Low vision: what it is and what you can do about it

Low vision is an age-related eye condition that can make doing everyday tasks like driving and reading difficult. There’s no treatment or cure for low vision. However, there are things you can do to adapt and continue doing the things you love.

Symptoms Of Low Vision

Lowering blood sugar may reduce Alzheimer’s risk

Aging is associated with certain ailments, some of which concern seniors more than others. One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia, particularly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research suggests reducing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk.

Doctors and researchers have determined a link between high blood sugar levels and the formation of dementia, which includes a loss of memory and thinking skills that afflicts millions of older people. A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, even when diabetes was not evident, there is a correlation between sugar and dementia. A blood sugar level above normal levels (depending on activity level and weight, among other factors) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, a longitudinal study published in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia, which followed 5,189 people over 10 years, found those with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar—whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic. The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin.

Insulin-degrading enzyme, a product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia. Melissa

Schilling, a professor at New York University, reviewed studies and found that people who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body. The insulindegrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins. These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.

Data published by Harvard Health Publishing indicates “any incremental increase in blood sugar was associated with an increased risk of dementia.” Individuals who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains. Individuals also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and beans over a processed carbohydrate- and sugar-laden diet.

High blood sugar is another factor linked to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Making lifestyle changes can keep seniors healthy throughout their golden years.

Low vision can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, surgery or medicine. You may have low vision if you have difficulty:

• Reading

• Driving

• Recognizing people’s faces

• Telling colors apart

• Seeing your television or computer screen clearly Besides blurry or hazy vision, you may have trouble seeing things in the center of your vision, out of the corners of your eyes or at night and in low light.

Causes Of Low Vision

Low vision is a symptom of one of several eye-related diseases, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Cataracts

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Glaucoma

Older adults are more susceptible to low vision because the diseases that cause it are more common in older people.

Living With Low Vision

If you have minor low vision, using bright lights at home or work may help you see better. Moreover, wearing polarized lenses when it’s bright can help filter glare, improving your vision. Talk to your doctor or optometrist if low vision is preventing you from doing everyday tasks. They may advise using a magnifying glass for reading and other activities or rearranging your home so you can move about easily.

For You, For Them, For Us

You might say long-goodbyes are a just part of our midwest culture. It’s who we are, we care for people. And that’s what Hospice of the Red River Valley has been providing since 1981, dedicated to making each moment matter, for you, for them and for us, by providing the compassion and care everyone deserves through their life’s journey.

hrrv.org

How to get your affairs in order: advance care planning

If you become sick or disabled, you may be unable to make health care, financial and legal decisions on your own. That’s why planning is crucial in preparing for the future. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a medical emergency.

Start Now

Don’t wait to talk to loved ones about your wishes. Start now and have these discussions while they can help you make decisions. Appoint a power of attorney or health care proxy and ensure they agree to their roles and know your directives.

Put Everything In One Place

Put all your important papers in one place, including your will, trusts, health care directives, financial records and contact information for your lawyers, doctors and financial advisers. Whether these documents are at home or in a safety deposit box, tell someone you trust where everything is.

UPDATE YOUR RECORDS

Go through your documents and make any necessary updates. Do this once a year or whenever you experience a significant life change, such as moving to a new home.

GIVE PERMISSION

Give your doctor and lawyer permission to speak with a designated caregiver in an emergency. Furthermore, arrange

GRIEF: HOW TO COPE WITH REMINDERS AFTER A LOSS with your bank to give a trusted friend or family member access to your safety deposit box.

PLAN YOUR FUNERAL Arrange and pre-pay for your funeral, burial or cremation to reduce anxiety and the burden and cost for loved ones. Even if you’re not sick now, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible and prepare to make things easier for everyone in an emergency.

What’s a multi-faith funeral?

In today’s diverse society, many people have a combination of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, when celebrating someone’s life, honoring all the beliefs that shaped that person is important. If this sounds like you or a loved one, you may want to consider a multifaith funeral.

Overview

A multi-faith, or interfaith funeral, incorporates elements from multiple religions into one service. It’s common to combine several readings, prayers and traditions to recognize all the spiritual influences in a person’s life.

The ceremony itself can be led by one religious leader or several. For example, if your loved one had a Jewish mother and Buddhist father, you can combine Jewish and Buddhist traditions to pay tribute to each cultural and spiritual influence.

FAMOUS MULTI-FAITH CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

In 2016, Muhammad Ali’s family held a multi-faith funeral service to remember the three-time heavyweight boxing champion. It was one of the most high-profile multi-faith funerals in recent years. At Ali’s request, ministers from multiple faiths took turns speaking, including an imam, a Protestant minister and a rabbi. Fortunately, many funeral directors now cater to multifaith funerals. You can also look for specially trained interfaith celebrants who specialize in leading ceremonies for families with several faiths and beliefs.

After a loved one dies, many things can bring back the pain of their loss. Feelings of grief might return on the anniversary of your loved one’s death or other special occasions. Reminders can be connected to sights, sounds and smells. Here are some things you can do to cope with these overwhelming feelings.

• BE PREPARED. Remind yourself that grief reactions are normal and necessary. Although painful, they’ll help you move forward in the grieving process.

• PLAN A DISTRACTION. Read a book, go for a walk, visit a museum or schedule a visit with friends or loved ones during times when you’re likely to be reminded of your loved one’s death. Keeping busy will help prevent your mind from dwelling on your grief.

• CONNECT WITH OTHERS. Call or visit people who were special to your loved one. It can be therapeutic to talk with someone who shares in your loss and encourages you to express your feelings openly while offering comfort and support.

• WRITE DOWN YOUR FEELINGS. Write a letter to your loved one or journal about some of your favorite memories with them. Try to focus on the good things instead of the bad.

• ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL EVERY EMOTION. It’s OK to experience a range of negative emotions as you grieve. You feel these things because your loved one’s life was important to you.

Finally, don’t feel guilty about moving forward. Rediscovering joy in life doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten your loved one. Talk to a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling with insurmountable grief affecting your everyday life.

Marcus Century Theatres

Every Friday Marcus Theatres® has special admission prices for anyone age 60 and over. Come and enjoy a movie at any Marcus Theatres® with our Young at Heart® special- only $6.00 for any show that starts before 5:30 PM. Additional charges apply for 3D features. Find out more details at www.marcustheatres.com

Theatre B

Individual tickets can be purchased for $25. Discounted senior tickets can be purchased for $20 for Sunday matinees only. Senior Flex passes are $65 and are good for four admissions throughout the current season. Visit www.theatreb.org or call 701-729-8880 for more information

FMCT

Individual senior tickets pricing is $20 tickets for Musicals, $18 tickets for Plays, and $12 tickets for FMCT Ed. Visit www.fmct.org or call the box office at 701-235-6778.

YMCA of Cass and Clay County

Keep your mind and body healthy by joining the YMCA. Seniors, ages 65 and older, can receive a reduced membership rate. The monthly rate for seniors is $51 and the annual rate is $612. For additional questions on membership contact a Membership Coordinator to see what the Y has to offer!

Fercho YMCA: 701-293-9622

Schlossman YMCA: 701-281-0126

Fargo Golf

No matter what your age, Fargo Golf has a course that will fit your abilities and challenge you. Seniors, 62 years and over, can purchase a 5 Fore 1 (all 5 courses) Season Pass for $545 and Par 3 (all 9 hole courses) Season Pass for $370. Senior Season passes can also be puchased for individual courses, prices vary from course to course. Passes can be purchased online at www. fargogolf.net, at any Fargo Park District Golf Course or at the Fargo Park District Main Office.

Homeward Animal Shelter

Seniors 65 years and older receive a discounted adoption fee. Their Senior-to-Senior programs allows animals that are 6 years of age, or older, to be adopted to senior citizens with no adoption fee. Pets younger than 6 years of age can be adopted by a senior citizen for 50 percent off the regular adoption fee. Questions about discounts can be directed toward (701) 239-0077, email: info@homewardonline.org.

A-1 Moving Company

Senior Discounts available on moving services! Call 701-356-7889 for a FREE on-site price quote.

Metro Senior Ride Service

This program provides transportation to senior citizens age 60 and older in Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead and Dilworth, Minnesota. The cost for senior citizens age 60 and older is $3.00 each way; one guest can ride with a senior citizen for $3 each way, and children under age seven ride free with an adult passenger. Passengers must be able to walk and board under their own power as these vehicles are not lift equipped. Reservations are required with this service, please call (701) 356-7433 at least 2-3 days to secure your ride.

Dairy Queen

Seniors, 60 years and older receive a 10% discount on any frozen treat. Seniors, 55-plus receive a free small drink with the purchase of a meal.

Fryin Pan Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere! Seniors receive 10 percent discount every day, or 20 percent Senior Discount on Wednesdays from 5 – 9 p.m.