Young at Heart News Photo by Alyssa Ochss Linda Suneson and Jeanne Rasmussen get ready to start their game. Story on Page 4
Supplement To The Alpena News • Thursday, August 12, 2021
How to help seniors adapt to automotive tech Modern automobiles are more technologically advanced than ever before. That tech isn’t just making driving more comfortable and convenient, but also more safe. In a recent analysis of motor vehicle accidents, researchers at the International Institute for Highway Safety
found that vehicles with blind spot and lane departure warning systems were involved in 11 percent fewer sideswipes and head-on crashes than cars that did not feature such systems. In addition, the IIHS estimates that the number of automobile crashes in the United States could be decreased by 85,000
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each year if every vehicle were outfitted with a lane departure warning system. Driver assistance systems have made driving safer for millions of people across the globe, but one demographic may need some extra help adapting to modern vehicles, and may even need a little extra encouragement to utilize tech that can keep them safe behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in 2018, the United States was home to 45 million licensed drivers aged 65 and over. That marks a 60 percent increase since 2000. Though seniors’ perceived unwillingness or inability to utilize modern technology is often overstated, some aging drivers may need a little extra help as they try to learn how to use assistance technologies in their vehicles. • Learn the tech yourself. Assistance technologies are not all one and the same. Vehicle manufacturers have their own systems and there can be a learning curve when adapting to a new one. If you aspire to teach a senior how to utilize the assistance technologies in his or her vehicle, first learn the tech on your own. If both you and your aging friend or family member own a Subaru, chances are you already know how to use the tech in your loved one’s vehicle. If you drive cars made by different manufacturers, visit the dealership
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where your loved one bought his or her car and ask for a quick tutorial on all the safety features in the vehicle. Salesman demonstrate these features every day, so it shouldn’t take long for them to show you the ropes. • Be patient. Each person adapts to a new technology at his or her own pace. It’s important to remain patient when teaching aging drivers how to use the tech in their vehicles. Old habits die hard, and while some drivers may quickly adapt to tech like backup cameras, others may not be so quick to abandon driving techniques they’ve been safely using for decades. Stay the course, remain patient and allow senior drivers to adapt at their own pace. • Teach one tech at a time. It can be overwhelming for drivers of all ages to adapt overnight to all the tech in their new vehicles. When teaching senior drivers how to utilize various driver assistance technologies, take it one tech at a time. When coupled with your patience, this approach can help seniors avoid being overwhelmed and increases the likelihood that they will embrace the tech in their vehicles. Many senior drivers utilize driver assistance technologies every day. A patient and methodical approach to showing seniors how their vehicles can help them stay safe behind the wheel can be a road map to helping seniors adapt to life in modern vehicles.
Tips to Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing (StatePoint) “There’s no place like home.” There’s a reason why Dorothy preferred the warm feeling of rural Kansas over the hustle and bustle of Oz. Scientific studies show that busy urban life can actually take a toll on mental health. Adjusting your surroundings can have a significant impact on your mental and physical well-being, which is why many city-dwellers are moving to areas like The Landings, a premier gated community near downtown Savannah, Ga. featuring resort-style amenities and a friendly, small-town feel. But whether you’re ready to move or not, you can improve your health with a few simple tips. A Natural High Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. And more specifically, looking at water provides a significant calming effect. So, take time daily to get outdoors. Whether it’s venturing to a nearby park or water source or simply sitting in your own yard, find time to create some outdoor zen. At the Landings, residents are surrounded by a beautiful,
natural island setting overlooking to make new friends, as well as learn picture-perfect marshes, lagoons about the rich history of the area and waterways – a serene backdrop and the community. to ease one’s mind anytime. Find a Furry Friend Let There Be Light Connections don’t always need Increased hours of sunlight can to be with humans. Pets, especially heighten the brain’s production dogs and cats, can reduce stress, of the mood-enhancing chemical anxiety and depression. Plus, walkserotonin, so be sure to fit natural ing your pet is great for your carlight into your schedule as much as diovascular health. The Landings possible. Whether it’s a coffee on offers 30 miles of beautiful walking, the patio or a simple walk at lunch, biking and jogging trails – and even adding bits of natural light to your has a fenced in dog park – combinday can help. And during the winter ing all the key elements of nature, months, consider light therapy with water, wildlife, sunshine and sociala light box or lamp to simulate day- ization. light. The Social Network The pandemic showed us the importance of social connections – not on social media – but true human interactions. To keep up connections, start right at home with neighbors. Walking groups, game nights or social hours are great ways to ensure you’re adding social events to your calendar. The Landings helps facilitate friendships through a New Neighbors group. For the first two years after their move, residents participate in a variety of activities
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BACK IN THE
Swing
OF THINGS
Sandi Lethbridge in mid-swing on a bright sunny day.
Early Birdies provide physical and mental opportunities through golf
Story & Photos By ALYSSA OCHSS News Page Designer ALPENA -- It was a bright, sunny day without a cloud in the sky when a group of about 36 members of the Early Birdies golf group went out to play golf. Soon, the swings of golf clubs could be heard all around the golf course. Every Wednesday morning, the Early Birdies block off the time from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. to play nine holes at the Alpena Golf Club. The group started over 30 years ago and was initially for older women, while another group, the Sun-
setters was for those who were just getting off work, President Linda Suneson said. Now, the group is open to women of all ages. On a recent Wednesday, groups of about four people, two golf carts full, set out at different times around the course. Before Suneson’s cart was another group of the Early Birdies that had a head start on them by about a half an hour. The rules and etiquette of golf was obeyed as the players waited for the group before them to be well out of reach before swinging from the green. Members joked around and cheered for each other as each
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of them putted their golf balls into the hole. “One of the things we love about golf is the camaraderie,” Suneson said. The season lasts the whole summer, from the first Wednesday in May to the third Wednesday in September. The members range in age from their 60s to their 80s. They pay $2 for the game and $10 for the membership. They have a charity event each year and the mem-
bers vote on who to donate year, the will benefit
to. This g r o u p Friends Together. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the group had to change up some of the systems they used. They switched to a phone-based scoring system to tabulate all the scores,
according to Secretary Jeanne Rasmussen. They still use that scoring system today. “It was innovative, and I’m pleased the girls have taken to it so well,” Rasmussen said. Some of the women also said they had to cancel their banquet because of the pandemic. Tracy Bushey moved to the Alpena area about three years ago and is one of the newer members. She said the game keeps her coming back. “Getting outdoors and fresh air,” Bushey said, “I’m a terrible golfer. I’m one of the third-worst golfers on the league, but I just enjoy the game. When it does go well, it’s so exciting. When I hit right and it goes flying.” Bushey said the game helps to keep her active. She said she hasn’t known the ladies for very long, but they are very understanding. “With COVID, I wasn’t around as much, so it’s taken me a while to get to know some of the girls,” Bushey said. “But, yeah, I’ve gotten to know a few of them. They’re all very nice. I have found it’s not a highly competitive group, which is nice because I’m not a real good golfer.” Some of the women agreed that meeting new people and keeping active were the best parts about the league. The members have a choice of whether to walk or to ride around on the golf cart. The women agreed golf is a sport a person can play well into old age, and they plan to keep golfing for a long time. “I’m looking to playing this another 20 years,” Suneson said.
Beryl Rondeau squares up to hit her ball.
A couple groups of the Early Birdies watch as one of the ladies putts in a ball.
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Older Adults Shouldn’t Delay Preventive Health Care (StatePoint) Many older adults have been delaying preventive health care during the pandemic because of fear of visiting the doctor’s office. As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19, now may be a good time to make up for gaps in care, according to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare Advantage at Cigna. “Delaying preventive care can catch up with us, especially as we get older,” says Dr. Conflitti. “As people age, preventive care becomes increasingly important in helping prevent or manage chronic conditions. Doctors’ offices have nationally accepted, evidence-based COVID-19 safety protocols in place and many preventive services are covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage at no extra cost when visiting a participating or in-network provider.” Each person’s doctor should determine the right services based on age, gender, medical history and health status. Among those to consider are:
Annual wellness visit. Covered by Medicare, this is a great way to develop a personalized annual care plan. Among other things, the doctor will ask the patient to fill out a health risk assessment to help determine the services likely needed in the year ahead. The doctor will assess how the patient is feeling physically and emotionally, since mental health often impacts physical health. It’s important for the patient to be open about their feelings, current condition, and medical history. Mammogram. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every woman is at risk, but risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer is often treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74 at average risk get a mammogram every two years.
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Vaccinations. While the COVID-19 vaccine is certainly a top priority, especially for older adults, there are other important vaccines, including flu, pneumonia and shingles. Patients should ask their doctors about current recommendations as autumn approaches and risk potentially increases. “Even in the best of times, health screenings and vaccinations are often a missed opportunity and the pandemic has only made matters worse,” says Dr. Conflitti. “But with these services, individuals can take control of their health in partnerBone density scan. USPSTF ship with their doctors. As the old recommends women aged 65 and adage goes, an ounce of prevention older be routinely screened for os- is worth a pound of cure.” teoporosis, a disease in which bones To learn more, visit https://www. become weak and brittle. According to the agency, routine screen- cigna.com/medicare. ing should begin at 60 for women The information contained in this at increased risk. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical adfractures. Eye exam. A routine eye exam vice, diagnosis or treatment. Always is important to identify early signs seek the advice of your physician or of eye disease that are more likely other qualified health care provider as people age. People with diabetes with any questions you may have are particularly prone to retinopa- regarding a medical condition or thy, which leads to vision loss, and treatment and before undertaking a it’s recommended they have annual new health care regimen. retinal screening exams. Colorectal screening. Like breast cancer, colorectal cancer risk increases with age. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps early so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends screening for adults age 45 to 75. Medicare covers the cost of a screening colonoscopy once every two years for those at high risk or once every 10 years for those at lower risk. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, providers can help determine the best option for individuals.
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Women’s guide to menopause Menopause is a natural occurrence in a woman’s life. Menopause occurs 12 months after a woman’s last period. It marks the end of the reproductive years and the cessation of menstruation. Many women mistakenly believe that the years leading up to the end of their periods is menopause. In fact, this time of potential hot flashes and changes in their monthly cycles is a transitional period known as perimenopause. The National Institute on Aging says menopause can take place between ages 45 and 55. Perimenopause may occur several years before that.
Mood changes/sleep issues Fluctuating hormones can cause other changes in the body. It’s common for women in perimenopause to experience mood changes. However, mood also may be affected by disruptions to sleep that can occur at this time. Women can speak to their doctors about remedies that can help with mood and sleep issues.
Additional changes Since hormones are responsible for many operations in the female body, additional changes are possible at this point in a woman’s life. Thinning hair and dry skin may occur. Many women also complain of vaginal dryness. Loss of breast Signs the transitional years are fullness might be evident. Furthermore, beginning Irregular menstruation is one of the weight gain and slowed metabolism are first indications that a woman’s body is possible. The Mayo Clinic says women may changing. Periods may come at different times or be shorter or last longer. Some still experience pregnancy in midlife women bleed more or less than usual. despite irregular periods. This can be a Women should consult their gynecolo- confusing time for women, as they may gists if their periods last more than a not be sure if they’re pregnant or if week or if bleeding is especially heavy. they’ve started the menopause transition. After a woman experiences menopause and are enters post-menopause, she Hot flashes could occur The modern drug store where you The NIA says many women experi- is more vulnerable to heart disease and greeted with a friendly ence hot flashes in both perimenopause osteoporosis. Women should continue to and menopause. Hot flashes are believed see their doctors for routine health visits to be related to changing estrogen levels. and screenings. The sudden feeling of heat in the upper Menopause is often accompanied by part or Has all ofnow the partnered body is often accomvarioustoside effects. Women can speak with a company panied dispense by flushing Specialty of the faceDrugs and neck. with their physicians if they have any that require When they occur at night, hot flashes are questions or concerns during this unique attentive handling, administration called night sweats. time in their lives. and/or monitoring.
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____________________________________________ 8 - Young at Heart ~ Thursday, August 12, 2021
Expires August 31, 2021
Expires August 31, 2021