It has been almost a month since the last entry but it has been very busy at work. As we have moved toward this holiday season it is apparent that December of course is a time of joy and excitement, but for many of our seniors, it becomes a season of loneliness, depression, and despair.
Seniors are especially vulnerable during the winter months, battling the flu, colds, and sesonal affective disorders. While much is written in magazines for the prevention and protection elders may take to lessen these conditions, not much is written about the mental state many parents and grandparents find themselves. This is not to say they are not joyous about the season and reason of Christmas, but seniors may be reminded at this time that they are not together with a loved one, or with their children who may live far away. Many may reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and be reminded of their fraility and perceived loss of social recognition.
Prevention of depression at this time may not be totally unavoidable, but measures may be taken to lessen the blow. Continue to talk to family and friends by telephone and the internet. Encourage and attend community events and stay involved in church functions or holiday events. Mentor or become a companion for a needy child or family. Information about needy families may be obtained by calling local schools, churches or social service offices.
Enjoy the holiday season and keep your eyes looking forward to the new year and the spring to follow.
Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Seniors, Get Off Your Keesters!
It is never too late to begin an exercise program . Recent studies have shown that a balanced diet and an adequate exercise program are good for those of any age. Currently approximately 40% of men and women over the age of 70 do not exercise at all! Focusing on the current 'middle-age' population and older only makes sense as the baby-boomers are reaching a point in their lives that will set the ground work for how they will age. Will it be in and out of hospital rooms and doctor's offices? Or will it be outdoors walking with friends or keeping up with the grandchildren?
Exercise programs for seniors and the elderly are gaining in popularity and quantity. Gyms now offer special 'age-related' classes as well as offer personal trainers who have been specially trained to address issues of aging such as osteoporosis, arthritis, balance, and nutrition.
Benefits of exercise are not limited to fall prevention and balance but to a decrease in body fat, blood sugar levels, and an increase in HDL cholesterol, the plaque fighting kind, thereby increasing overall cardiovascular health.
Aerobic exercise is not beyond the capabilities of those over 65 either. Running, walking, swimming, and other aerobic activities are beneficial to the heart, lungs, and musculature systems. Maintaining an increased heart rate for at least 45 minutes at a time is especially helpful.
Call your local Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce or Social Security office for information about what is offered near you. If you are able look up information on the Internet or ask family members to help you. Sites such as the 'International Council on Active Aging' are extremely helpful to assist you to the right facilities and trainers to be found in your area. This site can be reached by typing www.icaa.cc/facilitylocator.htm into your searchbar.
There is too much to lose by not moving and getting started on your own personal fitness plan. So start exercising, get out there, have fun, and stay healthy!
Exercise programs for seniors and the elderly are gaining in popularity and quantity. Gyms now offer special 'age-related' classes as well as offer personal trainers who have been specially trained to address issues of aging such as osteoporosis, arthritis, balance, and nutrition.
Benefits of exercise are not limited to fall prevention and balance but to a decrease in body fat, blood sugar levels, and an increase in HDL cholesterol, the plaque fighting kind, thereby increasing overall cardiovascular health.
Aerobic exercise is not beyond the capabilities of those over 65 either. Running, walking, swimming, and other aerobic activities are beneficial to the heart, lungs, and musculature systems. Maintaining an increased heart rate for at least 45 minutes at a time is especially helpful.
Call your local Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce or Social Security office for information about what is offered near you. If you are able look up information on the Internet or ask family members to help you. Sites such as the 'International Council on Active Aging' are extremely helpful to assist you to the right facilities and trainers to be found in your area. This site can be reached by typing www.icaa.cc/facilitylocator.htm into your searchbar.
There is too much to lose by not moving and getting started on your own personal fitness plan. So start exercising, get out there, have fun, and stay healthy!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Boomers- The "Sandwich Generation"
As we boomers approach late middle age, we become aware of a special challenge unique to our generation. Not only do we still care for our parents if we are fortunate to still have them with us, but we many times, also become caregivers to our children and grandchildren as well.
We often have children who, for one reason or another, have been unable to maintain their own homes, or have had to foreclose on properties or lost their mortgages, causing them to sometimes move back into their parents home just when boomers are set to embark on their ‘dream vacations’ or retirement plans. Not only does this put extreme burden on the parents finances and savings, but on their psyches as well, as they now become ‘parents’ again, and unnatural ones at that.
Housing adult children in the home entails another culture change as well as an inability of parents to not interfere or ‘stay out’ of their adult child’s personal lives. Oftentimes, adult children bring their own children into the home as well, causing a certain amount of chaos and disciplinary problems with them. What was once unacceptable behavior as boomers raised their children has now become acceptable to their Generation X children, causing added strain and emotional stress to the senior parents.
While there may be benefits to all parties concerned, such as live-at-home sitters for the adult children, transportation provided to the senior parents by their children, the focus should really be on the impact this has on seniors who have not planned on the added financial burden and un-natural progression from retirement to sudden parenting again.
While boomer parents may not feel able to turn down a needy child, great thought and discussion should be taken before anything is done. Honesty on the part of the parents and adult children should be expected, granted, and respected. Time limits should be discussed as well as respect for the elder parent’s ethics and moral behavior beliefs. Adult children should make every effort possible to not place extra financial burdens on their parents and do everything possible to make transition into other living situations as soon as possible.
We often have children who, for one reason or another, have been unable to maintain their own homes, or have had to foreclose on properties or lost their mortgages, causing them to sometimes move back into their parents home just when boomers are set to embark on their ‘dream vacations’ or retirement plans. Not only does this put extreme burden on the parents finances and savings, but on their psyches as well, as they now become ‘parents’ again, and unnatural ones at that.
Housing adult children in the home entails another culture change as well as an inability of parents to not interfere or ‘stay out’ of their adult child’s personal lives. Oftentimes, adult children bring their own children into the home as well, causing a certain amount of chaos and disciplinary problems with them. What was once unacceptable behavior as boomers raised their children has now become acceptable to their Generation X children, causing added strain and emotional stress to the senior parents.
While there may be benefits to all parties concerned, such as live-at-home sitters for the adult children, transportation provided to the senior parents by their children, the focus should really be on the impact this has on seniors who have not planned on the added financial burden and un-natural progression from retirement to sudden parenting again.
While boomer parents may not feel able to turn down a needy child, great thought and discussion should be taken before anything is done. Honesty on the part of the parents and adult children should be expected, granted, and respected. Time limits should be discussed as well as respect for the elder parent’s ethics and moral behavior beliefs. Adult children should make every effort possible to not place extra financial burdens on their parents and do everything possible to make transition into other living situations as soon as possible.
Seniors and Medicare Confusion
As we baby boomer are rapidly approaching the time to enroll in Medicare programs, how we make sense of the myriad of plans, programs, and services that are offered may become a major undertaking.
For the basic information and plans, information is targeted especially for seniors at local Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Offices. However, if you have visited the website, or visited your local Social Services office, one might need additional assistance to migrate through this large, and often confusing program. Even online information may be difficult for those of us not ‘computer savvy’, especially if you are not familiar with modern web design and site mapping tools.
A simple “Honey Do” list is the simplest and most user-friendly way to approach Medicare Services and the hundreds of drug plans offered through the new “Part D” prescription drug plan program. Here is a basic list of how to get started:
1.) Find out if you already have an insurance plan offered from an employer or union plan. Veteran’s medical plans may work in conjunction with Medicare Services.
2.) Medicare offers several types of plans to meet your specific needs. Find out which one will work best for you. You may request a 2008 ‘Medicare and You’ information booklet via telephone by calling 1-800-633-4227, or by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and following the links for obtaining information. Among the three types of plans are:
a.) A Medicare Health Plan
b) A Prescription Drug Plan
b.) Supplemental Coverage Plan
3.) Quizzes are offered as well to find out what kind of coverage will best suit your needs. These quizzes/worksheets are available online, through the booklet, or many times, located at your local social security office as well. Call to obtain information.
4.) Visit your doctor and obtain information about what types of services you may need for the following year as far as preventative services you will need, for example, lab work, screenings or shots.
5.) Monitor and write down on your calendar yearly enrollment dates so that you know when you may change programs as your needs change.
Sifting through the Medicare system is not easy, but help is available from doctor offices, Social Security personnel and of course family assistance. Councilors are also available on request. Be responsible and proactive in your choices to ensure that your health and mental well-being are adequately cared for without additional stress or anguish.
For the basic information and plans, information is targeted especially for seniors at local Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Offices. However, if you have visited the website, or visited your local Social Services office, one might need additional assistance to migrate through this large, and often confusing program. Even online information may be difficult for those of us not ‘computer savvy’, especially if you are not familiar with modern web design and site mapping tools.
A simple “Honey Do” list is the simplest and most user-friendly way to approach Medicare Services and the hundreds of drug plans offered through the new “Part D” prescription drug plan program. Here is a basic list of how to get started:
1.) Find out if you already have an insurance plan offered from an employer or union plan. Veteran’s medical plans may work in conjunction with Medicare Services.
2.) Medicare offers several types of plans to meet your specific needs. Find out which one will work best for you. You may request a 2008 ‘Medicare and You’ information booklet via telephone by calling 1-800-633-4227, or by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and following the links for obtaining information. Among the three types of plans are:
a.) A Medicare Health Plan
b) A Prescription Drug Plan
b.) Supplemental Coverage Plan
3.) Quizzes are offered as well to find out what kind of coverage will best suit your needs. These quizzes/worksheets are available online, through the booklet, or many times, located at your local social security office as well. Call to obtain information.
4.) Visit your doctor and obtain information about what types of services you may need for the following year as far as preventative services you will need, for example, lab work, screenings or shots.
5.) Monitor and write down on your calendar yearly enrollment dates so that you know when you may change programs as your needs change.
Sifting through the Medicare system is not easy, but help is available from doctor offices, Social Security personnel and of course family assistance. Councilors are also available on request. Be responsible and proactive in your choices to ensure that your health and mental well-being are adequately cared for without additional stress or anguish.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Fall Prevention in the Elderly
Falls are a seniors worst enemy, causing emotional trauma, fear, and of course injury. Bones become more brittle for women after we reach menopause and for men, as they reach their sixth decade. Protection and prevention are the best ways we can manage this potential for disaster as we age.
In the home, it is important to remove all loose floor coverings and throw rugs. While these may be employed to keep the floor warm and add a touch of personality in the home, this is the number one cause of trips and falls in the home. Toes or assistive devices easily catch edges of rugs and little can be done to stop the fall that ensues. Maintaining space between furnishings is also a challenge, especially as we may move into smaller dwellings and do not get rid of our 'treasures'. Uncluttered areas are best as we age and become less nimble and flexible.
One of the least expensive and easiest protective measures seniors may take to prevent falls is to exercise. Not only for emotional well-being, but it is a stated fact that fit muscles and adequate balance prevent more than 50% of falls in the home.
Seniors need not pay exorbitant gym membership prices to attain or maintain their peak physical condition either, most Senior Centers and gyms offer classes geared to the senior population such as Tai Chi, Fit n' 50 classes and so forth. Just call your local Senior Center of Chamber of Commerce for information on what your community may offer. If transportation is a problem, there are myriads of VHS or DVD's available at local libraries and on the Internet that offer exercise routines geared to seniors. These are available for rent or purchase to use in the privacy of your own home. As a safety precaution though, always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.
Prevention and protection from falls can be simple, affordable, and possible. Take the first and most important step and maintain your body's strength, balance, and flexibility in order to provide your body with a safe and comfortable environment.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Elders, Take A Bow
Hats off to Today’s Elders
When thinking about this current age population, speaking of those 60 years old or older, it may seem that we are losing a whole generation of experience. From the 1940’s to today, the average age of our grandparents now, to the present, has been one of the most changing and exciting three decades to have lived.
From the Great Depression to the end of World War II, the New Deal and the emergence of women outside the home in the work world, which changed the condition of the American family, changing it from nuclear to intergenerational as it is today. Not only has the increasing advanced in television, radio, and medicine that have been unparalleled in our time, but the advancement of the life span so that centenarians are no longer ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. On the heels of these changes came The Korean War and the 60’s. Parents burning bras and performing sit- ins, the ‘free love’ generation that were their children. The invention of microwaves and ham radios x-rays and MRI’s continued to lead to what is now the Internet, the gateway to the world. That this generation has adapted to all these changes and much, much more proves what a strong generation we come from.
The next time you look at your grandfather or grandmother and think they do not know what is going on in today’s world, think again. Maybe you feel that they are ‘out of touch’ or old-fashioned, but think about what they have survived, adapted to, changed with, and you will look at the wrinkled faces and wish you were half as strong as they have been. Our senior citizens are our legacy. Stong, competent, and inspiring. Treasure and love them. We are their legacy.
When thinking about this current age population, speaking of those 60 years old or older, it may seem that we are losing a whole generation of experience. From the 1940’s to today, the average age of our grandparents now, to the present, has been one of the most changing and exciting three decades to have lived.
From the Great Depression to the end of World War II, the New Deal and the emergence of women outside the home in the work world, which changed the condition of the American family, changing it from nuclear to intergenerational as it is today. Not only has the increasing advanced in television, radio, and medicine that have been unparalleled in our time, but the advancement of the life span so that centenarians are no longer ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. On the heels of these changes came The Korean War and the 60’s. Parents burning bras and performing sit- ins, the ‘free love’ generation that were their children. The invention of microwaves and ham radios x-rays and MRI’s continued to lead to what is now the Internet, the gateway to the world. That this generation has adapted to all these changes and much, much more proves what a strong generation we come from.
The next time you look at your grandfather or grandmother and think they do not know what is going on in today’s world, think again. Maybe you feel that they are ‘out of touch’ or old-fashioned, but think about what they have survived, adapted to, changed with, and you will look at the wrinkled faces and wish you were half as strong as they have been. Our senior citizens are our legacy. Stong, competent, and inspiring. Treasure and love them. We are their legacy.
Nursing Homes and the Aging Population
Nursing Homes and the Aging Population
For decades, the word ‘nursing home’ has evoked dread in the senior population. In our contemporary times, the average age of admissions into nursing homes has increased from an average age of 81 years in 1985, to 83 years old in 1997. Current statistics reveal the average age now has reached 86 years. No longer are nursing homes dark depressing endless halls of wheelchair bound elderly. The current culture change has changed the face of nursing homes into beautifully designed rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.
Step down units provide 24-hour care for the sick and injured whereas before seniors were relegated to inpatient hospital stays with little freedom and personalized care. Facilities in most cities now cater to the blooming ‘boomer’ population, with gyms, private rooms with state of the art televisions as well as chefs providing 6 meals daily from an upscale menu that could potentially compete with hotel menus.
Two of the most common reasons for admittance into a nursing care facility are incontinence and loss of mobility. Families/caregivers faced with these issues become hard pressed to meet the needs of elder relatives especially when careers, children and time away from home prevent caring adequately for their loved ones. When one care need is the issue, help may be available to family members, but once two or more issues complicate the care or more assistance that is physical is needed, nursing home admittance although a painful decision, may be the only answer.
For decades, the word ‘nursing home’ has evoked dread in the senior population. In our contemporary times, the average age of admissions into nursing homes has increased from an average age of 81 years in 1985, to 83 years old in 1997. Current statistics reveal the average age now has reached 86 years. No longer are nursing homes dark depressing endless halls of wheelchair bound elderly. The current culture change has changed the face of nursing homes into beautifully designed rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.
Step down units provide 24-hour care for the sick and injured whereas before seniors were relegated to inpatient hospital stays with little freedom and personalized care. Facilities in most cities now cater to the blooming ‘boomer’ population, with gyms, private rooms with state of the art televisions as well as chefs providing 6 meals daily from an upscale menu that could potentially compete with hotel menus.
Two of the most common reasons for admittance into a nursing care facility are incontinence and loss of mobility. Families/caregivers faced with these issues become hard pressed to meet the needs of elder relatives especially when careers, children and time away from home prevent caring adequately for their loved ones. When one care need is the issue, help may be available to family members, but once two or more issues complicate the care or more assistance that is physical is needed, nursing home admittance although a painful decision, may be the only answer.
Changes Women Face in Middle Age
What Can I Do Now?
As baby boomers age, they are faced with many dilemmas that cause stress and possible depression. Seniors have been accustomed to a fast pace, with the ability to go places our parents never even heard of, been part of an electronic revolution with the advent of the Internet, and have typically been able to accomplish any goals they have wished, also due in part to the age of electronics. College courses geared for seniors allow new career goals to be attained no matter what the age.
Senior women may be faced with several challenges at once; the ‘empty nest’ syndrome, children leave to start college and new families , a spouse may become ill or die, and a woman’s place in the home and community takes a sudden turn and leaves women reeling with imagined or real fears and concerns.
Aging women have the freedom to accomplish more than there mother’s were able. Volunteering in your community remains a viable and much needed option. However, while volunteering rewarding, it does not earn money. Senior women may find employment as mentors, childcare deliverers, companions, and a myriad of other ‘second or third’ career options. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, hospital, or schools for more information about the needs that may be present in your community. Studies show that maintaining activity increases the life span and maintains mental health.
Changes are frightening in themselves; arm yourself with weapons of life and purpose.
As baby boomers age, they are faced with many dilemmas that cause stress and possible depression. Seniors have been accustomed to a fast pace, with the ability to go places our parents never even heard of, been part of an electronic revolution with the advent of the Internet, and have typically been able to accomplish any goals they have wished, also due in part to the age of electronics. College courses geared for seniors allow new career goals to be attained no matter what the age.
Senior women may be faced with several challenges at once; the ‘empty nest’ syndrome, children leave to start college and new families , a spouse may become ill or die, and a woman’s place in the home and community takes a sudden turn and leaves women reeling with imagined or real fears and concerns.
Aging women have the freedom to accomplish more than there mother’s were able. Volunteering in your community remains a viable and much needed option. However, while volunteering rewarding, it does not earn money. Senior women may find employment as mentors, childcare deliverers, companions, and a myriad of other ‘second or third’ career options. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, hospital, or schools for more information about the needs that may be present in your community. Studies show that maintaining activity increases the life span and maintains mental health.
Changes are frightening in themselves; arm yourself with weapons of life and purpose.
Senior Vacationing
Senior Vacationing With a Purpose
Seniors today have been used to an active life, full of travel to many previously out of reach places. Once the ‘boomers’ hit retirement age, how can they continue to feel a part of society? Once the lifelong purpose of going to work is no longer present, seniors may face depression, feelings of worthlessness, and boredom.
There is an answer for all the emotional needs seniors still face. One of the most exciting events in our lives can still be attainable. Studies have shown a healthier outcome for those aging ‘with a purpose’ and those that volunteer. Combining travel with humanitarian purpose can create fulfillment, joy, new friendships, and a sense of well- being, (these are the basic needs of all human beings).
Senior vacation groups now travel to poor countries or areas where climate caused disaster has occurred. Contact your local Social Services office, or visit the web and look up the key words senior, vacationing, and volunteering, for example. Life does not need to stop with retirement. Get up, go out there, have fun, and help others. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay alive.
Seniors today have been used to an active life, full of travel to many previously out of reach places. Once the ‘boomers’ hit retirement age, how can they continue to feel a part of society? Once the lifelong purpose of going to work is no longer present, seniors may face depression, feelings of worthlessness, and boredom.
There is an answer for all the emotional needs seniors still face. One of the most exciting events in our lives can still be attainable. Studies have shown a healthier outcome for those aging ‘with a purpose’ and those that volunteer. Combining travel with humanitarian purpose can create fulfillment, joy, new friendships, and a sense of well- being, (these are the basic needs of all human beings).
Senior vacation groups now travel to poor countries or areas where climate caused disaster has occurred. Contact your local Social Services office, or visit the web and look up the key words senior, vacationing, and volunteering, for example. Life does not need to stop with retirement. Get up, go out there, have fun, and help others. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay alive.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Preventing overmedication mishaps
One of the most common mishaps that may occur in senior health care is the high incidence of over-medicating. Several factors may be responsible for these errors, but they can be prevented with a little bit of preparation. It is a well know fact, that as we age, seniors may take up to three medications for one disease diagnosis.
The first preventative action an individual may take is to write all prescriptions down on an index card and make enough copies to disperse to one's physicians. With contemporary medical specialties it is common for seniors to have as many as two or three doctors, maybe more. By taking responsibility to ensure that they all have the same information, seniors may save time, money, and potential medical complications or emergencies.
If you end up in the hospital unexpectedly, especially seniors, make sure a family member or friend has a current list of all your medications to present to your doctor, (he may not be your family physician). This list can then be checked against current treatment plans to ensure you do not experience adverse side effects, toxicity, or worse. Upon discharge, check the list of medications you are being discharged with to ensure that they are not duplicates of something you already have.
Another preventitive seniors can take is to also learn and list the generic as well as the brand name of their medications on your index cards. Some prescription plans dispense medications by generic names to save money and these can easily become confused with other drug names. Elicit the assistance of your local pharmacist for this information. They will also upon request, provide you with a list of the reason for a drug you are taking, as well as side effects, interactions, and things to avoid while receiving them.
With a little planning and communication, it is possible to avoid medication errors and preserve your health, allowing as much freedom from complications as possible.
The first preventative action an individual may take is to write all prescriptions down on an index card and make enough copies to disperse to one's physicians. With contemporary medical specialties it is common for seniors to have as many as two or three doctors, maybe more. By taking responsibility to ensure that they all have the same information, seniors may save time, money, and potential medical complications or emergencies.
If you end up in the hospital unexpectedly, especially seniors, make sure a family member or friend has a current list of all your medications to present to your doctor, (he may not be your family physician). This list can then be checked against current treatment plans to ensure you do not experience adverse side effects, toxicity, or worse. Upon discharge, check the list of medications you are being discharged with to ensure that they are not duplicates of something you already have.
Another preventitive seniors can take is to also learn and list the generic as well as the brand name of their medications on your index cards. Some prescription plans dispense medications by generic names to save money and these can easily become confused with other drug names. Elicit the assistance of your local pharmacist for this information. They will also upon request, provide you with a list of the reason for a drug you are taking, as well as side effects, interactions, and things to avoid while receiving them.
With a little planning and communication, it is possible to avoid medication errors and preserve your health, allowing as much freedom from complications as possible.
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