Senior Living 2021
A Special Supplement to The Tidewater News Wednesday, January 27, 2021
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
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 so-
cial 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 Balti-
more. • 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 tak-
ing up a new fitness regimen. It is essential to follow through with health care provider visits, even if they seem redundant. Physicians may detect issues that warrant 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.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
Questions to ask when your doctor prescribes a new medicine 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 healthcare, the National Institute on Aging advises people to ask their physicians these questions when being prescribed a new medicine. • What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it? • Which medical condition does this medicine treat? • How many times a day should I take the medicine,
and at what times should I take it? • 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? • How much medicine should I take? • Should I take the medicine on its own or with food? Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine? • How long will it take this medicine to work? • Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines? • Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication? • What does “as needed” mean?
• When should I stop taking the medicine? • What should I do if I forget to take my medicine? • Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I have a problem? • 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 overthe-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing such information can prevent potentially serious complications from arising.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
Modifications can make driving safer for seniors Driving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. The ability to travel beyond a neighborhood or even one’s hometown without a chaperone is probably what excites new drivers so much and makes them eager to get their licenses and cars. Senior drivers also may define their independence by their ability to drive. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The 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, medication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devices, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit re-
search 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 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 has drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, but may be especially helpful to seniors. • Parking assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space with little input from the driver. • Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control. • Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable, which can prolong their years behind the wheel.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
Coping with an empty nest Many people find it rewarding to start a family and raise children. Watching kids grow through the years and sharing in their experiences can bring life to a household. Mothers spend 18 years or more devoted to their children, and often their identities are defined as “Mom” above all else. As a result, it can be difficult to think ahead to life without kids in the home, especially when children are toddlers or school-aged. But children will someday grow up and move out, and the emotions that resonate when that day comes can be overwhelm-
ing. Many parents feel a sense of sadness and loss when their last child leaves the family home. Referred to as “empty nest syndrome,” these feelings are not officially labeled as a clinical mental health issue, but they are very real for many people. While parents encourage their children to become independent and branch out in their own lives, not every parent can cope with an empty nest. The parenting and family resource Verywell Family states that mothers with empty nest syndrome experience a deep void in their
lives that oftentimes makes them feel a little lost. Moms who are feeling the pangs of sadness due to an empty nest can employ some strategies to alleviate these feelings. • Keep friends close. Use this opportunity to spend more time with close friends and put yourself first. Schedule all of those activities you may have temporarily put on hold while caring for children through the years. • Make time for travel. New experiences can broaden anyone’s horizons. Travel as a couple or with a group of friends. Put the focus on
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fun and then share the experiences later on with your adult children. • Redefine yourself. The experts at Psychology Today suggest finding new roles and interests to explore, or spend more time exploring existing hobbies. For example, if you’ve thought about doing community theater, do so now that you have some free time. Or maybe you’ve always had a goal of
going back to school? Now may be the time to make that happen. • Reconnect with your partner. Recall the years before you had children when it was only the two of you and devote time to making more memories as a couple. Plan date nights, go to sporting events, attend a summer concert, or pursue other shared interests. • Change things up at
home. Turn children’s rooms into spaces you can use for your own interests. One can be a crafting room or a home office. Another may be a home theater. No longer labeling those rooms as the kids’ spaces can help the transition. Empty nest syndrome is real, but there are many ways to move past the mixed emotions synonymous with this phenomenon.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
Ways to cut costs during retirement The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests. Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of
$45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction. Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.
• Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month. • Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to
help reduce out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. • Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a onecar household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their re-
tirement time and money maintaining their homes. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out. • Purchase less expensive life insurance. According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of depen-
dents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs. • Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please. As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
How to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom. The risk of falling in a bathroom increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors over age 65 have a 25 percent chance of falling in the bathroom. Seniors generally have less flexibility and balance than younger people, meaning falls can be
life-threatening. Bones easily can become fractured and internal bleeding may occur in serious cases. Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways. • Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub. Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction. • Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards. • Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those who cannot live without them, choose a mat with
slip-resistant backings and add double-faced tape for added security. • Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures. • Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom illuminates all areas. • Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slip-
ping on wet floors. • Install a walk-in shower or bathtub. These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area. • Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls. Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
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. 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. • 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 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 more 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.
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Senior Living
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021
Common warning signs of arthritis Arthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wide-ranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions. Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.
PAIN
fected by arthritis may beThe Arthritis Foundation come red and swollen. This notes that arthritis-related skin also may feel warm to pain may be constant or the touch. The Arthritis intermittent. One common Foundation advises anymisconception about arone who experiences this thritis pain is that it only swelling for three days or occurs during or shortly af- longer or more than three ter a body is at rest. Howtimes per month to contact ever, arthritis-related pain a physician. can occur while the body is at rest and is not always STIFFNESS triggered by an activity that This warning sign is, incorporates a part of the along with pain, the one body affected by arthritis. that is most often associatIn addition, pain from ared with arthritis, even by thritis can be isolated to people who don’t suffer one area of the body or af- from the condition. Stifffect various parts of the ness when waking up in body. the morning or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk SWELLING during the workday or takSkin over the joints af-
ing a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.
DIFFICULTY MOVING A JOINT The Arthritis Foundation notes that people should not experience difficulty moving, such as when getting out of bed. People who experience such difficulty may have arthritis. People who recognize any of these warning signs should report them to their physicians immediately. Be as specific as possible when describing these symptoms, as specificity can help physicians design the most effective course of treatment.
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