RetirementHomes.com - Healthy Living

The 5 Worst Eye Problems For Seniors

aadmin — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:30:28 +0000

With the elderly, there is a fine line between the normal deterioration of vision and eye problems of a more serious nature. Knowing and understanding which eye conditions older individuals are at risk of developing will help to reduce their chances of getting them. Here are five common eye problems in the elderly your senior should watch out for:

Glaucoma: Abrupt and severe pain in your eyes and seeing halos can be signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by elevated levels of fluid pressure in the eyes, which can potentially damage the fragile fibers of the optic nerve. This damage is irreversible and can even lead to blindness.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration, is the main cause of blindness in the elderly. Dry and wet are the two types of AMD that affect seniors. Dry AMD affects almost 90-percent of older people, and it occurs when the macula blood vessels thin over time. Wet AMD is when irregular blood vessel growths drain fluid and blood in the eyes, which in turn will cause loss of vision and even blindness.

Dry Eyes: This eye condition happens when tear glands can't make enough quality tears. Dry eyes is a very uncomfortable condition that causes burning, redness and itching. In extreme cases, loss of vision can occur. A humidifier put in the home or special eye drops could stimulate real tears. In more serious cases of dry eyes, prescription drops or surgery may be necessary.

Cataracts: Cataracts cause clouding in a person's eye lens. This occurs when there is a breakdown of crucial proteins that's main purpose are to help keep their lens clear. Cataracts are often found in people over 45. This is often the age when the lenses begin to have trouble changing shape to focus vision for far-sighted and close objects.

Blurred Vision: Problems seeing in dim light conditions and declined color intensity are symptoms the elderly need to watch out for. Surgery is the only way to cure blurred vision, but it's only suggested when cataracts impair a person’s ability to do every day activities or if there is a lot of pain.

These are the most common and damaging eye problems that affect the elderly. Make sure your elderly loved one visits their eye care professional on a regular basis, and notify their doctor if they experience any vision changes. Taking these preventive measures could save your senior's eyesight.

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Don’t Flush Money Down the Toilet: How to Use Sanitaton Products to Save Money

aadmin — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:30:39 +0000

By the time people reach the age of 65 years old, more than half of all people – about 40 per cent of men, and 60 per cent of women, on average – experience some kind of incontinence at least occasionally, according to a 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Incontinence is not a pleasant topic of conversation for seniors and older people, and yet it cannot simply be ignored, both for the changes in lifestyle it causes for tens of millions of Americans and Canadians who suffer from incontinence, but also for the enormous health care costs involved, estimated at about $25 billion (USD) every year.

And while doctors, nurses and personal support workers across North America work to address the medical consequences of incontinence, there is more than just the immediate medical consequences to consider.

Just as importantly, the disposal of human waste in senior living communities, individual homes and hospitals is an issue which, if properly managed, can save money for individual consumers, senior living properties, as well as the healthcare system as a whole.

Every day, all around the world, people use and dispose of incontinence products, ranging from disposable adult briefs, adult diapers, and urinary incontinence pads, but these personal hygiene products are rarely ever disposed of properly, leading to lingering bad odors, embarrassment and very unsightly and unsanitary conditions.

For senior living communities, failing to dispose of personal hygiene products and incontinence pads can result in fines, higher incidence of hospitalization (and longer durations) for residents, as well as increased risk of death and disease among residents, as well.

One company, Golden Group International, based out of upstate New York and serving all of North America, has been doing brisk business recently, in large part because of its full range of products, many of which are aimed not only at hospitals, but at smaller senior living facilities as well as individuals.

Check out Golden Group International’s selection of disposal systems, diaper bags, sanitary napkins, and more.

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Healthy Living

Bracing for a winter in Canada

aadmin — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:18:12 +0000

Winter is here and it’s not going anywhere for a long time! If you aren’t one of over 500,000 Canadian snowbirds wintering in Florida, these tips could save you a costly fall.

Did you know? Falls on ice cause more serious injuries than any single winter sport. In fact, injuries incurred in all winter sports combined don't account for as many hospitalizations as falls on ice.

In 2010-2011, 7,138 people were hospitalized in Canada because of injuries sustained during falls on ice, not including those who didn't go to hospital, were treated and released or died at the scene, according to British Columbia's injury research and prevention unit and the provincial ministry of health.

Half the people hospitalized for falls on ice were 60 and older. A fall that would bruise a hip at 20 can shatter it at 80. Here are some factors that contribute to falls and ways of mitigating your risks.

5 Simple Tips to Avoid Winter Falls

1. Exercise – As you age, what you don't use, you lose in terms of muscle tone. Loss of muscle tone is often most significant in the lower extremities, leading to a decreased ability to walk and balance yourself, which then leads to a greater risk of falls and other injuries.

Things you can do:Keep fit to maintain muscle tone and improve your balance. Enroll in an age appropriate balance/fitness class or walk with friends at the mall.

If aches and pain limit your mobility, try compression supports and braces to improve your balance and reinforce your joints. New products on the market such as Synergy’s bamboo supports and braces help reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and diabetes while offering support where needed.

2. Be aware of your environment – Many seniors who have had a bad fall become nervous and overly cautious thus cutting down on their activity. This leads to reduced balance, strength and poor reflexes. Eliminating tripping and slipping hazards inside and outside the home can help prevent this.

Things you can do:Look as you step off a curve and avoid dangerous icy patches. Buy that salt now so you have it before stores run out. Salt your porch, driveway and stairs, arrange for snow blowing and always use handrails. Remove scatter rugs, keep floors and stairways clear of objects like shoes, be mindful of slippery bathtubs, tree roots, concrete bumpers in parking lots and your pets.

3. Hydrate – We know drinking plenty of water is important on hot days but it is also critical for people at risk for low blood pressure, a main cause of dizziness. Your blood pressure is continually changing, depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use. Antidepressants and hypertension drugs can also directly affect your balance and cause dizziness, increasing risks of falling.

Things you can do: Be mindful of how you feel. Talk to your doctor if medications are making you feel dizzy, as they may be able to adjust the dosage. Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle as these factors really make a difference in your health and well-being.

4. Boost Your Vitamin D – Vitamin D is associated with greater muscle strength in healthy men and women as it helps the body absorb calcium. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in adults, which affects balance and mobility. Our bodies get vitamin D naturally from the sun. However, during the winter, we aren't outside as often and skin exposed to sunshine indoors through a window does not produce Vitamin D.

Things you can do: Take a vitamin D supplement and eat fatty fish (such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel) as these are among the best sources of vitamin D. Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks provide small amounts. Most milk is fortified with Vitamin D and many breakfast cereals and some brands of soy beverages, orange juice, yogurt, and margarine contain added Vitamin D. Check the nutrition fact panel on the food label.

5. Get Your Eyes Checked – According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2010, poor vision is seen to increase the risk of falling. A person with impaired vision may not see hazards, particularly if peripheral vision is limited; may not see a poorly lit bottom step, particularly if depth perception is affected; and may not notice the change from carpet to slippery tiles, particularly if contrast sensitivity is impaired. Multifocal and bifocal glasses can further impair contrast sensitivity and depth perception.

Things you can do: Have your eyes checked once/year and wear single-vision glasses while out on walks, as bifocal and progressive lenses can cause missteps.

Serious injury from a fall can cause a sudden loss of independence, an uncomfortable reliance on family and friends, and an increased fear of falling again, further limiting mobility and activity levels. Use these tips to stay safe and age well, even in this harsh northern climate!!

For more clinical research on the importance of FIR Hip Supports in falls protection, and to purchase from the full line of products visit www.synergyfir.com. Synergy’s award-winning hip supports can also be found at Shoppers Drug Mart.

References:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/04/science/steps-to-avoid-an-accident.html?ref=health

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5 Misconceptions about Hip Supports

aadmin — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:31:46 +0000

Many clinical studies with seniors have proven hip supports prevent critical hip incidents in the event of a fall. However, convincing a parent, loved one or even your self to wear a hip support can be riddled with outdated hesitations. Here are 5 common misconceptions and the facts that will set you back on the path of health and safety:

1. I Don’t Need a Hip Support

According to The Public Health Agency of Canada, falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. Between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. The majority of falls result in broken or fractured bones, and over one-third are hip fractures. These injuries put physical limitations on the individual that are often hard to overcome. Falls and related injuries put undue financial and personal stress on family members and cost the healthcare system $2 billion annually.

2. I Won’t be Able to Move Easily

Quite the contrary! Hip supports actually protect the hip, reinforcing the joint so individuals have more movement. You can bend to garden, go for walks and golf more comfortably. Another advantage of hip supports is that they assist with balance by reestablishing the natural movement of the hip.

3. Hip Supports are Stinky and Uncomfortable

Hip supports have come a long way over the past decade, both in comfort and technology. Look for hip supports made with quality bamboo fabric. The latest bamboo hip supports are extremely soft and breathable making the garment cool and comfortable. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and deodorizing so the supports do not stink and can be washed easily. Do not be fooled by products claiming hypoallergenic properties yet contain plastics and latex- you can spot these impostors by the warning labels on each product.

4. I will look like the Midas Man

No matter how old you are, we all want to look our best. The latest hip supports are form-fitted so can be worn discreetly under clothes without bulking.

5. Hip Supports are for Old People Today’s hip supports are not your grandmother’s traditional brace. Individuals of all ages who suffer from Osteoarthritis or chronic hip pain wear hip supports for relief. While the benefits to seniors as a fall and injury protection strategy cannot be denied, they are not JUST for the frail and elderly anymore.

Synergy Hip Supports, available at Shoppers Drug Mart, are composed of truly hypoallergenic, odour-free materials with the benefits of activated bamboo. They are a foolproof way to introduce the improved lifestyle benefits of hip supports into the day-to-day life of your friends and family in need of protection from falls.

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How Bamboo Can Help Reduce Pain

aadmin — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:34:46 +0000

The braces and supports world is riddled with temporary solutions and exhausted techniques. The most popular products on the market tend to either cause topical discomfort or cannot properly treat internal discomfort. The key to successfully achieving both is to harness the power of natural, truly hypoallergenic materials. “Truly hypoallergenic” means that there are not synthetically infused with chemicals hoping to combat a material makeup destined for skin irritation such as latex and rubbers. Claims from products that they are 100% hypoallergenic usually come with stipulations and limitations, not a quality you want in a product you should be treating as your second skin.

Is Bamboo a Solution?

Bamboo is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass, requiring little to no pesticides to grow. Since the fibers are without chemical treatment, they are naturally smoother and rounder with no sharp spurs to irritate the skin, making bamboo fabric hypoallergenic. The fabric is perfect for those particularly sensitive towards allergic reactions to other, even natural fibers such as wool or hemp.

Moisture Controlling, Insulating and Breathable

In fabric form, bamboo retains many of the properties it has as a plant even if washed multiple times. It is highly water absorbent giving it the excellent wicking ability that will pull moisture away from the skin. Since moisture causes skin irritation and odor causing bacteria to grow, this is perhaps the most important quality for your supports, keeping them smelling and feeling great. Bamboo fabric also has an unusual level of breathability, making it incredibly cool and comfortable. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, bacteriostatic and deodorizing

It has only been in recent history that the benefits of bamboo in clothing and medical wear have been brought from Taiwan to North America. This fabric has the potential to revolutionize the pain relief world, naturally.

Synergy Therapeutics is among the first to harness the power of bamboo in their line of braces and support. The products are clinically tested and proven to reduce pain and inflammation through their Far Infrared Technology- an additional benefit of bamboo composition, but perhaps more importantly to the retirement population, this relief comes without skin irritation, or odour.

It is common for braces and supports to wield warning labels that caution against certain limitations of the products. With Synergy this is not the case, they are a fool proof product dependent on the natural healing properties and resilience of bamboo fiber.

The product line is available in London Drugs and the Award Winning Hip Support is now at Shoppers Drug Mart

For more information, visit Synergy's website.

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Staying hydrated in the summertime

aadmin — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 04:29:11 +0000

Many older people take medications that have diuretic effects. Medications that can cause an increased output of urine include some that are commonly prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease.

These can result in an individual losing more water than they are taking in. Kidney function often declines as we age. The kidneys are less able to retain water, which is due in part to the fact that they decrease in mass by between 20 and 25 percent between the ages of 30 and 80. Conditions such as incontinence can cause even greater water loss and thus create a greater risk of dehydration.

Additionally, some seniors may decrease their water intake due to fear of incontinence. Studies have shown that the mechanism responsible for the sensation of thirst often declines as we age which means that many older people are often unable to tell when they need to take in fluids.

Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly Dehydration can result in weakness and dizziness, which can increase the risk of an elderly person falling.

Caregivers must be vigilant for signs of dehydration which include:

Decreased or darker colored urine
Lethargy
Constipation
Dizziness
Being irritable
Rapid pulse
Sunken eyes
Muscle cramps

The most important way to combat dehydration is to ensure that they take in water throughout the day even when they do not feel thirsty. Fluids should be offered to them constantly and made readily available by keeping cups of water close to them at all times. Along with water, their preferred beverages should also be supplied. Raw fruit, juice and ice pops may also be used to keep an older individual hydrated. The minimum amount of water an individual needs depends on how much they weigh. A rule of thumb for this is an ounce for every two pounds of body weight.

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Healthy Living

The Seven Most Common Eye Problems in the Elderly

aadmin — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:31:02 +0000

As we get older, our eyes tend to become worse. Over time, if you aren't staying healthy by eating right and exercising, serious eye problems will evolve. These eye problems can create vision loss. If caught on time, the elderly may be able to prolong or prevent vision loss altogether.

Glaucoma - The elderly have always been known to have issues with glaucoma. Fluid pressure blocks the regular flow of water between the lens and the cornea. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, vision loss and even blindness are likely. Eye infections or other injuries can also cause glaucoma, but are less likely to create problems compared to bad health, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, which cause glaucoma more often than not.

Cataracts - Light has trouble passing through to the point where an image is processed because there is a cloud-type speck blocking it. The entire lens can sometimes be covered with these cloudy areas. Some of these cloudy areas are small, and others can grow over time. Either way, surgery can remove Cataracts in one's eyes.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Diabetics or those with higher than normal blood sugar levels should be very careful with their eating habits. If not, diabetic retinopathy is when the eye's blood vessels are destroyed. When this happens, nutrients cannot pass through to keep the entire eye strong and healthy. Every thing that our bodies do on a daily basis requires adequate nutrients, and this includes seeing and reading. Sugar has been known to destroy entire bodies, not just the eyes. So the elderly need to watch their diets very carefully.

Presbyopia - Small, close objects become difficult to see. Starting in the 40's, presbyopia becomes annoying. Over time, it can get worse, but reading glasses can easily correct this eye problem. Simple contacts can also do the trick.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration - For those over the age of 60, macular degeneration is the #1 cause of vision loss. The center of the retina slowly destructs. The retina is the part of the eye that senses light, and is also a nerve tissue. There are 2 types of macular degeneration:

Dry Form - The dry form is not as harsh in terms of vision loss. Yellow deposits in the macula are present however and can cause small changes in vision. This type of macular degeneration becomes worse if the number of the yellow deposits increase in number and size. In advanced stages, atrophy occurs on a cellular level causing death to the tissue itself. Central vision is lost by the elderly who have this age-related eye problem.

Wet Form - Abnormal blood vessels grow and end up leaking out blood and other fluids into the retina. Vision becomes distorted and blind spots appear with wet form macular degeneration in the elderly. Staying healthy is vital and central to good health, especially when it comes to the elderly. The elderly must take better care of their bodies in order to live long healthy lives. This is usually obvious, but it's always good to have plenty of reminders.

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Seven Ways for Mature Adults to Find Fun in the Snow

aadmin — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:58:17 +0000

The torch has been passed to Sochi, Russia. The 2014 Winter Olympics opened on February 7 and will continue until the last event on February 23. Against the backdrop of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, countries from across the globe will be competing for the podium.

The Winter Olympics showcase talented athletes at peak performance. But the true story is the global spectator reach of the games to a world-wide audience. Millions of TV viewers will be glued to their sets. Couch surfing through winter sports abounds though health experts counsel against inactive lifestyles, especially for older and middle-aged adults, who are still able to engage in an easy-going Olympics. Here are some possibilities for an aging population with access to colder climes, the snow, and higher terrain.

1. Snowshoeing

It's a low-impact hiking alternative, less expensive than cross-country or downhill skiing, and a sound aerobic work-out with cardio-vascular benefits. Organizers can decide on a snowy path and let older participants compete for medals. On the other hand, athletic contests can be put aside for the outdoor fun of tramping through the snow.

2. Ice Fishing Derby

55+ enthusiasts can join in with experienced ice fishers, after finding a proper hand saw and an expert ice cutter with know-how. Equipment is minimal: a small, light fishing rod with brightly colored lures and bait such as worms or minnows. Fishing derbies are good fun and offer worthwhile competition. Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York and Canada are the major North American ice fishing areas. Participants need proper layered outerwear. Storytelling, jokes and conversation are recommended because ice fishing is a social and recreational event.

3. Curling
The Olympics feature curling as an event. Curling enthusiasts around North America can gear up as if they are Olympians. The United States Curling Association lists 13,000 curlers in the country and more than 135 curling clubs. Amateurs can watch for TV tips from Sochi and get back on the ice to compete in their communities.

4. Senior Hockey
Hockey may be a sport for young men or women with lots of checking and fast bursts of speed up and down the ice, but aging people can play within their limitations. USA Hockey or Hockey Canada can direct you to an appropriate league. Many community centers will provide hockey information and ice time for older players. It's never too late to form a team and play a loose game. Remember. No checking or heavy hitting. Hockey fights are a TV spectacle.

5. Adapted Nordic Skiing, Nordic Walking, and Adapted Downhill Skiing
Keep the fun aspect uppermost for 55+ people. Trails and slopes should be of reasonable difficulty. Forget about the Caucasus Mountains, Whistler, or the French Alps. Realistic ski runs exist near most North American metropolitan areas. Competition can be based on predicted times rather than on best results, wherein winning participants compete against themselves.

6. Adapted Speed Skating
The concept of predicted times holds true for speed skating for 55+. Winners can be those who calculate their finishing time rather than the actual fastest finishers.

7. Post activity rewards

Winter sports and recreation are good fun and exercise for older people, although they often like after-activity rewards, too, like good food and drink. Socializing is an important part of winter activities for the 55+ crowd who want to combine good cheer and bonhomie along with outdoor sporting experiences.

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Die-Hards Compete at 55+ Olympic Games

aadmin — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:50:00 +0000

The 2014 Sochi Olympics may showcase the best winter athletes in the world, alongside a global spectator reach to a world-wide audience, with millions glued to their TVs, the Internet, radio, and print.

But, people don't have to settle for their armchairs when winter sports abound for active adults. Health professionals warn against sedentary lifestyles, especially for mature adults – the 55+ crowd – who can participate in a dialed-down Olympics.

Tony Meriano’s hockey group involves over 100 participants who play three times a week with special rules for seniors, including no body contact or slap shots. “We may not have the energy of NHL 20-year-olds,” said Meriano, “but former Junior A and senior amateur hockey competitors play and enjoy it.”

The Vice President of the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) said it helps participants to maintain active lifestyles – physically, mentally, and socially.

The OSGA staggers its Winter Olympics during opposite years to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Flash back to 2013, when the Ontario organization held its provincial games in Huntsville, a glacially elevated area in a skiing resort two hours north of Toronto. Flash forward to 2015, when the OSGA will hold its games in the Haliburton Highlands, situated in the craggy Canadian Shield.

“The competition is friendly,” said Meriano. “A lot of what we do focuses on pre-game and after-game activities, people meeting up, engaging before and after recreational sporting activities.”

The OSGA winter games are divided into outdoor and indoor events for men and women. Outdoor events include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, ice skating, and curling. The indoor events: volleyball, 10 Pin Bowling, badminton, table tennis, and duplicate bridge.

Mariano explained that the indoor departure from pure winter sports is the OSGA’s attempt to reach a wide range of abilities and interests for those 55+. “We want people who aren’t necessarily skaters, skiers, hockey players or curlers,” said Mariano. “We seek to engage all seniors for purposes of physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

Let the games begin!

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6 Benefits of Senior Centers for Seniors

aadmin — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:21:48 +0000

Whether you are enjoying retirement or still working, senior centers are fast becoming the “it” places to go for seniors. A senior center is a non-profit or for-profit community center where individuals who are 50 years or older can go to enjoy many things including wellness programs. Although you may consider the major benefit of senior centers is getting away from the social media- and text-obsessed younger generation, there are some other benefits as well.

1. Staying Social

Whether you are living alone or with family, senior centers allow you to stay socially active. Even when you’re living with someone, it is easy to isolate yourself away from people. Senior centers are definitely a way to enjoy much of what life has to offer. You will meet new people and participate in community events. There are plenty of educational and arts programs to participate in:

Volunteer opportunities.
Recreational activities.
Programs that offer information and assistance.
Civic engagement opportunities.
Exercise classes.
Art classes.
Social club meetings.

Don’t worry. If your kids are begging to join you at your senior center, there are some intergenerational programs they can attend.

2. Communication

Going to a senior center is a way to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in your area. This can be a big help during election time when you want to know more than what the local media is saying about a candidate. In addition, you can just go there to talk and socialize with other people whether they are other senior members or staff.

3. Financial Advantage

This benefit is probably not discussed a lot because people don't usually discuss their finances unless they have to. If you are on a tight budget due to paying for your medication or other bills, you don’t have to choose medicine over food. Senior centers are usually open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or later. This means you can stop by during breakfast, lunch or dinner for a low cost or sometimes even free meal.

4. Services

Services offered depends on the specific senior center. However, a majority of the centers offer services like:

Public benefits counseling.
Transportation services.
Employment assistance.
Nutrition programs.
Meal programs.

5. Improved Emotional Health

Sometimes when you’re at home without anything to do, you start thinking about the past or feeling useless. What can make things worse is your family’s good intentions. Maybe your children nag you about getting out of the house. Maybe they think you should move into an assisted living community. Their good intentions can make you feel even worse. With so much to do at your local social center, you will experience a vast improvement in your emotional health.

6. Staying Healthy

Why pay for a fitness center or gym when you can have a more affordable and enjoyable time at a senior center? Senior centers offer a great way to stay healthy because of the wide range of fitness and exercise programs they offer. Each program is tailored to meet your fitness level and abilities.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), research shows that older adults who go to senior centers learn to delay and manage the development of chronic disease. In addition, they experience an improvement in their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social and economic wellbeing. So join your peers and enjoy what senior centers have to offer. You’ll definitely find more benefits than listed here.

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