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Senior Living Thursday, February 28, 2019
The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Learn how to sleep like a child again Metro Creative Services Many adults lament that even if they were solid sleepers in their younger years, by the age of 50, their quality of sleep has unraveled. Some cling to the wisdom that people simply do not need as much sleep as they get older. Even though that is partly true, sufficient sleep is still a vital component of a healthy life. The National Sleep Foundation recently updated its sleep recommendations per age group to include categories “may be appropriate” and “not recommended.” This includes a range of hours that may be adequate for certain adults. Adults between the ages of 26 and 65 are advised to get seven to nine hours of sleep per evening. However, six hours or 10 hours also may be acceptable. People over the age of 65 need roughly seven to eight hours of sleep each night, though between five and six hours also may be fine. Generally speaking, anything under five hours is not recommended based on data reviewed by sleep experts. Many older adults do not get
heart function. Various strategies can help people get more sleep and enjoy better sleep quality. u Create a luxury bed environment. Splurge on the largest mattress you can afford and one that is comfortable for both parties (if married/ coupled). A roomy bed routinely invites sleep. If you have a restless partner, try two separate beds pushed against each other. u Consider white noise. The sounds of the house or outdoors may be keeping you up. Many people find that the gentle hum of a fan or a white-noise machine with a calming sound effect makes it easier for them to dose off than complete quiet. It can also block out extraneous noises. u Keep electronics out of the bedroom. It can be challenging to Metro Creative Services disconnect from electronics, but it is essential to falling asleep. Even a Adults can learn strategies to get more restorative and lengthy sleep. back-lit text coming through in the wee hours can be enough illuminaenough sleep due to insomnia, states medication that impedes sleep. Jack Gardner, MD, a neurologist cerDr. Leila Kheirandish-Gozal, direc- tion to disrupt sleep. u See your doctor. If medications tified in sleep medicine. They’re con- tor of clinical sleep research at the cerned about health issues, may have University of Chicago, says that, over or illnesses are keeping you up, a change in regimen may provide the sleep apnea, can experience pain or time, insufficient sleep can impact relief you need. frequent urination, or may be taking metabolism, mood, memory, and
Be aware of heart attack warning signs
Morris Hospital cardiologist tells you what to look for Physical activity done outside on a cold day, such as shoveling snow, can literally be a killer for those at risk of heart attack. Although heart attacks occur during every season of the year, Dr. Syed Ahmed, a board-certified cardiologist with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists, says the combination of strenuous Ahmed exercise and breathing in cold air makes winter prime time for cardiac events. “Multiple things happen in your body when you, for example, shovel snow,” Ahmed said. “Exercising makes your heart rate go up, lifting snow can increase your blood
pressure, and breathing in the cold air causes your lungs a lot of stress. These three stressors result in a lot of strain on the heart, which can lead to the rupture of plaque in blood vessels. This is why there are more heart attacks in extreme weather.” Winter heart attacks occur more frequently even in more temperate climates, such as Los Angeles, where there is a 33 percent increase compared to summer months. Researchers say the holidays might add to winter stressors, when many overindulge in food and drink, abandon their exercise routines and delay seeking medical treatment for symptoms. Ahmed said heart attacks results from blockages in the coronary arteries. Plaque composed of cholesterol, fat and other substances
develops over time along the inside of arteries that supply blood to the heart. “Plaque can rupture and spill into the vessel, blocking blood flow to the heart,” Ahmed said. “Stress, anxiety, physical activities and other reasons can cause plaque to rupture.” Because a resulting heart attack can damage or destroy heart tissue, quick medical intervention is critical. Ahmed said the most common symptom of a heart attack is discomfort, pain or pressure in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. The feeling might leave and return. Pain might also occur between the shoulder blades or in the neck or jaw, in one or both arms or in the stomach. Some people having a heart attack feel no pain at all. They might become weak, lightheaded, short of breath, nauseated or break out in a cold sweat. “Please do not wait if you’re having symptoms of a heart attack,” Ahmed said. “We’ve seen people wait
hours before calling 911, and they end up with extensive, permanent damage to their hearts.” Ahmed said the symptoms might be confusing. “You might not think you are having a heart attack, but the best thing to do is go to a hospital emergency room. Heart attacks are the No. 1 killer in the United States among men and women. You’re not burdening anyone. You’re not bothering anyone. We are there to save your life. That’s what we are here for.” Ahmed also advises regular physician check-ups that include cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes screenings. If you would
like to find out if you’re at risk for a heart attack, call Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists at 815-705-1000. The Ottawa office is located at 1404 Aquarius Circle, Suite A. Morris Hospital also offers a $35 Heart Healthy blood test screening on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Ottawa Campus, 1306 Gemini Circle. The screening checks total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose for type 2 diabetes. Walk-ins are accepted, or call 815-416-6089 for an appointment. Cash or checks only are accepted for the screening. For a free heart attack warning signs magnet, go to morrishospital.org/magnet.
The exertion caused by shoveling snow combined with breathing in cold air causes a lot of stress. ‘This is why there are more heart attacks in extreme weather,’ says Dr. Ahmed.
Coping with age-related hair loss 3 Attitude goes a long way in regard to self-esteem. With a positive spin, it’s possible to get through difficult situations and even have a favorable outlook on getting older. But even the most optimistic among us may at times worry about the physical signs of aging and wonder what can be done to make them feel and look their best. Wrinkles and a little extra weight around the middle certainly garner attention, but hair loss is another age-related concern. As people age, their hair changes in several ways. Graying through loss of melanin pigment is the most apparent. MedlinePlus, the health information resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, says that strands of hair also can become less dense and smaller through the years. Many follicles also may stop producing new hairs. Regardless of age, it is customary for a person to lose about 100 hairs a day. If those hairs are not replaced as readily as they once were, patches of thinning and balding hair may appear. The rate at which hair falls out is largely determined by genetics, according to Head-
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By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.
Home security tips for seniors Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49. Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home. u Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure
to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home. u Think about a smart doorbell. Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house. u Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away. u Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification.
u Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in. u Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check. u Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors, and much more. u Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home.
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covers Unlimited, a company that produces wigs, scarves and other headwraps. But nearly everyone will experience some sort of age-related hair loss. Hormonal changes during menopause can cause noticeable thinning and scalp exposure that may be mistaken for actual hair loss. There are many ways to mitigate hair loss. Here are some handy tips: u Try a new cut. Work with your stylist to determine a haircut that can suggest the appearance of thickness and camouflage the loss of density or bare spots. Graduated layers kept close to the face can help, as can pixie cuts. Men can choose to go entirely bald and bold. u Treat hair gently. Avoid harsh chemical processes and constant heat styling. Protect fragile hair from damage by pampering it. u Look for thickening formulas. Many shampoos, serums and conditioners tout volumizing or thickening properties. These can help plump up hair and make thinning less apparent. u Talk to your doctor. Hair loss may be a result of medication, a skin condition or aging. Doctors may suggest products, such as Minoxidil and Lipogaine formulas, that can be used on the scalp to reduce hair loss and help follicles produce new hair strands. Hair thinning and hair loss can be a symptom of getting older. Knowledge is key to improve hair’s appearance at any age.
STREATOR HEARING CARE Darcy Beals
M.S., CCC-A, Audiologist
205 S. Park St. • Streator 815-673-2869 darcybeals@yahoo.com
SENIOR LIVING | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Babysitting for grandparents Witnessing your children getting older and starting their own lives and families can be bittersweet. There is pride that comes with seeing their successes, but the melancholy of knowing that the years have passed so quickly. Although you may no longer be tucking your children into bed, reading them bedtime stories or bandaging “boo-boos,” when your children have children, the chance to nurture can start anew. One of the great joys that comes from having older children is the ability to welcome and love grandchildren. Grandchildren are points of light in people’s lives and provide the exuberance and excitement that reminds you of your own youth. Grandparents often are thrilled to be involved in the care and upbringing of their grandkids. Some may also live with their grandchildren to help take some pressures off of adult children. Babysitting is one way that grandparents can be a frequent fixture in their grandkids’ lives. If it’s been some time since you cared for little children, it’s well worth it to take a refresher course in child care.
Make sure it’s safe Conduct a safety audit of your home if grandchildren will be coming over to your place. Are outlets secured with covers? Are medications you may be taking out of reach? Do you have gates to block stairs or restrict access to certain rooms? Modifications may be needed.
Assess your health Chasing after children can be a workout. Be sure you are up for the challenge and have the stamina. If you have any medical conditions that can impair judgement or reaction time, you might want to reconsider babysitting.
Take directions The way you parented may not be the same way your own children parent. Be humble and follow their lead with regard to instructions. The parenting guide Apt Parenting advises that you should ask about the eating and sleeping habits of the child. You may have to defer to your own children’s guidelines on discipline and behavior.
Learn what’s new Many things regarding
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Babysitting can be a joyous task for grandparents who are ready for the job. childcare have changed in the last 20 years, including safety laws and guidelines. Be sure you are up to date on these changes. And if you aren’t certain about something, ask. This involves everything from crib bar widths to car seat installation.
Hearing aids have a long, rich history Metro Creative Services Today’s hearing aids are remarkable devices that help people who are hard of hearing in myriad ways. These devices are part of a rich history of hearing assistance items that dates back several centuries. According to BeltoneTM, a developer of high-quality hearing solutions that has been in business since 1940, hearing aids can be traced all the way back to 1588, when the author Giovanni Battista first mentioned hearing assistance devices in the book, “Natural Magick.” The devices
Battista described were wooden and were carved into the shapes of ears belonging to animals with superior hearing. Whether they worked or not, these rudimentary devices serve as ancestors to the devices people use today. Many people might recognize the hearing aids used in the 1600s and 1700s. Often referred to as “ear trumpets,” these devices were wide at one end to gather sound and narrow at the other end so amplified sound could be directed into the ear. Perhaps the most notable user of ear trumpets was
the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose hearing began to deteriorate by the time he reached his late 20s. By the time of his death in 1827, Beethoven was almost completely deaf. According to the House Providence Hearing Health Centers, the first person to commercially produce ear trumpets was London-based Frederick C. Rein, who began producing the devices in 1800. In 1819, Rein was commissioned to design a special acoustic chair for John VI, the King of Portugal.
See HEARING AIDS, page 5
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Daily steps to keep your heart healthy Metro Creative Services Heart disease is a formidable foe. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 25 percent of all deaths in the United States each year. Issues relating to the heart affect both men and women, and an estimated 15 million adults in the U.S. have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. And heart disease is not exclusive to the United States, as the Heart Research Institute says that every seven minutes in Canada someone dies from heart disease or stroke. Such statistics are disconcerting, but they can serve as a wake-up call that compels people to prioritize heart health. Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable and people can employ various strategies to reduce their risk. u Stop smoking right now. One of the best things to do to protect the heart is to stop smoking. The Heart Foundation indicates that smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and damages
‘One study found that (those) who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries compared to those who slept five hours or less.’ blood vessel walls. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing and clogging of the arteries. u Eat healthy fats. When eating, choose polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats and avoid trans fats as much as possible. Trans fats increase one’s risk of developing heart disease by clogging arteries and raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Read food labels before buying anything at the store. u Keep your mouth clean. Studies show that bacteria
in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can travel to the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation. Brush and floss twice daily, and be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings. u Get adequate shut-eye. Ensuring adequate sleep can improve heart health. One study found that young and middle-age adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (a sign of early heart disease) compared to those who slept five hours or less or those who slept nine hours or more. u Adopt healthy eating habits. Changes to diet, including eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure — leading to a healthier heart. u Embrace physical activity. Regular moderate exercise is great for the heart. It can occur at the gym, playing with the kids or even taking the stairs at work.
aids. Beltone even notes that transistors, perhaps most widely associated with radios, were used in hearing aids before they were used in radios. Ultimately, transistors were made of silicon, which allowed manufacturers to shrink them even further, allowing users to wear them behind the ear, in the ear shell and then even within the ear canal. Digital technology changed hearing aids once again in the late 20th century, making it possible to amplify, reduce, filter, and direct sound as needed. This customization made it possible for users to alter their hearing aids depending on where they were at a given time.
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Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable and people can employ various strategies to reduce their risk.
By the early 1900s, electricity would change hearing aids forever. Instead of ear trumpets, which shrunk in size over the course of the 1800s, people who were hard of hearing in the early 1900s could now use devices that employed carbon microphones and batteries to electronically amplify sound. These devices, which were worn around the neck, might have been an improvement over ear trumpets, but they were large boxes that contained visible wires. In addition, their batteries typically lasted just a few hours. Miniaturized batteries made these devices considerably less cumbersome. Hearing aids changed again in the 1950s, when the invention of the transistor, a switch with both on and off settings, increased the functionality of hearing
SENIOR LIVING |
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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Pros and cons to early retirement Metro Creative Graphics A lifetime of working compels many people to look forward to their retirement. Some people even work to retire early. But what are the advantages of early retirement beyond starting a life of leisure? And are there any detriments to this plan? A 2014 survey by the financial services provider TIAA-CREF found that 37 percent of Americans plan to retire before age 65. However, many of them will not have control over the matter. Those who do may want to consider the pros and cons of early retirement.
Advantages Many people seek early retirement so that they can live a life free of the constraints of schedules. In retirement, time becomes, more or less, a retiree’s own. Leaving a job can be a boon to a person’s health as well. Relieving oneself
of the pressures and stresses of professional life can free up the mind and body. Stress can affect mental and physical health, taxing the heart and contributing to conditions such as depression or anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can cause headache, muscle and chest pain and contribute to trouble sleeping. The earlier the retirement, the more opportunity to travel before health issues begin to limit mobility. Early retirement also can be a way to volunteer more or even start a new job opportunity — one where workers have greater control over their schedules and careers.
retirement. According to the resource Wealth How, some people who retire early fear outliving their savings. While retiring early may be good for health, it also can have negative consequences. An analysis from the National Bureau of
In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over
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Disadvantages One of the disadvantages of early retirement is a loss of income. Contributions to retirement accounts also ceases at retirement. This can lead to financial setbacks if adequate savings were not allocated for
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50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury.
See EXERCISE, page 8
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is that health insurance provided by an employer typically ends at retirement. That means having to pay out of pocket until a person ages into government-subsidized health care, such as Medicare in the United States, at age 65.
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Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50 Metro Creative Services
Economic Research found that retirement can lead to declines in mental health and mobility as well as feelings of isolation. Retiring early may jump start these health implications. Another consideration
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The following are a handful of exercises, courtesy of the AARP, that can help men and women strengthen their hips.
Exercises to support, build stronger hips Metro Creative Services Surgery is not an inevitable side effect of aging. In fact, men and women over 50 can employ various preventive techniques to strengthen their bones and joints in the hopes of avoiding the surgical wing of their local hospitals. According to AARP, more than 370,000 men and women undergo hip replacement surgeries in the United States each year. Some may think such surgeries are a final solution to their hip pain, but that might not be the case, as AARP notes than one in 10 hip replacement recipients will need a second procedure for any number of reasons, including infection or mechanical failure. A proactive approach that focuses on strengthening and protecting the hips can help aging men and women reduce their risk of one day needing hip replacement surgery. The following are a handful of exercises, courtesy of the AARP, that can help men and women strengthen their hips.
Good Morning Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your hands at your sides. With your knees slightly bent and your back naturally arched, bend at your hips as if you’re bowing out of respect as far as you can go, or until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. During the exercise, keep your core braced and don’t bow your back.
Hip Abduction Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop a resistance band around both ankles, and then raise your right leg out to the side as far as you can. Hold in this position for a moment before slowly returning to the starting position. Switch legs and then repeat the exercise on the other side.
Hip Adduction
From routine concerns to complex heart conditions, the Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists are experienced local resources who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and advanced treatment of:
Loop one end of a resistance band low around a solid object, then stand to the left of that object before looping the other end of the band around your right ankle. Place your legs shoulder-width apart, and then pull in your right leg until your ankles touch. Repeat with your left leg, this time moving to the right side of the object.
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Glute Bridge Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips to form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, using some type of support if you need to. Clench your butt at the top of the movement, pause, and lower yourself back down. Men and women unaccustomed to exercise should consult their physicians before performing any of these exercises. In addition, if necessary, perform the exercises under the supervision of a personal trainer who can advise you on proper form and help you reduce your risk of injury.
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How to travel even if you have limited mobility Metro Creative Services Many people dream of traveling the world in retirement. Such dreams come true every day. But many more retirees or people nearing retirement fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues beyond their control. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted. Various conditions can affect men’s and women’s mobility. Many such issues tend to arise after age 50, prompting many people to believe their post-retirement travel plans will never come to fruition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Though they might require a little extra
effort before boarding a plane for parts unknown, the following are a handful of ways that aging men and women with limited mobility can reap the rewards of traveling. u Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and women with limited mobility can ensure they will have adequate assistance during their trips. When made aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can easily make connecting flights and trains. In addition, advance notice
Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as those in any country they plan to visit to get an idea of what they can expect. Knowing these guidelines in advance can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their flights or trains. u Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or moMetro Creative Graphics bility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy the Before booking a hotel wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra effort before room abroad, travelers embarking on their trips. with limited mobility should contact the hotel gives companies a chance especially those traveling directly to confirm that to provide seating accomby air, should expect to go it can accommodate their modations that can make through security checkneeds. for a more enjoyable trip. points during their trips. u Contact security agencies. Security is part of modern travel, so travelers,
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Exercise From page 6 u Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. u Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. u Choose the right places
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Before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places
to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. u Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise.
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Metro Creative Services Natural disasters can strike at any time, and when they do, the dam-
age is often considerable. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, between 2005 and 2014 natural disas-
ters caused $1.4 trillion in damage across the globe, affecting 1.7 billion people along the way. Various preventive measures can protect people and their homes from the potentially devastating impact of natural disasters. For example, oceanfront communities may be able to decrease property damage by exacting certain measures, such as building homes on stilts. Another way to prevent tragedy related to natural disasters is to develop an emergency preparedness plan before the next storm strikes. That’s important for everyone, but especially so for seniors, many of whom live with mobility issues that can compromise their ability to escape the eye of oncoming storms. In recognition of the potential problems seniors face when natural disas-
ters strike, the American Red Cross offers the following tips to seniors and their families so aging men and women can make it through such situations safe and sound. u Make arrangements to contact loved ones. Prior to an emergency, seniors and their support network should make arrangements to make immediate contact once a disaster strikes. Determine who will make initial contact and how that contact will be made (i.e., via phone, text message, social media, etc.), as well as who will be responsible for providing assistance if necessary. Such a plan lets everyone within the support network know their precise responsibilities, which limits confusion in the sometimes hectic hours and days after disaster strikes. u Exchange keys. Make
sure everyone in the support network has keys to seniors’ homes. In so doing, support networks are increasing the chances that someone will be able to reach potentially vulnerable seniors if the primary contacts are incapable of doing so. u Let others know where emergency supplies are kept. Everyone should have emergency supplies in their homes. Seniors should not take it for granted that such supplies can be easily found if they become incapacitated during a storm. Make sure such information can be easily accessed during a storm by emailing it to your support network and/or posting the information in a convenient location in your home, such as on the refrigerator.
See EMERGENCIES, page 10
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LEFT: Emergency preparedness strategies save lives. More information about how seniors can prepare for emergencies is available at redcross.org.
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Worried About Dad? Can he remember to take his medication on time? Is he eating well?
Does he feel lonely?
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SENIOR LIVING | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
Emergency preparedness tips for seniors
9
Emergencies From page 9
| SENIOR LIVING
u Share your evacuation plans. In the wake of recent disasters, many communities that did not previously feel vulnerable to natural disasters have devised evacuation plans for residents. Seniors should share these plans with their support networks. Doing so makes it easier for relatives to find you if you must evacuate your home before help arrives. u Share important medical information. Seniors should share medical information, such as health care providers and a list of the medications they’re taking. This can make things easier for emergency responders to successfully treat people who become incapacitated during storms.
The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
10
Metro Creative Graphics
A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.
Smart ways to embrace retirement Metro Creative Services
Retirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people. Around 10,000 people retire each day in the United States, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something to look forward to even more.
How retired are you? Retirement may no longer mean what it once did. Some retirees remove themselves entirely from the active employment market, while others prefer to keep at least one toe in the professional water. Some retirees change fields and do part-time work. Others may volunteer their time without getting paid. Still, some choose to use retirement as an opportunity to spearhead a new business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly.
Don’t neglect health care Retiring may involve finding health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later in life. The U.S. Census Bureau says that employment-based insurance covered 55.4 percent of
the population in 2015, the most recent years for figures, followed by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and Medicare (16 percent). Residents of other countries may be covered by government standardized health programs. It pays to know the rules of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into retirement dollars. For those Americans who will be relying solely on Medicare, find a counselor who can spell out the intricacies of the plan, or use the free tool on Medicare.gov.
See retirement as a beginning, not an end Quite often soon-to-be retirees focus on the end of a career or the end of a stage in life without putting enough focus on the possibilities ahead. This is a prime time to find a new social network, travel, join a ministry and much more.
Choose your living space Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one — especially as it pertains to housing. There are options to downsize for empty-nesters or even to secure resources to “age in place.” According to United Income, a money management service, retirees should try out particular scenarios and locations prior to jumping in. Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy.
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u When should I stop taking the medicine? u What should I do if I
forget to take my medicine ? u Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if
I have a problem?
See MEDICATION, page 12
The Future is Here. Mako is Our New Partner in Knee & Hip Replacements Using Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology St. Margaret’s Health is the leader in robotic-assisted surgery in the Illinois Valley. We are proud to have the
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Though few people may want to take medicine each day, prescription drugs prolong lives and help people manage conditions that might otherwise make it difficult to live life to the fullest. A 2017 survey from Consumer Reports found that 55 percent of people living in the United States take a prescription medicine. The survey also found that those who take prescription drugs use an average of four such medications. That figure might alarm some people, especially aging men and women whose bodies might be more susceptible to conditions that are often treated with medication. There’s no denying that prescription drugs can save lives. But men and women have a right to explore their options when doctors prescribe them medications, and asking the right questions when doctors suggest medication can help men and women decide if prescription medicine is their best option. To help men and women make the best decisions regarding their health care, the National Institute on Aging advises people to ask their physicians these questions when being prescribed a new medicine. u What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it? u Which medical condition does this medicine treat? u How many times a day should I take the medicine, and at what times should I take it? u If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken “four times a day,� does that mean four times in 24 hours or four times during the daytime? u How much medicine should I take? u Should I take the medicine on its own or with food? Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine? u How long will it take this medicine to work? u Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines? u Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking
this medication? u What does “as needed� mean?
et
Metro Creative Services
S t. M a r g a r
11 SENIOR LIVING | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
Questions to ask when your doctor prescribes a new medication for you
The Times - Delivering Your Community • Thursday, February 28, 2019
| SENIOR LIVING
12 Medication From page 11
u Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that? When discussing medications with a physician, it’s imperative that men and women be forthcoming about any other medicines they might be taking under the guidance of other doctors. In addition, men and women should tell their physicians about any over-the-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing such information can prevent potentially serious complications from arising.
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Local business scene each Monday
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with retired managing editor Lonny Cain each Saturday
A personalized approach to joint replacement. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology Mako Robotic-arm Assisted Surgery is a new approach to joint replacement that offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning. “I am excited about using this new technology for total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements. Mako is changing the way these joint replacement surgeries are performed,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Using a virtual 3D model, the Mako System allows surgeons to personalize each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively, so there is a clear plan for how the surgeon will position the implant before entering the operating room. During surgery, I can make any necessary adjustments to assure the best possible outcome.”
Piano Man Experience March 18 & 19 (Matinee)
Dr. Robert J. Mitchell Orthopedic Surgeon
Tribute to George Strait May 6, 7 & 8 (Matinees)
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