Senior News - Great news you can use. Compliments of the Johnson City Press

Senior News

APRIL 2020

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Senior News - April 2020

Healthy eating options for seniors

“Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/or prevent certain conditions.

For seniors with medicine cabinets full of over-the-counter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic.

According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods ones eat. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful.

bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.

• Digestive system-friendly foods: The digestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract mor easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.

• High-iron foods: Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron.

Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.

• Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

• Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.

• Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached from the

Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful.

Senior News - April 2020

Who is at elevated risk for COVID-19?

COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines across the globe. This novel coronavirus first made headlines in late 2019 after an outbreak in Wuhan, the sprawling capital city in China’s Hubei province. The virus has since spread beyond China’s borders, leading to school closures and changes in public life, such as the shutting down of professional sports leagues, that many might never have thought they would see in their lifetimes.

Despite the relative infancy of COVID-19, doctors have learned much about it, including who might be most at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early information out of China revealed that some groups are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than others. Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are the chronic medical conditions that appear to make people especially vulnerable to sickness from COVID-19.

How people in at-risk groups can reduce their risk of getting sick It’s important that elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions take their risk for getting sick from COVID-19 seriously, as the virus had already contributed to thousands of deaths by early March 2020. The CDC notes that it is especially important that people at elevated risk take actions to reduce their risk of getting sick with the

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disease. The following strategies can be part of a proactive approach that may help at-risk people lower their risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

• Stock up on health supplies. Contact your physician and arrange to obtain extra necessary medications so you do not have to leave your home should an outbreak occur in your area. If that’s not plausible, the CDC recommends signing up for mail-order medications. Stock up on over-the-counter medications and medical supplies, including everyday items like tissues, so you don’t have to leave the house if an outbreak occurs.

• Stock up on groceries. Make sure you have enough groceries on hand so you can stay at home if restrictions on leaving home are put in place during an outbreak.

• Embrace the basics. Basic strategies According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early information out of China like avoiding people who are sick; wash- revealed that some groups are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than others. ing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or spending time in public; avoiding Jesus is our Foundation touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.; and avoiding crowds can help to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

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Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late-December 2019, doctors have learned that certain people are especially vulnerable to getting sick from the virus. Such people can take certain steps that may reduce their risk of getting sick. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov.

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Senior News - April 2020

Modifications can make driving safer for seniors

sensors that can detect oncoming traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items or cars behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, Driving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. The ability to travel beyond a has but may especially helpful to seniors. neighborhood or even one’s hometown without a chaperone is probably what excites new • Parkingbe assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space drivers so much and makes them eager to get their licenses and cars. Senior drivers also with little input from the driver. may define their independence by their ability to drive. Few things diminish senior dignity • Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control.

Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The • Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s the risk factors like medical conditions, Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortmedication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devic- able, which can prolong their years behind the wheel. es, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and education association, says roughly 90 percent of seniors don’t take advantage of simple, often inexpensive features that can greatly improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Here are some considerations.

• Cushions and seat pads: Cushions do more than just alleviate hip and back pain while sitting. Cushions and pads can raise drivers up and improve their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car as well.

• Adaptive cruise control: This feature can adjust speed automatically to maintain a consistent space between vehicles.

• Adaptive headlights: These headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel.

• Pedal extenders: Extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and potential airbag deployment.

• Hand controls: Whether one has sensory changes in the feet from surgery or a medical condition, adaptive hand controls can move the “pedals” up to the steering column.

• Blind spot warning and other sensors: Today’s cars can be equipped with any number of

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Senior News - April 2020

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Avoid medication errors with these tips Prescription medications are a necessity for many people. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that, each week, four out of five adults in the United States will use prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and/or various supplements. Approximately one-third of adults take five or more medications at the same time.

The potential for adverse drug events is elevated when people are taking multiple medications at one time. For example, mixing pills has the potential to cause serious injury or even death.

Doctors, patients and pharmacies must work together to ensure that medication is taken safely. One of the best ways to prevent errors with medications is for patients to take an active role in their health care management.

• Know your dose. Children are at an especially high risk for medication errors because they require different doses than adults, offers the Mayo Clinic. Adults of different weights who share medications can run into trouble as well. It is key to follow the dosing instructions, as even a minor error in regard to dosage can potentially cause a big problem.

• Follow up with your doctor. Certain medications can cause side effects that only can be noticed by lab testing,

such as an impact to the liver. Doctors also may be under an obligation to follow up with patients taking psychological drugs to ensure the efficacy of treatment.

Make sure you keep all follow-up appointments.

• Maintain a current list of meds. It is up to patients to share information with prescribing doctors regarding any and all products being taken to avoid harmful interactions. Using the same pharmacy for all prescriptions also is helpful.

• Be honest about height and weight. Medication labeling and package inserts typically use metric units to correlate dose to a person’s physical attributes. Individuals should know their information in metric measurements and be honest with themselves about what they weigh.

• Use medications correctly. It is important not to chew nonchewable pills or cut pills unless the pharmacist or doctor has said it is safe to do so. Accurate dosing also requires using the right spoon or syringe, not silverware.

Store certain types of medications, such as eye drops and ear drops, separately so they’re not mistaken for one another.

These are just some of the ways to prevent medication errors. People can consult with their doctors and pharmacists for more assistance in staying safe.

One of the best ways to prevent errors with medications is for patients to take an active role in their health care management.

What is long-term care insurance?

No one knows what the future has in store. While the future might be unpredictable, it can still be planned for.

Financial advisors often tout the benefits of saving for retirement, and for good reason. A carefree retirement that affords retirees a chance to pursue their passions without worrying about money is a dream for many people. However, studies show that people are not necessarily doing all they can to make that dream a reality. For example, a recent study from Northwestern Mutual found that 21 percent of Americans have no retirement savings at all. The picture is even more bleak in Canada, where a 2018 poll from CIBC found that 32 percent of Canadians between the ages of 45 and 64 had nothing saved for retirement.

The freedom to travel might be something many people look forward to in retirement, and it even motivates many to open retirement accounts. But saving for retirement should not be seen as a means to simply financing a lavish, post-professional lifestyle. It’s essential that people also see saving for retirement as a means to account for unforeseen medical expenses, including personal and custodial care. Long-term care insurance is designed to provide such support, making it something anyone with an eye on their future should consider.

Long-term care insurance is designed to provide such support, making it something anyone with an eye on their future should consider.

What is long-term care insurance?

According to LongTermCare.gov, long-term care insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount, up to a predetermined limit, for services to assist them with the activities of daily living. Policyholders can typically choose from a host of care options and benefits that can dramatically improve their quality of life should they ever prove incapable of caring for themselves. Seniors who live alone or those who live with an aging spouse who also has physical limitations can often use a helping hand to perform activities such as bathing, dressing and cooking, and long-term care insurance policies can be that helping hand.

The Administration on Aging notes that medical underwriting is typically part of opening a long-term care insurance policy. As a result, adults who are in poor health or already receiving long-term care services may not qualify for long-term care insurance. Other circumstances may limit the amount of coverage a person can buy.

Various factors may affect the cost of a long-term care insurance policy. Such factors include a person’s age when he or she opens the policy and the daily payout a potential policyholder wants. For example, the older a person is when opening a policy the more expensive that policy is likely to be.

Long-term care insurance should be a part of retirement planning. Learn more at www.longtermcare.gov.

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Can tea be too hot?

A piping hot cup of tea is a morning staple for millions of people across the globe. But can tea be so hot as to adversely affect tea drinkers’ overall health?

A 2019 study from researchers with the American Cancer Society found a link between drinking hot tea and esophageal cancer. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, examined more than 50,000 people between the ages of 40 and 75 in the Iranian province of Golestan for an average of 10 years. Researchers determined that tea drinkers who consumed their tea at temperatures higher than 140 F (60 C) and consumed about two large cups per day had a 90 percent higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to people who consumed less tea at cooler temperatures.

The authors of the study acknowledged more research is necessary to determine exactly why hot tea is linked with a higher risk of esophageal cancer. But scientists responding to the study suspect it’s the temperature and not the tea that’s causing the elevated risk for cancer.

“This is valuable research but not a ground-breaking discovery,” Dr. James Doidge, Senior Research Associate, University College London, told the Science Media Centre. “Hot drinks are an established risk factor for oesophageal cancer and it doesn’t take a scientist to appreciate that repeated irritation of any body surface increases your risk of cancer.”

So should hot tea be avoided? It seems the answer is yes if the tea is 140 F or higher. But that same rule should be applied to any hot beverage, not just tea.

“Tea is the only drink consumed in the area (where the study was conducted), so the data relate to this beverage,” Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told the Science Media Centre. “It is also true that in this area of Iran, that tea is frequently drunk at high temperatures. They did not study any other drink, but other studies have, and it seems that it is the heat that is the issue rather than the actual beverage.”

Simply waiting until the tea cools down or adding a cooling agent like milk to make the tea cool down instantly can help people indulge their love of tea without necessarily increasing their risk for esophageal cancer.

Did You Know?

Senior News - April 2020

Many people plan to retire by a certain age, but few may actually still be working at their targeted retirement age. In the United States, the age at which working Americans expect to retire has risen to 66. But a Gallup poll showed that most don’t stay on the job that long, instead retiring when they’re about 60 or 61. In addition, according to a 2018 Employee Benefit Research Institute survey, 48 percent of workers wanted to retire after age 65, but only 19 percent of retirees stayed on the job that long. The reasons vary, but one positive outcome is having enough money to live comfortably during retirement. Still, early retirement largely involves unexpected scenarios. These may include poor health, having to care for an aging parent, downsizing, new skills required for the job, or other work-related reasons.

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Senior News - April 2020

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Innovative fitness programs for seniors

Canada has begun to develop its own senior-centric fitness programs. The Healthy, Safe and Strong group exercise program is an introduction to safe exercises available for adults age 60 and older in the province of Ontario. The program can help develop better stamina, maintain or improve balance and increase strength and endurance.

StrongerU Senior Fitness is a relatively new program of pre-choreographed group fitness offering instruction in four program types: cardio, strength training, stretching, and circuit training. The program addresses a need in Canada for quality and consistent senior fitness programing.

It is important to stay active and eat healthy foods in an effort to promote fitness and well-being. This is especially true for seniors, many of whom lead increasingly As studies show that engaging in physical activity is the most effective way for aging sedentary lifestyles as they age. men and women to stay healthy, more adults may be compelled to join fitness groups that cater to the 50-and-over market. disposal than ever before.

The American Heart Association says adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, and a Harvard University study says that exercise can be an insurance policy for heart health.

Today’s seniors have more fitness options at their disposal than ever before.

SilverSneakers® is the leading community fitness program for older adults in the United States. SilverSneakers® members can participate in specially curated programs at participating gyms and community centers across the nation. According to the organization, there are more participating fitness locations available than there are Starbucks® coffee establishments. Classes are fit for everyone, no matter their experience level.

Those concerned about gym costs may find that SilverSneakers® already is included in their Medicare Advantage plan for no additional cost. Plus, there is access to healthy living discounts from participating businesses.

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She is a native of Kansas and has called Johnson City, TN home for almost a decade now. Melanie has been working with seniors for over 15 years starting with her career after college as a Social Services, Admissions, and Marketing Director for a nursing home near her hometown. As a huge advocate for helping people in the Senior population, Melanie has been actively involved in Alzheimer’s TN and Alzheimer’s Associations. She lives with her 6-year-old daughter Emma, so there is never a dull moment at her house. In her free time, she likes spending time with Emma, hiking, shopping, bike riding and all things girls like to do!

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Senior News - April 2020

Things to know before drafting a living will During the prime of their lives, people typically don’t give much thought to scenarios in which they become ill or are facing the end of life. Sickness and mortality are not easy conversations to have, but it is important for everyone to approach these heavy topics with close family members so that individuals can rest easy knowing their needs will be met if or when their health falters.

An advanced healthcare directive — also known as a living will — is a legal document in which a person lists the specifics of medical care and comfort actions they desire should the individual no longer be able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. The legal advice resource Legal Zoom says the living will may list certain things, such as whether life support is desired or if pain medication should be administered. A living will should not be confused with a traditional will, which is a legal document that explains wishes for financial and personal assets after a person dies. Living wills also differ from living trusts, which address how assets will be managed if a person becomes incapacitated.

• Do I want to remove the burden of tough choices from my loved ones? A living will relieves grieving loved ones of the responsibility of making challenging decisions of invoking life-saving procedures or not — particularly if they’re not sure what you desire.

• Do I have firm feelings about life-saving methods? A living will allows you to spell out preferences on insertion of feeding tubes, if you want specialized hydration, if you want to be hooked up to life support if brain function is minimal, and a host of other scenarios.

• Is cost preventing me from drafting a living will? Cost need not be a factor in setting up a living will. You can download a free template from any number of online legal sources. Local hospitals often have forms as well, which can be notarized for only a few dollars. These forms are generally comprehensive and can help you answer all the questions and write in specifics.

• Have you selected a trusted person to carry out wishes? A health care proxy, according to the American Bar Association, is a person appointA living will is not always a necessity if a person does not have strong ed by you with the authority to make decisions for you if you are unable feelings about decisions made on his or her behalf while not cognizant. to express your preferences for medical treatment. Together with the However, for those who do want to have a say in care, a living will is the living will, the health care proxy, also called a durable medical power of best method for ensuring choices will be carried out. The following are attorney, can fulfill your wishes accordingly. some other questions people should ask themselves concerning living wills.

A living will is an important component of medical and estate planning.

Senior News - April 2020

Don’t get caught off guard by glaucoma

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Vision should never be taken for granted. Appreciating one’s sense of sight involves scheduling routine eye exams and taking steps to protect one’s eyes.

But safeguarding vision also involves understanding the various conditions that can affect eye health.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. People who experience glaucoma can lose nerve tissue and eventually suffer vision loss. Understanding what contributes to glaucoma can help people take the steps necessary to reduce their risk.

The American Optometric Association says that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60 — although it can occur at any age. The Mayo Clinic states that many forms of glaucoma produce no warning signs and changes in vision may occur so gradually they are not detected until the condition has reached an advanced stage.

There are various types of glaucoma. However, primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, affecting about three million Americans, indicates the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time and fluid cannot drain out of the eye. As a result, intraocular pressure rises and damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting signals from the eye to the brain. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over age 40 and Hispanics over the age of 60 have an increased risk, says the AOA. Those with thin corneas, which is the outer layer of the eye, also are at an elevated risk of developing glaucoma.

A less common type of glaucoma is called acute-closure glaucoma, which occurs due to an abrupt and rapid increase of eye pressure. This is an emergency situation that requires prompt care to prevent vision loss.

An eye doctor will conduct various tests to determine if a patient is at risk for glaucoma. The Mayo Clinic says tonometry is commonly used to measures intraocular pressure. During this test, the eye surface will be anesthetized with special drops. A tonometer will be applied lightly to the cornea, indenting it slightly. The resistance will be measured and calculated to determine if pressure is present. Other tests include the following: • imaging tests that look for optic nerve damage that involve a dilated eye examination; • visual field tests to check for areas of vision loss; • pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness; and • an inspection of the drainage angle of the eye.

The effects of glaucoma cannot be reversed, but glaucoma can be caught early. Medications and lifestyle changes, like more frequent eye exams, can improve symptoms. Prescription eye drops can reduce the production of aqueous humor (fluid) in the eye and improve outflow of that fluid. Oral medications and surgery are other options as well.

Explaining wills and trusts It’s never too early for adults to think about estate planning. Estate planning is an important part of money management. While it’s easy to think of estate planning as just a way to dictate how your assets are allocated after your death, estate planning also can protect people and their money should accidents or injury make them incapable of managing their finances on their own.

Some familiar terms may come up when people begin planning how they hope to transfer their assets. Two more common terms are wills and trusts. Understanding the distinctions between the two can help people as they begin estate planning.

What is a will?

The online financial resource Investopedia notes that wills are legally enforceable documents that dictate how people want their affairs handled and assets allocated in the wake of their deaths.

Wills should include a host of information, including who a person wants to assume guardianship of their minor-aged children should they pass away. This is especially important information to include in a will, as surviving relatives may have to go to court to contest guardianship if parents do not dictate who they want to serve as guardians in their wills.

What is a trust?

A trust is a relationship in which another party is given authority to handle a person’s assets for the benefit of that person’s beneficiaries. When making a trust, a person will need to designate someone as a trustee, who will be tasked with distributing assets in accordance to the terms dictated in the trust.

There are many types of trusts, and working with an attorney who specializes in estate planning can help men and women determine which type of trust, if any, is best for them.

Is it better to have a will or a trust?

Both wills and trusts can be useful when estate planning. In fact, wills are often used to establish trusts, and many people have both a will and a trust.

Estate planning is an important part of managing one’s finances. A qualified attorney who specializes in estate planning can help people write their wills and, if necessary, establish trusts that can help surviving loved ones in the wake of their death.

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Senior News - April 2020

Why routine checkups are vital to overall health

Regular visits with a medical professional are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Too often people visit the doctor only when they are ill, as they may not realize just how essential well visits and physical exams are.

Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their health, but they can be especially valuable for those age 50 and older. Regular checkups enable physicians to check current health against past visits, ensuring that any anomalies can be investigated and treated efficiently and promptly. This can make the difference in slowing down the progression of a disease that has already developed or prevent something from becoming a full-fledged issue.

The Mayo Clinic says there are no hard and fast rules about how often seniors should visit health care providers. Those who are in generally good health may only require one medical checkup a year. At this point vital signs will be checked, medications reviewed and lifestyle topics discussed. Doctors may even recommend or discuss tests. Patients also can bring up any issues they may be experiencing, however insignificant they may seem. Anything from sleep disturbances to memory loss to unexplained fatigue or pain can be addressed. Sometimes getting everything out in the open and being reassured that there’s nothing to worry about can be helpful.

General care and geriatric doctors also are adept at asking questions to get a sense of how patients are faring in the world. This may include topics that seemingly have no relevance to health but can be quite important. A provider may ask about topics such as bathing or dressing. Questions about social interaction or typical routines can paint a better picture of both physical and mental health.

The recommended frequency of doctor visits may change as health issues arise or if follow-up is needed after a treatment plan or injury, according to the caregiver company Home Care Assistance. Some seniors may have to visit a provider once a week or once a month.

Doctors, nurses and therapists will design a regimen based on a patient’s current health needs.

The following are some compelling reasons to be diligent with provider visits.

• Frequently health issues can be silent and not noticed early on by a patient, according to Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

• Patients will be less likely to forget about important screenings, like mammography, prostate tests, cholesterol tests, and more.

• Vaccines can be administered, as even adults need certain immunizations to stay healthy.

• Patients can discuss potential lifestyle changes, like going on a diet or taking up a new fitness regimen.

Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their It is essential to follow through with health care provider visits, even if they seem redundant. Physicians may detect issues that warrant health, but they can be especially valuable for close observation. Patients are urged to have an open dialogue with their doctors so they understand the reason behind health care visits and expectations in the future. those age 50 and older.

Elder care resources People want to grow old gracefully and maintain their independence as long as possible. There are many decisions to make as well as information to wade through to ensure needs are met and proper care is received through one’s golden years. Individuals, caregivers and families may find that a few helping hands along the way can be invaluable.

Numerous elder care resources are available for those who don’t know where to look. Start by researching the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org). This is a national leader and trusted association that helps people age 60 and older. The council works with nonprofit organizations, governments and businesses to organize programs and services at the community level. This is a good place to find senior programs that can help with healthy aging — emotionally, physically and financially.

AARP (www.aarp.org) is yet another organization dedicated to helping seniors. The comprehensive AARP website offers a host of information on everything from senior discounts to products to health and other information specific to seniors. The AARP also has an affiliated charity that works to help low-income seniors procure life’s necessities.

At the local level in the United States, the federal government has mandated Area Agency on Aging (www.n4a.org) facilities in every county/city. These agencies can provide information on service programs available to the seniors in the area, as well as financial resources. These facilities give seniors access to volunteers who can take seniors around by car, and some provide meals-on-wheels services.

The Administration for Community Living (www.acl.org) was established to help older adults and people of all ages with disabilities live where they choose. A network of community-based organizations helps millions of people age in place.

ElderCare Canada is an advice and action consulting service that helps seniors with a variety of different services. They can offer resources on setting up home care, finding retirement residences, moving, or navigating the health care system.

Military veterans or those who are/were married to a veteran may be eligible for various benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (www.va.gov). The VA offers health care services, disability compensation, burial benefits, and much more.

Seniors have many different resources at their disposal that can help answer questions or provide services when the need arises.

Senior News - April 2020

Amazing benefits to seniors having pets

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Pets bring much joy to the lives they touch. So it should come as no surprise that the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, which was conducted by the American Pet Products Association, found that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are home to companion animals, states the PetBacker blog.

Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

This is not the only health benefit pets may provide. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people between the ages of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog was likely to spur heart-healthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and having ideal blood sugar levels.

Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors — including those who may be divorced or widowed — feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among respondents who had pets, 88 percent said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 percent said their pets made them feel loved.

Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so.

• Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.”

• Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but it also can give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose.

• Altered focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health issues and preoccupations about loss or aging, according to New York-based psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld.

• Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet.

• Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog.

• Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward off risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs also can help prevent cognitive decline.

Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ lives, and they may be the perfect remedy for seniors looking for a friend and purpose.

5 ways to protect against hearing loss

A certain degree of hearing loss can be a normal part of the aging process. However, people who take steps to protect their hearing long before Father Time takes his toll can prevent the extreme hearing loss suffered by millions of seniors across the globe.

John’s Hopkins Medicine states that approximately 15 percent of adults aged 18 years and older report some difficulty hearing and up to 39 percent of adults in their sixties have hearing problems. Lost hearing cannot be restored, though hearing aids and other devices can help people with hearing loss hear better. Hearing aids are not always an accessory people look forward to needing, so it’s good to know that a few simple strategies can protect people’s hearing over the long haul.

1. Get a baseline hearing exam. Speak with an audiologist, who can test your hearing and establish a baseline level against which future tests will be measured. This way it is easier to see if hearing loss is increasing over time.

2. Turn down the volume. Audio devices can contribute to hearing loss. Earbuds are particularly dangerous because they fit directly next to the eardrum. The World Health Organization says that 1.1 billion teens and young adults worldwide are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss from unsafe use of audio devices. Set the maximum volume on audio devices below 60 percent and wear headphones for no more than an hour a day. Keeping music low on other devices is also adviseable.

3. Wear protective gear. Protective gear includes ear plugs and protective earphones. This gear should be worn whenever you expect to encounter loud noises, such as when you mow the lawn, go hunting or shooting, attend rock concerts, or visit construction sites.

4. Limit use of cotton swabs. Ear wax is beneficial to the ears and can stop dust and other particles from entering the ear. Furthermore, using a cotton swab can potentially cause damage to sensitive organs in the ear if they are inserted too far or too roughly, advises the hearing testing service Ear-Q. 5. Avoid loud noises. Steer clear of fireworks, noisy city centers, loud performances, and other situations if you do not have hearing protection.

Remember, hearing loss often doesn’t produce immediate symptoms or pain. However, over time, hearing loss can become noticeable. A proactive approach can help people avoid significant hearing loss as they age.

Senior News - April 2020

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