209 Senior Living #24 by 209 Multimedia Publications

JUNE 2020 - ISSUE #24

Learn anything online Tax planning for seniors What to keep in mind

JUNE 2020 - ISSUE #24

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

EXPERIENCE THE COGIR DIFFERENCE

EDITOR Kristina Hacker ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George DESIGNER Sharon R. Hoffman

Cogir of Manteca, offering: • Independent Living • Assisted Living

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Corey Rogers Beth Flanagan Rich Matheson Karen Olsen

Melody Wann

• Memory Care

Charles Webber

We are accepting new residents! Call to book your Virtual Visit TODAY!

To advertise in the next Senior Living, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380

©Copyright 2016. Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Senior Living management or owner. Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

430 N Union Rd., Manteca CA, 95337 Lic # 392700473

(209) 823-0164 happylivingbycogir.com

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C O N T E N T S FINANCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MEMORY CARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TECHNOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 APPS FOR FUN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 DIET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 PLAYING FOR HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BREAKING BOREDOM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 14 VISION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 MENTAL HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Serving the community since 1979 General Dentistry Dr. Bonnie Morehead Dr. Ron Joseph Dr. Rudy Ciccareli

Dr. Daman Saini Dr. Harneet (Neeti) Saini Dr. Elizabeth Grecco

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark Grecco

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Mohammad El Farra

Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite. Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anethesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment. Members of • California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.

1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca • Between Airport and Union JUNE 2020 3

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‘‘They were wonderful.’’ We hear kind words consistently. We’re proud that people feel comfortable enough to openly tell us how much they appreciate what we did for them. In fact, it’s this appreciation that drives us to offer the very best in comfort, compassion and service.

Thank you Turlock for choosing us! 247 N. Broadway • Turlock 634-5829 www.allenmortuary.com

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209 SENIOR LIVING | FINANCES

Tax Planning for Seniors

our probably file your taxes between February and April each year, but you should keep tax planning in mind year-round.

A tax accountant can help you make major decisions about tax planning for the year, but the day-today tasks will probably be up to you. Here are some strategies to keep in mind while conducting your personal finance throughout the year.

ORGANIZE YOUR RECEIPTS You can reduce your AGI by the amount of medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI before the adjustment. You also might have business expenses, if you file a Schedule C. Keeping track of your receipts can be a chore, but technology can make it easier. Download an app on your smartphone to scan and organize receipts. The Scannable app allows you to use your phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camera to take photos of receipts, then convert them to PDFs, which you can then file in a note taking program such as Evernote. File receipts for each purpose in one folder, which you can access easily at tax time.

SENIOR TAX CREDIT Beginning in 2018, a new tax credit is available for seniors. The Credit for the Elderly or Disabled is a credit ranging from $3,750 to $7,500 for people over age 65 or those who are disabled. To qualify, for 2019, your AGI must be below $17,500 for single filers, with $5,000 allowed for nontaxable pension or Social Security income, or $25,000 for couples, with an additional $7,500 allowed for pension and Social Security income. The tax credit ranges from $3,750 for single filers to $7,500 for married couples. Ask your tax accountant about the credit and how to qualify. Qualifying for the credit might affect how you make decisions about your finances during the year.

RECONSIDER YOUR RETIREMENT WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY If you have a lot of medical expenses or other deductible expenses during the course of the year, contact your tax accountant to ask if you should take additional withdrawals from your retirement plan. Taking a larger distribution than you need in a year when you have the tax advantages of large deductions could help you avoid paying unnecessary taxes in future years, writes William Perez for TheBalance.com. By contrast, withdrawing only the minimum required amount each year will help you in the future if you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in a lower tax bracket. JUNE 2020 5

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NEW FORM If you prepare your own taxes, you should know that the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 created a new tax form for seniors ages 65 and older. The 1040-SR is intended to be simpler to fill out than the 1040. It simplifies reporting of retirement income, Social Security and pensions. The short, two-page form has an increased text size, and also can be used by seniors who are still working, according to U.S. News & World Report. The form also makes clear the fact that seniors now qualify for a larger standard deduction, though you may still itemize on Schedule A.

209 SENIOR LIVING | MEMORY CARE

New Dementia Therapy

hile medical science has not been able to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementia, a new therapy shows promise in treating the symptoms of dementia by practically transporting people back in time.

By 2060, the number of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia will double from its 2014 levels to 13.9 million people, or 3.3% of the projected population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. As researchers are frustrated by a lack of progress in finding a cure, a treatment called immersive reminiscence therapy offers hope to patients and caregivers alike.

THE POWER OF MEMORIES

The therapy involves recreating the sights, sounds and experiences from seniors’ teenage or young adult years. This can be as simple as singing familiar songs or watching old movies, or as elaborate as recreating entire rooms or locales using elaborate sets. Even telling old stories can bring back good memories. Immersive reminiscence therapy can improve cognition, mood and general behavioral function, and

help alleviate caregiver strain, according to a 2018 study published by the National Library of Medicine. A study by Aarhus University in Denmark found that the therapy improved “autobiographical memory,” or memory about one’s personal history. The first immersive reminiscence therapy facility was constructed at a long-term care facility for dementia patients in the Dutch village of Weesp, in 2009. The scene is set as a gated town called Hogewey, with 27 group homes designed with the aesthetic of past decades. The “town” is complete with a supermarket, barber shop, restaurant, courtyard, theater, pub and more. Caregivers wear street clothing to add to the immersive experience, and residents go about their lives much as they did before they had dementia, doing tasks such as shopping for groceries, cooking dinner and going to the hair salon. In the U.S., a Chula Vista, California, senior day JUNE 2020 6

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care center transformed a warehouse into a 1950s Main Street, complete with a diner, barber shop, movie theater and a classic Ford Thunderbird. It’s known as Town Square. The Vogue Theater in San Francisco put on an event called Movie Moments at the Vogue, intended to help dementia patients recall familiar actors and scenes, spark conversation and inform caregivers.

TECHNOLOGY

Health care companies are leveraging technology to implement immersive reminiscence therapy. Virtue Health’s LookBack (www.virtue.io/) is a research-based virtual therapy tool created in consultation with Oxford University that allows users to visit familiar places virtually. Caregivers can upload custom tours of places a dementia patient remember fondly.

209 SENIOR LIVING | TECHNOLOGY

Seniors becoming more tech-savvy Technology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world. Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge. According to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet, a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012. Today, 67 percent of adults age 65 and older say they go online. Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smart phones, which is more than double the amount that did in 2013. Seniors in

Australia are especially tech savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65 to 75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016. While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before. Seniors use technology in many different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and monitor their fitness regimens. Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. Noninvasive, ‘smart’ technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely. A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society. Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fast-growing demographic for tech usage.

Did you know?

Over the last decade, seniors have become increasingly more savvy in regard to social media usage. The Pew Research Center found that, in 2015, around 35 percent of people age 65 and older reported using social media. That’s a large jump from just 2 percent in 2005. As of 2016, 65 percent of people between the ages 50 and 64 reported using social media, according to Pew. Social media usage among seniors continues to climb, although young adults still comprise the demographic most likely to use it. Among seniors ages 50 and older, Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform used, followed by Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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209 SENIOR LIVING | APPS FOR FUN

Games that can challenge the brain

Games are as popular as ever. For evidence of that, one need look no further than his or her own smartphone. The number of hours people spend playing games on their smart phones might surprise even the most ardent players. According to the mobile research firm Apptopia, between May and July of 2018, mobile users spent a whopping 3.38 billion hours playing the wildly popular strategy game ‘Clash of Clans’, making it the most popular smartphone game in the world during that time period. Games might be seen as a way to unwind, but some games can potentially do more than merely provide a way to escape the daily grind. Brain teasers, riddles and crossword puzzles are just some of the types of games that can help people

engage and challenge their brains while still providing a bit of escapism. A Healthier Michigan, which is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan and aims to help locals adopt healthier lifestyles, notes that the following exercises, games and platforms can help men and women challenge their brains in unique ways.  BrainHQ: According to Posit Science, which created the system, BrainHQ (www.aarp.brainhq.com) is a system of training the brain that was developed by neuroscientists and other brain experts. The BrainHQ platform includes various brain training exercises with hundreds of levels that can help people improve their brain function, including memory and retention.

 Writing in the Stars: Similar to a crossword puzzle, this game provides a list of nine words to users, who must then find the six words that connect to from a six-point star before they can move on the next level. Available at www.happy-neuron.com, Writing in the Stars aims to help users improve their logical reasoning.  Private Eye: With a goal of helping users improve their focused attention and concentration, Private Eye (www.happyneuron.com) asks players to peruse a grid full of intricate layers and symbols in an effort to find the item that does not belong.

 Braingle: With more than 200,000 members, Braingle (www.braingle.com) is a popular online community where users can go to access brain teasers, trivia quizzes, IQ tests, and more. Users even rank the games, allowing novices to find games that might help them hone certain skills or ease their way into challenging their brains with games. Millions of people across the globe play games every day. Though players often play games to have fun, they might be helping their brains without even knowing it.

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WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD Health care scams cost Americans billions of dollars each year.

Medical Provider Fraud is anytime a medical provider is involved in fraudulent conduct for the purpose of their own enrichment. Examples include: > Billing for services or treatment never performed; > Billing the workers’ compensation insurer and the workers’ health insurer for the same services; > Performing medically unnecessary treatment, examinations or diagnostic procedures in order to bill for them; > Miscoding or Up-coding treatment charges; > Billing for durable medical equipment that is never dispensed or selling used equipment as new.

The District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit pursues an aggressive approach to identify, investigate and prosecute workers’compensation fraud throughout Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Stanislaus & Mariposa Counties.

If you know of a medical provider involved in fraudulent activity, contact the Insurance Fraud Unit of the District Attorney’s Office through our website at www.a amadorda.org or call (209) 223-6444.

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209 SENIOR LIVING | EDUCATION

Learn Anything Online W

hile online classes have become commonplace, you might not think about learning hands-on skills online. Everything from plumbing to playing the guitar can now be learned online, thanks to technology.

If you know where to look, you can learn anything online. Here are some ideas to get you started on picking up a new skill virtually. MUSIC

Websites such as GuitarTricks.com and JamPlay.com offer lessons on everything from music theory to master courses by famous artists. The former even offers one-on-one lessons for an added fee. You can also check YouTube for videos to get you started, but at a certain point, you’ll want to progress to more advanced materials offered by sites that specialize in online music learning. The app Synthesia is something akin to Guitar Hero for learning to play piano. You’ll need a keyboard and an adapter to connect the keyboard to your computer. The app then analyzes your playing to help you master accuracy, timing and more. It’s a great way for visual learners to get started with learning piano. HOME IMPROVEMENT

If you’ve always wanted to get comfortable completing home improvement projects, the web offers endless resourc-

es for doing jobs big and small — from fixing a leaky faucet to building a new deck. Some places to start watching videos include BobVila.com and FamilyHandyman.com. They break projects down into small steps and provide advice and tips on tools and equipment, as well as technique. For some inspiration, you can check our Imgur.com’s online DIY channel at imgur.com/r/DIY, where hobbyists post step-by-step photos of their home projects.

We’re empowering you to take a positive step to minimize your family’s financial and emotional burdens by pre-planning.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

SkillShare.com is an online portal where you can sign up for a membership that allows you to learn a wide variety of art sand crafts skills, including graphic design, illustration, photography, writing, music, sewing and more. Classes are usually less than two hours long and are typically taught by professionals with training in their field. You could even consider signing up to teach yourself, in order to share your skills with others. Udemy.com is a similar platform with course offerings that include health and nutrition, pet training, gaming, beauty, cooking and many more. JUNE 2020 9

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209 SENIOR LIVING | DIET

Protein for Muscle Health R

esearch has shown that consuming adequate protein is crucial to maintaining healthy muscle mass, but a new study shows that the trick may lie not just in quantity but in timing.

We tend to lose muscle mass as we age. According to the National Institutes of Health, 5% to 13% of people 65 and older have low muscle mass, with the percentage increasing up to 50% in people over age 80. Research shows that diet can be a powerful tool in retaining muscle mass, but a new study has shown that how we consume protein also is key.

A BALANCED APPROACH

University of Birmingham researchers found that balanced protein consumption throughout the day is most beneficial in helping seniors retain muscle mass. People tend to eat most of their protein at one meal, researchers found, but it’s more beneficial for muscle mass if protein is spread out throughout the day. Researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences studied the dietary intake of people of various ages, focusing on the amounts, pattern and source of protein they consumed. They found that seniors were more likely to eat lower-quality proteins, such as bread, at lunchtime. The results of the research suggest that dietary guidelines might need to be adjusted for seniors, to encourage quality protein intake throughout the day.

“Older individuals need to eat more protein to get the same muscle building response as younger and middle-aged people,” said lead researcher Dr. Benoit Smeuninx. “Most people are reaching the Recommended Daily Allowance of protein, but our results show that a onesize-fits-all guideline for protein intake isn’t appropriate across all age groups. Simply saying older people should eat more protein isn’t really enough either. We need a more sophisticated and individualized approach that can help people understand when and how much protein to consume to support muscle mass.”

HOW TO GET YOUR PROTEIN

To find out how many grams of protein you should eat per day, Health.com recommends multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.36 and then doubling that if you’re very active, or if you are aiming for “optimal protein,” to help maintain muscle as you age and support weight loss. Here are the four top sources of protein, according to a Cleveland Clinic poll of dietitians: beans and legumes; wild salmon; eggs; and Greek yogurt. Other good sources of protein include meat, fish, cottage cheese, milk, amaranth, peanut butter, quinoa and nuts. JUNE 2020 11

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209 SENIOR LIVING | PLAYING FOR HEALTH

Play to Stay Mentally Sharp

ealth experts have long recommended diet, exercise, continuing education and social activity for seniors to maintain their cognitive health — the ability to clearly think, learn and remember.

Now researchers have found a new way seniors can stay mentally sharp: playing games.

THE RESEARCH

The University of Edinburgh published a study in 2019 that shows big benefits for seniors who play card and board games. Psychologist studied more than 1,000 people age 70 for memory, problem-solving, thinking speed and general thinking ability. The participants then repeated the same thinking tests every three years until age 79, and at ages 70 and 76, they were also asked how often they played games like cards, chess, bingo or crosswords. According to the study’s authors, those who regularly played non-digital games scored better on memory and thinking tests in their 70s. People who increased game playing in later years were found to have experienced less decline in thinking skills in their 70s, particularly in memory function and thinking speed. Even behavior changes in later life were found to be beneficial. Known as the Lothian Birth Cohort, the group of seniors had been tracked by researchers since birth. The results of the study accounted for physical health and IQ. “In our Lothian sample, it is not just general intellectual and social activity, it

seems; it is something in this group of games that has this small but detectable association with better cognitive aging,” said Professor Ian Deary, director of the study. “It would be good to find out if some of these games are more potent than others. We also point out that several other things are related to better cognitive aging, such as being physically fit and not smoking.” Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said, “Even though some people’s thinking skills can decline as we get older, this research is further evidence that it doesn’t have to be inevitable.”

GET STARTED Because social activity also is useful in helping prevent cognitive decline, seniors can benefit from regular group card games. Look to your local senior center for organize games, or consider setting up a regular game of cards or other games with friends. Card games need not be complicated to be beneficial. GrayingwithGrace.com offers a run-down of some simple card games for seniors who might just be beginning to play cards at www.bit. ly/2SdAklh. For a primer on popular board games, visit TheSpruce.com at www.bit.ly/2Yl6YFP. JUNE 2020 12

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209 SENIOR LIVING | BREAKING BOREDOM

Board games are family-friendly boredom busters Families spend a lot of quality time together. While there are many ways to fill that time, sometimes the best activities are those that inspire a bit of nostalgia. Board games have been a tried and true family activity for centuries. In fact, Senet, which is believed to be the world’s first board game, was enjoyed in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3500 BCE. Checkers, chess and backgammon are some other beloved board games that have withstood the test of time. Many family-friendly board games that have been developed through the years are just as fun to play today as they were when they were first introduced.  The Game of Life: The idea behind this game is to go through life making smart decisions. The player who retires first and with the most money is the winner. It can be a great way to teach youngsters about money management and sound decision-making.  Scrabble: Players strategically place letter tiles on the board in a crossword puzzle format. These letters form words, and each letter is valued differently, creating a score for each word. Families can enjoy this fun competition while expanding their vocabularies.  Clue: Clue is the original “who done it” mystery

game. Players attempt to figure out which suspect was involved in the crime against Mr. Boddy, naming the room in which it took place as well as the weapon used during the crime. Although it’s somewhat macabre, the game can instill thoughtful problem-solving skills as players try to narrow down the possibilities.  Monopoly: The first Monopoly game was released in 1935, and since then there have been various incarnations. The game involves buying and trading properties and requires both risk and luck. Monopoly is fun to play and teaches great lessons regarding real estate, budgeting and other financial skills.  Battleship: What started out as a pen-and-paper game during World War I evolved into a successful strategy game. Two players attempt to target and sink their opponents battleships on a 10 x 10 grid.  Chess: Players have to maneuver 16 pieces across a 64-square game board with the ultimate goal being to checkmate the opponent’s king piece. This game has endured nearly 1,500 years and has many different fans. Board games can be an ideal activity that the entire family can enjoy together.

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209 SENIOR LIVING | ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

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

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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

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209 SENIOR LIVING | VISION

Vision Changes in Seniors I

t is normal to develop some difficulty with vision as we age. Some eye symptoms, however, are more concerning than others, as they may signal a serious disease or disorder.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you get treatment early. Here are some normal age-related symptoms, and some that should be reported to a doctor for further investigation.

NORMAL AGE-RELATED CHANGES Difficulty with up-close vision. Many people notice this change after age 40. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of the ability of the eye to focus on closeup objects due to loss of flexibility and increased rigidity of the eye’s lens, is a normal age-related condition. In fact, the American Academy of Opthalmology reports that the term presbyopia comes from a Greek word meaning “old eye.” This condition can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery, and can cause headaches and eye strain if left untreated. Dry eyes or tearing. These conditions can be normal as you age. If they persist or are severe, however, talk to your eye doctor, as they can be symptoms of disease. Gradual loss of contrast. Rod cells, which help with contrast vision, degrade as we age, so you may notice more difficulty driving at night.

CONCERNING SYMPTOMS

A sudden change in vision, straight

lines appearing distorted, dark, blurry areas, whiteout in the center of vision, or a change in color perception. These can be symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, which affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. Regular vision exams can help catch this disease early. Floaters accompanied by flashes of light, wavy vision or dark shadows in the field of vision. While some floaters are normal, those that are accompanied by flashes of light, or any of the other symptoms listed above, could be a symptom of retinal detachment. See your eye doctor immediately. Surgery or laser treatment can address this serious condition. Fading side or peripheral vision. While glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages, as the disease progresses, it can affect your peripheral vision. Regular eye exams are important in diagnosing glaucoma. This disease can be controlled by medication but may require surgery. Cloudy/fuzzy vision, double vision in one eye, halos around lights, light sensitivity. Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens, can cause these symptoms. People who smoke or have a family history of cataracts are at a higher risk. JUNE 2020 15

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209 SENIOR LIVING | MENTAL HEALTH

Beat the Blues with Tech

ocial isolation can leave seniors feeling lonely, disconnected from family and friends. Research shows, however, that technology can help seniors feel more connected and improve their mental health. As many as 5% of older adults have major depression, with higher numbers for home health care patients (13.5%) and hospitalized seniors (11.5%), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

THE RESEARCH Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University looked at how various methods of communications could help improve seniors’ mental health. The 2018 study found that using video chat programs such as Skype and FaceTime cut the probably of depressive symptoms by half. Researcher tested the use of four online communi-

Dr. Alan Teo, who led the study, also conducted a

ucts on the market designed just for seniors, which

cation technologies — video chat, email, social net-

prior study in 2015 that found face-to-face interaction

works and instant messaging — by people 60 and older

function as a digital photo frame most of the time, and

had big benefits for seniors’ mental health. When you

allow for easy video calling to pre-programmed con-

for two years, and then asked about their depressive

can’t be together in person, however, it appears that

tacts.

symptoms. Email, social networks and instant messag-

video chat might be the next best thing.

ing showed no difference in depressive symptoms from the control group, while video chat showed big differences. “To our knowledge, this is the first study to demon-

Whichever technology you select, be sure your loved one knows how to use it after it is set up. Help

HELP SENIORS GET CONNECTED So how can you help a loved one benefit from this technology? Help set up the technology so they can

add friends and family members’ contact information and be sure they know how to complete a call. If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts,

strate a potential link between use of video chat and

video chat whenever they’d like. You could even pur-

call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National

prevention of clinically significant symptoms of

chase a dedicated video chat device, such as a

Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-

depression over two years in older adults,” the authors

Facebook Portal or Google Home Hub, which allow for

273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a

wrote.

video calling at the touch of a button. There are prod-

trained counselor.

JUNE 2020 16

SENIORLIVING

209 SENIOR LIVING | SAFETY

Safety first before mixing drugs Billions of people across the globe take medications each day. Certain medications can help people with potentially debilitating or even deadly conditions live normal lives, while others can help people overcome relatively minor issues like muscle aches or seasonal allergies. The American Heart Association notes that mixing drugs can produce unexpected side effects. This can make it dangerous for people already on prescription medications to use over-thecounter drugs for issues like headache or seasonal allergies. Understanding the potential interactions between their prescriptions and common prescription and over-the-counter medications can help people stay safe.  Antihistamines: Antihistamines are widely used to alleviate symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and

sneezing. The AHA notes that, when taken along with blood pressure medication, antihistamines can contribute to an accelerated heart rate and cause blood pressure to spike. The AHA also cautions people taking sedatives, tranquilizers or prescriptions to treat high blood pressure or depression to consult their physicians before taking antihistamines.  Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators relax and open the airways in the lungs and are used to treat various lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. These drugs make it easier to breathe and are available via prescriptions. But patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and/or diabetes should discuss the potential interactions between bronchodilators and other medications they may be taking with their physicians.

 Cordarone: According to Drugs. com, Cordarone is used to treat potentially deadly abnormal heartbeats. Cordarone can cause severe problems that affect the lungs, thyroid or liver, and can be dangerous when combined with other drugs. For example, the AHA notes that patients who take more than 20 milligrams of Zocor, a drug used to lower “bad” cholesterol and potentially to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and other conditions, while also taking Cordarone are at risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition marked by the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure or death. The AHA also says that Cordarone can inhibit or reduce the effects of the blood thinner Coumadin.  Nicotine replacement products: People taking prescriptions for depres-

sion or asthma should consult their physicians before taking any nicotine replacement products. The Federal Drug Administration notes that doctors may want to change dosages of patients’ current medications before recommending they take any nicotine replacement products. The FDA also advises people to speak with their physicians before trying these products if they have diabetes, heart disease, asthma or stomach ulcers; have had a recent heart attack; have high blood pressure but do not take any medication for it; or have a history of irregular heartbeat. Drug interactions can complicate treatment of various conditions. People currently on medication are urged to speak with their physicians before taking any new medicines, including overthe-counter drugs.

PRESTIGE ASSISTED LIVING AT MANTECA In such an uncertain and overwhelming time, Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca wants to remind you that we are here to help.

We embrace the concept of wellness.

209 Senior Living #24

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