Palouse Seniors, January 2017

Palouse

Seniors JANUARY 2017

How seniors can

simplify everyday tasks

An advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| January 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Palouse SENIORS

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January 2017 | 3

How to simplify everyday tasks MetroCreative

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ging men and women may find that technology helps them simplify their everyday lives. The ability to perform everyday tasks is something many people take for granted. But as men and women approach or exceed retirement age, many may start to struggle with chores and tasks they have performed for decades.

Physical limitations are a common side effect of aging.

But such limitations do not have to prove too big a hurdle for seniors to clear. In fact, there are many ways for seniors to simplify everyday tasks while maintaining their independence.

· Embrace technology. Even the proudest Luddites

cannot deny technology’s potential to make seniors’ lives easier. Seemingly simple tasks like shopping for groceries and vacuuming a home can be difficult for seniors with dwindling or limited mobility. But seniors with Internet access in their homes can order their groceries online and then pick them up in-store or have them delivered, saving them the trouble of walking around the store. With regard to vacuuming, autonomous vacuum cleaners have removed the need to use traditional vacuum cleaners. Certain autonomous vacuums employ sensors to detect dirty spots on the floor, and these vacuums can even be programmed to clean the home while residents are out of the house.

· Upgrade bathrooms. Tasks associated with personal

hygiene also tend to be taken for granted until they become difficult. But a few simple bathroom alterations can help seniors safely navigate the bathrooms in their homes so they can maintain their personal hygiene without fear of injury.

Grab bars can be installed on shower walls so seniors can safely get in and out of their showers and bathtubs. Such

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Seniors

IN PRINT: Palouse Seniors is published quarterly, with 12,500 copies distributed in the Daily News, Lewiston Tribune and at key drop spots and advertisers across the Palouse.

JANUARY 2017

How seniors can

simplify everyday tasks

An advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

ONLINE: Check out the latest edition in digital format online at DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

To advertise your business or service in the next edition, contact advertising coordinator: Angela Kay: akay@dnews.com

bars are both effective and inexpensive, and some do not even require any drilling to install. Specialty grab bars, tub grips and tub transfer benches are just a few additional products that can make bathing easier for seniors who have lost or are starting to lose some of their physical strength.

· Get “smart” on the road. Seniors who are experiencing mild difficulty driving can make getting about town that much easier by plugging their smartphones into their vehicles or making use of the various apps that have become standard in modern vehicles. For example, the maps app on a smartphone can be connected to a car and direct seniors to their destinations, saving them the trouble of remembering all the ins and outs of how to get a particular destination. Seniors also can employ apps to help them find their vehicles should they forget exactly where they parked in crowded parking lots. Such apps can increase seniors’ comfort levels on the road while helping them maintain their independence. · Downsize. Whether downsizing to a smaller home or simply downsizing a lifestyle, seniors may find that living smaller is akin to living simpler. Empty nesters may find they no longer need several bedrooms in their homes, and moving into smaller homes can reduce their daily workloads while also clearing out clutter that can make performing everyday chores more difficult. Men and women accustomed to hustle and bustle may also find that cutting back on professional and/or personal commitments gives them more energy for everyday activities while enriching the commitments they continue to maintain.

Palouse SENIORS

| January 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Prevent stairway injuries

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tairs are a necessity in many homes. While stairs serve a practical purpose, they also have the potential to be dangerous.

According to the National Safety Council, more than one million injuries result each year from stairway falls.

Staircase and stairway accidents constitute the second leading cause of accidental injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents. Each year, there are 12,000 stairway accident deaths. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that a large portion of Canadians who visit hospitals after a fall on or from stairs or steps in their homes are seniors (men and women age 65 years or older).

However, many stairway falls can be prevented with some simple planning.

· Install sturdy handrails.

A common contributor to stairway falls is a failure to use handrails. Sturdy handrails can decrease fall rates. Even if

a person slips, he or she may be able to prevent the fall by grabbing on to the handrails and regaining some of his or her balance.

· Rely on highlighters or friction strips.

According to a study titled “Safety on stairs: Influence of a tread edge highlighter and its position,” by Richard J. Foster, fall risk may be reduced by using a highlighter positioned flush with the tread edge. This helps make stairs more visible, particularly for those with impaired vision.

· Improve lighting on staircases.

Failure to see steps may contribute to falls as well.

Staircases should be well lit so that residents and guests know where to step. Subtle foot-level lighting can be installed to make it easier for people who frequently use steps at night.

· Use slip-resistant materials.

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Slip-resistant surface material acceptable for normal floors should work on stair treads. Loose rugs should not be placed at the top or bottom of the landing. Outdoors, rough finishes are recommended, particularly on stairs that are subject to getting wet.

· Improve step geometry.

If slips and falls frequently occur on a particular staircase, consider the relationship between the rise and the run, advises the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. The National Building Code of Canada says that, within a staircase, treads should have a uniform run and tread depth that does not vary more than 0.5 to 1 cm.

Steep steps with high risers and/or short treads can increase the risk of falls.

· Clear away clutter.

One easy way to prevent falls is to keep stairs free of clutter. This means removing shoes, toys and other belongings that may be left on stairs or landings.

Many falls on stairs can be prevented by being mindful of certain risk factors.

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| January 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Assistive devices help people remain mobile

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isabilities affect people from all walks of life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 55 million Americans have a disability of some kind. Of these people, 33 million have a disability that makes it difficult for them to carry out some daily activities. Statistics Canada states that, as of 2012, 13.7 percent of the population age 15 years or older reported having a disability that could impact daily life.

People with disabilities may need assistive devices to reclaim some measure of their independence. For example, millions of people rely on wheelchairs or walking aids to get around. These are called assistive technology and rehabilitative devices, which include tools, equipment or products that can help people with disabilities get around more easily. These devices may be as small as magnifying glasses for reading to as large as wheelchairs.

The National Institutes of Health state that 2.2 million people in the U.S depend on wheelchairs for day-today tasks and mobility. More than six million use canes, walkers or crutches to assist with mobility. The following are some of the common types of mobility devices available for purchase.

· Canes: Canes are handheld devices that provide a little extra

stability or support to weakened limbs. Canes are easily transported and can assist those who need only a little help.

· Standard walkers: Also known as medical walkers, standard walkers offer substantial support and must be lifted to move. That requires upper body strength, which can be difficult for some to maintain on long trips.

· Rolling walkers: Rolling walkers are similar to standard walkers. But rolling walkers have wheels, either on the front only or on both sets of legs. They are somewhat less stable than standard walkers. Rolling walkers with wheel-locking devices may offer stability when needed. Some rolling walkers are called “rollators.”

· Wheelchairs: Standard wheelchairs must be powered by the person in the chair or by someone pushing it from behind. This can be difficult for people with minimal upper body strength.

Mechanical wheelchairs are powered with a lever or button.

Some people may opt for motorized scooters over bulkier wheelchairs when possible.

Assistive devices can be highly effective, but only when they are used properly and safely. Assistive devices should be measured for each user. Many walkers are heightadjustable. The width of a device also is important.

A walker or another device that is too wide can affect mobility or require modifications to be made around the home. Weight is another consideration. The device should be lightweight so it can be maneuvered, but also weigh enough to provide enough stability to keep users upright.

Users should proceed slowly and favor their stronger sides when relying on canes or walkers. Devices should not be used to climb atop other items like step stools. Children should not be allowed to play with or ride on assistive devices. If there are safety belts or locks on any assistive technology, they should be put in place before use to prevent further injury.

Palouse SENIORS

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January 2017 |

Did you know?

MetroCreative

H

eart disease can affect just about anyone. While it was once widely and mistakenly considered a man’s disease, since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease.

According to the Harvard Medical School, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over age 65, just as it’s the leading killer of men. Myths abound with regard to heart disease and heart attack risk. One such myth that prevails is that a person who has heart disease should avoid all exercise.

However, cardiologists advise that physical activity can help to strengthen the heart, which will improve blood flow to the brain and internal organs. Those who want to exercise should speak with their doctors about which types of exercise are right for them. In the interim, begin with some low-intensity walking, as this is usually a safe, lowimpact way to improve personal health.Â

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| January 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Understanding dementia: a key to compassionate care MetroCreative

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lzheimer’s disease is one of the more prominent forms of dementia, but there are many additional types of dementia that also can cause both physical and cognitive alterations. Understanding the complexity of dementia can be beneficial to both dementia sufferers and their caregivers.

Dementia is a general term used to define a decline in mental ability severe enough that it can interfere with daily life, offers the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Dementia presents itself through various symptoms, and memory loss alone is not enough to lead to a dementia diagnosis. Dementia can affect thinking and social abilities, but the Mayo Clinic notes that some dementias may be reversible. The following are some common symptoms of dementia: · Trouble communicating or finding words. · Difficulty completing complex tasks. · Challenges with planning and organization.

Dementia is not a disease but a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms. The words “senility” and “dementia” often are incorrectly used interchangeably.

However, serious mental decline is not a normal part of aging.

· Episodes of confusion and disorientation. · Memory loss, which is often noticed by a third party. · Personality changes that can include agitation, anxiety, inappropriate behavior and even hallucinations.

Apart from Alzheimer’s disease, which is a progressive disorder most common in people age 65 and older, there are other types of dementia. The second most common is called “vascular dementia.” This results from damage to vessels that supply blood to the brain. This damage can be the result of stroke, smoking and other blood vessel conditions. Brain imaging can often detect blood vessel problems implicated in vascular dementia.

Dementia with Lewy bodies, or DLB, is another

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Palouse SENIORS

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January 2017 |

dementia that laymen may mistake for Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association notes that people with DLB often have not only memory loss and cognitive problems common in Alzheimer’s, but they also display initial or early symptoms such as sleep disturbances, well-formed visual hallucinations, slowness, gait imbalance or other Parkinsonian movement features, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Helping individuals with dementia remain comfortable is a priority for caregivers, and understanding the symptoms and treatments can help caregivers make patients and loved ones as comfortable as possible.

If physicians suspect dementia was caused by various factors, a person may be diagnosed with mixed dementia.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for progressive dementias that are linked to plaque tangles in the brain and changes in the way the brain processes the protein alpha-synuclein. Patience and various medications may be needed to help those with dementia live fuller lives.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are mainstays in dementia treatment. These medications prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. Acetylcholine supports communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high.

Physical therapy and cognitive therapy may be used in conjunction with medication to assist those with various dementias.

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10 | January 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Seniors and exercise: tips to avoid injuries

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xercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise can improve mood, promote an active lifestyle and reduce a person’s risk for a host of ailments, including diabetes and heart disease.

Despite the importance of exercise, many people live sedentary lifestyles into their golden years. Seniors who want to embrace a healthier way of life and get more physically active should first consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen. Certain medications may limit just how far seniors can push themselves, while preexisting conditions may make specific types of exercise off limits. After discussing their limitations with their physicians and developing a safe exercise routine, seniors can heed the following tips to avoid injury but still get healthy.

· Pick a partner.

Whether it’s a spouse or a friend who is physically active or wants to be, try exercising with a partner, at least initially. Doing so can provide the motivation you need and partners can serve as safety nets should you need assistance completing an exercise or suffer an injury and require medical attention. Personal trainers can serve as your partner, and many gyms offer discounts to seniors on personal training services.

· Start slowly.

Seniors who have not been physically active for some time should take a gradual approach to exercise. Instead of heading right for the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine, start walking every day. When it rains, find a treadmill you can walk on. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends seniors begin by determining how many steps they can take in a day and then gradually working toward 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day. Utilize step counting apps on your smartphone to track your progress. Apply the same slow approach to strength training exercises, lifting only very light weights at first before gradually increasing weight as your body acclimates to the exercises.

· Stretch.

Bodies that have been inactive for lengthy periods of time are inflexible, and lack of flexibility increases your risk for injury. The AAOS recommends that seniors warm up their bodies before stretching with five to 10 minutes of low-intensity activity such as walking. Then stretch gently, remembering to relax and breathe during each stretch.

· Switch things up.

When strength training, do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Muscles need time to recover.

If you prefer circuit strength training where you exercise various muscle groups in one day, do not strength train on back-to-back days, leaving at least one day in between strength training sessions so muscles have ample time to recover.

Palouse SENIORS

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January 2017 | 11

Did you know?

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R

ecent surveys show there are fewer young people and more senior citizens behind the wheel in the United States.

According to the National Household Travel Survey, members of Generation Y, who are between the ages of 16 to 34, are driving less. From 2001 to 2009, the average annual number of vehicle miles traveled by Gen-Y-ers dropped by 23 percent.

Some find the process to be a hassle, others are frightened by the prospect of controlling a vehicle, and others are merely taking a green approach to transportation, choosing bicycles or public transportation.

There is also the high cost of owning and fuelingup a vehicle today. On the flip side, researchers at the University of Michigan have found that people age 70 and older make up the largest group of drivers on the road -even higher than those in their 40s and 50s.

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