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Posts Tagged ‘Senior Living’

Too often, seniors mistake the concept of retirement planning to only include the financial dimension of the plan. This is a mistaken perspective.Senior Retirement

The complete retirement plan considers all aspects of retirement including financial needs, personal pursuits, estate plans, legacy gifting, travel, hobbies and of course health care.

One critical aspect of planning for retirement is giving thoughtful consideration for “Advanced Directives”.

What are advanced Directives? Retirement Plan

In the simplest terms, Advance Directives involve preparing the legal documents needed to accurately present your desires and expectations regarding personal health care treatment if circumstances occur where you can’t make your own decisions.

Most Advance Directives are offered in the form of a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney. This article is only informational and is not intended to provide legal advice. Check with an attorney to determine what type of advance directive is appropriate in your state.

Essentially, a Living Will is a legal document whereby a patient can state in advance their personal wishes to either receive, or to have withheld, active life-support if they are deemed to be permanently unconscious or terminally ill and lack the ability to make informed choices.

To be applicable, the Living Will is valid when at least two doctors confirm that a patient is in an irreversible coma or has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and can not make critical personal health care decisions.

If a patient can make an informed decision, the requirements of the Living Will are not in effect.
What differentiates a Durable Power of Attorney for health care from a Living Will is the patient can identify in advance who is authorized to make critical health care treatment decisions if they can’t make them independently.

The person specified in a Durable Power of Attorney may also be known as the “attorney in fact”, “surrogate or proxy decision maker” or simply “agent”. Some have also used the term “patient advocate”.

Also, the Durable Power of Attorney is a legal instrument used solely for the health care treatment decisions of a patient that is unable to make them.

And the inability to make health care decisions does not have to be resulting from a coma or terminal illness when a Durable Power of Attorney is used in contrast to a Living Will.

The inability to make health care decisions should not be confused with mental incompetence. In the instance of mental incompetence, most courts will appoint a legal guardian empowered to make all financial, legal and health care decision. This appointment will only occur if adequate proof of incompetence has been presented to the court for consideration.

In most locations, the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney both require at least two doctors to confirm that a patient does not have the capacity to make informed health care choices but the Living Will further requires the patient be in an irreversible coma or diagnosed with a terminal illness.

When a patient is being checked in to a hospital or clinic, most will inquire about the existence of an advanced directive.

Some states have laws requiring hospitals to ask about advance directives and provide documents if the patient doesn’t possess the documents. These directives must be well documented in the patient’s medical chart.

Every senior should take steps through the use of advance directives to ensure their personal health care treatment choices are honored even if circumstances occur that prevent a conscious choice.

The use of Advance Directives is not a replacement for active and honest communications between health care professionals, patient and family members. As circumstances change, these important directives should be amended to always align with the wishes of the patient.Senior Advisors

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at http://Plan-Retirement.org or http://For-Seniors.org

Perhaps it is a bit simplistic to suggest that you can drink your way to better health, but that is what I am about to say.

Over the years, one natural remedy that has been confirmed through the direct experience of many seniors is the use of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Nutrition for seniors

Health improvements for a wide range of ailments including various allergies, sinus infections, some forms of acne, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, acid stomach, arthritis and cold symptoms to name a few.

In addition, Apple Cider Vinegar is reported used among weight loss advocates. Many people believe that ACV is a good “fat-burner” and a natural appetite suppressant. There is an apple cider vinegar diet suggesting daily consumption of ACV prior to meals to suppress appetite. But more research is needed to scientifically valid these claims.

Certainly each person seems to be affected differently, but if you are suffering and in pain, there is little harm and nominal cost in giving this natural remedy a try.

And you won’t have to worry about dangerous side affects that accompany so many of our recommended drugs.

First, you must think of Apple Cider Vinegar as medicine because you are not likely to take it as a taste delight.

Try it and let the results guide you on the amount to use and the frequency of use. Most seniors and elderly people that are convinced of the value take apple cider vinegar routinely. Senior Health

Over time, seniors that consistently use the product speak of better complexion and energy. Some elders and seniors also give a daily drink to their dogs and cats and celebrate improvements in mobility, and disposition.

If you give ACV a try, go for an organic brand. Many devoted users recommend the BRAGG brand as a solid product to use. ACV from some providers can be too acidic for some users so try a smaller than recommended dosage first and then move up to the full dosage if you don’t experience any side effects.

Also, some people with sensitive teeth have some difficulties drinking ACV. If sensitive teeth are a problem, try warming your ACV slightly or drinking through a straw.

Any natural remedy with broad claims of healing and benefit must be evaluated with care and caution. Despite personal health stories, there has not been extensive formal study of ACV over the past 10 to 20 years. The lack of formal review of ACV doesn’t invalidate personal health claims it simply affirms the importance of using care. Nutrition

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

It is about time we toss out an old, worn out rule of thumb. That rule held that anxiety disorders declined with age.

The theory was that seniors would report mental issues less frequently due to their focus on physical pain and problems. This assumption may be somewhat valid but does it mean we should simply ignore seniors that complain of anxiety issues? Health For Seniors

This is how we sweep problems under the rug. Rather than face the real possibility that seniors do actually struggle with anxiety more with age, we make unfounded assumptions and then pay little or no attention to the problem.

Unfortunately the growing senior population has forced our health care professionals to concede that aging and debilitating anxieties go together.

And many seniors contending with anxiety disorders have fought with them for years. According to the American Geriatrics Society Foundation, anxiety becomes more common as we get older, because medical, psychological, and social problems tend to build up.

Until now, mental health professions lacked any standardized scales or measurements that would accurately and swiftly measure anxiety within a patient.
Senior Health

And a tool was needed that could effectively be used in day to day clinical practices dealing with mental health problems.

Studies suggest that only 11% of psychiatrists use any type of standardized measurement tools to evaluate results when dealing with depression or anxiety disorders so a significant opportunity for improvement exists.

With this in mind, Mark Zimmerman, MD, director of outpatient psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, and his colleagues developed the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS).

Using the CUXOS scale, patients were able to complete the test in less than two minutes and the clinician scored the test in less than 15 seconds.

The scale has been found to reflect high internal consistency and test-retest reliability and correlates well with other known self-report measures.

Zimmerman says, “We believe that the use of standardized scales should be the standard of care and routinely used to measure outcome when treating psychiatric disorders. Only in this way can we ensure that we are having an impact on our patients.”

Researchers acknowledge the need to question any new self report scale since there is no shortage of similar scales available now, but the CUXOS distinguishes itself in several respects and is intended as a general measure of the severity of psychic and somatic anxiety.

The study was based on work in the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) Project, for which Zimmerman is the principal investigator. It is a unique integration of research quality diagnostic methods into a community-based outpatient practice affiliated with an academic medical center.

Along with Zimmerman, other researchers in the study are Iwona Chelminski, PhD, Diane Young, PhD, and Kristy Dalrymple, PhD, all of Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School.

Communication with aging parents, patients and senior friends is the best way to identify life changes that often drive escalating levels of anxiety. Pay attention to the following key indicators:
● Sudden changes in daily routines and activities;
● Unusual levels of worry that is out of proportion to the circumstances;
● Sudden changes in moods or behavior due to medication;
● Changes in outlook on life or loss of interests;

The results to date for the CUXOS scale gives hope for many seniors suffering with anxiety. Faster and more accurate measurements of anxiety will reduce long term health care costs and provide relief to care givers. But most importantly, seniors that suffer anxiety disorders will enjoy life more. Senior Living

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

The light of understanding is shining brighter when it comes to the human mind. For too long culture has presumed that little could be done to preserve or enhance the capabilities of our brains. But those days are gone.

Leaders in science are peeling back the layers of the human mind and revealing an incredible pattern-making organ that is constantly interacting with the world and essentially learning how to adapt and grow. The brain’s capacity to stay active and in peak condition relies on consistent stimulation just as our bodies rely on physical exercise. Senior Living

Even as senior citizens, it is absolutely wrong thinking to assume that poor brain functioning is inevitable. Science is demonstrating the brain’s capacity to actually grow new neurons and expand its capacities despite age.

Severe declines in mental health are most often associated with some type of disease whereas memory loss or diminished motor skills are more likely caused by our failure to stay active in our older years.

If seniors don’t engage the mind with consistent forms of mental exercise, you will face real loss that is difficult to retrieve. Memory

Because our brains are pattern making machines, we have a tendency to observe life and quickly dismiss the wonder right in front of us. Unlike a child, we no longer have curiosity and the drive to discover new things or try something new.

When was the last time you saw or heard something on the news that struck your curiosity and sent you scurrying to the computer or library to learn more? These learning moments are literally a call to engage in life and keep your brain fit.

Sometimes brain fitness can be as simple as doing something you routinely do but in a different way. For example, try to tie the knot in your shoes using reverse motion.

Just like learning as a kid, it will feel almost impossible but in that moment you are engaging your mind to learn a new skill. Or try writing your name or brushing your teeth with your left hand if you are right handed. Let the process be fun.

Find a task or a topic to study every week. Get on the computer and play with hundreds of brain games that will stimulate your mind and help pass the time.

Another excellent way to stimulate the mind is simply traveling to places you have not been before. Too many seniors are reluctant to stray too far from home. Like rats in a maze, the fear of getting lost overpowers the desire to see a new place. Senior Lifestyle

Here are some day to day tips to help keep the senior mind alert…

• Engage all your sense every single day. Smell, touch, hearing, seeing, tasting, textures, hardness etc.
• Communicate with friends and spouses using different methods e.g. eyes only, facial expressions, no hands.
• Take on some of your daily tasks but do it with your eyes closed. Can you feel your way?
• Multi-task with the senses…actively use your seeing and hearing capacities at the same time and pay attention to slight distinctions.
• Get out of daily routines-do things in different order; try to accomplish a task in a completely different way;
• Travel about on new roads. Get to the store a new way. Drive home on a different route. Shut off the radio while driving and listen to the sounds;

For seniors, the key is to stay playful with life. Have fun. Be curious. Learn something everyday. Be attentive. Engage the senses. Smile. It is good to be living this very moment!

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

Mobility for the vast majority of seniors likely ranks among the most important quality of life factors and yet many seniors don’t think about mobility until they have lost it. Mobility for Seniors

There is a powerful link between a lack of mobility and increasing health problems. Research indicates that as people become less active, health deteriorates.

A pilot study titled, The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders consisted of a study of 424 older adults. An interesting insight came from the study. When health-interventions targeted mobility, there is a larger impact on the overall health of seniors than was previously thought. In other words, there is a direct correlation between mobility and the quality and length of life. Home Care

Of course, quality of life depends on many factors including social, financial, physical and emotional. Most seniors hope their later years be a time of shared wisdom, recreation, relaxation, and personal reflection. For this to happen, some forethought is helpful.

But one of the most fundamental senior issues is to remain mobile. Any loss of mobility at virtually any age is meaningful. Fortunately, if you need help to remain mobile, there are several options.

A common first step is the use of a cane to provide needed stability. This can work wonderfully for many years. And you can choose between a single base cane or move to a tripod base that offers significantly more stability.

And if you need both hands while shopping, don’t hesitate to utilize the classic transit carts or sit-down shopping carts.

As with any critical health concern, consult your doctor and get his/her input but the prime objective is to stay active, independent and mobile for as long as possible within the bounds of safety.

There are a variety of companies servicing the diverse needs involved with mobility. Services may include personal rehabilitation and training, transportation, auto adaptation, home modification products and services and various types of actual mobility products (scooters, wheel chairs, lifts) designed to meet all types of mobility situations while keeping people safe.

Leading mobility services offer professionally trained assistance when requested and offer training and instruction in the use and methods to complete daily tasks and routines.

Highly trained, professional staff knows how to instill confidence and help minimize the fear and uncertainty that often accompanies the use of mobile support equipment. This self confidence leads to an extended self reliant approach to life.

Getting Started…Senior Living

Often the greatest risk to mobility is the unwillingness of many seniors to admit their personal mobility needs and seek appropriate alternatives. And while these products and services are not free, there are insurance solutions and financing offered that will make the majority of the products accessible for most people.

Check out the follow resources to start your research:

http://www.rehabilitystores.com
http://www.invacare.com
http://pridemobility.com
http://www.sunrisemedical.com

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at http://For-Seniors.org or http://plan-retirement.org

Over the years seniors have been told that aches and pains that come with exercise are just part of the deal and in time they will go away. This may be true to some extent, but it is possible to learn from these pains.

What is the body telling us? For Seniors

Many seniors have jumped into a new fitness program with great enthusiasm and felt the stabbing pain of a headache before the first session is complete.

Studies suggest that roughly 45 million people suffer from chronic headaches but did you know that 70% of these people feel headache pain while exercising.

When you begin an exercise program and you have not exercised for quite a while, you are 1.5X more likely to experience a headache than someone that works out 3X per week.

Beginning a new exercise program causes the body to respond in two ways. First the increased blood flow around the brain inflames the vessels and stretches the nerves in the vessels creating pain. In response, the body releases endorphins, a sort of natural pain killer to counter the pain.

Regular exercise lessens this response because consistent exercise increases blood flow to the brain area and your muscles become more responsive and less fatigued over time.

Exercise Tips… Senior Health

Breathe: A common response by many seniors during intense exercise is to hold the breath. Doing this once in awhile is not a problem but if you habitually hold your breath to accomplish an exercise, you are likely to get headaches. If you need to grunt or make noises to get through it, do it but stay attentive to your breathing.

Be Careful of Exercise Bursts: One minute you are cooling your jets setting on the sidelines of a group volleyball game and the next minute you are on the court sprinting to save an errant pass without any warm up or stretching as if you were 25 years old. Cardio burst like these can cause problems for any age but are especially harmful for seniors. It is important to stay warm and avoid the intensive bursts when your body is unprepared.

Watch What You Eat: Don’t jump headlong into an intense exercise program with an empty stomach. Try having a 100 to 300 calorie snack maybe 30 to 60 minutes before you begin. You will love the energy burst. But be careful of soy, citrus fruits, yogurts and nuts if you are prone to headaches.

Stay Hydrated: Too often seniors think a short brisk walk or lifting a few weights doesn’t call for active fluid intake. Not true. Dehydration is a common cause for headaches during exercise among seniors. Before you even begin your exercise, drink an 8 ounce glass of water and bring another 8 ounces with you to drink during the exercise. And if it is hot, drink more or consider an indoor program.

These are just a few tips to help you have a better experience during your exercise. Speak to your doctor and be clear about the steps and precautions you should take before you begin exercising. What is most important is that you actually begin. Stay active. Stay engaged. As you see improvement you won’t have any problems being motivated to continue. Senior Living

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

Virtually every business or organization with a purpose begins in the minds of just a few people. There is a vision, a goal, a new innovation or idea that compels them to take radical action. The first problem may be raising money to get started, but with success and growth new problems arise. The challenge is to embrace growth while staying committed to the founding principles of the organization.

AARP began in 1958 through the innocent vision and tenacity of Ethel Percy Andrus whose sole vision was to enable retired school teachers to find quality health insurance. Her vision rested on three fundamental principles: Senior Living
• To promote independence, dignity and purpose for older persons
• To enhance the quality of life for older persons
• To encourage older people “To serve, not to be served”

Recently, the AARP organization has been in the spotlight over its apparent commitment to healthcare reform and nobody would argue the need to reform healthcare. And this objective is certainly not outside of the core principles of AARP and its Founder.

The problem comes when you attach some form of ownership to the reforms such as President Obama’s healthcare reform or Republican healthcare reform. The tactics and approaches offered to achieve that reform goal are then argued vigorously often leading to gridlock or some type of standoff.

To continue my use of healthcare reform, when an organization such as AARP takes a stand on one side of the healthcare argument as an advocate instead of an educator, there will be dissatisfaction somewhere among the 40 million plus members of the organization.

But sticking to core principles can’t be solely measured by whether all members of the AARP support one proposal or another.

Some would argue that AARP has abandoned its core principles because it collects between $600 and $650 million from various offerings of insurance, prescription drugs and other types of products and services.

This argument often comes from the very people that are most vocal about sustaining our free enterprise.

Since the products and services that are being offered are in most cases very competitive with the market and in some cases better than competing offers, I see no reason to presume how they pay the bills is some kind of breach of principles. I would rather join AARP with a small membership fee than cut off all revenue sources and pay for the services offered through membership dues alone. Hooray for free enterprise! It is what this country is all about. Retirement Planning

My own preference would be to have AARP be more independent of the politics of change and concentrate more on delivering quality goods and services to the membership because entering the political arena opens the door to trade-offs between business interests and political positions often leading to conflicts of interest.

Regardless of the position the leaders of AARP take in the political forum, they continue to offer access, education, forums and meaningful discount programs that make most seniors’ membership worthwhile.

And as a member, I am not forced to buy anything offered for sale. I can participate or stand completely independent by my own choosing. I think if you lined up a boat load of seniors and asked them if AARP is balanced in its approach, the majority will likely nod in the affirmative.

The beauty of the country we live in is that freedom offers people who disagree with AARP the opportunity to organize and take leadership of a new organization that more perfectly aligns with their view and approach to problem solving.

For those beginning a search for a new place to hang your senior membership hat, take a look at a new organization called National Association of Senior Concerns or The Associate of Mature American Citizens.

These organizations embrace a more traditionally conservative view of the world and since there are more conservatives than liberals in America and roughly 40,000 members of AARP dropped their memberships in 2009, I suspect AARP will have a strong competing voice in the debates very soon. Elderly Living

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at http://For-Seniors.org

Debate is heated in the news about parents choosing not to immunize their young children at all. Or some advocate immunization but not at the ages historically recommended. Many of the most vocal advocates of this debate have never faced the devastating effects that a real medical pandemic can have.

But lost in this debate is the reality that many seniors do not include themselves in the debate about needing immunizations. Even consistent pleading through the media about the risks of H1N1 did not strike a call to action for many seniors. For Seniors

Here is the unfortunately reality…

Many seniors have lived their lives without any immunizations whatsoever. And because they have not encountered any serious consequences, they assume nothing is likely to happen. Some have little access to good information or lack the ability to travel for proper immunizations.

Reports suggest that almost 30% of the adult population failed to get recommended immunizations leading to estimates of up to 50,000 preventable deaths and potentially $10 billion in preventable health care costs.

Other seniors may have been vaccinated when they were young but have neglected to be vaccinated with the newest vaccines that were not available years ago.

In addition, people don’t realize that immunity from various illnesses fades over time without appropriate boosters. Senior Health

Of course vaccinations are not without risks and they should be carefully considered before any action is taken. Certainly you should consult with you doctor and review your health history to determine exactly what priorities you should take regarding immunizations and which, if any you should avoid.

Be sure to discuss any new allergies, food sensitivities, new vitamins or medications that are being taken currently and any adverse reactions from immunizations in the past. Senior Living

Most communities offer low cost immunization programs that are very suitable and affordable for seniors. Call your local health authorities to determine dates.
Based on medical recommendations from 2009, the following are common immunizations that should be considered by any senior:

“Flu” (Influenza, Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, TIV)
“Pneumonia” (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide, PPSV)
“Chicken Pox” (Varicella, Var)
“Shingles” (Zoster, Zos)

In addition to disease prevention, there are vaccinations offered to seniors that may help prevent dangerous infections. The intent of this article is to highlight key issues regarding senior health. Medical advice should be obtained by your personal physicians.

The Center for Disease Control’s vaccine recommendations is another good place to get more details regarding immunization guidelines.

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org