How to Stop Chronic Diarrhea in Elderly Adults

Five Myths About Aging

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:27:43 GMT

How Alzheimer's Affects Families

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:11:27 GMT

More than 5 million families in the United States are currently affected by Alzheimer's disease. The news of any illness in a loved one is stressful for families, but an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be especially debilitating. And while your mind is absolutely on your loved one and his or her battle with the disease, it's also normal to wonder how Alzheimer's affects families as well.

Your family is about to go through a challenging journey, alongside your loved one. You probably have many questions about Alzheimer's, and your mind may feel like it's spinning.

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time, and that there is a lot of unknown for your family. Although there's no way to prepare for anything and everything that can and will happen down the road, understanding some of the more common changes that are going to occur in your family can be helpful while you emotionally and physically prepare for what's next.

Here are some of the ways Alzheimer's affects families

While you know that there are many changes coming for your loved one on his or her journey, here are some of the ways that Alzheimer's will affect you and your family specifically:

Relationship changes

Whether you're a primary caregiver for your loved one, or whether you simply love and support your loved one, now as he or she begins a journey with Alzheimer's, it's important to know that as time goes on, your relationship with your loved one will change.

As the disease progresses and it becomes harder to recall memories, names and faces, your relationship will evolve to meet the moments where they land. As you may be called upon to serve as more of a caregiver, it may also feel like your relationship with your loved one has morphed away from "loved one" and more toward that caregiver-type role.

Emotional overwhelm

As you absorb and adjust to these relationship changes, support is essential. Feeling completely overwhelmed emotionally is normal right now, and as time goes on. You're dealing with the news of a loved one's prognosis, the stress of determining care, providing care and your own emotions about everything.

It's an awful lot!

Talking to a therapist, doctor, loved one or friend, or clergy member can help you work through those changes and emotions.

Conflict

Unfortunately, an Alzheimer's diagnosis can affect families by leading to conflict. With emotions and stress running high, and everyone dealing with the news and decisions in their own ways, disagreements may arise regarding care, treatment and other issues.

Family squabbles are often normal and harmless, but they can turn into real conflicts during stressful times. You may want to bring in a family friend or someone outside your immediate family to help make important decisions, ask questions and serve as an intermediary when necessary. During an already-stressful time, families should hopefully come together, not fracture apart.

Strengthened bonds

Conversely, sometimes Alzheimer's can affect families by bringing them closer. When everyone has a common goal, small squabbles and past incidents can be forgotten, and everyone works together. While no family welcomes an Alzheimer's diagnosis, sometimes good can come out of challenge.

Not only can the challenging times following an Alzheimer's diagnosis strenghten your bonds with family and friends as your support circle tightens and works together, you may also feel strengthened bonds with your loved one. The stress, pain and fear in your loved one is unfathomable, even as you deal with your own grief and stress. Coming together, spending quality time and making every moment count can help you nurture a stronger relationship with your loved one than ever before.

We are here to support your family after an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

There are so many questions and decisions affecting your family after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Having the right partner in your corner is essential. Here at Interim HealthCare, our team is comprised of experts in care for Alzheimer's and dementia. Our patient-centered approach to dementia care helps your loved one live comfortably and safely at home, with meaning and dignity, while providing your family with much-needed support and peace of mind.

Simple Ways to Dramatically Increase Home Safety

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:05:34 GMT

By 2030, nearly 30 percent of all Americans will be 65 and older—and most of those individuals will want to continue living at home for as long as possible. However, many of today’s homes are not adequately built nor equipped to properly handle the needs of aging individuals.

We all like to think of our homes as our safe havens, but the truth is that more than half of all accidents, including fatal ones, happen there. According to the National Institute on Aging, 6 out of 10 falls occur at home, and these are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries to older adults. To put this even more into perspective: according to the CDC, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall and, every 19 seconds, an older adult dies as result of a fall.

The good news is that small, easy changes we can make at home can go a long way to lessen our chances of accidents, including falls and other maladies. Grace-Sonia Melanio, a program specialist with AARP California, says “Research shows that home modifications, even small ones like installing night-lights and lamp timers, can reduce the need for costly medical care, increase the ability of older adults to manage activities of daily living, and enhance their independence.”

She offers these few simple tips to enhance home safety:

Add a bench to your entry space to put on and remove shoes safely.

Illuminate your address numbers or use glow in the dark or reflective stickers to make it easier for first responders (and pizza delivery) to find your home.

To prevent falls, make sure that stairway and hallway lights have on and off switches at both ends of the hall, and at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Jill Patterson, an occupational therapist for Institute on Aging’s Community Living Services, adds that the holidays are a time when the rate of accidents can surge as both objects and schedules shift. She points out that “Clear pathways may be compromised as furniture may be moved to accommodate a Christmas tree or other decorations. The use of extension cords may also create a fall risk if it crosses a pathway. Other factors include unsafe use of step ladders for putting up decorations, poor visibility due to holiday lighting, and fire risk from overly dried trees and use of candles. Furthermore, changes in routine may cause people to forget to take their medication, especially if they have family visiting or are visiting family.”

Patterson recommends pathways should always be kept clear and clutter free. Either remove area or throw rugs, or secure them to the floor—but keep a non-slip mat near the entrance, especially during the rainy season. She also always recommends adequate lighting in all areas of a home, the use of night lights in the bathroom and along walkways, and to switch out wick-burning candles with battery operated LED ones.

Muscle Loos In Seniors: Can It Be Reversed?

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:02:01 GMT

Losing strength with age is natural. But left unmanaged, muscle loss in seniors can be quite debilitating, even threatening a loss of independence. Sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass) affects about one in ten adults over the age of 50, which further emphasizes the importance of maintaining muscle mass as an essential part of maintaining your health as you grow older. But why do seniors lose muscle mass exactly, and what are the best ways of dealing with it?

Why Do Seniors Lose Muscle Mass?

Understanding what happens to your muscles when you get older involves the complex biology of myostatin inhibition and various other complicated physiological areas. But there is a simple version: From about the time we turn age 30, adults begin losing roughly 3% of their strength annually for the remainder of their lives.

An older person who leans into a sedentary lifestyle may find themselves facing several threats to their independence and possibly even their lives. That’s what makes learning how to make muscles strong in old age is an essential part of maintaining your health as you grow old. But what causes muscle atrophy in elderly patients?

Aside from aging, there are a few risk factors worth knowing. For example, it’s not entirely clear why vitamin D deficiency can contribute to sarcopenia, but research has shown that correcting a deficiency can increase a person’s strength and reduce the risk of falls.

Three of the most common things that accelerate muscle loss include:

A sedentary lifestyle/period of inactivity: Muscle loss is common after prolonged periods of immobilization or bed rest. Prolonged inactivity can lead to loss of strength, increased fatigue from exertion, and greater difficulty breaking the sedentary activity.

An unbalanced diet: Few things will reduce muscle mass as quickly as an imbalanced diet. Both low calorie and high-calorie diets are more common among seniors. Some research suggests older adults should aim for 25-30 grams of protein to maintain muscle, while others suggest 35g is the target for muscle growth in the elderly.

Inflammation: For various physiobiological reasons, inflammation related to chronic disease can affect strength and conditioning. Patients with COPD, arthritis, tuberculosis, and conditions involving chronic inflammation are all more likely to suffer muscle mass loss.

If you’re wondering under what conditions muscle wasting in the elderly could be reversed, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills to solve these issues, and nearly all remedies are directly related to diet or exercise.

DOWNLOAD A FREE SENIOR EXERCISING GUIDE

How to Improve Muscle Strength in Old Age

Muscle loss in elderly patients can be reversed in most circumstances, and many effective solutions are quite simple. One Japanese study found that seniors who spent six months walking managed to significantly increase muscle mass. Another study suggests people who walk fast are less likely to have sarcopenia. But how much exercise is a good idea for older adults?

The NIH suggests half an hour of strength training for seniors, at least twice a week. Regular strength training has been shown to help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of falling, and reduce the risk of an injury if a fall occurs. The ACSM also suggests 30-minutes but adds that seniors should focus on one muscle group each day and warm-up and cool-down before/after exercise for as long as ten or twenty minutes.

With respect to dietary improvements, the most common solutions will all involve protein.

You can get quality protein from foods like lean chicken, salmon, Greek yogurt, skin milk, or cooked beans. Very commonly taken by weight trainers, an inexpensive, over-the-counter protein supplement called creatine has been shown to help people achieve more benefits from resistance training. Apart from proteins, Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve muscle growth and offer anti-inflammatory effects.

Preventing Muscle Loss Among the Elderly

As always, it’s important to talk with your care provider before making these kinds of lifestyle changes. But with a proactive effort and a little persistence, muscle loss in seniors can typically be mitigated, prevented, or recovered.

Virtual Gathering for 2020 Holiday Season

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:59:08 GMT

While we were all hoping the COVID-19 pandemic would be safely behind us before the holidays began, concerns about the coronavirus linger. It’s put a damper on private gatherings and public celebrations. Everything from community tree lighting ceremonies to family dinners is affected.

Since seniors are at higher risk than younger people, it may be necessary to adapt how you and your loved ones celebrate this year. Fortunately, technology makes that easier to do, as does the wide availability of online shopping options. We’ve assembled some suggestions on how to enjoy the holidays with those dearest to you even if you can’t physically be together.

Using Virtual Platforms to Connect

Some families have already mastered the use of video chat platforms to stay connected to loved ones over the past 8 or 9 months. Zoom, for example, said daily users spiked from 10 million in December of 2019 to 200 million in March of 2020! The face-to-face nature of these services is the next best thing to being with friends and family in person.

You can host virtual parties for everything from reading a Christmas story with your grandchildren to opening holiday gifts together. Depending on what you are interested in doing during your video conference, you can explore using one of these apps on your computer, smart phone or tablet:

Zoom: With both free and paid versions, it’s easy to see why this app is so popular. The free version will allow 100 people to chat up to 40 minutes at a time. Paid versions begin at $14.99 a month and allow for unlimited meetings.

Skype: Another popular and free video chat app, Skype allows for video and audio calling. It also lets you message back and forth, and share screens with other users.

Houseparty: Billed as a face-to-face social network, this can be a great way to connect and play holiday games with loved ones near and far. There are a variety of games available on Houseparty, including Heads Up, Trivia, Chips and Guac, and more.

Ordering Holiday Meals Online

Holiday meals might be a little trickier if you are planning a virtual celebration. One idea might be to have everyone pick a dish to make or bake and arrange a safe place outside, such as a porch or patio, to meet and share them. Faraway loved ones might have to rely on shipping items overnight. Cookies and baked goods are easy to ship. You can even arrange for a shipping carrier to pick them up from your front porch.

If you prefer to order your holiday meal instead this year, many local restaurants have curbside and no-contact delivery options. Here are a few nationwide sellers that are offering holiday meals delivered right to your door:

Omaha Steaks: From a Turkey Feast to a Crab Cake Dinner and Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, this popular online store gives you a variety of options for entrees, wines, side dishes, and desserts.

Harry & David: Another popular food delivery service is Harry & David. In addition to the gift baskets and towers for which they are known, you can order holiday meals. Pork Wellington, Smoked Turkey, and Gourmet Ham Dinner are just a few of the many choices.

Chesapeake Bay: With holiday meal options ranging from Maryland Style Surf and Turf to Holiday Turkey Pie, you’ll find unique dinner menus here. You can also purchase appetizers, side dishes, and desserts.

One word of advice is to order early. Many online sellers are anticipating a surge in orders as more people are avoiding restaurants this year.

Holiday Gifts that Give Back

Finally, if you are rethinking holiday shopping and gift giving this year, keep in mind that nonprofit organizations have suffered greatly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s not just a downturn in financial contributions. Many rely on volunteers to perform vital tasks which helps keep payroll expenses down. For example, hospital volunteers help with everything from answering phones to transporting patients.

You can help by making donations to a favorite charitable organization in loved ones’ names or by purchasing from a charity’s online store. Many nonprofits sell T-shirts, water bottles, tote bags, and other items to raise extra money for their mission.

Positive News for Families Weighing Senior Living Options

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:55:49 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many caregivers to consider, and potentially even pause on, plans to move their loved one into a senior living community. During the last nine months, many have felt the highs and lows of providing around the clock care and attention to their loved ones during an incredibly uncertain time. Now, we have hope again. A light at the end of the tunnel. The news of a COVID-19 vaccine is just what many of us have been awaiting. Sunrise is thrilled to be one of the very first to receive this vaccine and to make it available for our residents and team members. And, we now know that new residents who move into one of our communities will likely be eligible to receive the vaccine if the move-in occurs prior to our assigned clinic dates.*

As families begin again to consider whether senior living is right for the beloved seniors in their lives, Sunrise has some additional information and resources available to help you weigh your options.

Working closely with our partners at CVS Health, Sunrise is working to finalize COVID-19 vaccine clinic dates across all of our U.S. communities as part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our residents and families. We expect these communities should have a vaccine clinic scheduled by the end of February, and be available to new and current residents and team members.

While the physical health of our residents is a top priority, Sunrise is also focused on our seniors’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We’re providing community teams with programming guidance to make vaccination clinics a positive and peaceful experience with the use of aromatherapy, comfortable, socially distanced “waiting rooms,” comforting beverage carts and thoughtful preparation, monitoring and follow-up observations.

We understand that many families have questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as potential side effects. On our website, you’ll find a number of educational resources from health organizations, including information from the CDC and other public health officials, to help your family make an informed decision about the vaccine.

Sunrise is encouraging all residents and team members at its 275 U.S. communities to participate in the vaccine program, subject to and consistent with federal, state, and local public health laws and guidelines as they evolve. In fact, we are extremely pleased by our residents and families’ overwhelmingly positive reception for the vaccine, with a recent survey revealing that more than 92% of Sunrise’s resident and family respondents indicate they would definitely or probably receive the vaccine for their loved ones. This is a very positive step in striving to achieve expansive inoculation throughout each community.

Be assured we have no plans to ease our enhanced infection control protocols. According to our Chief Clinical Officer Sue Coppola, “an effective vaccine will help reduce the risk of transmission, but we still need to remain vigilant and follow the evidence-based infection control measures that have helped keep our residents and team members safe throughout this pandemic. Mask wearing, social distancing, and other enhanced infection control protocols aren’t going anywhere any time soon, but we have every reason to be optimistic for the future.”

We know there is much to consider in advance of a move to senior living. We encourage you to visit our web site to find a community near you and be connected with our team to learn more about our continued commitment to seniors in your area.

Making the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:26:11 GMT

We are nearing the end of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period for 2021. Have you taken time to review your options? This 8-week period was established to allow Medicare recipients time to explore different health care options. Whether it’s sticking with traditional Medicare or signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, the window for making changes closes on December 6th every year.

Review Current Coverage

While it’s great to have a variety of options to choose from, in most health care markets it’s common for seniors to feel overwhelmed during Medicare open enrollment. This can lead some seniors to stick with their current plan.

What you should be aware of, however, is that plans change every year. For example, some health care providers may decide not to accept Medicare as a form of payment. At a minimum, seniors should take time to review any changes to their plan for 2021.

By now you should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail. The ANOC is a required document that health plans must send to inform enrollees of any revisions to Medicare—including costs—from this year to the next. Make sure to carefully review it for any variation that might impact your coverage and how satisfied you will be in the upcoming year.

Mastering Medicare Open Enrollment

A health plan that worked well in the past, may not be the best plan anymore. You might have options available that will give you better coverage at a more reasonable price. That’s why it’s always a good idea to explore what is available in your local area.

Here are a few tips to make it easier to get started and to make an informed choice:

Consider your needs: Begin by reflecting on how well your plan worked for you this year. Are you able to see the physicians you want and need to visit? Have you found yourself with a pocket full of uncovered expenses, such as for prescriptions and medical supplies? Make a list of what you are happy with in your current Medicare plan and what areas could use improvement.

Add up your costs: Pull out all of your explanation of benefit (EOB) forms and any health care expenditure receipts. Also, include expenses for any gap insurance or Medicare part B. Adding these to your total expenditures will give you the real cost of your current health care plan.

Investigate your options: The Medicare Plan Finder makes it easy to investigate other options available to you. Just enter your zip code to search for plans in your area. Easy Path to Choosing a Medicare Plan is another resource you might find helpful.

If you are struggling to navigate your way through the maze of Medicare options, there is help available at no cost to you.

Finding Help with Medicare Open Enrollment

The State Health Insurance Assistance Plan, known as SHIP, gives Medicare recipients access to advisors in every state. Should you prefer to ask questions to an expert in real time, a SHIP program advisor can help. They are experts in all things Medicare related from co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums to which providers are participating in 2021.

One last piece of advice is to avoid delay, especially if you’d like help from a SHIP advisor. The closer it gets to the December 6th deadline, the busier these professionals are.

Senior Planet Book Club: The Round House

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:21:57 GMT

The votes have been counted and we are pleased to announce that our next online Book Club offering is…..

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

For week one of our Book Club, please read chapters 1- 4 by Tuesday, December 8th.

Then come back to seniorplanet.org/articles/online-book-club/ and we’ll open a conversation in the comments so everyone can discuss what we read!

We’ll meet over Zoom to discuss the full book the week of December 21st. More details to come!

Here is how you can obtain a copy of The Round House:

Borrow Online:

Most libraries in the U.S. allow patrons to borrow e-books or audiobooks through online systems or applications you can download to your smartphone. OverDrive and Hoopla are two of the most popular services. The Round House is currently available on OverDrive HERE. If you are in New York State, you can apply for a library card online HERE.

Order a Hard Copy:

Contact your local bookstore to see if they are shipping books! We highly encourage you to support the independently owned bookstores in your area.

My Favorite Video-Calling Activities To Do With Grandchildren

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:17:52 GMT

Whether you live with your grandchildren or are visiting via Zoom or other virtual meeting tools, there are many fun and engaging things that can be done with your grandchildren. These activities can be teaching experiences in many ways. Even the youngest grandchild will do well listening to your voice as you tell stories or read to them. To help get you started, here are some of my favorite activities to do with grandchildren, even if we are not in the same room:

Board Games

board game diceIt's a little tricky to play board games via a virtual meeting, but it is by no means impossible. Games like Monopoly are more challenging, but Candyland can work well. So do some math and reading games. It helps if both parties have a copy of the game if it's going to be virtual.

In our home, one of our grandchildren lives with us. When we play, there will sometimes be treats out on the board for whoever lands on a particular spot. This can be done with about any game, but we first started the practice with Candyland. All of the candies get a small candy on them.

Science

kids science experimentFor virtual activities, an adult or older child (teens) should be present for the experiments, unless you are going to do it on your end for them to observe in regular sessions. There are a lot of fun things that can be studied. One example is how a raw (in the shell) egg reacts to different liquids. We've done soda, vinegar, and water so far.

You can also make a colorful crystal garden. The recipe is available online, and you can color the crystals with food dye. This is about the only reason I ever buy bluing, as it's one of the ingredients. It takes a few days for the garden to be visibly growing, but it's a lot of fun to watch, even as an adult.

Reading

grandmother reading to twin grandchildrenInstilling a love for reading is something that is important for every child. If you can read well, you can learn anything. This can be done several ways. If you can be with your grandchild, it is a lot of fun to read to them while they sit on your lap. If you can't, you can read virtually or record yourself reading and mail it to your grandchild.

If they can read, you can improve their skills by having them read to you. I have to warn you; some books will probably make you wrinkle your nose. One of our granddaughter's favorites is called That's Disgusting. It's something in her age group, and it is pretty disgusting, but it's still G-rated.

Want more content about reading? Check out these blogs:

Keeping Up with Your Reading in the Digital Age: Part 1 - Audiobooks

Keeping Up with Your Reading in the Digital Age: Part 2 - E-Books

Flashcards

This one is easy-peasy to do virtually as well as in person. We like to practice multiplication flashcards and have done others in the past. Colors, letters, foreign languages, and other things can be done this way. If in-person, a small treat can be an incentive to continue, especially if the subject is challenging at first.

Activities can be challenging to come up with when you cannot be in the same room. However, a little imagination and the use of technology can make things a lot easier.

Taking Care of Your Hearing Health

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:13:39 GMT

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, “Nearly 25% of those aged 65-74, and half of those older than 75, have disabling hearing loss. Among adults ages 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30%) has ever used them.”

Your ears allow you to hear a range of sounds by transmitting sound energy into electrical signals that your brain interprets. Your ears also play a vital role in maintaining balance. Taking care of your ears protects your hearing health and can even help prevent hearing loss.

With assisted living and memory care communities throughout Georgia, Oaks Senior Living understands the significance that ear and hearing health has on the overall wellness of older adults. We want to help you better understand the vital role that your ears play in your health and how to prevent hearing loss.

How Hearing Loss Can Impact Your Life

Hearing loss is more than an inconvenience; it can lead to other dangers and health concerns if not prevented or treated properly.

Difficulty Connecting with Others

Socialization and human connection are essential for maintaining mental and physical health. When an individual is experiencing hearing loss, large groups or settings with excessive background noise can make it difficult to hear or understand conversations happening around them.

To counteract this frustration, individuals may refrain from participating or attending social opportunities. This type of self-isolation can negatively impact self-confidence and mental health.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a hearing impairment, we encourage you to read our blog that shares tips to promote successful communication!

Missing Important Information or Not Hearing Sounds Around You

Imagine yourself in a doctor’s office. They tell you specific instructions on how to care for an existing medical condition, but you either mishear or do not understand what they are explaining to you. Instead of asking your doctor to repeat themselves (maybe out of embarrassment or self-reliance), you nod along and pretend you heard them. Now you’re in a situation where you don’t fully know how to handle your condition, which can lead to you doing something that could adversely affect your health.

Picture another scenario: you are walking down the sidewalk. Traffic is passing you on the road, and construction sounds can be heard in the distance, but you do not hear the man on a bicycle telling you he is coming up behind you. You stop abruptly and turn into his path of travel.

Taking proper care of your hearing health can help you to avoid both of these circumstances. By understanding your hearing ability and ear health, you are able to counteract the symptoms that come with hearing loss.

Preventable Falls

Because your ears are an essential part of your balance, taking care of your ear and hearing health can help to prevent unwanted falls. The Pacific Neuroscience Institute states, “the inner ear is composed of two parts: the cochlea for hearing and the vestibular system for balance.” When the inner ear vestibular system is affected, this can decrease your sense of balance and lead to falls that are otherwise preventable.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss & Promote Ear Health

Keep the Volume Down

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss. Many experts suggest following the 60/60 rule – listening at 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

Wear Ear Protection

When loud noises cannot be avoided, wear ear protection such as earplugs or (if necessary) noise-canceling headphones. This will dampen the noise and protect your ears from harmful exposure.

Don’t Wait to See the Doctor

If you suspect that you are experiencing hearing loss, do not wait to visit the doctor and get your hearing checked. Once damage is done to the ear, it cannot be reversed; however, further damage can be prevented. “Generally, people 60 and older should have a baseline hearing test and get rechecked every few years (healthyhearing.com).”

At Oaks Senior Living, we provide person-centered care that promotes the overall health and wellness of the residents in our communities. For more information on the services we offer or our senior living communities in Georgia, we invite you to contact a member of the Oaks Senior Living team today.

Eating Healthy Over the Holidays - Yes it's Possible, and it's Fun!

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:09:49 GMT

With the holiday season upon us, it’s easy to indulge in comfort foods and relaxation! However, when planning for the holidays, it’s always important to keep in mind ways to stay healthy by being active and eating right, and also helping our seniors and other loved ones do the same.

Food is a big part of the season’s joyful festivities. So, whether you are a caregiver for a senior loved one, or a senior yourself, you can find ways to eat healthy without cutting back on the celebration.

Our team at Wesley Enhanced Living offers these 5 simple tips to help you enjoy the holidays with delicious food:

Make sensible choices: Pick complex carbohydrates and natural sugars over simple carbs, processed foods, and foods high in sugar and sodium. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, nuts, yogurt, low-fat cheeses, and lean proteins are good choices and there is no limit to how many scrumptious holiday meals and snacks you can make with these food groups.

Practice mindful eating: Watching your favorite holiday classic on TV is a time for temptation—you want a snack to go along! Grab a bowl of almonds and cranberries instead of a tub of ice-cream. If chewing is a problem, consider a bowl of fruit such as blueberries, cherries, raspberries, grapes etc. You can eat these effortlessly and enjoy a healthy snack while watching a movie. At mealtimes, try to avoid distractions and focus on your food. This allows you to recognize when you feel full and you’ll be less likely to overeat.

Enjoy your food: The holidays make you want to eat more because you don’t typically eat traditional holiday dishes throughout the year. Don’t deprive yourself completely but eat smaller portions and look for ways to make conventional rich and fatty foods with healthier ingredients. You may not want to give up mashed potatoes loaded with sour cream and bacon bits, but substitute that with mashed sweet potatoes, cashew cream and crushed walnuts. Tasty, festive, and actually, much more colorful!

Watch the drinks: Sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol can pack on the calories and are not ideal for your heart or other vital organs. Reach for a glass of water more often. When you want flavor, add some fresh fruit or a slice of lemon or lime to your water or sparkling water. By all means, enjoy that cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace, but use skimmed milk instead of cream and skip the marshmallows to sprinkle with cinnamon instead.

Give your brain some time: After you have eaten a plate of food, give your brain at least 10 minutes to receive the signal from your stomach that it is full. Then decide whether you are still hungry and need a second serving.

Celebrate the Joy of the Season with A Yummy Recipe – Cranberry Apple Pie Crisp

Thanksgiving desserts are great, but let’s be honest, we don’t always have room for rich sweets after such a heavy meal. Here’s a healthy take on a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. This dessert is a variation on a fall classic and pulls out all the big players – warm spices, crisp apples, and the addition of tangy cranberries – a refreshing and healthy addition to this crisp. It’s much lighter than a pie, since there’s no crust, only a crumb mixture on top. Adjust the recipe as needed if you want to use a sugar substitute, following the directions for equivalencies.

Ingredients:

5 cups thinly sliced, cored apples

1 cup fresh cranberries

3 tablespoons granulated sugar or equivalent sugar substitute

1 teaspoon apple pie spice, divided (you can use cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you prefer)

¾ cup quick cooking rolled oats

4 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (you can use almond or coconut flour to make it gluten-free)

3 tablespoons butter or butter substitute

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine apples and cranberries. In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon apple pie spice. Sprinkle over fruit mixture in baking dish; toss to coat.

2. In a medium bowl combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and other 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until crumbly. If you don’t have a pastry blender, use fork or knife and cut butter into small pieces. This is best done when butter is very cold.

3. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over fruit mixture.

4. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender and cranberries have softened.

5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Also works great the next day once cooled off, on top of vanilla Greek yogurt!

Source: Eating Well

Hallie L. Klocek MPH RD LDN

Spread Some Holiday Cheer with Your Seniors and their Caregivers

No one should have to spend the holidays feeling lonely or sad. We encourage you to share in the season by thanking others for their help and support this year. The team at Wesley Enhanced Living works hard each day to bring safe, clean, and comforting accommodations for your loved ones. We offer independent living, personal care, and rehabilitation, and skilled nursing options. Go ahead! Check us out. You will be pleased you did.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones. Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.

Update on Alzheimer's Disease in the US

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 19:04:29 GMT

The emotional side of witnessing a senior struggle with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. It often leaves family members and friends feeling powerless to find ways to offer support. If you find yourself in this situation, one avenue to consider is becoming an advocate in the search for treatment options and, eventually, a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Designated as National Alzheimer’s Month every year, November is an ideal time to join the fight. Here’s what you should know about efforts to battle this disease that affects 5 million people in this country.

Latest Numbers on Alzheimer’s Disease

In a special report on Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, the Alzheimer’s Association released the following updated information:

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

By 2050, the number of adults with Alzheimer’s is expected to reach 14 million.

Two-thirds of people with the disease are women.

One in three seniors who dies has Alzheimer’s or some type of dementia.

83 percent of the care delivered to seniors with Alzheimer’s in the United States comes from family, friends, or other unpaid caregivers.

30 percent of caregivers are age 65 or older.

You can help by lending your support to those advocating on behalf of loved ones with the disease.

5 Ways to Become an Alzheimer’s Advocate

1. Help raise awareness: Beyond the knowledge that Alzheimer’s causes forgetfulness, there is a general lack of awareness about the disease and how it impacts families. You can change that by sharing your personal experience with the disease. Write a “Letter to the Editor” to be published in your community newspaper. Recruit friends to participate in the virtual Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser.

2. Contact state and federal legislators: Grassroots advocacy can impact legislation at both the state and federal levels. You can let your elected officials know how essential it is to fight Alzheimer’s by making phone calls and sending emails. Ask friends to do the same. You can also sign up for Action Alerts. This will allow you to make specific requests of your legislators as issues arise, such as asking for their vote on a funding bill or with health care laws.

3. Investigate clinical trials: Many biopharma companies are working hard for the drug development for Alzheimer’s cure. You might consider participating in a clinical trial or helping your loved one with the disease connect with one. Trials routinely seek people with and without the disease for research purposes.

4. Donate to the cause: If you are able, make a personal donation to an Alzheimer’s organization. Ask friends to do the same for your birthday or in lieu of a holiday gift. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America are two groups that fund research, as well as programs for professional and family caregivers.

5. Draw attention: Even small things, such as donning an Alzheimer’s ball cap or wearing a purple ribbon during November, can spark a conversation about the disease. Every one of those talks helps inform the general population about Alzheimer’s and build awareness.

Memory Care at Sunrise Senior Living

If you or someone in your family is feeling overwhelmed by their role as an Alzheimer’s caregiver, or is concerned they aren’t able to provide the quality of life a loved one deserves, it may be time to consider memory care. With communities across the country, Sunrise Senior Living likely has a memory care program nearby. Call (888) 434-4648 today to learn more!

Alzheimer's & Memory Care

Senior Marital and Domestic Partner Relationships During COVID

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:42:14 GMT

On Balance, Relationships and Communication is Better but Intimacy and Laughter is more Challenging

COVID-19 has upended the daily lives of almost all Americans, especially seniors. As the most at-risk group, older adults have to navigate keeping themselves safe, maintaining relationships with friends and family using technology, and having regular travel and activities canceled.

Much has been written about senior isolation since that is a very big risk to the older population, but what about seniors who are living with a significant other? How has the pandemic affected those relationships? In other words, when older adults vowed to “love and cherish each other forever”, did they really consider living in close quarters 24 hours a day for six months in the middle of a pandemic?

See our other reports on Senior Life during COVID:

How Seniors Are Finding Purpose

Seniors and Loneliness

Seniors and Finding Love During COVID

Seniors and Technology Adoption

Feel free to reach out to us for additional information.

We asked over 600 older adults (age 55+) about how the coronavirus has impacted their relationship. We also asked about specific elements of their relationship as well as what COVID-related issues were having the biggest impact.

Key Findings

While most older adults feel their relationships with significant others are as good or better than pre-pandemic, 17% feel their relationships have gotten worse.

On balance, older adults are seeing better communication with their partners during the pandemic.

On the other hand, more older adults believe that intimacy and laughter/joy has worsened rather than improved.

Women were more likely to notice relationship changes than men.

1 in 3 feel COVID restrictions on travel and activities are hurting their relationship

Increased time together is more likely to strengthen relationships than weaken them

Senior couples are spending time together and communicating more than before the pandemic, but some unfortunately are reporting a decrease in important relationship metrics.

62% of seniors say they are spending more time with their partner during COVID, and for the most part, this increased togetherness has been good. There is a strong correlation between those who are with each other more than before, and feelings that the pandemic has had a positive effect on their relationship. While the majority of seniors surveyed said COVID has not changed the relationship with their partner, 25% report a positive impact with 17% experiencing a negative impact.

When looking at specific elements of a relationship, responses differed. Only 10% of seniors said the communication has gotten worse in their relationship, and 17% feel it has improved. However, when asked about intimacy 8% said it has gotten worse since the pandemic while only 6% feel that it got better. When it came to laughter and joy in a relationship, an alarming 18% said it had gotten worse while 14% felt it had gotten better.

Women are noticing more changes in laughter and joy than men

While women and men had similar responses on communication and intimacy, women were much more likely to report differences in laughter and joy.

COVID restrictions are straining relationships

When asked what COVID related issues were negatively affecting their relationship, 70% selected at least one option, even though the vast majority felt their relationship overall had stayed the same or gotten better. The most prevalent issues for seniors have been the restrictions on travel and activities since the pandemic began, with over a third of respondents noting each as a problem. COVID precautions, family stress, and restrictions on social/ cultural and religious activities were selected as issues for 27% of seniors. 23% are even experiencing added strain on their relationship due to politics and the 2020 election.

The majority of seniors in our survey had been with their partner for over 25 years. COVID is undoubtedly not the first storm these relationships have had to weather, but more than 7 months into the pandemic many are feeling changes. For some, the increased time together has helped the relationship become stronger, but for others the strain is showing up as decreased intimacy and joy.

Methodology

The Senior List’s research team actively studies aging in place. We publish independent content covering social, economic, political, and geographic topics for seniors. For this report, we surveyed 646 adults aged

Vulnerability of seniors, isolation from friends has been a terrible lesson: psychiatrist

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:37:59 GMT

There is no point in paying tuition if we don’t learn anything. The months of the pandemic have cost us dearly. We have endured many months of worrying about health, grieving for lost lives, experiencing an economic crisis and listening to an endless series of updates filled with both information and threats.

Through the lockdowns, closures and restrictions, we have been given an opportunity to remember what is really important. Isolated and separated from one another, we can recognize the value of personal relationships. Family and friends, even casual acquaintances, turn out to be much more fundamental than work, money and possessions. Who knew? Postponing or cancelling weddings, parties and holiday trips turns out to be much less disruptive than the inability to visit the sick and the elderly. The most painful prohibition during the pandemic has been the medically-necessary protection of the elderly. The vulnerability of older adults, in the community as well as in residences, has been a terrible lesson during these past months.

A family I know had their 90-year-old mother and grandmother admitted to the nursing home during the pandemic. While this was a planned admission, the family hadn’t anticipated that they would have to leave her at the front door, unable to help her settle in her room. The woman spent six weeks in her room without any visitors and died there. Even after her death, the rituals of

funeral, mourning, visits of condolence, all were restricted by social distancing rules. Another woman I know, living in an assisted living facility, said (over the phone), “I feel like I am in prison. It is a very nice prison, but…”

The terrible losses in care facilities make it clear that these restrictions have been unavoidable. The price has been very high. We are social creatures, designed to live in groups and interact frequently and regularly. Working from home, chained to computers and telephones, is not the same as being together. The inability to touch one another, hug, shake hands, and experience the presence of others both intimately and casually, forces us to recognize that being human is grounded in connecting with others. Even shopping is different in person than online. The replacement of stores with the efficiency of Amazon may be an economic and administrative triumph, but it comes at a human cost.

We will not return to the world of 2019. If we have paid a terrible price during the pandemic, and continue to live with uncertainty and danger as the virus continues to wreak havoc with our world, at least let us emerge with our humanity intact. Let us embrace one another again when it is safe to do so. Nothing is more important, more precious and, as we have seen, more vulnerable, than our connections with one another.

Helpful Hydration Tips and 8 Reasons to Drink More Water

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:33:00 GMT

As we age, it becomes increasingly challenging to remain hydrated. Our bodies begin to store less water, and dehydration indicators are frequently milder, so we may not feel parched until it's too late. That being said, remaining hydrated is a crucial piece of wellness and significantly contributes to our overall health.

Many think that the only way to stay hydrated is by drinking water. While this is the primary and best method, there are other ways to help contribute to your hydration.

In this article, read to learn about the benefits of staying hydrated and how to do it!

How to Stay Hydrated?

pouring glass of waterThe simplest answer, of course, is to drink water! To answer how much water you should drink is day is more complicated. It varies per each person's unique situation, based on their size, age, exercise routines, etc. General rules will tell you to drink eight glasses of water per day. Or, a basic measure is for men to drink 15.5 cups per day, and for women to drink 11.5 cups per day. With that, the Mayo Clinic's recommendation, and perhaps the best measure, is to drink enough fluids that you rarely feel thirsty, and your urine is colorless or slightly yellow. If these aren't true for you, it's time for another glass of water!

While plain water is best for remaining hydrated, different drinks and fruits can help as well. Certain foods, juices, milk, and natural teas contribute to hydration as well. Even caffeinated beverages can add to your daily fluid consumption. However, it is best to restrict caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine, and as a result, contributes to dehydration.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks." Water can be found in foods grown from the ground, such as watermelon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Sports drinks can be useful if you're performing a long and high-intensity workout. These sports drinks contain sugars and electrolytes that can replenish your electrolytes and energy. However, many sports drinks contain elevated levels of sodium, sugar, and other ingredients, which could be counter-productive to your hydration goals.

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Hydrating Foods

Oatmeal

Oats absorb water (or milk) during their preparation. This makes for a fast and easy meal and a tasty way to take in more water! Plus, it leaves you feeling full and ready for the day. Try throwing some fruit in your oatmeal for an added bonus!

Vegetables

Did you know many vegetables are more than 90 percent water by weight? This includes lettuce, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and more! Studies have shown that vegetables are more effective in rehydrating after an intense workout than drinking water!

Soup

A nice brothy soup can be very effective in helping to hydrate. Not only are soups rich in fluids, but soups can serve as an easy and delicious way to increase the intake of those hydration-heavy vegetables as well.

Hydration, Fruits and WaterFruits

Pick up some juicy fruits, which serve as an excellent option for some quick and tasty hydration. Grapes, coconut water, apples, watermelon, strawberries, and peaches are all great options! Eat them plain, or consider mixing them into a smoothie!

Pudding

Pudding, and specifically, chia seed pudding, is a surprisingly effective hydration-helper. With water, chia seeds can grow 10x-30x their original size. As a bonus, the fluids consumed by eating chia seeds remain in the stomach rather than being flushed out.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Remaining hydrated is essential to keep our bodies functioning properly. Below, we'll cover some of the top benefits of remaining hydrated all day!

Quench Your Thirst

Keep your mouth from feeling dry. This is not only an uncomfortable feeling that indicates you should drink more water. This symptom also leads to chapped lips, bad breath, and has even been linked to tooth cavities.

2. Boost Metabolism

Studies have shown that adequate hydration leads to increased resting metabolism. Those that drink enough water, therefore, burn calories at a higher rate.

3. Increase Brain Power

Like our bodies, our brains are primarily made up of water. The brain is dependent on proper hydration to function. Dehydration can lead to impaired short-term memory, lessened reaction times, and worsened attention. Keep hydrated to avoid these symptoms and keep your mind in top shape!

4. Improve Digestive Health

Hydration is a crucial component for preventing constipation. Sufficient water is required to keep food moving through the intestines, as well as keeping the intestines smooth and flexible.

5. Boost Kidney Health

Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and even kidney stones. It is vital to continually remove waste from the body, in which water plays a crucial role. Water helps keep blood vessels open, allowing blood to travel freely to the kidneys and deliver essential nutrients.

hydrating after intense workout

6. Improve Your Mood

It has been demonstrated that individuals who drink more water will, in general, report preferred temperaments over the individuals who don't. This means remaining hydrated could be a significant component of day-to-day happiness.

7. Build Immunity

Sufficient hydration helps to support immunity in several ways. Among them, water oxygenates the blood, flushes toxins, and aids in lymph production. These actions all contribute to a healthy immune system and your body's ability to fight off disease.

8. Promote Cardiovascular Health

Hydration is necessary for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Additionally, dehydration results in a reduced amount of blood volume and an increased heart rate.

As you can see, hydration plays a crucial role in many aspects of wellness. Especially as we age, it is critical that we are drinking enough water and allowing our bodies to function correctly. So, get out there and have a glass of water!

How to Modify a Bathroom and Tub with Grab Bars for Seniors

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:29:31 GMT

Improving Bathroom Safety for Elderly in Seattle

If your aging parent wants to continue living independently at their home, then you must consider what risks that may involve and how to effectively mitigate them. For example, falling is the leading cause of fatal injuries in people aged 65 and older, according to the National Council on Aging. About one in four seniors fall each year, and it is the most common reason for emergency room visits among that demographic.

The best way to decrease the risk of falling and being seriously injured while in the bathroom is to install bathroom grab bars for elderly throughout the space. Here is how to get started remodeling and safeguarding a bathroom for your or your loved one:

1. Add Shower Rails for Elderly

While shower rails are not only designed for seniors, they’re of certain benefit to that demographic. Think about installing a vertical entrance bar close to the shower door jamb. Another horizontal bar should be placed on the wall, about 3 feet above the shower floor. Lastly, add a second vertical bar on the wall with the faucet, near the handles. It’s also a good idea to retrofit the shower with a bench or seating device of some sort. In the future, if you get dizzy, weak, or faint while you’re showering, it gives you an accessible place to quickly sit down before you potentially fall to the ground.

2. Bathtub Bars for Elderly

In the case of the bathtub bars, two are better than one. Any tub your parent uses on a frequent basis should have two handrails—one that can be reached from a sitting position and another for when they’re standing. It’s also a good idea to have a third handrail or grip outside the tub that they can use while getting in and out.

3. Hand Rails for the Commode Area

Using the toilet also involves sitting and standing, and potentially transferring from a wheelchair to the toilet, so that’s another bathroom area that should be given some attention. Symptoms like dizziness or faintness can come without warning, especially if you are feeling ill or having a reaction to a medication. The best solution is to install a rail or grab bar on each side of the commode area. The bar on the side wall closest to the toilet is useful for the person ascending, descending or moving from their wheelchair to use the toilet, while the grab bar behind the toilet provides support for a caregiver who is helping the person sit or stand.

Safeguarding Other Household Spaces for Seniors

Once the most dangerous room is covered, take a tour around your parent’s house and look for other areas where a fall might be prevented by a handrail. If there are stairs, a handrail should extend past the bottom step a few inches so it’s easily reached. Original handrails might not be strong enough, so pull them with all your weight—as if you were stumbling and grabbing onto them for support—and make sure they’re sturdy and well-secured.

If your parents still drive, consider putting a handrail in the garage close to where they park the car so they can use it for getting safely in and out of the vehicle.

Guidelines for Grab Bar Installation

Keep in mind that proper installation is vital to providing you and your parent peace of mind, as well as comfort when moving about your bathroom, or home in general. Reviewing ADA guidelines and standards is a good place to start. While you are not required to follow them precisely in your private home, they were designed by experts with older folks in mind, so they can provide some helpful guidance. According to ADA standards, grab bars should:

Be about 1¼ inches in diameter for the most optimal grip.

Have at least 1½ inches of space between the rail and your wall to provide ample space for you to get a firm grip on the device.

Be installed horizontally or at a slight angle, with between 33 inches and 3 feet (maximum) from the finished floor to the top of the gripping surface. This is based on the average height, but you can also tweak it if your loved one is exceptionally shorter or taller than average.

Additionally, grab bars should not be placed within a foot of projecting objects, so there is nothing in the way of swiftly grabbing hold of the bar if you’ve lost your balance or you slip. They also must be secured and should not rotate within their fittings. Place them in areas where the wall is reinforced.

Some style choices to consider based on physical needs and aesthetic preferences include designer curved grab bars; zig zag safety bars with multi-level rails; swing-up grab bars for toilets without a wall directly beside them; and crescent and wave grab bars that look stylish but are still safe.

A Safe Home for Seniors in West Seattle

For an elderly person, a fall can result in worse than minor scrapes and bruises. A broken hip or dislocated shoulder can mean months of recuperation and rehab, and it may prompt the end of their independence. If your senior parent is already prone to falling, it might be time to talk to them about moving to a safer place, such as an assisted living community in West Seattle. Our assisted living housing at Daystar Retirement Village is designed with older adults in mind, so each unit is equipped with the features and accessories to increase your safety and security while you focus on enjoying the next chapter of your life.

My Personal Journey With Osteoporosis

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:08:24 GMT

Learn about osteoporosis and how to handle it!

At the age of 86, I have only stayed overnight in a hospital once, to give birth to my daughter. So I guess it’s not surprising that I’ve always considered myself a very healthy person. Working as a model meant that being physically fit was part of my job. I exercised daily, kept my weight in a healthy range for me, and made sure to get regular medical checkups, but in my 40s I received a surprising diagnosis: I had osteoporosis.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS

While many people think that osteoporosis only affects older people, it can actually occur earlier. In fact, I was diagnosed 38 years ago. At the time I was going through menopause, but I hardly noticed any symptoms – I was young and healthy, or at least I thought so. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease” because bone loss can occur without symptoms.1 In the U.S., one in two women over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.2

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.1 As a result, bones become weak and more likely to break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even a strong sneeze.1 According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease placing them at increased risk for breaking a bone.3

OSTEOPOROSIS RISK FACTORS

There are many factors that put someone at greater risk for osteoporosis, including being postmenopausal, being 65 years of age or older, having a parent who had a hip fracture, cigarette smoking, Vitamin D deficiency, excessive alcohol intake (defined as more than 3 drinks/day) and low calcium intake.4,5 In addition to being postmenopausal, my life as a model revolved around avoiding food, and like many young women, I was at times obsessed with keeping my weight down. Unfortunately, low body weight can lead to vitamin deficiencies that cause bone health issues.

GETTING THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR ME

There is no cure for osteoporosis, but it can be treated with diet, exercise and medication, when appropriate.2 After talking with my doctor and getting a DXA (bone) scan, I made some major lifestyle changes. For the last nearly 40 years I have been committed to successfully managing my condition in order to prevent the disease from negatively impacting my life. At this point, it has become second nature. That has meant eating a well-balanced diet, taking vitamin D and calcium supplements recommended by my doctor and doing low weight-bearing exercise. Unfortunately, diet and exercise were not enough on their own to improve my bone density, and I required medication as well. Throughout the years I have been prescribed a few different medications, but the one that has been most effective has been Prolia® (denosumab).

APPROVED USE:

Prolia® is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause who are at high risk for fracture or cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or other osteoporosis medicines did not work well.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Do not take Prolia® if you: have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®.

For me Prolia® has been a real game-changer because it has not only managed to control my bone density loss, it has actually improved my bone density. People may react to medications differently and should discuss their options and medical history with their doctor in order to make the best decision for themselves. Looking back on my osteoporosis journey I’m really glad I discussed my concerns with my doctor as getting diagnosed and on a plan early may be why I have been so lucky and haven’t broken any bones.

October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day and the perfect moment to take the time to educate yourself and talk to your doctor about a bone health plan, including possible treatments that could be available to you. Here are some helpful resources:

– Prolia

– National Osteoporosis Foundation

– American Bone Health

– World Osteoporosis Day

You can also join me on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 am PT / 12:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm ET for a panel discussion with Amgen, who is sponsoring this post and giving me the opportunity to talk more about my osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment experience. Click here for more information.

*This post is part of a paid collaboration between myself and Amgen. The content reflects my own personal opinions.

ABOUT PROLIA®

• The medication, Prolia®, also known as denosumab, was discovered and developed by Amgen. Prolia® was approved 10 years ago by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.6

• Prolia® is given as one shot every six months by a healthcare professional, taken along with calcium and vitamin D.6

• Prolia® is proven to reduce the risk of fractures and help strengthen bones in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.6

For more information go to prolia.com

PROLIA INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication

Important Safety Information

Do not take Prolia® if you: have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®.

What is the most important information I should know about Prolia®?

If you receive Prolia®, you should not receive XGEVA®. Prolia® contains the same medicine as XGEVA® (denosumab).

Prolia® can cause serious side effects:

Serious allergic reactions have happened in people who take Prolia®. Call your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including low blood pressure (hypotension); trouble breathing; throat tightness; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; rash; itching; or hives.

Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Prolia®may lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low blood calcium, it may get worse during treatment. Your low blood calcium must be treated before you receive Prolia®.

Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to help prevent low blood calcium.

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) may occur. Your doctor should examine your mouth before you start Prolia®and may tell you to see your dentist. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with Prolia®.

Unusual thigh bone fractures. Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Increased risk of broken bones, including broken bones in the spine, after stopping, skipping, or delaying Prolia®. Talk with your doctor before starting Prolia® treatment. After your treatment with Prolia® is stopped, or if you skip or delay taking a dose, your risk for breaking bones, including bones in your spine, is increased. Your risk for having more than 1 broken bone in your spine is increased if you have already had a broken bone in your spine. Do not stop, skip, or delay taking Prolia® without first talking with your doctor. If your Prolia® treatment is stopped, talk to your doctor about other medicine that you can take.

Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®. You may need to go to the hospital for treatment.

Prolia®is a medicine that may affect the ability of your body to fight infections. People who have weakened immune systems or take medicines that affect the immune system may have an increased risk of developing serious infections.

Skin problems such as inflammation of your skin (dermatitis), rash, and eczema have been reported.

Bone, joint, or muscle pain. Some people who take Prolia® develop severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.

Before taking Prolia®, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Take the medicine XGEVA® (denosumab)

• Have low blood calcium

• Cannot take daily calcium and vitamin D

• Had parathyroid or thyroid surgery (glands located in your neck)

• Have been told you have trouble absorbing minerals in your stomach or intestines (malabsorption syndrome)

• Have kidney problems or are on kidney dialysis

• Are taking medications that can lower your blood calcium levels

• Plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Females who are able to become pregnant:

• Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Prolia®.

• You should use an effective method of birth control (contraception) during treatment with Prolia® and for at least 5 months after your last dose of Prolia®.

• Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Prolia®.

• Are breastfeeding or plan to breast-feed.

What are the possible side effects of Prolia®?

It is not known if the use of Prolia®over a long period of time may cause slow healing of broken bones. The most common side effects of Prolia® are back pain, pain in your arms and legs, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and bladder infection.

These are not all the possible side effects of Prolia®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see accompanying Prolia® full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

References:

• National Osteoporosis Foundation. What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? https://nof.org/patients/what-is- osteoporosis. Accessed September 28, 2020.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2004.

• National Osteoporosis Foundation. Fast Facts. https://cdn.nof.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Osteoporosis-Fast-Facts.pdf. Accessed September 28, 2020.

• Camacho PM, Petak SM, Binkley N, et al. American Association Of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College Of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis-2020 Update. Endocr Pract. 2020;26(Suppl 1):1-46.

• Cosman F, de Beur SJ, LeBoff MS, et al. Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis [published correction appears in Osteoporos Int. 2015 Jul;26(7):2045-7]. Osteoporos Int. 2014;25(10):2359-2381.

• Amgen. Prolia® (denosumab) prescribing information, Amgen.

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Safety Trips for Senior Travelers

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:00:19 GMT

Learn some new safety tips for traveling as a senior!

The tips are given here in brief –

•Get Insurance – But make certain you don’t get ripped off by checking my Travel Insurance tips.

•Don’t Advertise Your Absence – For example by putting up “Clean my Room” signs in hotels.

•Watch What You Eat – Seniors often have more sensitive stomachs.

Safety Tips - Watch What You Eat

Watch What You Eat – Hong Kong Fish Restaurant

•Mind Your Meds – Take care of your medicines and note down their names in case they are lost.

•Keep the Bling to a Minimum – Don’t display expensive jewelry, watches and cameras or cash.

•Keep Others in the Loop – Let others know your travel plans and carry a mobile phone.

•Stay Safe on Your Feet – Wear sensible shoes, particularly when visiting sites with uneven ground.

I’ll add to that – don’t walk with your hands in your jacket pockets – as I did in Catania in Sicily; I tripped and fell flat on a pavement made of hard Etna rock!

An Extra Couple of Safety Tips Based on My Own Experiences

•Carry a European Health Insurance Card – If you are an EU citizen travelling in Europe, then take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This can be very helpful if you require medical care. They are free of charge and can be applied for online.

Alpine Way - Snowy Mountains, Australia

Alpine Way – Snowy Mountains, Australia

•Make certain you have Enough Fuel when on a Driving Holiday – Distances between fuelling stations can be massive in sparsely populated countries like Australia and New Zealand; overnighting in the bush is not a good idea for Senior Travellers.

I very nearly ran out of fuel when driving around the Alpine Way in Australia’s Snowy Mountains; no filling stations, no other cars, only kangaroos leaping out from the side of the road! I was advised in New Zealand that once a car fuel tank drops to halfway, then fill it up.

Follow these few tips and then relax and enjoy your independent travel.

Training in the Era of Covid-19

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:53:33 GMT

What training/exercise is like for senior citizen Burr in the Era of COVID-19

“I started training for speed walking just before the COVID-19 virus took hold. For twenty-five years prior, I had been a sprinter and jumper at the local level, and up to the national and international levels. Then, I got a partial knee replacement which ended my running career. I was just starting to work out on the artificial grass and track of the local high school and do my exercises in our local gym, when they both closed due to the virus.

So now, my training program is to bike and walk on my neighborhood roads and sidewalks here in Naples, Florida. The workouts and physical therapy in the gym can be replaced by exercise at home on a reduced level, with online exercise using soup cans for weights. The gym is now open on a reduced attendance level, but I am a high risk individual for the virus, so I have ruled that out.

What I have found to be the biggest obstacle over the last few months, is consistent motivation. When I was training for a track meet in the past, I would work up to my race pace gradually, months before a meet. Then, as the meet got closer, I would step up the pace. Preparation would include cross-training, biking to the track, and playing a lot of tennis. I was just getting back to tennis when the tennis courts closed down. I was used to fast, intense workouts, which my initial walking workouts were not giving me.

A Little Help from my Friends

My main motivator has been habit. It takes a long time to develop a routine and a training pattern. Twenty-five years of training for sprinting and jumping develops some pretty good habits! I have been very fortunate to have a lot of help along the way. At my first county track meet, I met a guy who was eleven years older than me. He became my mentor and encouraged me to go on to the Pennsylvania State Senior Games. He also helped me with my long jumping technique. In later years, another person at those same games encouraged me to go on to the USA Track and Field meets. At the time, I thought the meets were for professionals and people who had been on high school or college teams. (I never ran track in school.) I finally went, and ended up winning medals at national championships! It shows how much just a little help from one person can do.

I have also had volunteer coaches for sprints and relay teams for the Penn Relays with my Philadelphia Masters Track Club. Additionally, there were many years of hands-on help from the coach of the local Lely High School track team, as he let me use the track for my training. The coach told his team of students, ‘Burr’s age is up there, but in practice he never stops. He has been to many national championships recently. If he can do it, you can do it!’

Training with Technology

I am now working on — if not struggling with — establishing a plan, and sticking with that plan consistently. To offset these problems with motivation, I now have technological solutions that I did not have, or even require, in the past.

On my iPhone, the Runkeeper app allows me to track the distance, time, and speed of my walks and bike rides. It also tracks my calories burned. With my Garmin Vivosmart IV watch, I can track my heart rate average and high point. The Garmin also tracks the intensity of my overall daily activities. After my aortic heart valve replacement three years ago and my partial knee replacement in November 2018, it has been more difficult to raise my heartbeat to a very high level. One of my goals is to build up my body. Very recently, I have been able to get my heartbeat up to 95% of capacity on my 1500 meter power walks.

“I have been very fortunate to have a lot of help along the way.”

-Burr Daly

Besides building up my body to meet the rigors of power walking and speed walking, I am also working on completely healing from my partial knee replacement. I have found that power walking requires a great amount of oxygen capacity and speed walking requires even more. When I was a sprinter, I would run 100 meters. Now, the walk is 1500 meters. When I had the lung disease, sarcoidosis, I lost 30% of the capacity of my lungs. I also have asthma. Therefore, I have changed my initial goal to power walking.

I’m focused on taking two steps forward, while trying not to go one step back. My Garmin Vivosmart is very helpful. If I have been sitting too long, it beeps and sends me a message: ‘Get up, and get moving.’ That’s the same secret my former Penn Relays coach always told me, ‘Keep moving.’ ”

The Importance of Gut Health

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:47:49 GMT

Whu is gut health so important?

Gut health is something that is receiving increasing levels of attention. Both nutrition experts and people looking to make a change to their daily diets are realizing the effect gut health can have on our general health, as well as the potential microbiome diets have to transform the wellbeing of our guts, maintain good digestion, reduce inflammation and manage weight levels.

In my role as Head of Nutrition and Hydration at Sunrise Senior Living UK, I’ve seen the growing awareness and popularity of microbiome diets amongst older people. Whilst there is something to learn about the value of such a diet for everyone, it is particularly interesting to note the way good gut health can help the older generation to thrive and live well.

The gut is a term to describe the digestive system, beginning with the mouth, down through the oesophagus to the stomach and the intestines, ultimately reaching the anus to expel unwanted waste. Unsurprisingly, it plays a crucial role in protecting the body as a first line of defence against pathogenic material. The gut is lined with a mucus layer and bacteria, as well as cells which are a component of the immune system which also need to be kept as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, due to environmental factors and poor food choices they can be compromised.

When we talk about the microbiome, we are referring to vast army of microorganisms (life forms) on and within the body – these include parasites, fungi and viruses, but are mostly bacteria. There is far more microbiota than human cells in our bodies (as much as nine times more), so creating an environment to manage the levels of beneficial bacteria whilst limiting pathogenic bacteria, (those that have the potential to cause diseases), is crucial. These microorganisms can have huge impacts upon health and disease.

Gut microbiota is of particular interest to nutritional therapists, as the gut is one of the main areas of the body, along with the skin and lungs that harbours microbiota that comes into contact with the outside world. Within the gut, there are thought to be approximately 1,000 different species of bacteria, which can be subdivided into categories. This is a complex area of research but essentially, bacteria affects the way the body functions. It is thought that up to 90% of diseases can be traced back to the gut! It also breaks down dietary fibre and many starchy molecules in order to produce fatty acids which the gut uses as fuel. Each person needs to actively manage their gut microbiota to help their body function optimally.

So, how can you do just that? Consuming foods with microbial diversity is key, which range from a wide variety of vegetables to raw state foods. However, foods with ‘live’ microorganisms, such as bio live yoghurts, also need to be taken in the right quantities to offer a health benefit, meaning that nutritionists can sometimes be hesitant to use the term ‘probiotic’ for these kinds of foods. Not all live yoghurts can be considered to be probiotic, as they may not survive the gut. Your lifestyle can also impact your body’s microbiota and the impact of foods, with factors including birthing and infant feeding methods for new mothers, stress, medication, geography and lifestyle stages– particularly for older people for whom changes can be particularly stressful. With everything working together, there cannot be one size fits all approach to gut-friendly diets and lifestyles – but knowing your body and which foods can help you is vital.

As an interface with the outside world, your gut health, whether it impacts health issues such as your immune system, bowels, constipation or energy levels, needs to be as protected as possible. There is also a relationship between the gut and the brain – for older people, healthiness of the mind is particularly important once you consider links to memory, carrying out basic daily tasks and navigating the world around them.

For older people, complying with a microbiome diet does not need to be difficult as long as they, and those that may care for them, are equipped with the knowledge they need. A diet rich in fiber, known as prebiotics, can help good bacteria to thrive, whilst fermented foods have already produced the kind of bacteria needed for a healthy gut. Fiber rich foods are readily available in supermarkets, (popular foods such as pasta, wholegrain cereals, fruits such as berries, pears and oranges, pulses and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn all contain fiber), and can easily be incorporated into meals at home or within a care home setting. No matter your age, it can be a good idea to try new things, too – fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi are all rising in popularity and are even increasing their presence within major supermarkets, with the content of these foods having been found to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. In Japan, the country where people live the longest on average, fermented foods are a diet staple.

Of course, the older people get the harder it can sometimes be to try a new, diverse diet. The body can also often reach more of an inflammatory state as it ages, making it more difficult for anti-inflammatory foods to have a transformational impact, and those who are taking antibiotics for illnesses that are common amongst older people may be impacted by the ‘killing off’ of good bacteria. However, all of us, no matter our age, should be mindful of the impact the foods we do eat can have. For example, it is also crucial to understand that foods high in sugar can make pathogenic bacteria grow so should be eaten in moderation (for a wide range of other reasons too!). For older people, lots of good foods are easily digestible – one nursing home recently ran a trial where residents were given a yoghurt with a bacteria strain every day, finding positive effects on general health. Nutritionists are hopeful this will lead to a double blind, randomized controlled study but for now, yoghurt is an easily consumable and digestible food to incorporate into an older person’s diet. These types of trials contribute to positive health claims (meaning food suppliers can state it will help the gut)

Bacteria affects us all from the very moment we are born. When we consider its relationship with our gut health, we can all realize just how much our immune system and digestion can benefit, as well as the potential a healthy, microbiome diet has to prevent and treat conditions like obesity, heart disease and inflammation. Crucially, it is never too late to do something, and older people can benefit by eating right for their microbes. When considering what to eat and what new foods to incorporate into a microbiome diet, you can never go wrong if you focus on your gut.

Mom Again

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:35:58 GMT

There's still plenty of things to do in old age!

Mom again!!!! I was looking forward to retirement next year, when my world turned upside down. I now have guardianship of my four year old grandson. He has a disorder that requires many different appointments with specialist. It has been a challenge to say the least. Born on my birthday, we had a bond like no other and somehow I knew one day I would be more than Nana to him. Guess the spirit was preparing me .

Life goes on and so many grandparents are raising their grandchildren. So what went wrong? Somehow I feel I have let my children down. Was I good mom? Thought so — I worked, paid my bills, and alone might add. Still I wonder did life just grab my son and say life will be hard for this one. He was in a bad relationship, drugs and later attempted suicide. Good news he survived and checked into rehab, and is on the road to recovery. But, in the meantime I am my grandson’s caregiver. It hurts my heart so much. But he too is mending and now sees his dad. Mom is out of the picture.

I have had many challenges as I am aging. It’s funny what life does to you. Open up packages, able to pick up my grandson, be the person who takes care of his needs. He wears me out, LOL. I’d like to hear from others who have also raised their grandchildren and those challenges they faced.

Check Out These Organizations That Help Senior Citizens!

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:19:10 GMT

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Check out these helpful organizations that were made specially to benefit senior citizens.

Medication Management Tips

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:44:44 GMT

Medications information for seniors

This blog helps with organization of medications, an idea of how many medications you should be taking based on your age, and information so that you aren't taking too many medications that conflict with each other. All in 10 fun tips!

Arline Rubin: Crafting Her Way Through Quarantine

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:42:31 GMT

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Looking for a fun way to spend your time during quarantine? Look at some of the crafts that Arline Rubin has made during hers!

Exploring the Joys of Aging

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:11:10 GMT

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There are so many wonderful things that an older age bring! Check out this blog to find out what they are.

Answers to the Most Common Questions About Medicare

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 13:04:24 GMT

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Are you curious about Medicare? Have any sort of questions regarding Medicare? Then check out this blog that answers YOUR questions about Medicare!

Bruising in the Elderly: What Causes Skin Bruising in Seniors?

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:56:19 GMT

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Ever wonder what causes bruising so easily in seniors? Click on this blog to find out!

How Home Care is Transforming Health Care

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:24:57 GMT

The ideal health care system must approach health comprehensively since so many factors affect our health. Health researchers have increasingly focused on Social Determinents of Health (SDOH). Everything from socioeconomic status to living situation and environment impacts health outcomes. Our health care system faces critical challenges, especially in helping an aging population, because it has typically not had effective ways to address these SDOH. Fortunately, home care is transforming how health care is delivered and offering a solutions-based, real-world approach.

Health Care Challenges, Home Care Solutions

The top 5% of patients drive 50% of healthcare costs in the U.S.

And, while the U.S. spends more per capita than other developed countries on health care, our outcomes are generally not better. The reasons for those cost differences are complex, but clearly there is disparity on whom the dollars are being spent. And, the causes of those costs are largely preventable and manageable.

Our system has not addressed chronic care effectively.

Our healthcare system focuses a lot on the most expensive, complex, acute care. We can triage and treat car accident or gunshot victims expertly. Our hospitals and treatment centers offer advanced diagnostics and treatments for acute disease. However, we do not focus significant resources on prevention and long-term needs for chronic conditions. Beyond the costs, this translates into poor quality of life for such patients in many cases. There are a lot of reasons for this, but we’ll focus on one of the key solutions.

Home Care Solution: Chronic Care Support

For those living with chronic conditions (or multiple conditions), 90% of their “health care” takes place outside of a hospital or doctor’s office. They need to manage their condition at home with medications, nutrition, lifestyle support and monitoring. Yet, we know this is where things break down. Home care offers evidence-based solutions, including:

Medication management helps prevent medication errors (made by ½ of seniors, resulting in hospitalizations, nursing home admissions, and even death) and ensures clients take medications as directed. Caregivers also help spot side effects or problems by being another set of eyes and ears in the home.

Nutrition: Eating right positively affects health and is absolutely essential to many conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. Home care may include meal planning, shopping, preparation, and even mealtime companionship. All of this helps the patient stay on track with the diet that’s best for them.

Monitoring and Prevention: A doctor might see a patient once/quarter or less. When a patient goes to the hospital, the medical staff has little insight into the person’s background or lifestyle. And, they have little control over what happens when the person leaves the hospital. Caregivers can provide this missing link. They can help patients monitor their condition and spot issues. Additionally, personal care services and household support ensures a healthy environment...where the patient is most of the time.

Care coordination bridges the gaps for consistency and communication between providers and in different settings.

Functional limitations triple healthcare costs.

$740 billion/year of healthcare costs are due to functional limitations. When someone has limited mobility or difficulties with self-care, they are more likely to experience health crises. Direct and indirect costs from falls alone rack up over $19 billion. And, our ERs are full of people suffering from these mostly preventable crises.

Functional Assistance in the Home

A home care plan addresses the person’s functional limitations with ADL and IADL support. A care manager can evaluate the home environment for safety hazards, make recommendations, and create a tailored plan for health at home.

Driving and Meds Don’t Mix

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:07:20 GMT

According to CAMH, adults in Canada aged 65 and older consume 20 to 40 percent of all prescription meds and 25 percent of all over-the-counter meds. As we age, we’re also more likely to take more than one medication at a time. While medications help you manage your illnesses and symptoms, many cause side effects that impair your ability to drive.

Common Medications That Restrict Your Ability to Drive

Medications can cause a whole slew of side effects that can make it impossible for a person to drive safely, including:

drowsiness/sleepiness

unsteadiness

blurred vision

dizziness

slowed movement and reaction

trouble focusing or concentrating

fainting

As we get older, many of these effects can be even more pronounced because ageing affects the rate of at which our bodies absorb drugs. If you take more than one type of medication, the possibility of drug interactions is higher and can result in enhanced effects of one or more of the drugs.

Medications known to impair driving include:

narcotic pain relievers

anxiety medications

some antidepressants

anti-epileptic drugs (anti-seizure drugs)

sleep aids

products containing codeine

antihistamines

cough and cold medicine

muscle relaxants

medicines used to treat nausea

Getting Around Safely

Driving and meds don’t mix, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up your car and fuss with taxis or be at the mercy of public transit schedules. You can hire a caregiver to drive your car wherever you need to go.

By hiring an in-home caregiver to drive you, you not only get reliable transportation, but also have the added benefit of having help with errands such as shopping, someone to accompany you to appointments, and more.

A caregiver can help you or your ageing parent maintain independence, making it possible to go anywhere. This as well as other in-home care services, if needed.

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Top 10 Netflix shows for Seniors

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:52:01 GMT

Seniors tend to have a lot of spare time. Luckily, seniors today have access to great entertainment on demand—so there’s no reason to be bored! However, picking the right show can be tricky. Seniors often have particular tastes when it comes to TV shows and movies. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite shows for seniors, all of which can be found on Netflix.

1. The Great British Baking Show

This baking competition is entertaining for individuals of all ages. It has just enough suspense as you wonder whose desserts or savory creations will turn out and which ones won’t. There are also a number of dishes that aren’t familiar to us in the United States, giving you a dose of culture with your competition. Plus, contestants and judges share their tips throughout the baking process, which can be useful in your own kitchen.

Unlike American cooking competitions, the contestants are quite amicable with each other and seem genuinely sad to see their fellow contestants be eliminated from the show — making The Great British Baking Show even more endearing.

Netflix has several seasons of this cooking competition. Each season has 10 episodes that are focused on different baking challenges — from pastry to pudding. All episodes are about an hour. The show also has some holiday specials.

2. Our Planet

Not quite ready for physics? Enjoy science on a more basic level—right here on earth. The show Our Planet is a Netflix documentary series that won 2 Emmy Awards. Each episode in season 1 focuses on a different type of landscape across the planet.

Seniors will enjoy learning about nature and seeing the variety of wildlife from across the planet. The documentary feature impressive footage of real wildlife interactions. Paired with impeccable narration, this series is full of action and education.

3. Grace and Frankie

Grace and Frankie tells the story of 2 senior women who bond after their husbands decide that they love each other. But their relationship isn’t always easy. The series features Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, who are great at making audiences laugh season after season.

This show is produced by Netflix and is a great family comedy. Currently, there are 6 seasons available for streaming on Netflix and a final 7th season is in the works. Each episode is approximately 35–40 minutes long.

4. The Crown

The Crown is another beloved Netflix show. This one follows the life of Queen Elizabeth from the 1940s to modern days. It is based on an award-winning play: The Audience. Seniors can relive some of the major events, political strife, and decisions that the Queen has faced during her reign.

Plus, this show features plenty of drama as it also explores personal relationships between the Queen and those closest to her. The inner workings of the Royal Family might surprise you.

Currently, Netflix is streaming 3 seasons of the show and has plans to make more seasons. Each episode is about 1 hour.

5. Jeopardy

Who doesn’t enjoy watching a round of Jeopardy? The show has been around for decades and has become a classic gameshow. Seniors can put their own knowledge to the test and listen to the familiar voice of Alex Trebec. They might even learn a few bits of interesting trivia as the contestants battle it our to earn cash winnings.

While Netflix doesn’t have every episode of Jeopardy, it certainly has enough episodes for you to get your game-show fix. Each episode is about 20 minutes long, so it’s a great show to keep seniors busy during short periods of down time.

6. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

Everyone dreams about the perfect home. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes show highlights amazing homes that are located all around the world. The beautiful architecture and attention to detail in these homes can capture a senior’s imagination and whimsy. These buildings are unconventional and could even provide you with some design inspiration for your own home.

Netflix has several seasons of this show, and the episodes are about an hour long. Take a trip around the world and get a glimpse of the most intriguing homes you’ve ever seen.

7. The Final Table

Looking for another delicious show? The Final Table is Netflix original. This show is an international cooking competition. In the beginning rounds of the competition, chefs compete in pairs to create culinary masterpieces from different regions of the world. As the competition heats up, chefs compete individually until there is a single winner.

Seniors may appreciate the fast-paced competition and the delicate creations. Unlike The Great British Baking Show, The Final Table focuses on fine dining and recreating iconic international dishes.

Netflix currently has one season of the show available for streaming. Each episode is an hour and focuses on a different country.

8. The Good Place

The Good Place is another comedy on Netflix. The streaming service has all seasons of this funny and lighthearted show, so seniors can binge the entire series. The plot centers on a woman who arrives in the afterlife and doesn’t quite fit into the heaven-like environment. Seniors will appreciate the clean humor and great acting performance by Kristen Bell.

9. The Toys that Made Us

Feeling nostalgic? Netflix’s show The Toys that Made Us can take you on a trip down memory lane. Seniors might recognize several of the toys that they played with or that they purchased for their own kids to play with.

Netflix streams 3 seasons of the show, and the episodes are about 45 minutes long. Each episode focuses on a different iconic toy. There is also a variation of this show called The Movies that Made us, which seniors might equally enjoy.

10. Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is a great drama that seniors might get addicted to. Luckily, Netflix has 8 seasons of this show. The show is set in the 1950s in East End. The plot centers on a midwife in a nursing convent. It quickly became a beloved BBC production, and seniors will make connections with characters as they follow the storyline. Each episode is about an hour.

Netflix presents many other shows and movies that seniors can equally enjoy. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to learn, laugh, or just eliminate boredom.

Simple exercises seniors can do at home

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:37:21 GMT

In the face of COVID-19, gyms and fitness centers are among some of the last businesses that are allowed to reopen. That means that the usual exercises classes older adults may have been attending have likely been cancelled, suspended, or moved online. But just because you can’t physically go to the gym or recreation center doesn’t mean you can’t stay physically active and get in your 30 minutes of daily exercise.

There are plenty of activities that seniors can do right from the comfort of their home with little or no equipment. October is National Physical Therapy month, and a great time to highlight some simple exercises.

First and foremost, pay attention to your body and your own abilities. Don’t overdo it – if an activity is too difficult, start with something easier and work your way up. Go at your own pace and do what you are able.

Wall Push-Ups

Strengthening your arms doesn’t have to involve getting down on the floor. Find a nice clear section of wall, stand up to two feet away, and place your hands flat against the wall directly out from your shoulders. Then, tighten your core to keep your body straight, bend your elbows, and slowly lean in and push out from the wall fully extending your arms when you return.

Light Weights

Another way to work your arms is to use some light weights (or objects from around your home such as water bottles or soup cans) and do some gentle arm raises, shoulder presses, or bicep curls.

Chair Squats

If you can do a regular squat without any assistance, that’s great! Keep strengthening your legs and core while improving your balance. However, if you need a little support, don’t be afraid to grab a chair to help. Stand in front of the chair with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your back straight and core tight as you bend your knees and lower yourself down to sit on the chair. Then, use your legs to gently push yourself back up into a standing position.

Aerobic/Cardio Exercises

Get your heart pumping and lungs working with a variety of aerobic exercises such as jumping jacks, knee lifts, jump roping, jogging in place, burpees, or dancing. Create a short circuit where you do each exercise for a certain length of time or number of repetitions. Change things up and try different exercises to keep things interesting.

Single-Leg Stand

Practice your balance while strengthening your legs and core by standing on one foot. It is a good idea to start out by holding on to a counter or stable piece of furniture when you first begin. Hold on and raise one of your feet off of the floor a few inches and keep it there for a few seconds before carefully putting it back down. Then switch feet. As you become more stable, you can increase the amount of time your leg is raised, then try it without holding on and build up your time.

Stretching

Stretching can also be a wonderful source of exercise to keep your muscles limber and improve mobility. You can sit on the floor and gently bend and stretch, or do some exercises while standing. Try raising yourself onto your tip toes to stretch your calf muscles, or rotate your ankles in slow circles. Yoga can also be an effective way of stretching and enhancing balance and coordination.

There are plenty of online videos and classes geared toward seniors as well. Start out slowly and build your stamina, strength, and flexibility. You may also want to talk to a personal trainer who works with seniors to see what they recommend based on your needs and abilities. Always talk to your doctor before you start any exercise regimen.

If you have difficulty doing things around your home due to poor or limited mobility, working with an in-home caregiver can provide you with the support and assistance you need to age in place more safely and comfortably.

4 Tips When Caregiving for a Grandparent

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:08:51 GMT

Grandparents play a pivotal role in many families. As life expectancy has increased, more children are fortunate to have a grandparent actively involved in their lives. Grandparents often help with transportation to school events, babysit during summers, and take vacations with younger generations. The bonds that are built during these activities can last a lifetime.

When the situation changes, and a grandmother or grandfather is the one who needs assistance, the younger generation is frequently stepping in to help. Research conducted by the National Alliance and AARP, shows that 5.3 million grandchildren over the age of 18 are acting as a caregiver for a grandparent. They comprise 10 percent of the entire family caregiver population.

As we all continue to struggle with the COVID-19 crisis, having a grandchild as a caregiver can bring peace of mind and companionship. It’s a meaningful connection that can make anxious days brighter.

While most grandchildren are happy to help care for a grandparent, they might not have the life experience to understand how to cope with a loved one’s serious illness. If you know of a young person in this situation, we have a few tips they might find useful.

Caregiving Advice for Grandchildren

1. Follow COVID-19 best practices: Unless you are quarantining in the same house as your grandparent, you’ll need to make sure you aren’t putting them at risk. Wash your hands often. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, and make sure your grandparent keeps one on too. Use bleach to wipe down surfaces. Talk with the senior’s physician for more advice on protecting the senior from the coronavirus.

2. Learn healthy ways to manage stress: Caregiving is stressful. The role often requires loved ones to juggle a variety of challenges every day. When you add in the stress of watching the health of a much-loved grandparent decline, it can be exceptionally emotional. It’s important to take time out for healthy stress-buster activities. Walking, spending time with friends, meditation, listening to music, yoga, and journaling are a few suggestions to consider. Engaging in productive activities can help prevent bad coping techniques from creeping in, like overeating, smoking, or consuming too much alcohol.

3. Make time for yourself: While caring for a grandparent is a noble and rewarding experience, grandchildren need to make time to enjoy their own lives. If there aren’t other family members who can pitch in, it may be beneficial to hire an in-home caregiver. Be sure to screen any agency you choose to make sure they follow COVID-19 safety practices.

4. Connect with other caregivers: The challenges of caregiving can be quite unique. Connecting with peers who understand can be helpful. There are online support groups that make this much easier to do. The Family Caregiver Alliance and ALZ Connected are two popular choices.

Finally, accept that you might not be able to maintain the role forever. If you are overwhelmed and struggling to manage all of your responsibilities, it may be time to for an assisted living or memory care community for your grandparent.

Exploring the Causes of Malnutrition in Seniors

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:06:50 GMT

Since the COVID-19 crisis presents such a serious risk for seniors, a poor diet may be easy for family members to overlook. An older adult’s goal might be to stay home and avoid trips to the grocery store or farm stand. Even before concerns about the coronavirus caused so many seniors to self-isolate, an elder’s poor diet and malnutrition was a challenge many families faced.

As the coronavirus pandemic persists, researchers continue to say a weakened immune system can increase an older adult’s risk for the virus. A poor diet can often result in decreased immunity. In addition, there are other health issues linked to malnutrition:

Chronic fatigue

Loss of bone density

Slow healing wounds

Increased risk for falls

Learning what puts older adults at risk for a poor diet or malnutrition will help you learn how to detect a problem and address it.

Evaluating a Senior’s Risk for Malnutrition

For some older adults, malnutrition is linked to a lack of transportation to the grocery store or an inability to plan healthy menus. Research from the Mayo Clinic also shows that other physical, social, and psychological factors can contribute.

Physical: As you are exploring potential reasons that an older loved one isn’t eating well, consider physical problems. Poorly fitting dentures, for example, might make chewing painful. Struggling to stand for very long and prepare meals could lead a senior to eat very little. Then there are conditions like Parkinson’s disease and arthritis that make tasks associated with preparing healthy meal, such as slicing and chopping vegetables, difficult and even dangerous.

Social: Meals are often a social occasion and a time to connect with friends and family. For seniors who are trying to physically distance from others, eating alone might be necessary. The longer an older adult is isolated, the tougher the situation can become. Cooking for one may seem like too much work after a week or two. A senior can turn to fast foods and convenience items, including frozen dinners, processed foods, and canned foods instead. These tend to be low in nutrients, and high in sodium and trans-fat.

Psychology: Other issues that impact nutrition are grief, depression, isolation, and loneliness. A death in the family, a change in personal health, or anxiety about the coronavirus are just a few psychological challenges that can affect a senior’s eating habits. Sometimes people trying to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression may consume too many unhealthy comfort foods or sugary treats. Other times a person in psychological pain can lose their appetite altogether.

Once you pinpoint the cause of a senior loved one’s poor nutrition, it will be easier to address those concerns. Whether it’s having groceries delivered or exploring meal delivery services, there are a variety of solutions to consider.

Sunrise Response to Nutrition During COVID-19

If you are considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, you can feel confident in Sunrise. Our teams are working hard to ensure residents maintain a healthy diet despite the coronavirus. COVID-19 Response: Message from Caitlin Rogers, VP of Dining and Nutrition Services explains how we accomplish that.

Medication Safety Tip Sheet for Seniors

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:53:16 GMT

Safely adhering to a medication schedule can sometimes be tough for seniors, especially those who take multiple types of medicine each day. For reasons ranging from memory loss to small print on prescription labels, seniors make dangerous mistakes with medications every day.

According to the National Academy of Medicine, 770,000 older adults per year wind up in a hospital emergency room for issues related to medications. As concerns about the coronavirus linger, seniors may be limiting contact with a home care companion or loved one who has assisted with their medication management.

If you are concerned a loved one might be struggling to manage their medications, these tips will be of interest.

Medication Mistakes by Seniors and Tips to Prevent Them

Getting times confused: Some prescription medications are time-sensitive, including those for diabetes and heart disease. If a dose is missed or if several doses are taken too closely, the result can be dangerous. If coronavirus concerns keep you or another caregiver from helping in person, consider an electronic option like MedMinder. This device has a variety of features that help older adults stick to a medication schedule.

Swallowing problems: Seniors with chronic health conditions that make swallowing difficult might not be compliant with medication. For some, especially those who live alone, it is a fear of choking that keeps them from taking their recommended doses. The senior might also crush a pill to take with food or empty the contents of a capsule in water to drink. Though it may be fine for some medications, it can cause those with a time-release component to be ineffective or even dangerous. If your family member is having trouble swallowing a pill, ask their pharmacist to see if altering the format is possible.

Reading tiny print: Seniors often have some type of vision loss, especially when it comes to reading fine print. An older adult might make a medication error simply because the print on the label is too small to read. This challenge is one that can be avoided by calling the pharmacy. Ask them to use labels with a larger font that is friendlier on older eyes.

Storing medication improperly: How you store a medication can impact its effectiveness. For many people, that means a kitchen counter or bathroom cabinet. Unfortunately, both are bad locations because temperature and humidity can fluctuate widely in both places. A bedroom drawer is usually a better option.

For seniors who are self-isolating in an effort to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, there are a few additional steps you can take to stay safe.

Medicines and COVID-19

If you are worried about how to avoid visiting the pharmacy or how to stay in touch with a physician without going into their office, there are options to pursue:

Virtual visits: Take advantage of virtual physician visits to discuss medication worries. Medicare’s revised telehealth benefit covers the costs associated with these appointments, at least in the short-term while the COVID-19 crisis persists.

Mail order pharmacy: Find out if your insurance covers mail order prescriptions. Many policies do and some even offer an option that places medications in punch cards with labels as to when the dosage should be taken.

Home delivery: Call your local pharmacy to ask about any home delivery services they offer. Most established chains will deliver at no cost.

For those unfamiliar with virtual appointments, Are Virtual Physician Visits an Option for Your Senior Family Member? is an article that will help you learn more.

At Sunrise Senior Living, we’ve moved to virtual appointments and visits, too. Our residents use platforms like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime to connect with friends and family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also offer potential residents an opportunity to schedule a virtual tour. Call the community nearest you to learn more!

How to stop chronic diarrhea in elderly adults

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:39:51 GMT

Diarrhea can be quite irksome, especially for older adults. When it comes to chronic diarrhea, you can also experience other debilitating symptoms, such as fever and nausea. However, there are things you can keep in mind to prevent and treat it. In this post, we will take a look at the symptoms and causes of frequent diarrhea in the elderly and what to do for diarrhea in the elderly.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in the Elderly

The symptoms of chronic diarrhea in the elderly include:

Abdominal cramps

Abdominal pain

Bloating

Blood and mucus in the stool

Loose, watery stools

Fever

Nausea

Urgent need to have a bowel movement

One serious symptom of prolonged diarrhea in the elderly is dehydration, which can be dangerous if the individual does not receive medical attention or rehydrates. These side effects include:

Dark urine

Dizziness/shakiness

Excessive thirst

Fatigue

Fever

Causes of Diarrhea in the Elderly

The causes of frequent diarrhea in the elderly include:

Appendicitis

Food poisoning/traveler’s diarrhea

Clostridium difficile bacteria (usually caused by antibiotics or stomach-suppressing medications)

Bowel disorders

Bowel Obstruction/fecal impaction (hardened stool lodged in the colon; develops in people with severe constipation)

Celiac disease (when eating gluten damages your small intestine)

Colon cancer (cancer in the large intestine)

Crohn disease (inflammation of digestive tract)

Diverticulitis (inflammation of outpouchings of the colon)

Gastric bypass surgery (eating more than you should after this surgery)

Ischemic colitis (causes colon injury from decreased or interrupted blood supply)

Lactose intolerance (a digestive disorder causing an inability to digest lactose)

Radiation enteritis (irritation of the intestines after radiation therapy for cancer)

Ulcerative colitis (inflammation/ulcers in the digestive tract)

Carcinoid tumors

Cirrhosis of the liver

Diabetes

Excessive alcohol consumption

Pancreatitis

Pancreatic cancer

Pelvic abscess

Now that we know more about the symptoms and causes, let’s take a closer look at how to stop chronic diarrhea in the elderly.

Treatment for Chronic Diarrhea in Elderly

You can prevent diarrhea by practicing the following:

Wash hands frequently

Manage related conditions, such as IBD

Take anti-diarrheal medications, or switch out medications that may cause your diarrhea

Stay hydrated (water; non-caffeinated teas; low sodium broths)

Make changes to your diet (see the next section for more information)

Try natural remedies (i.e. fiber supplements)

When traveling to developing countries, take the following precautions:

Drink only bottled water

Avoid ice made from tap water

Avoid food from street vendors

Avoid raw or undercooked meat or seafood

Avoid unpeeled or uncooked fruits and vegetables

Best Foods for Diarrhea in the Elderly

Practicing portion control and limiting alcohol or caffeine can have wonderful benefits for preventing diarrhea. However, you still need food and beverages to keep healthy and it may be difficult to choose the proper diet. Here are some foods to prevent diarrhea after eating in the elderly:

BRAT foods can alleviate diarrheal symptoms

Bananas

Rice (white)

Applesauce

Toast

Other bland foods you can eat include:

Boiled potatoes

Hot cereals (i.e. oatmeal, cream of wheat)

Unseasoned crackers

Probiotics (i.e. yogurt, miso, or sauerkraut)

Water (especially those with electrolytes and minerals to restore the ones you lost)

By all means, you should AVOID these foods:

Fried foods

High-fiber foods

Spicy foods

Sugary foods and artificial sweeteners

Caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks

Combating Coronavirus through Service: The Many Benefits of Volunteering and National Service at Any Age

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:44:50 GMT

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The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for help, and volunteers of all ages have answered the call to service. Volunteering allows people to serve their communities, while also improving their skills, health, and even longevity. At the same time, volunteerism provides a critical, but rarely acknowledged, contribution to our economy. Volunteers of all ages bring strengths that communities can leverage as they respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic—we just need to give all adults, including those age 50 and older, an opportunity to serve safely.

Economic Impact

“Unpaid activities” such as volunteering are generally considered worthwhile, but they don’t have any value—at least not according to conventional economic theory and systems of accounting. This is because conventional economics only recognizes that something has value when it results from market transactions. But some economists believe that this view is too narrow, and they have come up with ways to assign value to unpaid activities, including volunteering.

Data from the American Time Use Survey showed that people 18 and older in the U.S. spent about 13 billion hours volunteering in 2018. Of those individuals, more than half were 50 and older. What if we had to pay someone to replace this labor? How much would it cost? Thanks to the new methods for assigning value to unpaid work, we can answer those questions.

A recent AARP Longevity Economy® report found that volunteering by adults 50-plus alone is worth $140 billion. Add to that the $114 billion contributed by those under 50 and the total reaches $254 billion, equivalent to the total amount of venture capital investments globally in 2018.

The impact of volunteering extends beyond the economy and the communities served; it can offer many personal rewards as well. At a time of economic downturn, volunteering can be especially beneficial, as research has shown that it can help with job searches. In fact, the research suggests that unemployed individuals who volunteer are more likely to become employed a year later.

Health Impact

Volunteering can also decrease the risk of social isolation and loneliness, particularly in older individuals. Case in point: Nearly 90 percent of those who donate time to Senior Corps, a national service program that supports volunteers age 55 and older, have reported fewer feelings of isolation, which can be bad for your health. Just how bad for your health are social isolation and loneliness? A recent scientific report equates their health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day! Sadly, the arrival of the novel coronavirus has made older individuals feel even more lonely and isolated. Fortunately, there are volunteer opportunities that won’t pose a health risk for vulnerable populations. For example, AARP Community Connections, including its Friendly Voice effort, connects volunteers to people who need help or are isolated; meanwhile, AARP’s Create the Good offers links to virtual volunteer opportunities for individuals sheltering at home.

As we’re learning, the positive effects of volunteering go beyond mental health. Research has shown that people who volunteer live longer than those who don’t. While some researchers believe this is because volunteers tend to have healthier lives, others believe there are health benefits to volunteer activity. A rigorous study involving AARP Foundation’s Experience Corps program showed that serving 15 hours a week in the Baltimore City Public Schools resulted in increased physical activity and better brain health among AmeriCorps members age 55 and older. National service programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps provide important support that allows volunteers of all ages to engage in the types of intensive service that is linked with some of these health benefits.

Expanding Volunteer for All Ages

Volunteering is a win-win for volunteers and the people and communities that they serve. We know that being asked to volunteer is one of the most important predictors of the likelihood of volunteering. If we limit who is called to serve, we run the risk of limiting these potential health benefits to a privileged group. So, as we seek to combat the pandemic, we must make sure to create safe volunteer opportunities for people—and communities—that have been overlooked. Existing proposals to expand national service to engage college graduates in combatting COVID-19 should be further expanded to include people of all ages. This will ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to contribute through service, while also improving their own health and well-being.

6 SUMMER STAYCATION IDEAS FOR SENIORS DURING COVID-19

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:40:07 GMT

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It’s summer, and the heat is on. We’ve already seen some scorching temperatures and according to weather forecasters, it’s going to be a hotter than average summer across the United States.

Not only that, we’re still seeing new Covid-19 cases every day across the nation.

With fewer people traveling due to the coronavirus pandemic, most Americans are thinking about how to have a vacation at home this summer.

As a caregiver, coming up with ways to have fun and keep your aging loved ones safe is a challenge, but here are 6 creative ideas to help you have fun while staying close to home.

As always, if you decide to venture out, be sure to follow all recommended safety protocols to reduce Covid-19 exposure.

1. Have a backyard pool party without a pool

Older adults may not be able to participate in a full-fledged pool party, but why not have a mini-pool party?

Most big-box stores carry small hard- or soft-sided plastic kiddie pools at reasonable prices.

These can be a great way to encourage older adults to sit in a chair or wheelchair by the kiddie pool, put their feet in the water and splash around without the danger of falling in.

If other family members are able to safely visit, younger kids can play near their older family members so they feel like part of the fun, too.

Add a few pool toys and a sprinkler for even more enjoyment!

2. Create a beach getaway at home

A kiddie pool can also be used as a temporary beach. Fill it with inexpensive play sand, add some beach toys, and there you go.

Older adults can sit in the shade near the sand or wiggle their feet in it.

Other family members can build sandcastles with a little water or make sand shapes while everyone enjoys the make-believe beach.

Adding tropical themed decorations can make it even more entertaining. Go all out by wearing beach attire, spreading out beach towels, and bringing out coolers packed with refreshments.

3. Travel the world through delicious dishes

“Travel” to Italy, Greece, Spain or anywhere in the world to try the amazing local cuisine.

Choose a country that your older adult is familiar with or someplace they’ve always wanted to visit.

If you know someone who enjoys cooking or who’s native to that country, ask them if they could make some dishes from that country for your older adult. To keep everyone safer, they could drop off the dishes on the doorstep.

Or, find some recipes online and give them a try along with your older adult.

To get even more festive, decorate the table with items from that country, like a printed-out flag, the colors of the flag, or printed-out photos of some famous sights.

And if it’s safe to do so, include other family members in the cooking, preparations, or meal so it can be a fun little party.

4. Explore your city

Take your older adult for a drive and go to a local place they’ve never been to but have always wanted to visit like a park, botanical gardens, or other outdoor attraction.

Maybe there’s a lovely park where you can feed the ducks (only real duck food) or sit and watch them splash and swim.

Or maybe you could visit a pier or dock and watch the boats as they come and go.

Think creatively to find places with interesting views but without large crowds.

5. Start a home garden

If you don’t already have a garden, creating one together is a great way to spend a little time outdoors together.

You could also ask younger family members to come and help out. Children love to plant and watch things grow into flowers or vegetables and fruit they can eat.

Older adults could unpot seedlings, sketch the garden layout, choose what to plant, or be in charge of the watering schedule.

If there isn’t enough space outside for a garden, you could also start a small container garden indoors in a sunny spot near a window.

6. Put out bird feeders by a large window for viewing

Attracting and identifying different bird species is another great activity to do with your older adult.

Place different kinds of bird feeders and water sources to attract different types of birds. You’ll probably be surprised at the number of birds you can identify.

Research local birds online or buy bird watching books or videos. Encourage your older adult to write down the different kinds of birds they see.

You might make it a fun contest to see how many birds can be spotted from how many different species. Everyone can join in!

Don’t Forget Preventive Care

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:52:11 GMT

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Most seniors have been taking health precautions these days. Handwashing, wearing a mask when advised to do so, and practicing social distancing help protect us from exposure to COVID-19.

But this is no time to lose sight of our overall health. Healthcare providers report that many patients are failing to come in for preventive care. This could put them at risk for a host of health conditions—including more serious effects from COVID-19.

Today, most healthcare facilities are ready and prepared to provide routine care. They’re following safety precautions, with frequent disinfection, distancing patients from one another, and requiring masks for patients and staff. Some are using telehealth when an in-person visit isn’t necessary. Here are preventive health steps you shouldn’t skip:

Immunizations

Some people think immunizations are just for children, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Vaccines protect us from harmful diseases throughout life—and older adults are often at higher risk of contracting these diseases and suffering serious complications from them.

Immunizations that are currently recommended for most older adults:

Annual flu vaccine

Shingles

Pneumonia (pneumococcal disease)

Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis

People with certain health problems, immunization histories and lifestyles may need additional vaccines. These might include the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) shot, vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and for meningococcal disease. People who are planning foreign travel might need other shots, as well. Talk to your doctor well in advance of your trip.

Screenings

Screenings are tests your doctor performs to check for hidden medical conditions. Some require a physical procedure, while others are done with an interview. Don’t think of screenings as a test you need to pass. Instead, consider them as empowering information to help you protect your health.

Your doctor might recommend screenings for:

Hypertension (high blood pressure). The doctor checks your blood pressure with a special cuff that is placed around your upper arm, inflated and then deflated. Early detection of high blood pressure helps prevent heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and more.

Cholesterol. A lipid panel is a simple blood test that measures blood fats, and can tell if you need to take steps to lower your cholesterol. This can protect your heart and even your brain.

Diabetes. A simple blood test can detect elevated blood sugar that indicates a person has diabetes, or prediabetes—elevated blood sugar that can progress to diabetes.

Cancer. Several types of screening can detect cancers at an early, more treatable stage. These include screenings for:

Colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy lets the doctor check for cancers in the large intestine. Colonoscopy is surely the test fewest of us look forward to—but it has a real silver lining because during the procedure, the doctor may be able to remove small growths that could become cancerous.

Prostate cancer. A physical exam or blood test may be recommended for men older than 50. Many prostate cancers are slow growing; testing and treatment are decisions to be made between a man and his doctor.

Breast cancer. Regular mammograms are recommended for women in later middle age until the age when her doctor says it is no longer necessary. This will depend on a woman’s personal and family health history.

Skin cancer. The doctor examines the patient’s skin to look for changes in moles or other skin anomalies. Patients are advised to perform regular self-exams, as well.

Lung cancer. Depending on a person’s smoking history and age, a special X-ray of the lungs may be recommended.

Osteoporosis. A short, painless procedure called a bone density scan determines a person’s bone mass, and whether treatment is advised to slow bone loss.

Vision problems. A dilated eye exam can reveal sight-robbing conditions that are often treatable, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Your healthcare team also may recommend screenings for hearing loss, memory problems, depression, smoking or unhealthy alcohol use. They may test for tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis as well. Oral health screenings also are important.

The next step

Once your doctor has your test results, they will share the information with you. They will recommend steps to take to manage any health problems detected. Most likely, the doctor also will recommend lifestyle changes that have a powerful preventive effect: getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, controlling stress and staying mentally active.

People on Medicare qualify for an annual wellness visit. Be sure to make this appointment! This is a great time to ask questions about things that concern you and to ask your doctor about recommended health screenings and immunizations. Most of these screenings and shots are free, but ask ahead of time.

Telehealth is on the rise and great for senior

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:37:18 GMT

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Technology is a pretty amazing thing. Over the years, it has allowed us to make telephone calls from a device we can fit in our pockets, find the answer to almost any question we might ask, and connect with friends and strangers across the globe. It has also helped all of us feel less isolated and alone during a global pandemic.

In addition to the social benefits of technology, the medical field has been able to harness it to help treat patients safely and easily during the past few months. Telehealth is emerging as a great alternative for nonemergency appointments—sort of like a doctor making a house call without actually coming to your house.

Telehealth Is on the Rise

Prior to the pandemic, research showed that although telemedicine was accessible to patients, only 13% of them took advantage of the services. This spring, that number more than tripled, due in part to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The legislation loosened Medicare restrictions on telehealth and made it easier for both doctors and patients to use the service unencumbered. It has proven to be especially useful for those with compromised immune systems, lack of transportation, and mobility issues.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has reported a huge uptick in telehealth medicine, citing an increase from 13,000 visits per week before the pandemic, to 1.7 million per week by the end of April. In addition to helping people remain safe and healthy during a pandemic, telehealth allows for a more relaxed experience, one that does not require a long wait to see a doctor nor you to leave the comfort of your own home.

Preparing for a Telehealth Appointment

If you have not yet seen a doctor virtually, odds are likely that you will in the future. Since the experience is a bit different than what you may be used to from in-person visits, here’s what you should do in order to prepare for your appointment:

1. Be Clear About Your Why. Since doctors have a little bit less to work with when appointments become virtual, be clear about the reason behind your “visit.” And since a telehealth appointment typically only lasts for 10-15 minutes, get straight to the point once you have the doctor’s attention to make the most of your time.

2. Take Your Tech for a Test Run. If you haven’t used the technology that supports your virtual appointment, be sure to test it out before the day of your appointment. There will most likely be a secure website for you to log in to, or a platform for you to download to your computer. Keep your username and password handy so when your appointment time arrives, you don’t hit any snags when trying to log in.

3. Set Up in a Quiet Place. To ensure that communication between you and your physician is clear and direct, set up your computer in a quiet, well-lit area of your home. Choose a spot that is free of distractions and private should you want to discuss sensitive topics with your physician.

4. Write Down Notes in Advance. Just as you would for in-person appointments, jot down some notes or questions for the doctor ahead of time so you don’t forget when you finally see the doctor. If you are prescribed more than one medication, be sure to make a list so you can review it with your physician during your appointment.

5. Make Sure Your Clothes Are Not a Hindrance. Although it might seem like a telehealth appointment wouldn’t allow for physical examinations, doctors are adept at making diagnoses or calling for additional tests based on what they can see on camera during your appointment. Be prepared to strip down should you want to show your doctor something on your body, and be sure to wear clothes that are easy to remove in that instance.

The Future of Telehealth

While telehealth is working right now, the CARES Act only approved the rollback of restrictions through the end of the pandemic. Due to its success, however, both institutions and legislators are pushing for an expansion of telehealth services once there is a return to normalcy. So, it looks like telehealth might be here to stay after all.

8 Tips for a better doctor appointment

183:824805695 (Lisa Height) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:35:00 GMT

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In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, physicians, patients and family caregivers are partners in care, working together to best manage health conditions and make decisions about treatments. Here are ways to make the most of a doctor visit. (Note: During the COVID-19 crisis, doctor offices and clinics are taking extra precautions to keep patients safe. Call ahead to find out if another person can accompany you to your appointment at this time.)

One of the above tips is to bring a list of your medications with you to your doctor appointment. To make this easier, you can create a list of all your prescribed and over-the-counter medications using Right at Home’s Medication List—just fill in the blanks on the one-page form.

Which screenings and immunizations are recommended for older adults? Find an overview in “Don’t Forget Preventive Care” in the Right at Home blog.