Tulsa World Supplement, Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Senior Living Savor this season of your life
• Bluetooth hearing aids transforming our lives • Making the most of your brain’s health • Forging deeper bonds with family
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Declare Independence and be part of a growing Medicare movement Every day, Oklahomans are discovering the benefits and savings of enrolling in one of GlobalHealth’s Generations Medicare Advantage Plans. GlobalHealth is an Oklahoma-based health maintenance organization that offers Medicare Advantage plans both with and without prescription drug coverage in 44 counties. Generations Medicare Advantage Plans allow you to enjoy the benefits you currently receive from Original Medicare plus extra benefits including: • $0 monthly premium* • Unlimited $0 Primary Care Physician visits • No medical or drug deductibles • Supplemental eyewear and vision benefits • Plus, so much more! Switching to a Generations Medicare Advantage Plan is easy. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a short window of time between October 15 - December 7 when you find a plan that best fits your health needs and budget for 2018. We understand Medicare can be confusing, and we can walk you through your Medicare options. Understand your Medicare Advantage Plan options. Everyone’s circumstances are different. We recommend that you consider these questions when determining which plan is right for you: • What is my monthly premium? • Is there a deductible? • What is my Primary Care Physician copay? • Can I talk to someone local and in person? Have you been dropped by your Medicare Advantage Plan? You have options. Some health plans are discontinuing their
around you while ensuring access to the care and medications you need. We offer a personalized health insurance experience that’s practical, helpful, easy to understand, and useful every day – not just during emergencies. We actively support your health, even between doctors’ appointments, and our personal approach to member care gives you confidence that we’re watching out for you. To learn more about Generations Medicare Advantage Plans offered by GlobalHealth, visit www.GlobalHealth.com/medicare, or call us today at 855-429-0534 (TTY: 711). Medicare Advantage coverage in some Oklahoma counties. These Oklahomans will lose their coverage and must make a decision soon for new coverage for 2018. The good news is GlobalHealth offers Medicare Advantage plans in 44 counties. Discover the way health insurance should be. If you have been dropped by your Medicare Advantage Plan, don’t understand the changes to your current plan or want to switch to a plan that may help you save money, call us today. Generations Medicare Advantage Plans start at $0 per month and provide low out-of-pocket costs designed to help our members receive an affordable, highquality plan. Plus, all of our plans offer a strong network of providers and facilities throughout Oklahoma. Trust a local company that cares about its members and its community. GlobalHealth is changing health insurance by designing quality products and services
GlobalHealth is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in GlobalHealth depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/ or copayments/ co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. By calling the listed number you may be speaking with a licensed sales representative. *Not applicable to all plans. GlobalHealth complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-280-5555 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-844-280-5555 (TTY: 711). H3706_STORY_PY2018 Accepted
Make the most of your brain’s health as you age (BPT) — It is important to remember the health of our most complex organ: our brain. While the brain constantly changes throughout our lives, it’s critical that we take steps to help us stay on top of our game as we age. Help give your brain a boost in the right direction by implementing these 10 brain-healthy habits. Get moving Studies show that being physically active may help reduce some risks to your brain health. It doesn’t matter what activity you do as long as you get your heart pumping for 30 minutes most days. Eat up By watching your diet, you may be able to help increase your chances of staying engaged as you age. Try eating a healthy, low solid-fat diet — one that is low in saturated and trans fats — with lots of veggies and fruits. Know your blood pressure High blood pressure in midlife can have serious effects on your brain health down the road. If your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor about how to get it under control.
Drink moderately, if at all Alcohol may affect older adults differently than it had previously and even make them feel “high” without increasing the amount they drink. This can make you more likely to become confused or have accidents. Get some shuteye Poor sleep can not only have serious physical effects but can impact memory and thinking, too. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night may help you keep your brain healthy. Discover a new talent When you learn new things, you engage your brain and help reduce some risks to it. Challenge your brain on a regular basis by trying something you haven’t done before. Stay connected Regular engagement in social activities may be good for your brain. Stay connected and make it a point to keep in touch with your family and friends. Talk to your doctor As you age, changes in brain function, including
short-term memory loss, are expected. If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor at your next appointment. Mind your meds A medication that didn’t trigger side effects in the past can cause an abnormal reaction and even change your cognitive function as you age. Talk to your doctor about all of your medications. Maintain your balance Regular balancing and strengthening exercises may help reduce your chances of a fall-related head injury. Work to improve your balance and talk to your doctor if you fall. To learn more about steps that may help keep your brain healthy, visit BrainHealth.gov.
ABOUT THIS EDITION Senior Living was produced by Tulsa World’s Advertising Department. For more information, call 918-581-8529.
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Bluetooth hearing aids are transforming the way we live (BPT) — Bluetooth technology is steadily expanding the role of modern hearing aids from tiny marvels that make use of artificial intelligence to process sound into true, state-of-the-art multimedia hubs now capable of two-way communication. The primary goal of hearing aids has always been to improve speech understanding. While this hasn’t changed, manufacturers are now building Bluetooth technology directly into the most advanced hearing aid microchips. This lets consumers directly connect to virtually any wireless electronic device, eliminating the need to wear a body-worn accessory. Let’s take a brief look at how the latest Bluetooth hearing aids are transforming the way we live. They can now directly connect to any Bluetoothenabled phone According to Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, director of business development and veterans affairs at Phonak, previous generations of hearing aids could only directly connect to an iPhone, which greatly limited people’s options. “Pew Research Center found only 33 percent of American smartphone owners used an iPhone while a whopping 66 percent used the Android operating system,” said Thompson. “Furthermore, another study showed 38 percent of all Americans over age 65 still use a classic flip phone. Until now, there has never been a Bluetooth hearing aid that was truly made for all devices and allowed universal connectivity — including
people to have two-way conversations through their hearing aids. Thompson stated this is the first time this has ever been done with hearing aids. “This is indeed the first time a hearing aid wearer can have a true hands-free conversation without having to touch the phone at all,” she said. “This is especially convenient in the car, where your phone may be in a pocket or purse, or if you need to have a conversation while leaving your phone on the table or countertop, for example if you’re cooking.”
Manufacturers are now building Bluetooth technology directly into the most advanced hearing aid microchip, allowing you to connect to your smartphone. the ability to directly connect to an iPhone, an Android phone, or even a classic flip phone that is Bluetoothready.” Hands-free calls The latest Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to answer a phone call with a simple press of a button on the hearing aid. Built-in microphones on the hearing aids themselves feature automatic voice pickup, allowing
Stereo sound streamed directly from your TV According to research firm Statista, Americans spend an average of 4.5 hours per day watching TV. And if you have a hearing loss or live with someone who does, you probably know that sometimes the volume of the TV can become an issue. “With a card-sized TV Connector, hearing aid wearers simply plug the device into the back of the TV,” added Thompson. “The ‘plug and play’ TV Connector instantly pairs with Bluetooth hearing aids, allowing viewers to stream high-fidelity TV sound in-stereo at their preferred volume level, independent of other viewers. Wearers have reported a markedly better experience in understanding dialogue, especially when the person on TV is talking fast.” While all of these new advances may sound like the future, hearing aids with built-in Bluetooth technology are available today.
University Village adds VIP services Prairie House Assisted Living & Memory University Village Retirement Community, located at 85th and Lewis, is pleased to announce a new addition to its VIP concierge services. Joining the already excellent team, will be a dedicated “cottage valet” to assist all cottage community residents. Studies show that social interaction is one of the main ingredients for a happy and healthy life and UV’s cottage neighborhood is a prime example of a lifestyle that maximizes authentic social connections. The cottage valet will transport residents to and from the large, main dining room and other social areas of the UV campus with door-todoor pick-up for meals, exercise classes and other activities. The valet will also be ready to assist residents with carry-
Care provides customized senior care
Imagine a community where you (or your loved one) receive a level of care customized to meet your needs, allowing you to age in place and eliminating the likelihood of a future move. Developed in collaboration with St. John Broken Arrow, Prairie House Assisted Living & Memory Care celebrated its grand opening January 2017. Located on a beautiCottage residents enjoy a visit with concierge ful 40-acre campus Annette Arrington on a beautiful fall morning. near the main entrance ing packages or grocery activities to keep them as of the hospital, Prairie bags to their cottage. busy as they want to be,” House residents enjoy University Village prides says Annette Arrington, the peace of mind that itself on outstanding UV cottage concierge. comes with close proxresident service, and the “Our new cottage valet imity to St. John Broken cottage valet will take the will be a perfect addition Arrow’s excellent care as experience to a new level. to an already outstandwell as to HealthSouth “Our cottage neighbor- ing community.” Rehab. hood is full of vibrant, Visit uvrc.com for more Prairie House offers a active seniors, and I eninformation or call 91824-hour, on-site nursing joy creating a variety of 299-2661. staff, plus clinic space on-
Choose the level of care that you need at this community that allows you to age in place. site for physicians to visit patients. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining prepared by professional chef Jacob Skidmore. Additional amenities include a dog park, active art program, movie theater and a dedicated chapel/prayer room. Prairie House also
offers a groundbreaking approach to memory care through the thoughtfully planned Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program. For more information about Prairie House, call 918-249-8000. The staff is ready to assist you during this important transition.
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5 savvy strategies to calm your travel worries
(BPT) — Traveling can make for some of the best moments of your life, but it is not without its challenges. After all, there are rooms to book, activities to plan and, of course, luggage to worry about. Without the right strategies, these challenges can seem pretty daunting. How daunting? A survey from Honeywell shows that thinking about luggage and whether it’s been successfully loaded onto the plane is one of the top worries travelers have when embarking on a new trip. Fortunately, there’s a solution to that and many other challenges employed by savvy travelers. How savvy are you? Read on to see how many of these strategies you already use and find some new tactics to round out your portfolio. • Downsize your wallet. Your billfold is a wealth of personal and financial information, but you shouldn’t keep all your eggs in the same basket. Clear your wallet of everything except a credit card, a backup and your insurance information and leave the rest at home. Pack some cash in your carry-on and you’ll ensure a missing wallet won’t be a total loss. • Travel during the off-season. Travel can be expensive, especially if you’re flying during peak season. This makes winter travel to many locations significantly cheaper. However, many people refuse to fly during this time because they believe the weather will hinder
their flight. Fortunately, many delays can be avoided thanks to modern technology. GoDirect Weather allows pilots to safely navigate through snowstorms, hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions to provide you a safe, smooth and affordable flight to your destination. • Pack a one-day survival kit. Lost luggage can happen to anyone, and that’s why it’s important to have a backup plan. Enter your carry-on. Instead of using it only for the items you want with you on the plane, pack it full of everything you’ll need to survive for 24 hours in your destination. That way, if your luggage should be misplaced at arrival, you won’t be stuck scrambling for everything once you land. • Breathe easy while flying. Forty-four percent of survey respondents said they felt the air quality inside the aircraft cabin was so poor it could make people sick. This is a myth, and modern environmental control systems not only keep the cabin pressure comfortable, they scrub the air regularly of toxins, microbes, molds, viruses and even smells. This means you can breathe deep and focus on your destination without sacrificing your comfort. • Do your research. Getting the lay of the land is one of the most exciting parts of traveling to a new lo-
Tapestry offers unique lifestyle Active seniors 55+ can find a vibrant, independent lifestyle with the conveniences and luxuries of resort-style living at Tapestry at Woodland Hills. “We have so many amenities, including a heated saltwater pool, a tool cave (woodworking shop), individual wellness gardens, an on-site movie theater, a pub and billiards room, a craft room, storm shelter and a bistro where we provide continental breakfast,” says Paige Johnston, property community manager. “We also have a full calendar of activities as well as an in-depth fitness program.” In addition, the community features an outdoor entertainment deck and fireplace, patio grills, a beauty salon, dog park and pet spa, and an on-
Pack your carry-on with everything you’ll need during the first 24 hours in your destination in case your luggage should be misplaced at arrival. cation, and a little preparation allows you to enjoy the journey without getting lost. Make the most of your time while you’re traveling by planning some activities in advance and mapping them out. You’ll save time when you land if you know how far the airport is from your hotel and that hot restaurant you want to try.
Oxford Glen Memory Care in Owasso offers dementia expertise and hope
Today more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and according to the Alzheimer’s Association, deaths from this incurable disease have risen by 89 percent. Fortunately, new approaches to memory care programming and housing are providing Oklahomans with love, security and hope. Experience the luxury and freedom that living at “At Oxford Glen, we Tapestry at Woodland Hills can provide. believe understanding site mobile veterinarian. the additional assistance who someone was before Tapestry, which opened or expenses of meal pro- Alzheimer’s is the path to understanding how to in spring 2015, is within grams or on-site healthgenuinely care for them a mile of numerous rescare. Tapestry offers now,” says Lisa Truett, taurants and shopping you a way to keep your venues. retirement years at peak executive director of The highly motivated enjoyment in an upbeat, Oxford Glen Memory Care and caring staff caters luxurious community yet at Owasso. Oxford Glen Memory to residents who wish to at a reasonable cost. Care offers a unique remain engaged in life “Resident referrals and be relieved of the have been one of our top home-like environment with built-in technology responsibilities of homesources for people leasownership, but who ing, thanks to our happy and safety features specifidon’t necessarily need residents,” Johnston says. cally designed for demen-
Personalized care is at the heart of Oxford’s plan for loved ones. tia residents. Each staff member receives special virtual dementia training, and the exceptional staffto-resident ratios help Oxford team members get to know the life stories of each senior. The experts at Oxford Glen also offer free caregiver support groups each
month to assist families as they navigate the difficult emotional and physical aspects of the disease process. If you would like to learn more about dementia care options for a friend or loved one, call 918-376-0455 or visit OxfordatOwasso.com.
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Creative arts help veterans reclaim their voice (BPT) — For Angela Walker, music was her first love, her passion and her whole identity. “Once a singer, always a singer,” she often says. That was true even after she joined the U.S. Navy in 1985. But what happened next forever changed Walker’s perspective on what it means to have a voice. When she was 26, Walker knew she had a calling to serve and protect her country and its ideals. She served as a naval airman and sang cadence in boot camp while training to work on helicopters. During boot camp, she developed a throat condition and lost her voice. When Walker was medically discharged, she was devastated. On top of that, Walker’s illness worsened, and she was later admitted to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, where she would meet a therapist who helped change her life. “One day I met Jessie,” Walker recalled. “She played the piano and would encourage patients to sing along with her. She kept at me, until I gave in and sang ‘Summertime’ by Ella Fitzgerald. In that moment, I found my voice again.” Once Walker began singing again, it was clear she still had talent. So much so that years later, she would become a five-time finalist at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF), which is open to veterans who participate in their local VA hospital’s creative arts therapy programs. Veterans can submit their work in the categories of performing arts, creative writing and visual arts through their
Stay connected at Canoe Brook The senior housing market continues to grow rapidly with 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day. Founded in 2008, Canoe Brook Assisted Living has strived to meet the need with an added measure of grace. Both the Catoosa and Broken Arrow locations offer beautiful apartments and a caring staff in a small-town atmosphere at competitive prices. In addition to assisted living apartments, Canoe Brook - Catoosa also provides memory care suites in a secure setting. A high-caliber nursing staff provides strong medical expertise in a comfortable, home-like setting to support all levels of care at Canoe Brook. With the community divided into two areas — assisted living and memory care — residents span a variety of ages and lifestyle needs and have the support to age in place without relocating. That’s why the staff’s first step is to get to know residents and their families before they even move in. The goal at Canoe Brook is to promote independence, purposeful living
American Legion Auxiliary Department of North Carolina committee member Sharon Neville (left) helped host the NVCAF in her home state in 2014 and has volunteered at the event many times since. therapists for a chance to be selected for the NVCAF. Once selected, veterans from around the country join together for the weeklong event with creative workshops, an art exhibit, meet-and-greet and a live stage show to display their talents. Today, Walker volunteers at her local VA hospital to help others find their voice, in addition to traveling on tour and singing commercial jingles. Her story is not that different from many other vet-
erans involved in art therapy programs, which help veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Creative arts gives them an outlet to express themselves through various forms of art. Often, this form of therapy is the life-saving tool veterans need for rehabilitation. The NVCAF is co-presented by the VA and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for veterans’ needs. For 17 years, the ALA has partnered with the VA to co-present the festival to celebrate veterans and their talents. Thanks to volunteers from across the country, the ALA assists veterans with art projects and their travel to the NVCAF, assembles displays, and supports publicity, production and materials development during the weeklong event. Many of the volunteers from ALA units make it a yearly commitment to donate their time to support this program. Sharon Neville helped host the NVCAF in her home state of North Carolina in 2014 and has volunteered at the event multiple times since then. “This experience is unlike any other,” said Neville, who began volunteering in 2013. “This festival is lifechanging for all who attend, not just the participants. It’s a way for the public to understand a veteran’s journey, appreciate it and celebrate it. It’s a story that many of us will never know, but we should start listening.”
Saint Simeon’s nurtures whole person What are some important questions to consider when looking into a senior community? 1. Is there an extra charge for things like medication management, incontinence care and memory care? 2. Is there an RN or LPN manager on campus at all times? 3. What is the average tenure of the staff? 4. Does the community The community offers a variety offer a wellness program, with exercise facilities? of activities as well as a community Saint Simeon’s, Tulsa’s garden for residents. Senior Community, offers and the highest quality of life. all levels of care — indeResidents are empowered to retain pendent living, assisted their independence and contribute to living, memory care, this family-style community. Along with nursing care and skilled several resident-shared activities, there nursing. is a community garden where individuHere are answers to the als can grow food, which is then used questions listed above by the dining team to create unique from the staff at Saint homemade-style meals. Simeon’s: Canoe Brook Assisted Living is 1. No. All of our fees are expanding the brand to include three built into the cost; nothmore Oklahoma locations in Ardmore, ing is hidden. Broken Arrow and Duncan. 2. Yes, a nurse manager
Seniors of all faiths are welcome at this community. and residents. is on campus 24/7. In 2017, Saint Simeon’s 3. Our staff has an averlaunched the only Parkinage tenure of 10 years. son’s care program at a 4. We have a state-ofthe-art Wellness program, senior community in the state of Oklahoma. including a warm water A strongly faith-based salt therapy pool. organization, Saint SimeIn addition, Saint Simeon’s is proud to have on’s welcomes people of all faiths who wish to live five licensed administratheir later years in a beautors on staff (only one is required). The community tiful environment with is privately owned locally, dignity, individuality and the highest attainable so its CEO is easily acceslevel of independence. sible to family members
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Managing high blood pressure during the holidays (Family Features) — Managing blood pressure can be difficult, especially during the holidays and winter months. A change in routine, family visits, traveling, illness, holiday menus and financial concerns can all conspire to derail your best efforts at keeping chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, under control. If you are one of the millions of American adults with high blood pressure, it is vital to keep your blood pressure stable. Drastic changes can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke. Here are three ways to control your blood pressure throughout the holiday season from the American Heart Association: Be wary of decongestants Decongestants are in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications, but they have some harmful side effects. They can raise blood pressure and decrease the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. It’s best to use them for the shortest duration possible and avoid in severe or uncontrolled hypertension. Consider alternative therapies, such as nasal saline, intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines, as appropriate. Keep track of medication The winter months tend to bring an increase in both heart attacks and strokes. According to research from the Journal of the American Heart Association, a 4.2 percent increase in heart-related deaths occurs away from a hospital from Dec. 25-Jan. 7. “Factors like cold weather, sudden increase in activity like shoveling snow, stress and dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart during the winter months, potentially triggering a heart attack or other cardiac event,” said Jorge Plutzky, M.D., director of Preventive Cardiology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a volunteer with the American Heart Association. It is vital to keep track of your medication and take it as prescribed by your doctor to decrease chances of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Check Change Control Tracker is one way to monitor your health, as it allows you to set up text message reminders, text in blood pressure readings,
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If you are one of the millions of American adults with high blood pressure, it is vital to keep your blood pressure stable. Drastic changes can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke. connect with volunteers or providers, and receive messages from volunteers or providers. Maintain healthy eating habits The holidays can have a negative influence on healthy eating habits. However, it is important to stay active during these times and continue eating healthy. While you are enjoying holiday feasts with family, be aware of sodium, often found in seasonal
foods like bread, cheeses and prepared meats, which can increase blood pressure. Don’t feel like you can’t indulge a little, but make sure to incorporate healthy meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Staying active while traveling can be a challenge, as well. Try bringing simple exercise equipment such as a resistance band with you. Consider walking to sights or restaurants nearby or finding a local park or indoor walking path.
Holiday wish list: Consider these great gift ideas for seniors (MS) — Every holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want. The following are a handful of gift ideas that might make this holiday season that much more special for seniors. Books: A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for
shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-andover loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.
Gym membership: According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which
age-related tissue loss contributes to brittle, fragile bones. Muscle-strengthening activities such as weight training can help combat osteoporosis. Consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost. Family time: Many seniors genuinely have everything they need and may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. In that case, the perfect gift would be promising to spend more time with them in the New Year.
Benefits of growing older (MS) — Many people are quick to think of growing older in a negative light. Although there certainly are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives. Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. In the United States, the Administration on Aging states that the older population — persons 65 years or older — numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). Statistics Canada reports that, in July 2015, estimates indicated that there were more persons aged 65 years and older in Canada than children aged 0 to 14 years for the first time in the country’s history. Nearly one in six Canadians (16.1 percent) was at least 65 years old. With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some great benefits to growing older. • Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people have less negativity and higher self-esteem. A University of Basel study of people ranging in ages from 18 to 89 found that regardless of demographic and social status, the older one gets the higher self-esteem climbs. Qualities like self-control and altruism can contribute to happiness. • Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies and other entertain-
ment if they’re willing to disclose their ages. Discounts are available through an array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. The U.S. National Park Service offers citizens age 62 and older lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for just $10 in person ($20 online or via mail). • Reasoning and problemsolving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brans simultaneously — something called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. For example, in a University of Illinois study, older air traffic controllers excelled at their cognitively taxing jobs, despite some losses in short-term memory and visual spatial processing. Older controllers proved to be experts at navigating, juggling multiple aircrafts simultaneously and avoiding collisions. • Less stress: As people grow older, they are able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of others truly mean in the larger picture, thereby feeling less stress about what others think of them. Growing older may involve gray hair or wrinkling skin, but there are many positive things associated with aging.
Volunteer at the Oklahoma Aquarium!
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Chicken soup
It’s good for much more than the soul (MS) — Cold season never seems to take a year off. Experts estimate that colds are so widespread that very few humans escape infection. Some people come down with colds more than once per year. That should not come as too great a surprise, as there are now thought to be more than 200 different strains of cold. For the past 50 years, researchers studied two classes of viruses responsible for a total of roughly 100 different incarnations of the common cold. Two years ago, after development of molecular techniques to look at the viral genome, researchers found a third class of rhinoviruses, according to James Gern, MD, an asthma specialist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and
Public Health. This discovery doubled the number of potential cold viruses. While there’s no cure for the common cold, cold remedies have been around for centuries. Chicken soup remains one of the more popular cold remedies. Grandmothers have long espoused the virtues of chicken soup with regard to treating colds, but now research is backing up those claims. Researchers have long examined the potential health benefits of chicken soup in an attempt to understand why it seems to be such an effective tonic at treating colds. A 1998 report found that broth may help improve the function of the tiny hairs in noses called cilia. The cilia help prevent contagions from getting into the
body. Hot fluids also can help increase the movement of nasal mucus, helping to relieve stuffiness and congestion. Chicken soup also can help reduce inflammation, which often results as the immune system works to fight the cold virus. A study in the journal Chest found that chicken soup appears to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis, which is the movement of certain immune cells to mucus membrane surfaces. As a result, mucus production is inhibited and cold symptoms are reduced. Chicken soup is loaded with immune-boosting vegetables and other ingredients that provide phytonutrients. The American Cancer Society defines phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, as
plant compounds such as carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol and phytosterols that are thought to have health-protecting qualities. Chicken soup often contains onions and garlic, which are believed to have natural antibacterial or antiseptic properties. An easily digestible comfort food, chicken soup also helps a person feel better because it effectively delivers vitamins and minerals. While some profess that homemade chicken soup is the key to fighting a cold, many commercially-made soups fit the bill as well. The salt, steam, vegetables, chicken protein and soothing broth combine to form a worthy adversary to the common cold.
Health benefits of the ‘grand’ relationships
Adopting a dog or cat later in life (MS) — Companion animals bring great joy to their owners. The unconditional love cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into their homes, pets can benefit older men and women as well. It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend or friends. The American Humane Society states that studies show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company and entertainment. Pets also provide much-needed mental stimulation, and many pet owners find their pets help them become more physically active as well. Seniors who adopt pets may also feel a sense of purpose when helping animals who may not have anywhere to live. This is particularly true of older companion animals, which many young families are understandably hesitant to adopt. Mature pets can be an ideal fit for seniors. When seniors are looking to adopt a pet, there are various reasons why older pets or
Did you know? Carbohydrates are seen as the enemy by many people looking to lose weight, but that reputation is illdeserved for certain types of carbs. Carbohydrates referred to as “smart carbs” can boost energy and mood and help people, even dieters, maintain healthy weights. Smart carbs, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, minimally processed whole grain products such as brown
particular animals might be the perfect fit for them. • Adult pets may already be house trained, saving seniors the trouble and effort of training them. • Seniors may find cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs, as cats are less active and don’t need to be walked or played with as much as dogs. Cats also are small and easily maneuverable, meaning even seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats. Many cats are also content to spend long periods of time sleeping on their owners’ laps. • Small dogs that can be active within the house might be a good idea as well, especially for seniors with mobility issues. They’re also easily transported to and from vet appointments. It’s important that seniors carefully weigh the benefits of adopting a pet against any limitations they may have. Having a backup plan for care is advantageous, too. Seniors should not adopt a pet if they anticipate frequent travel or medical care that requires they be away from home for long periods of time. rice and quinoa, and whole wheat bread among other foods, contain vital nutrients and fiber. The body takes longer to absorb whole grains than it does processed carbohydrates, stabilizing blood sugar and energy levels as a result. Because the body takes longer to absorb whole grains, feelings of satiety and fullness are extended. That reduces the likelihood of being hungry again shortly after eating, thereby helping people maintain healthy weights.
(MS) — In the not-so-distant past, not readily available elsewhere. extended families were the norm, Nurturing grandparent-grandwith multiple generations residing child experiences may be easy for on the same families street if not where in the same grandparhouse. ents live in Today, the the same family unit house or is comprised close by. of many For others, different it may take situations. some effort. The rise of The foltwo-income lowing are families has some ways pressured to facilitate parents time spent into finding together. childcare • Schedsituations. ule regular Quite often family grandparreunions or ents once get-togethagain step ers. Host or Have grandchildren spend time with in to offer plan multigrandparents in intimate settings. Alone guidance generation and support time can be good for both and offers each events for young- undivided attention. that bring sters. This the family can be a good thing for both the together and expose children to grandparents and the grandchilvarious members of their family. dren. • Promote one-on-one time. Although a bevy of psychologiHave grandchildren spend time with cal research focuses on parent-child grandparents in intimate settings. relationships, new evidence points Alone time can be good for both to the benefits of the grandchildand offers each undivided attention. grandparent relationship as well. A meal at a restaurant or time spent Close relationships between these doing a puzzle or craft can be interdifferent demographics is often a esting to both generations. sign of strong familial ties. • Video chat when possible. If A study from researchers at distance makes frequent visits chalBoston College discovered that lenging, use technology to bridge emotionally close ties between that gap. Send photos, letters and grandparents and adult grandchilelectronic communications. Techdren reduced depressive symptoms savvy grandparents can use Skype in both groups. Research at the to stay in touch and speak one-onUniversity of Oxford among English one with their grandchildren. children between the ages 11 and • Share skills with each other. 16 found that close grandparentEither generation can play teacher grandchild relationships were assoto the other. Grandparents may have ciated with benefits including fewer certain skills, such as baking, sewing emotional and behavioral problems or woodcrafts, they can impart that and fewer difficulties with peers. may not be readily taught today. Adult children and grandchildren Children can help grandparents alike benefit from relationships navigate computers, video games or with their elders. Grandparents can sports activities. provide a connection and exposure Grandchildren can help grandto different ideas while providing a parents feel younger, and grandlink to family history and knowledge children can learn new experiences regarding traditions and customs from their grandparents.