Insights & Articles

Backed by $4 million in government funding over three years, Elli Cares is working with top researchers across New Zealand and Singapore to develop a world-first AI-powered platform designed to monitor, maintain, and potentially …

One of the biggest decisions every older adult must consider is whether they wish to age at home or move into aged care. It’s a deeply personal choice with no right or wrong answer. …

It’s widely known that nutrition plays a critical role in cognitive function, mobility, and overall wellbeing in older adults. If you have an aging parent, you likely want to support their goal of eating …

Holly Williams, a regular contributor to Elli Cares, reflects on the NZ Dementia Foundation’s July 2025 panel discussion, "Technology That Matters". Dementia technology is expanding rapidly, offering new ways digital tools can enhance care …

Ever start a new fitness routine, only to lose steam a few days in? Or perhaps you want to give up an unhealthy habit, but feel like you always cave in? When it comes …

Senior care homes are evolving. As technology advances, providers are embracing digital tools to enhance the quality of their care. One priority remains constant: ensuring residents are safe, supported, and treated with dignity.  This …

Living in a different suburb, city, or timezone from an ageing parent? You’re not alone. Staying connected with older loved ones when you live apart can be emotionally and logistically taxing. As more families …

Aging is inevitable, but how we progress into later life isn’t set in stone. Thanks to medical advances, technology, and deeper understanding of human health, we have more opportunities than ever to thrive well …

When someone you love is living with dementia, even simple conversations can feel unexpectedly tricky. You may find yourself answering repeated questions and be unsure what to say.  If you’re supporting someone, avoiding these …

Dementia is a gradual, evolving process that affects each person differently. For families and caregivers, understanding the distinction between early and mid-stage dementia can help you plan better, communicate more clearly, and provide the …

Building physical strength after 60 is important for staying capable, steady, and connected to your body. This guide introduces simple, gentle exercises for seniors that help build physical strength and stamina. You don’t need …

Have you noticed a loved one getting frustrated with new devices, remembering passwords, or learning how to navigate new online systems? This is what we call technology fatigue, and it’s becoming a real barrier …

As we get older, it’s easy to focus on the numbers on the scale. Weight loss messages are everywhere: TV, magazines, and even in doctor’s offices. But here’s something worth pausing on: after 65, …

Dementia affects millions of families worldwide, but on an individual scale no two experiences are the same. It's one of the reasons many traditional approaches to care have proven demanding - and why dementia …

Dementia affects millions of families worldwide, but on an individual scale no two experiences are the same. It's one of the reasons many traditional approaches to care have proven demanding - and why dementia …

Being diagnosed with early onset dementia before age 65 can bring major changes to how you work, communicate, and plan for the future. You might be juggling a job, raising children, or caring for …

When a loved one is living with dementia, their personality can begin to alter in unexpected ways. Someone who was once calm and cheerful may become irritable, anxious, or withdrawn. These changes can be …

In later life, many of us experience shifts in our sense of steadiness. It’s important to pay close attention to these changes. After all, our balance is what helps us avoid falls and navigate …

Over time, some people with Parkinson’s disease experience declines in cognitive function. When these changes interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Recognising how PDD develops is …

Do you find yourself reaching for salty snacks, chocolate, or toast, even after a meal? Food cravings are common at any age, but sometimes they stem from more than a habit. In fact, cravings …

What if a simple notification could spark a smile and bring comfort to a loved one living with dementia? Care reminders are sometimes seen as task managers: time to take pills, time for an …

As a caregiver, the difference you make goes beyond the person you look after. It extends to helping families and your wider community. This responsibility can be incredibly rewarding. But it also places heavy …

Your brain is always listening to the routines and rhythms of daily life. Exercising our minds is just as necessary as strengthening our bodies. And like a muscle, the brain responds to consistent, intentional …

When news broke in 2015 linking diphenhydramine to an increased risk of dementia, it sparked widespread alarm - and understandably so. Diphenhydramine has been used as a common over-the-counter antihistamine and sedative across the …

When someone in your family is living with dementia, life can feel overwhelming. Routines fall apart. Conversations repeat. Once-simple tasks begin to feel unpredictable.  But supporting a loved one doesn’t need to feel stressful …

For people living with cognitive impairment or caring for loved ones, sleep can become one of the most unpredictable parts of the day. But there’s more to the story. Understanding why dementia affects sleep …

When memory loss affects daily life, even simple tasks like finding the bathroom or opening the right cupboard can become confusing and frustrating. One of the simplest and most powerful tools to support independence at …

As we age, many of us wonder about our risk of developing dementia, and if there is anything we can change to protect ourselves. Science shows that daily habits can indeed have a significant …

Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill, questioned a large transaction on your bank account, or wondered if a text message was a scam? As we get older, protecting your money can feel …

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Or struggled to find a word on the tip of your tongue? You’re not alone. As we age, it’s normal to …

What will retirement villages look like in 5-10 years? As expectations shift and technology advances, we're already seeing striking examples where older adults live with newfound independence and purpose. Below, we’ll explore four major changes …

Moving into aged care is a big step. If you're in the process of downsizing, it's normal to feel a mix of emotions. You may feel overwhelmed about what to keep and what to …

Staying connected online is a wonderful thing. It helps us connect with family, pay bills, shop, and learn new things. But as we spend more time online, we also face new risks. Scams targeting …

Across the globe, researchers are racing to develop ways to detect dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the critical early stages. Recent breakthroughs in dementia testing are promising. But what are they? And …

Memories shape who we are, connect us to others, and bring significance to everyday life. As we grow older, they become especially meaningful. This is where starting a memory journal can help keep those …

With dementia cases growing by millions each year, families and healthcare providers are looking for smarter ways to help people with dementia stay safe, maintain their independence for longer, and live well. One increasingly …

The most treasured moments in life are often those we share with others. Staying social as we age is a powerful way to support health and wellbeing. But, there are some tricky barriers. Read …

Many of us notice that time feels different as we age. But for people living with dementia, changes in time perception can become even more pronounced. Days blur and routines become harder to follow. …

It’s a worry caregivers know all too well: the fear their loved one may have gone for a short walk, only to become disoriented and unable to return. Wandering is a common and potentially …

Music is powerful: it reaches into our distant memories and evokes moments we thought were long forgotten. Engaging with music can be especially beneficial for our brains as we age, boosting mood, memory, and …

For decades, it was believed that the brain became “fixed” as we aged - that cognitive decline was inevitable, and that older adults simply couldn’t learn new things or recover lost skills. But modern …

We’re excited to announce that Elli Cares has received investment from The Selwyn Foundation, one of New Zealand’s most respected charitable trusts dedicated to ageing well. As part of a bold new strategy, The …

Have you ever run into someone familiar - but their name just won’t come to you? You’re not alone. Forgetting names is one of the most common memory slips, especially as we get older. …

As we age, our bodies change - and so does the conversation around weight. While there’s plenty of pressure to maintain a “healthy” number on the scale, the truth is, weight isn’t the whole …

Some days feel a little harder than others. You wake up tired, your thoughts feel slow, and even the simplest task seems like a mountain. Whether it's physical fatigue, emotional weight, or mental fog, …

Feeling connected to others is just as important for your health as staying physically active or eating well. But what if getting out and about isn’t easy right now - due to mobility issues, …

The internet has opened up new worlds for staying connected, informed, and independent - but it also comes with risks, especially for older adults. From scam emails and phishing texts to suspicious links and …

What makes a day feel good? Maybe it’s a clear mind, less pain, a moment of connection - or just getting through your list without stress. For caregivers, older adults, or anyone navigating change, …

Feeling sluggish by mid-morning? Struggling to stay awake after lunch? You’re not alone. Many older adults experience dips in energy throughout the day - but that doesn’t mean you have to accept constant tiredness …

It happens in a second: you’re reading an email or text message, and something grabs your attention. Maybe it says your package is delayed. Or that your bank account has been frozen. You click …

Do your legs sometimes feel heavy, tight, or like they’re harder to move than usual - especially after sitting or first thing in the morning? You’re not alone. Many older adults experience stiffness or …

There’s a common myth that learning is just for the young. But the truth is, our brains are built to keep growing - at every age. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, exploring …

Money can be a sensitive subject - especially as we age. But getting help with financial matters isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s often one of the smartest, most empowering steps you …

You don’t need to carve out hours of your day to support your brain. In fact, some of the best things you can do for your memory, mood, and mental clarity take just five …

Scams are getting trickier - and unfortunately, older adults are often targeted. Whether it’s a phone call, email, text, or even a letter in the post, scams are designed to catch you off guard …

If joint pain or arthritis makes movement uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many older adults deal with stiffness, swelling, and soreness that can make exercise feel out of reach. But here’s the good news: the …

What you eat doesn’t just fuel your body - it also fuels your brain. As we age, nutrition plays a bigger role in how we think, remember, and feel. Certain foods can help protect …

Worried about your memory or someone else’s? You’re not alone. It’s common to forget a name or misplace your keys from time to time, but when forgetfulness starts to affect daily life, a memory …

When it comes to staying healthy as we age, we often hear about the importance of “staying active.” But that doesn’t mean running marathons or lifting heavy weights. In fact, just a little gentle …

Ever feel sluggish, moody, foggy, or just “off” - but can’t quite put your finger on why? Before you blame age, stress, or memory issues, take a moment to look at something simple but …

Just like your muscles, your brain benefits from regular use. Staying mentally active helps improve focus, memory, and even mood - especially as we age. The best part? You don’t need puzzles, apps, or …

Life can feel unpredictable - especially as we age or navigate health changes. But building daily routines can bring a sense of calm, structure, and confidence back into the picture. Whether you live alone, …

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to feel a little unsteady on our feet now and then. You might stand up and feel dizzy, notice your balance isn’t what it used to be, …

Many of us were raised to be strong, self-reliant, and independent. We tell ourselves we should be able to manage on our own - even when life gets harder, our health changes, or daily …

We’ve all been there. You forget something important. You lose track of time. You fumble through something that once felt easy. And suddenly, that quiet voice in your head gets louder: "What’s wrong with …

Staying hydrated is essential to feeling your best - but many older adults don’t drink enough water each day, often without realizing it. You might not feel thirsty, but that doesn’t mean your body …

It’s easy to lose track of time while watching TV, reading, or using your phone - and before you know it, your legs feel stiff, your back aches, and it’s harder to get up.The …

Forgetfulness is a natural part of life - everyone misplaces keys, forgets a name, or walks into a room only to wonder why. But if you’ve started noticing more of these moments lately, it’s …

Staying hydrated is essential at every age - but for older adults, it’s absolutely critical. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at conserving water, our sense of thirst decreases, and common medications …

As we age, good nutrition becomes more important - but often more challenging. For older adults living alone, the simple act of eating well can feel overwhelming: shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning up may …

It can be alarming to witness a loved one suddenly become confused, disoriented, or unable to follow a conversation. One day they’re themselves - chatting, remembering details, managing their routine - and the next, …

In dementia care, few non-drug treatments have sparked as much global interest as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). Endorsed by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), CST is gaining momentum as …

Aging in place offers many older adults independence, comfort, and control - but living alone also comes with hidden risks. When day-to-day tasks pile up and support systems fade, seniors can experience something often …

When an aging parent or loved one needs support, families often rally together. But while intentions may be good, it’s not uncommon for siblings to clash over how care should be managed. Differences in …

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. While it shares some symptoms - like memory loss and confusion - it has a different root cause and often progresses …

Watching a parent grow older and lose some of their independence is one of life’s most profound emotional shifts. The person who once raised you, guided you, and protected you may now need your …

Digital tools can bring incredible convenience - connecting us to loved ones, doctors, reminders, and information in just a few taps. But for many older adults, the digital world feels anything but simple. From …

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. Slippery floors, awkward steps, and poor lighting can all contribute to falls, which are a leading cause of injury among …

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems, your healthcare provider may recommend a memory assessment. It’s natural to feel nervous or unsure about what to expect, but understanding the process can …

Emotional wellbeing is more than just “feeling okay” - it’s deeply connected to how our brain functions. Research continues to reveal the powerful relationship between our mental health and our cognitive abilities. For people …

One of the most distressing and dangerous symptoms of dementia is wandering - when a person moves about unpredictably, sometimes leaving home and becoming lost or disoriented. For families, wandering can feel terrifying. A …

Driving is more than just transportation - it’s freedom, independence, and identity.That’s why conversations about driving safety can be incredibly emotional, especially when a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline. But having “the talk” …

When it comes to protecting brain health, most people immediately think about puzzles, exercise, or staying socially active.But there’s another powerful tool right in your kitchen: nutrition. Can nutrition really slow cognitive decline?Emerging research …

Every year, 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall - many of them serious, and many of them preventable. But here’s the critical truth:Falls rarely come out of nowhere.In most …

A dementia diagnosis doesn’t just change the life of the person receiving it - it reshapes the entire family landscape. Roles shift. Emotions intensify. Relationships evolve in ways that can feel both deeply painful …

When it comes to protecting brain health, many people think first about puzzles, memory games, or learning new skills.And while mental stimulation is critical, there’s another equally powerful tool often overlooked: Physical movement. Exercise …

Hearing the words Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can bring a mix of emotions: confusion, relief, fear, and hope.You might wonder: Is this the beginning of dementia? Can it be reversed? What should we do …

It’s a common question that worries many families:Is this normal aging - or something more serious? As we get older, it’s completely natural for certain mental processes to slow down slightly. Occasional forgetfulness, taking …

Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of aging.While age is the biggest risk factor, research shows that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable through lifestyle changes and early interventions. Small daily …

As we age, maintaining balance and walking stability becomes increasingly important. But, it’s often overlooked until a fall happens. Walking steadiness refers to how stable and consistent a person’s steps are when they move. …

Caregivers are often the invisible backbone of healthcare systems. Across the world, millions of family members and friends provide unpaid care to aging parents, partners with dementia, and loved ones with chronic illnesses - …

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes - the areas responsible for behavior, personality, language, and movement. Unlike Alzheimer’s …

Caring for someone living with dementia is one of the most profound acts of love - but it also comes with complex challenges. Beyond managing memory loss or health needs, caregivers face deeply personal …

For years, we’ve talked about aging in place. Now, with the rise of voice technology, that vision is getting a powerful new ally. Once considered a novelty, voice assistants and speech-activated tools are now …

When it comes to brain health, few activities are as simple - and as powerful - as walking. Daily walking isn’t just good for the heart and joints. Studies show it can also improve …

Good hydration is essential for everyone, but it’s especially critical for older adults. As we age, the body’s natural sense of thirst diminishes, and medical conditions or medications can further complicate things. For seniors …

Whether it’s a new pain, a change in appetite, or an unusual mood shift, even small symptoms can provide early clues about bigger health issues in older adults. But here’s the problem: those changes …

Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be difficult, especially when symptoms are subtle or brushed off as “normal aging.” But spotting these changes early - and acting on them - can make a …

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive, degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma. Once primarily associated with professional athletes, especially football players and boxers, CTE is now recognized as a broader public …

In today’s tech-driven world, support for seniors isn’t limited to wearables and reminders - it can come from something as simple, and surprisingly powerful, as a voice. Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo (with …