a ripe age of 88. Lifespan Calculator.com, provided by an insurance company, resulted in an age rather than a date. Turns out I will live to the age of 91. But wait theres more. I could pick up two more years by dropping 15 pounds or getting 4 inches taller. And finally, I turned to FatefulDay.com. It was fairly easy and after entering all my information, it returned with this ominous message: You have 0 years left to live. The site predicted I died in 2016, which was oddly enough the year of my heart attack. Life is a mystery even in death. So live, laugh and love!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Barry Kolanowski. Barry is the Executive Director of Senior Services of Will County and may be reached at 815-723-9713 or by email at bkolanowski@agingspecialists.org.

Navigating transformative transitions, especially for seniors, can be a complex process, encompassing emotional, logistical, and organizational challenges. A Call to Order Professional Organizer specializes in Senior Move Management, providing invaluable assistance during these pivotal moments. The key lies in their comprehensive approach, blending empathy with efficiency. They work closely with seniors and their families to understand unique needs and preferences, ensuring a smooth transition while minimizing stress. From decluttering and downsizing to coordinating logistics and setting up the new space, A Call to Order Professional Organizer  brings a personalized touch to every step. Their expertise extends beyond mere physical organization; they also offer emotional support, recognizing the sentimental value attached to belongings and guiding clients through thoughtful decision-making. With A Call to Order Professional Organizer, transformative transitions become a positive experience, promoting a sense of order, comfort, and a seamless move to the next chapter of life.Tips for a successful senior move management experience with A Call to Order Professional Organizer include early planning and open communication. Begin the process well in advance to allow ample time for decision-making and avoid unnecessary stress. Communicate openly about preferences, sentimental items, and concerns to ensure a personalized approach. Take advantage of the expert guidance provided by A Call to Order, allowing them to tailor their services to meet specific needs. Embrace the opportunity to declutter and downsize, focusing on creating a living space that aligns with the senior's current lifestyle. Finally, trust the process and lean on the support of A Call to Order Professional Organizer to turn what could be a daunting task into a positive and organized transition

WOW (Widows or Widowers) was founded by Dolores Bonfield Cortis in May, 1975. Dolores was widowed at the young age of 38. She joined Parents Without Partners in the area where she resided. The group was made up of recently divorced people. Being a grieving widow with young children who also were dealing with their sorrow, is not the same as a divorced parent.Through Parents without Partners, she met other newly widowed men and women. They formed the first WOW group in the Western Suburbs. It is a place to go for understanding, companionship, and to participate in social activates with like individuals. The idea was and is that Step we need to take to get back to living a normal life without the one we loved. To give us the understanding that although we are now widowed, we can resume life with all others and feel accepted as a new person.After 43 years, we now have a membership of over 185 members. Our membership has gone up and down over the years for a variety of reasons death or members that have moved to retirement areas around the country. But we have remained consistent in our zeal to prosper, and we have 43 years to prove that!We publish a monthly News Letter that lists our social activities and support meetings. WOW continues to offer support, friendship, education and social activities to the widowed people in the western suburbs of Chicago. A monthly Social Gathering is held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 South York Road, In Elmhurst, IL. At 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Feel free to join us at our monthly meeting. We welcome guests of all ages!For additional information, check out our website at (www.wow.cfsites.org) or contact Dave Spero, WOW President at (630-620-4060).

How To Know Its Time for Senior LivingNov 21, 2022 | Life at Park PlaceWhether your loved ones are living independently or require more advanced support, a Life Plan Community offering Life Care will meet their every need. Life Plan Communities are a type of senior living option that combines an independent lifestyle, amenities and services with access to a full continuum of care on one campus.Read on to learn more about how to know its the right time for the move to a Life Plan Community like Park Place of Elmhurst.If Your Loved One Is Living IndependentlyYour loved one may live in their own home or apartment. They still want to continue living every day to the fullest, but theyre tired of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the house, and theyre not as close to their friends as they once were.In this case, independent living might be the right choice for them.In independent living, seniors enjoy all the benefits of socialization, maintenance-free living, on-site culture, dining and amenities, and access to a full continuum of care should they ever need it. At Park Place of Elmhurst, community life offers residents opportunities to full enjoy our services and amenities, including:Interior and exterior maintenanceWasher and dryer in every residencePersonalization and moving coordinationWeekly housekeeping servicesAll utilities included, except phone24-hour securityScheduled transportationUnderground parkingWireless internet access throughout communityIf Your Loved One Needs Help with Activities of Daily LivingIf activities of daily living, also known as ADLs, present a problem for your loved one, assisted living could be the solution. Assisted living services provide daily support for things like medication management, personal care, bathing, dressing and toileting. Signs that your parent or loved one could benefit from assisted living also include:Trouble paying bills on timeDifficulty managing household tasksPoor eating habitsMobility problemsPark Place provides assisted living support for seniors at the Park Place Health and Wellness Center, with personalized care plans for each resident. Residents in assisted living can rely on services like licensed care seven days a week, nutritious meals, assistance with personal care and 24-hour emergency call systems. All of this and more are provided in the comfort of their own private apartment!If Your Loved One Lives with Memory LossMaybe your parent or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or has suffered an injury leaving their acuity compromised. In this case, memory support also called memory care is likely the right choice for them.Indications that your loved one might benefit from memory support include:A medical diagnosis of Alzheimers or other type of dementiaChanges in behavior or emotional stateA living environment unsuited to their unique requirementsDisorientation or confusionIncontinenceFamily caregiver is overwhelmed and exhaustedAlso part of the Park Place Health and Wellness Center, our memory support teams provide a safe and dignified setting promoting independence. With a wander management system, specialized Alzheimers and dementia training, and personalized care plans, you can rest assured your loved one is receiving just the care they need.The Right Choice for Life Care in Elmhurst, ILWhether your loved ones in independent living or requires assisted living, memory support, or something more specialized, Park Place of Elmhurst provides a safe and welcoming setting for their next chapter.