Boomers on the Move: Healing power of pets

February 2020 7 The healing power of pets

Boomers on the Move

BY KARIN HAUGRUD Columnist

Throughout history and all over the world, animals have brought love, laughter and companionship to the people whose lives they share.

Today, many doctors, social workers and other health care professionals believe that companion animals are important in helping many people lead healthy, happy lives, especially elderly people. Many researchers are finding that the most serious disease for older persons is not cancer or heart disease – it's loneliness. Love is one of the most important health tonics we have and pets are one of nature's best sources of love.

Dogs and cats help everyone overcome the pain of loneliness by supplying companionship and affection. For anyone who is consistently left alone, pets can also supply a sense of security and protection. Pets can make you laugh and divert your mind away from troubles. They also broaden your circle of friends and encourage good health through exercise. Studies show that pets can aid relaxation, lower one's blood pressure, promote health and prolong life.

Some pet programs at nursing homes are credited with enabling patients to reach out beyond their own pain and isolation and start caring about the world around them once again. A lot of these patients have many losses, personal as well as some physical health problems. It's important for them to have something like a puppy that's so accepting, that doesn't care if you are in a wheelchair or if you can't walk, or if you've had an amputation. The puppy loves everybody and it means a lot to the patients.

Many studies also show that pets are psychologically important to the elderly, as they help stimulate socialization by providing a topic of conversation with others where stories of happy moments with pets are shared.

Although animals make great companions for people of any age, pets can have important benefits for seniors. But before adopting a new companion, seniors need to understand the amount of dedication that goes into caring for an animal. Seniors need to be sure they have the time and the means to care for a pet, both physically and financially.

It's also important to consider the kind of pet to adopt. Animal care professionals often advise

Rose Haven 37 - Sixth St. S.E. • Menahga, MN 56464 218-564-4268 A Caring & Supportive Assisted Living Community Our alternative living environment is designed for the Senior adult who finds difficulty in living alone. • Private rooms, double rooms are available • Nutritious meals • Household service • Supervision as needed • Transportation • RN on staff • Organized activities • A safe, protective environment. Public funds are available to assist those with limited income and resources.

seniors to consider adopting an adult dog or cat. An older animal may be a better fit for their lifestyle than a puppy or kitten.

If you are thinking about owning a pet, think carefully about how it will affect your life. Know how you will provide for the animal before you bring it home. Be honest with yourself. Don't take a pet because someone else feels that you should have one.

And don't let well-meaning but overly protective friends or relatives convince you that you should not have a pet. You know better then anyone else what you want and what your abilities are. It's your decision! This article is made possible with Older Americans Act dollars from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior LinkAge® One Stop Shop at 800-333-2433 to speak with an information specialist, or check out our website at MinnesotaHelp.info. MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help.

BuyFactoryDirect! AvoidFuneralHome &Salesman Commission!

BUYTHIS MONUMENT $895.00

8 February 2020 Suicide in the elderly

This is a tough topic to start out this new year, but as family we need to be aware.

According to an article written by the Aging Life Professionals from Jan. 31, 2019, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., and men 85 and older had the highest rate of suicide in the country.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration and Administration on Aging, there are distinct signs that can point to suicide risk which are the following: ► Depression ► Prior suicide attempts ► Marked feelings of hopelessness ► Co-morbid general medical conditions that significantly limit functioning or life expectancy ► Pain and declining role function ► Social isolation ► Family discord or losses ► Inflexible personality or marked difficulty adapting to change ► Access to lethal means ► Alcohol or medication misuse or abuse Impulsivity in the context of cognitive impairment. There are professionals available to help you if you are seeing any of these signs in your loved one or yourself. You will want to ensure that proper medThe Family Circle LAUREL HED Columnist

DETOX

Transfer 3 cups of the mixture to a medium bowl and use a food masher or wooden spoon to mash the ingredients into a chunky paste. Return the mash to the pan and stir to incorporate.

Add ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce to the soup and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted, and the soup is heated through, about 3 minutes. Taste and season with salt From Page 5

and pepper, starting with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjusting as desired.

Transfer soup to serving bowls and garnish with the remaining cheddar cheese and a sprinkling of scallions.

Sarah’s tips • If you can’t find low or no-sodium broth, wait to taste the soup before adding the salt, then adjust as desired. • Use any potato in a pinch but look for creamy varieties like big reds or Yukon gold for extra

ical and mental health care is provided, work with the medical providers to ensure any pain is being managed, address any substance abuse, encourage and coordinate social connectedness, help to engage in meaningful activities, identify cognitive changes and find ways to help them cope and adapt to these changes.

Don’t try to do this alone. Reach out to professionals for help and support. The National Suicide Prevention Hot Line: 1-800-273-8255 is available 24 hours a day.

Don’t wait until it is too late. When our loved ones start to show any of these signs, it is a way of asking for help because they can no longer help themselves. We as family need to be okay stepping in and helping put the proper services in place. Laurel Hed is a licensed social worker and geriatric care manager for the elder law attorneys of Thomason Swanson and Zahn Law Firm.

starch and creaminess. • For advance preparation, once the mashed portion has been added back into the soup, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for several months, until ready to serve. If refrigerated, reheat over medium heat until hot, then add the cheese, sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. If frozen, thaw first before reheating. “Home with the Lost Italian” is a weekly column written by Sarah Nasello featuring recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello. The couple owned Sarello’s in Moorhead and lives in Fargo with their son, Giovanni. Readers can reach them at sarahnasello@gmail.com.