Below are seven tips provided by Home Instead Senior Care to help baby boomers communicate with their aging parents. Use this to plan your discussions: Get started: If you're 40 and your parents are 70, it's time to start observing and gathering information carefully and thoughtfully. Don't reach a conclusion from a single observation and decide on the best solution until you have gathered information with an open mind and talked with your parents. Have you noticed any behavior in your parents that might warrant a closer look?

Talk it out: Approach your parents with a conversation. Discuss what you've observed and ask your parents what they think is going on. If your parents acknowledge the situation, ask what they think would be a good solution. If your parents don't recognize a problem, use concrete examples to support your case. What examples support your concerns?

Sooner is best: Talk sooner rather than waiting until a crisis has occurred. If you know your loved one has poor eyesight or has trouble driving at night, begin to address those issues before a problem arises. What's the best way for you to begin such a conversation with your parents?

Don't patronize: Remember you are talking to an adult, not a child. Patronizing speech or baby talk will put older adults on the defensive and convey a lack of respect for them. Put yourself in your parents' shoes and think of how you would want to be addressed in the situation. What would you want said to you if you were the aging parent?

Maximize independence: Always try to move toward solutions that provide the maximum amount of independence for the older person. Look for answers that optimize strengths and compensate for problems. For example, if your loved ones need help at home, look for tools that can help them maintain their strengths. Professional caregiving services can provide assistance in a number of areas including meal preparation, light housekeeping or medication reminders. You can also find friends who can help. Who are some people who might make up a support system for your parents?

See the big picture: If your dad dies and soon afterward your mom's house seems to be in disarray, it's probably not because she suddenly became ill. It's much more likely to stem from a lack of social support and the loss of a lifelong relationship. Make sure your mom has friends and a social life. Ideas to improve your mom's social support network?

Ask for help: Many of the issues of aging can be solved by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence. Resources such as professional senior care providers, area agencies on aging and local senior centers can help provide those solutions.

Here are phone numbers for senior service information in your area: Senior Services of Albany Caregiver Connection: 465-1398

Saratoga County Caregiver Coordinator: 884-4100

Schenectady County Caregiver Coordinator: 382-8481, Ext. 1238 Rensselaer Caregiver Coordinator: 270-2768