Elder Health

Breathe Easier With Greater Lung Power

Sarah Mayer — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:37:13 GMT

Have healthy lungs and breathe easier with these tips on a lung healthy lifestyle.

Achieve Healthy Lungs If you want to be able to blow out all the candles on your cake when you're 75 (assuming your family dares to put a candle for every year) not to mention climb three flights of stairs without needing oxygen, now is the time to take action.

What, you're wondering, could you possibly do beyond quitting smoking to get your bellows in better shape? Plenty. Although quitting smoking tops our list, we also found another 18 tips that will have you doing less huffing and puffing and protect your lungs from damage and disease.

1. Have a heart-to-heart with your bed partner. Key question to ask: Do I snore? If the answer is yes, make an appointment with a sleep specialist and get checked for sleep apnea. The condition, in which you stop breathing dozens or even hundreds of times during the night, can actually damage your lungs nearly as much as smoking. Fortunately, it's treatable. 2. Make several trips downstairs to the basement every day. The kind of exercise that makes your heart beat faster, like climbing stairs, riding a bike, or walking briskly, is very important for keeping your heart and lungs in good shape. For instance, studies find that walking about 15 minutes at a time, three to four times a day, improved breathing in people with emphysema, a lung disease.

3. Pop a fish-oil supplement every morning. Most airway problems, including asthma, are related to inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are the main ingredient in fish-oil supplements, reduce inflammation.

4. Breathe from your belly for at least five minutes every day. This kind of breathing, called diaphragmatic breathing, involves training and strengthening your diaphragm so it requires less effort to take in each breath. To do it, inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs from the bottom up. If you're doing it right, your stomach will pooch out. Exhale and repeat.?

5. Expand your chest like a cocky rooster. To help your chest expand and boost your lung capacity, lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and bring your elbows together so they're nearly touching. As you inhale, slowly let your elbows drop to the sides so your arms are flat on the floor when your lungs are full. As you exhale, raise your elbows again.

Click here to continue reading the rest of the 18 tips on how to keep your lungs healthy.

Repairing Injured Lungs May Boost Organ Donations

Sarah Mayer — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:23:27 GMT

Repairing Injured Lungs May Boost Organ Donations

Researchers also identify immune cells involved in tissue damage caused by smoking

Posted October 28, 2009

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 28 (HealthDay News) -- A new type of gene therapy for injured lungs that were previously rejected for transplantation may increase the number of lungs available for transplant, researchers say.

Successful transplants require healthy lungs, but more than 80 percent of donor lungs are highly inflamed and only mildly functional, which means many of them are rejected by surgeons, according to researchers with the University Health Network in Toronto.

The investigators found that infusion with the regulatory gene IL-10 before transplant can heal damaged donor lungs. This procedure involves placing the lungs in a glass chamber outside the body and keeping them breathing using a perfusion system that continuously pumps a solution of oxygen, proteins and nutrients into the lungs.

The study, published in the Oct. 28 issue of Science Translational Medicine, noted that the current method of preserving donor organs is to keep them on ice. But the new lung perfusion system would enable the lung's cellular machinery to keep working by maintaining the lungs at a normal body temperature, the study authors explained in a news release from the journal's publisher.

Click here to continue reading.

Senior exercising: 'It's never too late to start'

Sarah Mayer — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:14:02 GMT

Senior exercising: 'It's never too late to start'

Judith Graham

October 26, 2009

He's an 84-year-old diabetic with one lung that doesn't work.

She's his 84-year-old wife, a survivor of a nearly fatal aortic aneurysm.

About a dozen years ago, they stared old age in the face and made a decision. Instead of letting themselves go, they would get themselves going.

So, Stanley and Josephine Ewasiuk of Clearing started attending exercise classes and walking in the park across the street from their house. Bit by bit, they got stronger.

Stanley couldn't climb three steps without breathing heavily before he started working out. "Today, I can climb a couple of dozen stairs, no problem," he said.

After the surgery that saved her life, Josephine had to learn how to raise her right arm and maintain a sense of balance. "If you do something every day, it's going to help," she said, referring to her exercises.

Every Friday, they go to yoga; Tuesday and Thursday, they're off to a 45-minute exercise class at the Brookfield YMCA. In between are long walks in Hale Park at least twice a week.

"It helps my breathing, it keeps my blood sugar down, and I'm not taking as much medication," said Stanley, whose diabetes has stabilized. "I can still work all day, when I want to. I feel like a kid yet."

What's aided the Ewasiuks can help anyone 65 or older, no matter how frail they may appear to be.

"All of the studies done so far indicate that it's never too late to start exercising, and any amount of exercise is beneficial," said Kelvin Davies, associate dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.

"We do lose strength and capacity as we age," Davies said. "But by and large, the biggest losses are those that you see from people being inactive."

Continue reading this article by clicking here.

How Happy Is... 5 Positive Aspects Of Aging

Sarah Mayer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:54:31 GMT

There is a moment in all of our lives when the feeling that we are getting older hits us for the first time. It might be when you reach a significant age, when you have a child and move to a new generation or, when you catch yourself in the mirror and see those first lines appear on your face. But there are also many advantages to those feelings of getting older that often go unnoticed. So here are 5 positive aspects of aging that hopefully you can adopt.

1. Focus Your Time: Feeling older hopefully makes you prioritize what the most important projects in your life are, so that you can focus your time on those assignments and let go of the others that essentially you don't enjoy doing so much, or really don't have that much time to do. By doing this, you are essentially dovetailing your energy, rather than spreading yourself too thin. This will most likely help you to become more successful at the one or few that you decide to keep.

2. Who Energizes You: Feeling older hopefully makes you realize that your precious time is limited. So with that in mind, who would you like to spend more of it with? Would you like to see certain members of your family more, or allow a current friendship to develop to a new level? Get a sense of your energy after you have spent time with different friends. If your energy is lower after being with them, then maybe they are not so good for you to be around. If you feel energized after being with someone, then that is a nourishing friendship and you will really want to keep him or her in your life.

3. Leaving a Positive Legacy: Feeling older hopefully gives you a sense of urgency that will make you think deeply about what you are meant to be doing on the planet and how you want to leave a positive legacy behind. Not all of us have the opportunity to touch thousands of people's lives at once, like a spiritual leader, president, celebrity, rock star or anyone in the public eye for that matter. It actually can be just as powerful and even more meaningful to touch the lives of those around you i.e. your family, your friends, and your community. If you can make a difference in one person's life and give to them or teach them something, invariably they will pass it on to other people they come in to contact with and those others will hopefully, in turn, pass it on as well. So the affect of you making a difference is like a wave that reverberates out and can touch hundreds of people's lives without you knowing. Also, many of us think of waiting till we're older to be more philanthropic, but there is no time like the present to leave your mark, because you really don't know how long your life is going to last and looking back you want to minimize the amount of regrets that you think you might have.

Read more by clicking here.

Cataract Awareness

Sarah Mayer — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:42:12 GMT

A Message from your Eye M.D.

American Academy of Ophthalmology

About 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts. More than half of all Americans develop cataracts by age 80.

Cataracts cloud the eye’s clear lens, similar to a window that is "fogged" with steam. When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through it easily and vision becomes blurry. Cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye.

Cataracts start out mildly and have little effect on vision at first. But as the cataract becomes denser, so does the impact on vision. See your Eye M.D. if you experience:

• Painless blurring of vision;

• Sensitivity to light and glare;

• Double vision in one eye;

• Poor night vision;

• Fading or yellowing of colors;

• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

Although cataracts usually develop as part of the aging process, they can also result from:

• Eye injuries;

• Certain diseases, such as diabetes;

• Genetic inheritance;

• Certain medications;

• Frequent, unprotected exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays;

• Smoking.

Currently, there are no medications or exercises that will help cataracts to disappear. However, if cataracts don’t interfere with your life, you may choose not to do anything about them.

When they do begin to interfere with daily activities, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United Sates, with more than 1.6 million surgeries performed each year. After surgery, vision is improved in most patients. Laser treatment is sometimes used after cataract surgery to remove a film that can occasionally grow behind the lens implant.

Remember, cataracts are detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Early treatment may save your sight.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide

Eight Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Sarah Mayer — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:25:46 GMT

Eight Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

By Katherine Tweed

Fox News

Eyes are literally our windows to the world, but few people take the time to care for the body part that imparts the precious gift of sight. There are many easy ways to treat your eyes with the respect they deserve. Dr. Scott Greenstein, an ophthalmologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, offers these suggestions to keep your eyes healthy:

1) Get an Eye Exam, No Matter Your Age

Seeing an ophthalmologist is not just for people who already have glasses. Greenstein recommends all children get a full eye exam before beginning kindergarten and every few years after.

Adults also should get their eyes checked, even if there is not an obvious problem.

"There are many people that think if they can see reasonably well, that’s the end of the story," he says. "They may have some ophthalmic condition that’s undiagnosed." Other conditions, such as headaches, may be due to a vision impairment that is forcing the eye to strain.

And while eye damage has many causes, Greenstein says, computer screens are not one of them. "There is no evidence that you can over use your eyes," he says. Eyestrain from staring at a screen is not a disorder that causes any anatomical or structural damage; however, eyestrain may be due to other problems, so if there is any change in vision or change to the eye, he recommends seeing an ophthalmologist. /**/

For anyone who purchases over-the-counter eyeglasses, that is also a good reason to visit an ophthalmologist. While not harmful, OTC glasses cannot correct for a stigmatism or differences between each eye. After the age of 60, people should make yearly visits as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration become much more common.

Click here to learn more about the most common eye conditions from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

2) Wear Sunglasses

It may seem obvious, but "if you spend any time outdoors, you should wear a hat and sunglasses," Greenstein says. This is not just an issue of comfort.

Studies have shown that repeated sun exposure could increase incidence of cataracts, which cause cloudy vision as well as macular degeneration, a condition that reduces vision in the central part of the retina.

Obviously, the bigger the lens, the more of the eye is protected, but any style with ultra violet protection is sufficient. For those looking for maximum protection, Greenstein noted yellow and orange tinted lenses have been shown in some studies to absorb the wavelength of light that increases the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.

But if the idea of a lemon-tinted world turns you green, that’s fine, he says. The best protection from sunglasses comes from having a pair you will want to wear for any and all sun exposure.

3) Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugar damages blood vessels behind the retina. That blood then can leak out into the retina, causing vision problems. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should receive an annual eye exam. "Poor [blood sugar] control increases your risk, and better control lowers your risk," Greenstein explained. Even so, diabetics who are controlling their blood sugar still can develop eye problems.

4) Eye Protection: Not Just for Welders

Many high-risk occupations, such as welding, require eye protection because the cornea can be severely burned from a stray spark. Greenstein says he also has seen that same degree of damage from skiers who were not wearing goggles.

Besides skiing, the backyard can be a potential danger zone for eyes. Weed whackers and lawnmowers can send debris flying, and even raking or pruning can shoot a stray branch into the cornea. Not only should goggles be worn for a range of gardening activities, Greenstein says, but also for racquetball, squash and even basketball, which can produce many fingers straight into the eye.

5) Carrots Are Not Enough

Despite dinner time advice dished out by parents, eating fruits and vegetables will not save or enhance your vision, according to Greenstein. For some people with unhealthy optic nerves or a very dry cornea, diet can make a difference, but those cases are rare.

That does not mean that a balanced and varied diet of fruits and vegetables will not contribute to eye and overall health. A balanced diet, for instance, is key to controlling diabetes, which can cause eye damage.

For certain macular degeneration patients, vitamins A, C, E and zinc have been shown to reduce the risk and severity of this condition. But for the majority of macular degeneration patients, Greenstein cautioned, a supplement of these vitamins will not cause any harm — but will also not improve vision.

More important than diet, he says, is to stop smoking, which increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

6) Take Your Contacts Out

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves some contacts for "extended wear," that is not a free pass to leave them in as long as you want, Greenstein says. Leaving contacts in too long, especially overnight, can lead to infection. "Even if it is approved for extended wear," he says, "I do not recommend it."

7) Check Your Medication

Flomax, a medication for male urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, can complicate cataract surgery, Greenstein noted, and men should consider whether they are going to need cataract surgery before beginning this medication.

Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid drug used to treat a range of autoimmune diseases, also has been shown to increase the risk for glaucoma and cataracts when taken for long periods of time. It is best to tell your ophthalmologist about any medications you are taking at each visit.

8) Do Not Wait to Get Cataract Surgery

Greenstein says many patients who have a cataract wait years after an initial diagnosis to get surgery because they are waiting for the cataract to be "ripe," but "The longer you wait, the higher the risk to get it out," he says. "The eye is not a piece of fruit."

Cataract surgery has a very low complication rate, and anyone with this condition should discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option with his or her ophthalmologist.

Adding Pop and Sizzle to Your Environment Can Improve Wellness

Chuck Oakes — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:41:33 GMT

We’re living longer, or shall I say, “enduring” for a greater length of time! Due to medical advances, yes, we are surviving longer, however, some conditions and ailments are becoming more prevalent as a result of these advances. Some retirement communities are fabulous, if you can afford to be there. However, I believe there should be more options for us, as we age. Options which preserve personal dignity and respect. Here are some techniques I have used in the development of “sensory supportive spaces”. As a child, I spent three years living outside of Los Angeles, where I was exposed to many cultures, including those, which embrace nature and respect for elders. I now incorporate many of these early impressions into my philosophies and residential enhancements. About five years ago, my parents decided to stay in place and do the best they can where they were. Consequently, I set out to evaluate and enhance what I lovingly refer to as “The Oakes Homestead” with safety, security and enjoyment in mind.

Consider some of these ideas— to create Sensory Supportive Spaces

1. Water features reduce stress and blood pressure while cleaning the air! In addition to adding ions to the air, they also add humidity, great for indoor plants and our sinuses!2. Soothing music and nature sounds can reduce stress and anxiety, even during Sundowners Syndrome! (“The demon of darkness”)3. Aromas can also affect our moods and can promote wellness. We have used lavender in the hospital and at home to enhance the air. Try it on pillows to help get to sleep.4. Handrails, grab bars and similar devices can often be made from oak and stained to blend into the home, rather than looking like a healthcare facility!5. My Mom had Age-Related Macular Degeneration; hence the use of color throughout the home was important. Out of every window was a “point of color”, a “celebration of color”. Also, Dad’s Memorial Garden (he died in 2006), complete with 5 ft sailboat statue, can be seen from various vantage points around the house…even from Mom’s wheelchair!6. Miniature railroad trains, of all sizes, can be used to stimulate and enhance memory recall for dementia and just be fun for everyone! Some of the trains can actually be ridden! (Great for visiting grandchildren—see insert)Until recently, I was working on a miniature railroad that would run along the wall in Mom’s bedroom. 7. Lighting can be supportive, decorative, directive or entertaining. We used directed lighting to focus Mom’s limited vision towards her commode in her bedroom at night. As her abilities declined, the light changed from manual to automatic. 8. Creative cuisine can be challenging! To prepare and serve nutritious meals that our elders will taste and hopefully, enjoy, can be difficult. Remember that taste buds also age; try various spices to enhance the mealtime experience. Consider adding vanilla, or other extracts with ice cream to supplements, such as Ensure, Boost or your own milkshakes. It kicks it up a notch! In summary, This is merely a sample of some of things you can consider for your home. I encourage you to think out of your box and be creative as you support your aging loved ones. They are treasures to be cherished and respected. Design a supportive living space that utilizes all the senses.

Chuck Oakes is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, author, speaker and consultant on aging matters for companies and families. He’s a member of two committees at the United Nations and an advocate for seniors. His book, MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY, explores creative ways to design a “sensory supportive space” with universal appeal. For information on his products, services and programs, call 860-644-1128, visit www.chuckoakes.com, or email Chuck@chuckoakes.com .

Creative Applications of Camcorders and Cameras

Chuck Oakes — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:37:41 GMT

We all know about “Nanny Cams” and their use in home to “protect our children and elders”. Although this Writer has genuine reservations about the legality of these devices, they have prevented some real problems for families who have used them. I think there are better tactics. In this essay, I focus on creative applications of camcorders and cameras for various purposes, situations and settings. I have personal experience in supporting my parents while they continued to reside in their own home, although I did not live with them. Here are some thoughts to consider: Security and Surveillance—Everyone needs to be safe and secure. As a caregiver, you are concerned about your loved one, whether you live with, near or apart. Sure, there are high-tech devices and computer-managed systems from which we can support our family members remotely, great. However, for the many families, such high-tech options are simply too expensive. There are some things we can do. · If you hire private, direct-pay Aides (employment agencies are different) for your homecare needs, you might want to include in any application, agreement or contractual understanding, a phrase such as, “Please be advised that we reserve the right to use video surveillance systems on these premises”. It will inform the applicant that you mean business and will protect your property and residents. Such a statement will put them on notice and therefore, if you DO use such a system, they cannot say they were not advised! (Your defense in court should they sue you.) Remember, I never suggested that you need to actually purchase such a system, you don’t! The notice in your agreement is sufficient protection in most cases.· You could purchase a sign for the front of your house or on a window indicating that your premises are guarded by a surveillance system. If you prefer, a “Beware of Dog” sign also can be very effective! For Special Events—Most families have camcorders today and using them for special events can really maintain connection for one’s loved ones at home. When you go to a HomeShow or craft fair, why not take a camera or camcorder along and capture some of the event. When home, plug it into the television or computer, if you have one, and share it with your loved ones. This low cost idea can keep them (loved ones) plugged in! Insurance and Probate—When protecting your property and its belongings, remember to photograph every room and valuable item for purposes of insurance claims, loss, theft or fire damage. It can also help when getting rid of stuff…advertising, appraisals, etc. Video Recordings of Family—All too soon, your aging loved ones will pass and all you will have will be memories. Still and video recordings become treasures after a death. Remember that the event you capture today is the treasure to enjoy tomorrow, especially when filming family members and events. This may seem obvious, but try to photograph and record your family whenever possible. Some of your family may consider your photography a nuisance, they will soon change their tune when they enjoy and savor your efforts years later! Another idea is to have them recite their life stories to the camcorder…so you get not only the details of their life, but also in their voice!! Remember to date everything! I hear countless laments about pictures without details…names, dates, etc. Funeral Photography—I am not referring to casket pictures, although they were common years ago. I am suggesting that at a Memorial Service, Funeral or Wake, that you consider videotaping everyone entering the event if possible, at the reception, and the entire service, especially when personal stories and testimonials are presented during the service. Use your judgement and be respectful when filming inside churches, etc. Always ask for permission in advance. If a photographic collage is produced, either professionally or personally, copies could be duplicated easily and mailed to loved ones who could not attend the ceremony. After my Mother passed in January, I mailed out a customized CD of a 3-minute collage complete with music to everyone who could not attend, or those who wanted a memento of the service. With the copies I mailed, I included a large-print announcement with pictures inserted, along with a copy of the program from the service and prayer card. Old Photographs—As I go through the old photographs of the family, I scan and save some of the best for my own recollection and to send to family members in other states. In this regard, several of my family members, with whom we have not connected in years, have now “reconnected” via technology, photos and emails! In closing, there are many creative ways to utilize technology in the caring for your aging loved ones. Be discrete, sensitive and respectful when applying cameras and other recording equipment.

Chuck Oakes is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, author, speaker and consultant on aging matters for companies and families. He’s a member of two committees at the United Nations and an advocate for seniors. His book, MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY, explores creative ways to design a “sensory supportive space” with universal appeal. For information on his products, services and programs, call 860-644-1128, visit www.chuckoakes.com, or email Chuck@chuckoakes.com

Article: The Healing Power of Therapy Dogs

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:53:56 GMT

The Healing Power of Therapy Dogs

By Steve Duno

The wide-ranging tasks dogs perform for us never ceases to amaze me. From search-and-rescue, herding, and seeing-eye work, to cancer and epilepsy detection, they are truly one of nature’s most adaptable, willing creatures.

A role they have taken on with great success is that of therapy dog. Trained to visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care-giving institutions, these friendly, gentle canines bring joy and good health to those no longer able to care for their own dogs.

This article continues at Therapy Dogs and Elderly Services

Misdiagnosis can lead to tragedy

lynnewrites2 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:13:48 GMT

Please be aware that misdiagnoses in the elderly is much more common that people may realize. My father was almost killed by a urologist in Georgia who failed to diagnosis a simple bladder infection. Bladder infections in the elderly often present as dementia and hallucinations. Every urologist who treats elderly men should know this, but apparently some don't. Because of improper treatment, my father went septic and almost died. He spent six weeks in a nursing/rehab facility receiving IV antibiotics and subsequently needed an aortic valve replacement as the infection had toasted his aorta. The only reason he survived was that he was in such good health for a man his age. Please feel free to share this experience with friends & family.

Mom's anxiety

triciamarv — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:09:14 GMT

Hello. I am new to this website. I am just beginning to deal with my mom's need to move into an elder care facility. She is 75, Japanese, and has really severe anxiety problems. Otherwise, she is healthy. I have never met anyone that has a similar situation as I do. I have no siblings. There is no family on her side. My father died several years ago, leaving behind a wife (my mother) that cannot manage herself in today's world. We are not close to my father's side of the family, so there is no "help" there. I am the only family for her (this does include my children (age 6 and 2) and my husband.) On top of everything else, she does not drive, cannot carry on a "normal" conversation with anyone in the public (limited English comprehension), cannot write checks, and does not make decisions for herself. Today I took her to a medical clinic,thinking she had a urinary tract infection. The doctor checked, and she is fine. She had these problems before when she had an "anxiety attack." She receives mental health care from a psychiatrist, but due to her lack in English comprehension and reasoning skills, it is not helping. Basically, the situation that we are in boils down to this: she has no major physical problems that may limit her, but her anxiety is keeping her down. She can barely walk or cook for herself, due to anxiety causing physical symptoms.

I used to be a happy person,until I had to deal with this. I know she is my mother, but it is causing turmoil within my home. My children don't like to be around her (she's always standing over them cleaning up their crumbs, etc.)......she doesn't "play". I have to say that I have never had an "emotional" bond with my mother. EVER. This makes our situation even more complicated, as I do not like to spend time with her.

I know that does not sound "normal", but we never had a "normal" relationship.

I am looking into places where she can live fairly independently but has to go into a common area to eat, socialize, etc. I can't always be there for her (she does not have any friends where she lives now.) and I think that could help her socialize more. Any comments will help me. Thanks.

The Benefits of Movement for Seniors

Ray Gillo — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:58:52 GMT

The Benefits of Movement for Seniors

Would you take a medicine that offers the following benefits?

• Lowers blood pressure
• Controls blood sugar
• Helps control weight
• Good for the heart
• Lowers cholesterol
• Relieves pain
• Improves sex
• Reduces falls
• Improves memory
• Enhances your immune system
• Improves bone strength
• Helps improve sleep
• Reduces stress
• Relieves constipation
• Good for most medical conditions
• Slows the aging process
• Makes you look better
• Has almost no side effects
• No insurance hassles
• Available for FREE!

More than likely your answer is yes. The good news is: there is such a medicine-and it’s called Movement. It really does have all of the benefits listed, and more. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself to maintain and/or improve health. Most chronic conditions can be helped by moving and research suggests that the aging process can be slowed or even reversed through daily movement!

Brookdale Senior Living’s Optimum Life® initiative for 2008 is called Movement is Medicine and is designed to help you take advantage of the many opportunities at your community to become more active.

Recommendations for adults over 65
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have published recommendations based on available research for types and frequency of movement for older adults. They are:

• Moderately intense aerobic activity for 30 minutes on most days of the week. OR Vigorously intense
activity for 20 minutes 3 days per week. (you can use the Modified Borg Scale-attached to determine if an
exercise is moderate or strenuous)

• Strength training 2-3 times per week, 8-10 exercises, 10-15 repetitions
• Flexibility or stretching

• Balance exercise if you are at risk for falls

You should have a personalized activity plan that is made in conjunction with a health expert, especially if you have any health concerns.

It does not matter how old you are or what shape you are in now, you can benefit from increasing your level of activity. Research shows that your cells will age more slowly when you are active and that even those who are very frail can gain strength from exercise.

Common Obstacles
With all the evidence to support the benefits of daily movement, why don’t more people do it? Common reasons given along with suggestions for overcoming them are listed below:

• Pain - This is a problem for many people. While it may seem counterintuitive-exercise is a good way to
treat many painful conditions. Arthritis is a good example. The pain of arthritis is actually made worse by
not moving. Pain in the joint may cause inactivity which leads to stiffness, which leads to increased pain,
which leads to inactivity and so on. This cycle is broken through gentle exercise that increases circulation
and strengthens the muscles surrounding an arthritic joint.

• Fear of making a condition worse-In the past, it was a commonly held belief that people with certain
   conditions should not exercise. However, research has now confirmed the benefits of daily activity for
   most common medical conditions. It is important to check with your health care provider, and in some
   cases have supervised exercise sessions. But rarely is it better to be inactive.

• Fatigue-Fatigue is another problem that is overcome by moving. In most cases it is the result of
being out of shape. Build in frequent rest periods and start slowly. Over time you will begin to feel more
energetic.

• Fear of falling-Fear of falling can actually become a self fulfilling prophesy. The fear may make you tense
   and therefore less flexible. Fear is overcome through action. While it is true that many older adults are at
   risk for falling, the risk goes up with inactivity. You may have to begin with supervision and/or skilled
   therapy.

• No time-You can break the 30 minute recommendation into 10 minute increments through out the day if
necessary. Increments smaller than 10 minutes will not be as beneficial.

• Shortness of breath-Check with your health care provider if you have shortness of breath. While it can be
a symptom of heart or lung problems, in many cases shortness of breath with activity is related to being
de-conditioned. Take your time and work up slowly, adding in frequent rest periods.

Movement can be fun!
While going to the gym or fitness center is certainly one way to achieve your 30 minutes per day of movement, there are many other less “conventional” ways to meet the guidelines. For instance, Nintendo’s Wii is the hottest new activity for seniors. The Wii is an interactive video game that simulates bowling, tennis, golf and other sports in which you actually simulate the movements of the sport with a hand held controller. Some communities are starting virtual bowling leagues. The game gives a surprisingly real sense of actually “being there” and can help you work up a sweat. Other fun ways to get moving include gardening, a walking group, yoga or a class in the pool.

Move to the music! Research suggests that ballroom dancing is one of the best leisure activities to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Combining music with activity can bring a new energy and interest to the most common movements. The right music almost demands that you move, and activity can take on a life of its own. Try playing some music with a good beat as you do chores at home; and put some dance moves in to your stride as you go about your daily routine.

Making Positive Change
We all know the law of inertia-an object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion until acted on by an outside force. If you are in that state of inertia, getting the energy to get moving can be the biggest battle. It may take the encouragement of a friend, the advice of a health care provider or the prospect of improving a condition with which you are dealing with.

What we know is that if you believe that you can achieve something and that it will have positive results, you are more likely to do it. One way to drive this belief is to be inspired by others who have done what you are considering doing. Talk with some people around you who are achieving what you want. Find out how they do it, and what they have gained from doing it. Next, talk with some trusted experts-your health care provider and/or an ISC therapist from your community. Getting encouragement from someone who you trust will help your motivation.

In the end, you should take the advice of the Nike folks and “Just do it”. Show up at an exercise class, get a pedometer and start walking, get up and walk around your chair during every TV commercial or take a longer route to the dining room. Do whatever it takes to get started. And have fun doing it! You won’t be sorry.

Brookdale Senior Living. 2008

The Benefits of Movement for Seniors

Ray Gillo — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:58:59 GMT

The Benefits of Movement for Seniors

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Would you take a medicine that offers the following benefits?

• Strength training 2-3 times per week, 8-10 exercises, 10-15 repetitions
• Flexibility or stretching

• Balance exercise if you are at risk for falls

You should have a personalized activity plan that is made in conjunction with a health expert, especially if you have any health concerns.

Common Obstacles
With all the evidence to support the benefits of daily movement, why don’t more people do it? Common reasons given along with suggestions for overcoming them are listed below:

• No time-You can break the 30 minute recommendation into 10 minute increments through out the day if
necessary. Increments smaller than 10 minutes will not be as beneficial.

Brookdale Senior Living. 2008

Article: Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Admin — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:18:45 GMT

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Known as a “warning stroke,” a transient ischemic attack (TIA) often comes and goes so quickly that the affected person may not even be aware they’ve had one. Yet medical experts stress it is vitally important for a person who has suffered a TIA to get immediate medical attention, because a TIA is a sign that the person is more likely to subsequently suffer a full stroke.

More than one-third of the people who have had one or more transient ischemic attacks will have a stroke in the future, according to data published by the American Heart Association. A significant percentage of these people may experience a stroke in the short term, making the need for medical treatment even more imperative.

“The data suggests that about 10 percent of people who have had a TIA will have a stroke within three months. Five percent will have the stroke within forty-eight hours,” says Dr. Kyra Becker, co-director of the University of Washington Stroke Center and associate professor of neurology and neurological surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Those percentage figures alone should motivate a quick trip to the doctor or emergency room, Becker says.

This article continues at Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Article: Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:53:32 GMT

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

“The heart is a very resilient muscle,” says Woody Allen in his film Hannah and Her Sisters. And indeed it is. Charged with pumping blood throughout the entire circulatory system, the heart is also a muscle that reflects the treatment by its host more than any other muscle in the human body. Treat the heart well with frequent exercise, a good diet, and no smoking, and its potential to remain healthy improves dramatically. Treat the heart poorly with a cholesterol-laden, sedentary lifestyle and the chance of heart disease increases.

Sudden cardiac arrest, often caused by a combination of the above, is often confused with heart attack. “It is important to clarify the differences between these two conditions because people frequently lump them together,” says Dr. Michael Chen, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington in the division of cardiology.

This article continues at Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Seniors

Article: Shoulder Injury (Rotator Cuff Tears)

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:51:37 GMT

Shoulder Injury (Rotator Cuff Tears)

By Jeannette Franks, PhD

Sometimes I wish I could take my body in for repairs just like I take my car to a mechanic to get new parts. “New battery or headlights—no problem!” But while we can replace more and more parts of the human body, some areas are less amenable to repairs and yet more subject to breakdown, particularly the knees and shoulders. Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common injuries in older people.

My own shoulder injury happened while hiking uphill on a rugged trail, fully-loaded with a heavy backpack. I grabbed a tree to keep from falling when I slipped, and although I broke my fall, my shoulder has not worked well since. It can happen to older people of all levels of fitness.

This article continues at Shoulder Injury

Article: Seniors with COPD

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:49:08 GMT

Seniors With COPD

Although COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, many Americans are not familiar with this acronym. Standing for “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” COPD is characterized by chronic airflow limitation in the lungs. Most often a combination of two diseases—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—this umbrella term also includes diseases such as chronic asthma and severe bronchiectasis.

Perhaps the reason COPD is not a household term is that it is under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed. While more than 12 million American carry the diagnosis of COPD, another 12 million likely have the disease and aren’t aware of it, according to the Centers for Disease Control. “This is a disease that comes on slowly. A person is often short of breath and she thinks, ‘I’m out of shape,’” says Gretchen Lawrence, a respiratory therapist and program associate for the National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP). “People think shortness of breath is normal as you get older, but it is not. People ignore [the symptoms], it’s underappreciated, and doctors and other health care professionals often do not ask the right questions.”

This article continues at Seniors with COPD

Article: Pacemakers For Seniors

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:44:19 GMT

Pacemakers For Seniors

It’s only about the size of a matchbook, but the life-altering effects of a pacemaker can’t be overstated. Whether a patient’s heart rate is erratic because of a heart attack, illness, or disease, a pacemaker implanted into the chest can greatly increase one’s quality of life.

After feeling lightheaded and dizzy at work in May of 2005, Gene C., 67, of Juneau, Alaska discovered how urgently he needed a pacemaker. After his family doctor consulted with a cardiologist at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, Gene found himself on an unplanned trip to Seattle.

“They said they wanted me down there immediately. My doctor arranged for the ambulance to pick me up, then for the medivac to Seattle, and I was at Madigan Army Hospital within four hours,” Gene explains. “I wasn’t really sure what was going on, but he said this was a problem that had to be addressed.”

This article continues at Pacemakers For Seniors

Article: Elderly Anxiety Disorders

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:17:29 GMT

Elderly Anxiety Disorders

By Jeannette Franks, PhD

We all experience anxiety—worrying about the future is part of being human and helps us plan ahead and make better decisions. Some anxiety is normal and even productive. However, when anxiety becomes disruptive and disabling to a person’s life, it is considered an unhealthy psychiatric disorder.

As many as one quarter of all people experience anxiety to an unhealthy extent, and older people can be at particular risk. Seniors may experience more troublesome anxiety than other age groups for several reasons: they experience more losses, suffer from more pain and chronic conditions, are often on multiple medications that might exacerbate anxiety, and have confounding ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease or depression.

This article continues at Elderly Anxiety Disorders

Article: The Importance Of Taking Medications Correctly

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:42:26 GMT

The Importance Of Taking Medications Correctly

We all know about the rising costs of health care, and how expensive prescription medicines can be, especially for seniors. But do you know how much it can cost if you don’t properly take your medications?

According to government estimates, each year in the United States more than 125,000 people die from a failure to properly take their medications, adding approximately $100 billion in preventable additional hospitalization, emergency room, and repeat physician visit costs to the health care system. At least 10% of all hospital admissions are a result of this problem. For seniors, the statistics are particularly alarming:

Up to 23% of nursing home admissions may be due to an elderly person’s inability to self-manage her prescription medications at home.
Over 21% of all drug-related health complications are caused by patients failing to adhere to their medication regimens, whether by accident, negligence, or intent.
58% of all seniors make some kind of error when taking their medications, with 26% making mistakes with potentially serious consequences.
In studies of elderly patients on long-term cholesterol-lowering statin therapy, researchers found that 57% had stopped taking them after 6 months, and 74% had stopped by the end of five years.

This article continues at The Importance Of Taking Medications

Article: Elderly Urinary Tract Infection

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:24:55 GMT

Elderly Urinary Tract Infection

If a 30-year-old woman experiences painful burning when she urinates, it’s almost certain she has a urinary tract infection. But an elderly urinary tract infection rarely causes such clear symptoms and might not involve pain or discomfort at all. “As you get older your immune response changes; it’s part of normal aging,” says Anna Treinkman, a nurse practitioner at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago and president of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners. In fact, a sudden change in behavior is one of the best indicators of a urinary tract infection in older adults. Some common warning signs might include the onset of elderly urinary incontinence, confusion, or not being able to do tasks the patient could easily do a day or two before. “Anytime there’s a change in an older adult… if one day they’re able to dress themselves or feed themselves and then there’s a sudden change, a red flag should go up in a caregiver’s mind,” Treinkman says.

This article continues at Elderly Urinary Tract Infection

Article: Multiple Sclerosis

Admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:19:28 GMT

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal chord by damaging the myelin sheath—material that surrounds and protects nerve cells—thereby blocking messages between the brain and the body and causing a range of symptoms. It’s one of the most difficult diseases to treat and diagnose, and a leading reason a person may decide to move to a long-term care facility.

An estimated 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, according to information published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2004. Although only 5-10 percent of this population requires chronic nursing home care, they comprise a significant and growing number of persons seeking such care.

This article continues at Multiple Sclerosis

Hearing loss

drwayne — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:18:07 GMT

I am an Audiologist in the Philadelphia area. I would be happy to field questions from anyone regarding hearing care or hearing aids.

Dehydration can effect so many things!

Tanya Kudla from Michigan — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:14:50 GMT

Dehydration

Watching for signs of illness in a loved one can be challenging. Some illnesses show up quite clearly, while others have a more subtle effect on daily living. Dehydration, depending on the severity, sometimes creates only small telltale signs while having a big effect on the body, especially in the elderly.

Dehydration occurs when a person loses more water than they take in. It takes an adequate amount of fluid for the body to function properly; for example, to regulate body temperature through sweating, maintain blood pressure, and eliminate bodily waste. If severe enough, dehydration can lead to confusion, weakness, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bedsores in bed-ridden patients, or even death. In general, a human can survive for only about four days without any fluids. Dehydration is especially frequent in the elderly, for a number of reasons: some medications, such as for high blood pressure or anti-depressants, are diuretic; some medications may cause patients to sweat more; a person’s sense of thirst becomes less acute as they age; frail seniors have a harder time getting up to get a drink when they’re thirsty, or they rely on caregivers who can’t sense that they need fluids; and as we age our bodies lose kidney function and are less able to conserve fluid (this is progressive from around the age of 50, but becomes more acute and noticeable over the age of 70). Illness, especially one that causes vomiting and/or diarrhea, also can cause dehydration.

“Everybody has a normal state of body water that relates to their weight. Anything below that (normal state) is dehydration; everything above it is hyperhydration,” Dr. Larry Kenney, professor of physiology and kinesiology at Penn State University, explains. That normal level of hydration varies widely from person to person. Contrary to the mantra that everyone should drink eight glasses of water every day, Kenney says there is nothing scientific to back that up. “People misinterpreted that to be, it had to be liquid and it had to be water,” he says.

A person’s diet can greatly affect hydration levels: fruits (especially watermelon), vegetables, and soups are mostly water-based. “Day in, day out, a lot of people get their water from foods, as well as behavioral attitudes towards food,” Kenney explains. “For instance, when we walk by a water fountain, we tend to take a drink, and we tend to drink when we eat.” Kenney also takes issue with the idea of not drinking caffeinated beverages because they’re dehydrating. He says the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee or tea is relatively small, and it’s made of mostly water anyway, so it will hydrate you to some degree. The same holds true for beer, he says, but there is a point at which the diuretic effect of caffeine and alcohol kicks in, so moderation is always the key. In general, larger people need to drink more water, as do athletes and those who perspire heavily, but that may mean more or less than eight glasses a day. “There is no one-size-fits-all remedy,” he says.

Instead, he recommends monitoring body weight to keep track of hydration levels. To monitor body weight, one should be weighed every morning. If they’ve lost two pounds or more from the day before, and especially if they feel thirsty or have a headache, they’re probably dehydrated.

Disclaimer: Although the information contained herein is medically related, it is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used, interpreted, or relied upon as professional medical advice. Only a qualified physician can diagnose and treat any medical condition. Please consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any specific personal medical and health concerns you may have.While we make every effort to keep our information current, please be aware that advances in medical science are ongoing and therefore some information provided here may have become out of date since our latest review.

End of Life care

Linda Temple — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:52:57 GMT

When someone close to us is nearing the end of life, there may be many questions. How can I offer comfort and support? Is there one "best" place for caregiving? Are there some approaches to making decisions that can be helpful? Do people with dementia have special needs at the end of life? End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care, a new publication from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), can help answer these questions and others.

Older people need increasingly more care as they near the end of life. Families and friends want to provide comfort, but may not know what to do or say. This new publication can help. Written in a compassionate tone, End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care features large print, helpful questions to ask, and resources for those who want to learn more.

To preview, download or print End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care, go to: www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/endoflife.

You can also order a free print copy:

Order online at: www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/endoflife
Call the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225, OR
E-mail NIAIC@nia.nih.gov