Tag Archives: Aging

Engaging Wellness kickoff encourages community and fitness

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By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

We know how critical movement and strengthening classes are for older adults. Studies show that incorporating a balance and exercise program can help prevent falls, leading to maintaining independence. Throughout the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s nine-county region (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties) evidence-based classes are offered through a number of partners. Recently, we have worked to encompass the entire area and it’s healthy aging classes into a cohesive and consistent branding through a new name: “Engaging Wellness.”

The Engaging Wellness community is comprised of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids Community College, Ionia County Commission on Aging, Ludington Senior Center, Mecosta County Commission on Aging, Osceola County Commission on Aging, The Salvation Army, Senior Neighbors, and St. Ann’s Senior Services. All programs are designed specifically for older adults and these partners are dedicated to helping them stay active and independent.

Engaging Wellness programs focus on aging with resilience for fun, fitness, falls prevention, and friendship. Wherever they live or take classes, we want participants to recognize they are part of this Engaging Wellness collective that is committed to the same set of standards and quality classes while meeting seniors where they are on their fitness journey.

Yoga is just one of the options offered in the Engaging Wellness. (Pxhere.com)

“We’re so thrilled to restructure our classes under the Engaging Wellness brand,” shared Barb Nelson Jandernoa, Healthy Aging Contract Administrator with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. “This will give older adults in our area a boutique fitness experience where they are understood, heard, and seen. These classes, our wonderful instructors, and, of course, our amazing seniors help make up the vibrant community of Engaging Wellness. We’re excited for what is to come.”

Engaging Wellness classes are offered throughout the region both in person and online so that participants can take classes that are the best fit for them. A Matter of Balance and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program will give folks just beginning to exercise, or those recovering from illness or injury, a place to start. Yoga, EnhanceFitness, Tai Chi, and Silver Sneakers Circuit are other classes that will help build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Class fees and Silver Sneakers certification vary by location.

Those interested should check out the classes in their area. For more information, call 616-588-2580 to be connected with the partner in your county. To participate in Engaging Wellness classes, participants must be over 60 years of age and live in one of the following nine counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, or Osceola. 

Senior Living: Healthy aging in the New Year

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By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Yoga is just one of the classes offered through Eaglecrest Healthy Agining, which is part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. (pxhere.com)

Are you looking for ways to become or stay active in the new year? Don’t know where to start? Eaglecrest Healthy Aging — part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan — may be the right fit for you. Their motto is “Start where you are! Use what you have! Do what you can!” There is no pressure to jump into the highest level, instructors have modifications throughout the programming and can meet you where you are. They like to say, “You do You”.

 

In the new year, Eaglecrest Healthy Aging has expanded its suite of programming to include more specialized classes. The SISU Seated class will give folks just beginning to exercise, or those recovering from illness or injury, a place to start. Yoga, EnhanceFitness, Tai Chi, Boom Muscle, and Silver Sneakers Circuit are other classes that will help build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Eaglecrest Healthy Aging programs are designed specifically for older adults. They are dedicated to helping older adults stay active and independent, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. As people get older the chance of suffering a fall increases. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Incorporating a balance and exercise program can help build up a body’s flexibility and strength.

The Eaglecrest Healthy Aging classes come to you via Zoom. Want to try it without making a commitment? Interested participants can try all the live classes virtually for a week for free. Participants can meet the team of certified instructors and see the class format before committing to buying a package. There is no cost for SilverSneakers or Silver & Fit insurance members.

  

As an Eaglecrest Healthy Aging member, participants also gain access to its wide library of videos, so you can fit your workouts into your schedule. The revamped virtual class schedule just launched on Jan. 3.

To sign up for your free week or to learn about membership and view the latest class calendar, visit www.aaawm.org/HA. You may also email healthyaging@aaawm.org, or call 616-588-2580.

5 assisted living benefits you won’t find in a nursing home

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


We all know the horror stories about nursing homes—they are dreary and dull, and the people who live there are unhappy and lifeless. While a lot of that is just a bad rap, it’s true that nursing homes are very different from other kinds of senior living communities, like assisted living.


Assisted living provides seniors with many great advantages, most of which you won’t be able to find in a nursing home. Take a look at five of these different assisted living benefits, and see how assisted living can be a better option for most senior loved ones.

1. Different levels of care 

The number one difference between nursing homes and assisted living communities is the level of care that is provided. A nursing home provides dedicated, intense care to seniors who have serious medical needs, usually far beyond what a caregiver can manage. 


While this level of care is important to have as an option, assisted living can cover everything from limited services like simple medication management, to skilled nursing for memory care and dementia, to even end-of-life care like hospice and palliative care. This provides seniors with a lot more options than just the type of care offered at a nursing home.


As the population of aging seniors continues to grow, many families prefer to have their loved one age in place at a community that can cover all their care needs, even if those needs change as a resident grows older or has a new health concern. And assisted living does that with a continuum of care.

2. Help with only the necessary ADLs

ADLs, or activities of daily living, can include things like:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming & personal hygiene 
  • Mobility (getting out of bed or moving from room to room)
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance work
  • Meal planning and cooking
  • Financial management assistance

Not every senior is going to need help in all of these areas. Some seniors might only need help with one or two ADLs. At an assisted living community, a resident only gets help with the tasks they need, and can make plans with the staff accordingly.


A nursing home, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much choice in what ADLs are taken care of for residents. All of these are usually taken care of automatically, due to the high level of care that residents in nursing homes need—even if a senior is capable in a particular area. 

3. Options for room plans, layouts, & decor

Assisted living apartments are made to have a homey and comfortable feel to them, and can be decorated and set up to the preferences of a resident. An assisted living room can include a kitchenette, living room, or even a dining area, and rooms can be studios, one-bedrooms, or have multiple separate bedrooms for friends who want to live together.


A nursing home will typically only be a bedroom, often shared with another resident. They won’t include kitchenettes or different layouts. Most won’t even have an attached bathroom, but will have a communal bathroom and shower so residents can have help from staff during those tasks, rather than allowing community members to have more privacy and choice of living arrangements. 

4. New activities and engagement opportunities

The activities and opportunities for engagement are more varied in assisted living than in a nursing home. It’s common for residents to leave the assisted living building and get out to different areas of the local community for events or performances. 


Even in-home activities tend to be more cognitively engaging and fun for all the residents, and there are exercise and other types of activities not found in nursing homes. Nursing home activities are much more limited, due to the limited physical activity that residents can partake in. Assisted living works to create an environment that is stimulating and entertaining for your senior loved one.

5. Independence 

One of the most significant differences between assisted living and nursing homes is the level of independence that the residents have. In assisted living, community members are in charge of their daily plans and activities, can choose who they engage with and the friendships they make, and have freedoms that aren’t found in nursing homes.


In luxury assisted living, like Vista Springs, there’s even more ways for residents to live their best lives as they age, with gourmet dining, spas, salons, cafes, and beautiful grounds. Overall, assisted living can provide more benefits and opportunities for the good life than a nursing home. 


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.



Why socialization is important for aging adults

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


As you age, it can be difficult to be as socially active as you once were. You might find yourself making excuses or giving friends a rain check on social gatherings. However, this kind of social avoidance can lead to serious consequences for your physical and mental health. Take a look and see why socialization is so important for aging adults.

Why don’t seniors socialize?

It’s very common for seniors and older adults to avoid socializing at the same rates they did when they were younger. But why? For some, it’s because of the decreased mobility they have as they age. When it’s hard to drive or get in and out of vehicles, or if you need to use a walker or wheelchair to get around, going out and socializing becomes a demanding and laborious task.


In addition to struggling with mobility, seniors can find themselves having much less energy throughout the day and becoming exhausted quickly—making evening dinners and events tiring rather than invigorating. It also becomes more difficult to navigate unknown environments, so staying at home becomes a preferable option to going out. 


For some seniors, there are more than just physical barriers between themselves and socialization. As adults age, it can become more and more challenging to be emotionally available for family and friends. Seniors may be upset at their condition or frustrated in general, and want to avoid interactions and isolate themselves thinking that will be the better option. However, the opposite is often true.

Socialization lowers rates of depression

Depression is unfortunately a common mental health problem among seniors. Senior depression is usually brought on by the loneliness or guilt seniors feel when they isolate themselves as they age. Symptoms include:

  • Lack of energy & motivation
  • Feelings of sadness or despair
  • Difficulty sleeping (or sleeping much longer than normal)
  • Feelings of self-loathing
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Slower movement & speech
  • Increased abuse of alcohol
  • Neglecting personal care (like showering, grooming, or eating)
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Thoughts of suicide

While older adults who feel this way might not want to socialize, isolation always makes depression worse. Socialization provides opportunities to learn, converse, laugh, and be stimulated—all of which can make depression more bearable for seniors. Socialization can also decrease the odds of getting senior depression at all.


Remember, if you are at all concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from depression, get help and speak to a professional right away.

Socialization improves memory and can help prevent dementia

Over the years there have been countless studies that have linked a lack of socialization to an increased risk of dementia and other memory diseases. As adults age, it’s important that the brain remains stimulated and engaged. Socialization can help seniors maintain proper cognitive function by exercising their brains in different ways then it works while someone is alone.


In fact, a very recent study suggests that interactions with friends (who are not relatives) can decrease dementia risk by as much as 12%. Socialization decreases the stress on the brain that can slow down mental functions, and well as create a “reserve” of mental energy, all while promoting healthy behavior and interaction.


Want to learn more about dementia? Download the FREE eBook here!


It’s important that your brain doesn’t just sit in your head as you age, and socializing with others can challenge your cognitive thinking and functions in helpful ways that build brain strength and endurance.

Socialization makes seniors happier and healthier

It’s not just mental health that can be improved with socialization—it can also help boost your physical energy as well. Studies have made connections between lowered social activity and high blood pressure, and some new theories are suggesting that high rates of social interaction can lower the chances of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease in older adults.


Most importantly, social interaction makes people happier. Seniors who are socially active are more likely to be physically active as well, and they are less stressed, have longer lifespans, and have greater self-esteem than seniors who are isolated. 

Social opportunities near you

There are plenty of ways for you to be social, or to help a loved one stay social as they age. Opportunities for socialization include:

Senior living communities like assisted living give people plenty of opportunities to grow socially without needing to find ways to leave home or travel to other locations. Because of the group environment and daily activities in senior living, there are plenty of ways to cultivate new relationships and meet people socially without dealing with stress.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.





Aging and loss of independence: How assisted living can help

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By Vista Springs Assisted Living


There are parts of aging that we don’t like to talk about, including the loss of independence that many older people face. It’s difficult to see our senior loved ones struggle with things that used to come easy to them, but it’s even harder for them as they have to face the idea that they can no longer take care of themselves alone.


Helping a loved one accept their new situation often involves a conversation about moving to a place where they can receive aid for the things they can no longer do themselves. With bleak images of nursing homes often popping into mind, this option is incredibly unappealing to many seniors. However, a perfect balance between independence and assistance for your senior loved one can be found in assisted living.

What does loss of independence look like?

Losing independence looks different in each senior as they age, but there are three main ways elderly people begin to notice a loss of independence.

  1. Physical—As seniors age they lose strength and mobility, making housekeeping chores, getting out of bed, walking around their residence, bathing, and dressing difficult to do alone.
  2. Mental—Losing cognitive function makes it difficult for seniors to remember appointments, medication schedules, when they last ate, and other personal care tasks.
  3. Social—When a senior can no longer drive or move easily, they often find themselves isolated and unable to engage socially with others, which can have long-term effects on their mental health. 

As a result of losing independence, seniors can feel depressed, angry, guilty, ashamed, or afraid. Seniors can also become confused about why they are losing their independence and either act out or isolate—neither of which are healthy reactions. 


The most common of these feelings is depression, which can often go unnoticed in seniors. It’s important to get your loved one help if they are showing signs of depression, which include:

  • Loss of interest in socializing and activities that used to interest them
  • Changes in weight & appetite
  • Lack of motivation
  • Neglecting personal care (bathing, dressing, taking medications)
  • Decline in cognitive functions
  • Self-loathing

Another common reaction is extreme guilt or shame. Seniors can feel like their inability to care for themselves is their fault, or they might feel ashamed that they need help in parts of their life that they had control over when they were younger. 


Every senior is going to react differently, so be aware of the different types of feelings that your loved one might exhibit during this difficult period in their life, and work with them to address the negative feelings that they have. 

What can you do?

The best thing you can do for a loved one struggling through the process of accepting their loss of independence is to be patient. Your loved one may not understand their own feelings, so don’t add to their stress with your frustrations. Keeping a level head and remaining calm can go a long way.


Visit with your loved one regularly and encourage them to ask for help when they need it so you can understand what their needs are. Offer rides to get them out of their house or apartment and to places where they can socialize with others. If you are working as a temporary caregiver, remember to take your own health into consideration so you don’t burn out, causing more difficulty. 


Another one of the best things you can do is encourage your loved one to move to a community that can give them both the help they need and encourage their own independence. 

Assisted living and senior independence

Assisted living can be a great solution for seniors who need help in certain areas of their lives, but want to maintain their independence as well. Most communities create a plan with your loved one to provide needed services, but allow independence in the other areas of your family member’s life. Common services include: 

  • Medication management
  • Meals and snacks
  • Help with mobility and movement
  • Bathing, dressing, and personal grooming
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Medical services for different levels of care needs

In addition to assistance with these types of tasks, assisted living communities also provide socialization opportunities that your loved one wouldn’t find with in-home care or a family caregiver. Rather than remain confined to a single room, assisted living communities are designed to get seniors interacting with each other and participating in fun activities. 


Communities like Vista Springs are designed with independence and luxury in mind, and we look forward to giving your senior loved one every opportunity to maintain control over their lives while offering assistance with the things they do need help with. Click the link below to learn more about what makes Vista Springs different, or subscribe to our blog to get the latest information on all things assisted living!


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.



How to avoid ‘inflamm-aging’

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Add a social component to your exercise by joining a fitness class or finding a workout buddy. You’ll incorporate two major components that fight inflammation: socializing and exercising. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Tamping down inflammation is a must for people with a chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.


But you can be exposed to damaging inflammation without having a specific medical condition.


Inflammation prevents the body from adequately reacting to stressors and puts the aging process on an unwanted fast track, increasing the likelihood of problems like heart disease.


The negative effects of inflammation can be so significant that leading researchers from the University of Bologna in Italy coined the phrase inflamm-aging.


So making anti-inflammation lifestyle choices is good for everyone.

How to avoid inflamm-aging

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet focusing on foods like fatty fish, fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that sugar is highly inflammatory.
  • Get active with moderate cardio exercise. Remember: Good health guidelines call for 30 minutes a day on at least five days per week.
  • Lose excess weight, especially if you’re carrying those pounds around your middle.
  • Avoid exposure to all forms of secondhand smoke and, of course, if you smoke, quit.
  • Limit alcohol to one drink per day if you’re a woman, two if you’re a man.
  • Clock seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Some people need more, others need less, but this is the sweet spot between not enough and too much.
  • Manage stress. Stress is often unavoidable, but you can minimize its effects with techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
  • Stay social with strong connections to friends and family.

Also, talk to your doctor about ways to boost heart health and any other steps appropriate to your needs to counter inflammation.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Use it or lose it

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Waistline and cardiorespiratory fitness are but two areas where health suffers when a sedentary lifestyle takes hold. The good news: The body responds just as quickly to positive lifestyle changes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Serena Gordon, HealthDay


A new study proves that the old adage “use it or lose it” is definitely true when it comes to fitness.

After just two weeks of sedentary behavior, formerly fit people had:

  • A decline in heart and lung health
  • Increased waist circumference
  • Greater body fat and liver fat
  • Higher levels of insulin resistance

“The study showed that two weeks of reduced physical activity—from approximately 10,000 steps per day down to 1,500 per day—caused changes in health markers that are associated with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said study author Kelly Bowden Davies. She’s a lecturer at Newcastle University and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

But the good news from the study is that the body seems to quickly bounce back once you start moving again.


“It’s important to note that when people resumed their normal activity levels after this period, the negative health changes were reversed,” she said.


The researchers recruited 28 healthy, regularly active adults. Eighteen were women. The average age of the study volunteers was 32.


Their average body mass index—a rough measure of body fat based on height and weight measurements—was just over 24. A BMI under 24.9 is considered normal weight.


The study volunteers had been quite active, normally clocking about 10,000 steps daily.


Bowden Davies said most of this was just from daily activity, rather than structured exercise. She said they usually participate in no more than two hours of structured exercise weekly.


The researchers asked the volunteers to cut their activity drastically. They dropped an average of just over 100 minutes a day, the researchers said.


After two weeks of couch potato life, the study volunteers underwent a battery of testing. These results were compared to findings measured when the study started.


Bowden Davies said cardiorespiratory fitness levels dropped by 4% in just two weeks.


Waist circumference rose by nearly one-third of an inch. Liver fat increased by 0.2%. Total body fat went up by 0.5%. Insulin resistance increased and triglyceride (a type of blood fat) levels went up slightly.


Fourteen days after resuming activity, these measures all bounced back, the investigators found.


“Even subtle increases in activity can have a positive effect on health. Moving more and breaking up sedentary activity is encouraged,” Bowden Davies added.


Dr. John Osborne, an American Heart Association spokesman, said this was a very interesting and somewhat surprising study.


The findings validate advice he gives his patients.


“If you can be a shark or a turtle, be a shark—always moving. This study showed you can lose the benefits of exercise very quickly, but the good news is that when they became sharks again, all the benefits came right back.”


Another expert who reviewed the study, Dr. Edmund Giegerich, chief of endocrinology and vice chairman of medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in New York City, was also somewhat surprised by the magnitude of changes that happened in just two weeks.


Giegerich said the study confirms how important it is to stay active.


“Going from being sedentary to more active can help a great deal in preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Just try to be more active. You’ll feel better, and if you’re trying to lose weight, it can help a little. You don’t have to run a marathon. Walking is fine. Just get up and get moving,” he advised.


Both experts pointed out that the study was small—and in a larger group, the findings might be different.

The study was also only done for a short period of time.


Bowden Davies, Osborne and Giegerich all suspect that if people who are at a lower fitness level stop almost all of their activity that the results might even be worse.


The study was presented recently at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting, in Barcelona. Findings presented at meetings are typically viewed as preliminary until they’re published in a peer-reviewed journal.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Science probes dementia-anemia link

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Researchers say mild anemia, regardless of patient age, can be associated with dementia over time. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Even mild anemia—low levels of hemoglobin in the blood—may raise a person’s odds for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, a new study finds.


The same Dutch research also found a correlation between heightened dementia risk and high blood levels of hemoglobin.


“With around 10% of people over age 65 having anemia in the Americas and Europe and up to 45% in African and southeast Asian countries, these results could have important implications for the burden of dementia,” noted study lead author M. Arfan Ikram, of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.


Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.


The new study included more than 12,000 people averaging 65 years of age. None of the participants had dementia at the beginning of the research.


Hemoglobin levels were measured at the start of the study and 6% of the participants were found to have anemia.


The participants’ health was then tracked for an average of 12 years. During that time, 1,520 developed dementia, including 1,194 who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the report published online recently in Neurology.


The study was not designed to prove cause and effect.


However, the research showed that people with anemia were 41% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and 34% more likely to develop any type of dementia than those without anemia, the team reported.


In another finding, people with high levels of hemoglobin were also more likely to develop dementia.


Those with the highest levels were 20% more likely to develop dementia than those with levels in the middle.


Those with the lowest hemoglobin levels were 29% more likely to develop dementia than those with levels in the middle, the research found.


In a journal news release, Ikram added that the findings could be significant, given that “the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase threefold over the next decades, with the largest increases predicted in the countries where the anemia rate is the highest.”


The question of how hemoglobin levels affect dementia risk is still unclear, however.


“More research is needed to determine whether hemoglobin levels play a direct role in this increased risk or whether these associations can be explained by underlying issues or other vascular or metabolic changes,” Ikram explained.


Dr. Satjit Bhusri is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Looking over the findings, he stressed that hemoglobin’s role as an oxygen transporter to the brain might be key.


“Any quick or slow loss of oxygen will lead to a cognitive decline and manifest as dementia,” he noted. Conversely, Bhusri said, “elevated hemoglobin is a reaction to some underlying disease. That disease is forcing the body to produce more hemoglobin. This can result in an increase in thickness of blood and poor flow to the brain.”


Another expert believes the findings should serve as a reminder to doctors to pay attention to even mild anemia when it occurs.


“I think that physicians should not write off mild anemia in any age group, because it clearly is associated with brain dysfunction over time,” said Dr. Guy Mintz. He directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.


Mintz also noted that many of the participants in the study were still in their 60s and 70s, so “we are not looking at an elderly, frail group of patients.”


As for people with elevated levels of hemoglobin, he believes that in many instances this happened in response to the smoking habit.


So, the link between hemoglobin levels and dementia “can be another motivational tool to get these patients to stop smoking,” Mintz said.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



The importance of proper dental care during aging

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By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Proper dental care is an essential part of aging healthfully. As we grow older, our oral health has an even bigger impact on our overall well-being than in past years, so maintaining a dental hygiene routine is important.


While brushing and flossing routines remain central, some additional steps are important for seniors’ dental health. People with dementia, severe arthritis, or mobility struggles need assistance with this crucial habit, so make sure your aging loved ones have the help they need. With these things in mind, you can prevent future problems and ensure the best oral health possible.

Tips for improving senior dental care during aging 

  1. See your dentist at least every six months. Routine cleanings help prevent decay and cavities, and also allow your dentist to detect gum disease in the early, reversible stages.
  2. Let your dentist know of any health conditions or new medications that may lead to oral problems. Tell them right away if you ever experience increased sensitivity.
  3. Quit smoking. In addition to the risk of lung cancer, smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
  4. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste, and floss once a day.
  5.  If you wear dentures, remember to clean them daily. Remove them for at least four hours a day, preferably at night.
  6. Eat whole foods and avoid sugar. Processed, high-sugar foods do not support oral health in any way, but teeth and gums thrive on a high-fiber diet.

Medical conditions connected to oral health

Many of the health problems that concern seniors are linked to oral health. A strong dental hygiene routine doesn’t just support your teeth and gums; here are a few of the ways excellent dental care is connected to overall health:

Cardiovascular disease

Oral health is closely connected with our heart health. Periodontitis allows bacteria below the gum line, contributing to the spread of toxins through our body. Studies have found that severe periodontal disease is associated with higher risks of stroke and double the risk of fatal heart disease, and in some cases, tooth infections can cause infection in the heart’s lining or valves. In the absence of gum disease, fewer bacteria are present in the cardiovascular system. While researchers don’t fully understand the connection between oral and heart conditions, it’s clear that good dental hygiene supports the cardiovascular system.

Pneumonia and respiratory problems

Poor oral health can contribute to pneumonia. In fact, some studies have shown a higher mortality rate in pneumonia patients who also have more gum problems. When bacteria from the mouth is inhaled into the lungs, an infection may occur in the respiratory system and existing medical conditions can become much worse. Regular brushing and cleaning helps remove dangerous oral bacteria and helps prevent internal infection.

Diabetes

Oral health is essential for people with diabetes. Gum disease inhibits the use of insulin, and high blood sugar leads to gum infections. People whose glucose is poorly managed suffer from gum disease much more often than those whose glucose is well-controlled, so stay mindful of your blood glucose levels.


These are just a few of the ways doctors and scientists have demonstrated the essential role played by our oral health. With education and energy put toward dental hygiene, you or your aging loved ones can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable daily life. 


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Our elderly need our watchful eye

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Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Scott Matteson, Michigan State University Extension


Every now and then, a news article comes along and tells us about how some strangers have committed fraud or scammed the elderly. Although scams and fraud are common, it is not nearly as common as the exploitation taking place by people who our elderly citizens come to trust. According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) 90 percent of elder financial exploitation is committed by trusted people such as caretakers, family members, neighbors, friends, attorneys, bank employees, doctors, nurses and pastors.


NAPSA statistics also stated one in nine elders have been exploited within the past 12 months while one in 20 said they have perceived mistreatment recently. Sadly, only one out of every 44 cases is ever reported, and of those reported physical abuse and neglect is usually included. Financial abuse has increased dramatically over the past ten years in both number and complexity and has become widespread and deadly. Exploitation has a dramatic effect on the elderly and can lead to a loss of trust, loss of security, depression, the inability to provide long-term care and even the loss of an elder’s primary residence.


Why are the elderly attractive targets? The elderly become easy targets because isolation, loneliness and disabilities lend themselves to the trusting of people who are willing to give them time and attention. Along with this, advanced technology has made managing finances more and more difficult and the elderly are less likely to take action against perpetrators.


Some of the most common exploits by family members are:

  • Abuse of Power of Attorney – Stealing monies for own use.
  • Abuse of joint bank accounts – Family members take advantage by using for themselves.
  • Stealing checks and ATM cards – Withdrawing money from victim’s accounts.
  • Threatening abandonment or physical abuse – Doing so gives the perpetrator what they desire.
  • Refusing care or medical services – By refusing care the abuser can keep assets available for their own use.

Some ways to intervene and prevent exploitation are:

  • Reduce isolation – Frequent visitations can help keep an elderly family member from seeking suspect relationships with untrustworthy individuals.
  • Close joint bank accounts – Instead, help with writing out checks for bills but keep accounts in the individuals name to prevent others from taking advantage.
  • Revoke Power of Attorney – If an individual is suspected of abusing the Power of Attorney, have them removed and assign the Power of Attorney to a trusted member of the family.
  • Restart utilities if they are shut off – Assist in negotiating and paying to have utilities restored.
  • Find a responsible party to manage funds – If family members cannot be trusted, then find a trusted agency to aid in managing funds.
  • Report suspected exploitation to proper authorities – Report to multiple agencies including law enforcement. Work with financial institutions to better recognize financial abuse.

Remember to include elderly family members in your family activities; after all, they were never too busy for you when you needed them. For additional information visit: http://www.stopfraud.gov/protect-yourself.html


Michigan State University Extension offers financial management and homeownership education classes. For more information about classes in your area, visit MI Money Health. Also, if you are wondering about your financial health, take a financial health survey from MI Money Health to get your financial health score! It is confidential and your answers never connect back to your name. This survey can help you evaluate your current financial situation, provide ideas on how you may improve your financial health and connect you to resources in your local community.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).




Why Don’t We Talk About Age?

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

It’s a question that some people dread: how old are you? There are many reasons people don’t want to talk about their age, but dodging, avoiding, and sometimes outright lying about your age could be doing more harm than good for your health, both mental and physical. Whether you’re comfortable with your age or thinking about it makes you squirm, there are some real, measurable benefits of coming to terms with your number of years.

Perceptions of Aging and Healthcare

One study by the University of Michigan set out to determine whether or not the likelihood of seeking preventative healthcare in aging adults was linked to their satisfaction with aging. Older adults are less likely than young- and middle-aged adults to use preventative healthcare services, with less than 30% of people over 50 meeting benchmarks for core preventative services. Efforts to address this gap have focused largely on making healthcare more accessible, both in terms of cost and physical access, but they have only been able to do so much. What is holding seniors back?

 

The study, testing if personal beliefs were a bigger deciding factor than accessibility when it comes to senior healthcare, found that seniors who were more comfortable with their age were far more likely to obtain screenings for chronic diseases and get more regular preventative care than those who weren’t. That means, when it comes to health issues and conditions such as high cholesterol, which is a major factor in heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, people who were more comfortable with aging were better prepared.

Why the Taboo?

So why is age such a touchy subject? There are many reasons why someone may be uncomfortable talking or thinking about their age, and they are by no means invalid or unimportant. Here are some of the most common:

  • End of Life. Mortality is a fact of life, but one that no one likes to be reminded of. While lifespans are growing longer thanks to advancements in medical interventions and technology, aging and retirement living still signals that we’re getting to the final stages of life. Fear of death, or fear of leaving behind loved ones and friends, is completely rational, but it can cause dissatisfaction with aging.
  • Changes in Ability. As the human body ages, many changes occur – you may notice it’s harder to hear the person talking to you, or that reading strains your eyes. You may experience achy joints or loss of focus. While exercise, diet, and healthcare can all play a part in slowing signs of aging, these small, progressive changes can be frustrating and scary.
  • Changes in Appearance. Some may consider worrying about appearance changes to be vain or somehow attached to ego, but how you see yourself plays a large part in your mental health. Wrinkles and white hair change how you look, and it’s not vain to miss how you looked when you were younger. Just don’t let your appearance determine your self-worth!
  • Ageism. Ageism is, sadly, a common prejudice in the United States. Aging and elderly adults are often seen as less capable than younger and middle-aged adults. Whether in professional settings or on the road, younger people tend to doubt seniors’ ability to perform complicated tasks, and no one wants to be seen as less capable than they are.

Age may be just a number, but it’s also just part of living. Being more comfortable with your age can actually help you enjoy life more, but there’s no easy or quick solution. Coming to terms with how old you are requires introspection, discovery, and support from loved ones, so don’t worry if you still hesitate before stating your age or putting your birth date on a form. You’re on your way to a healthier, happier you.

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

Caregiving family meetings

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Photo supplied

By Holly Tiret, Michigan State University Extension


With the aging of baby boomers, chances are there will also be an increase in the number of informal caregivers. Michigan State University Extension recognizes that caring for an aging parent may seem like a natural progression of life; however, many are ill prepared to deal with the social, emotional, physical and financial decisions that will arise. If you’re caring for a loved one, a family caregiver meeting can help you navigate the many decisions that need to be made.


If you are making these decisions on your own (for example, if you are an only child), then your scope of consulting would mostly fall between you and your parent. It may be helpful to include a social worker, your care receiver’s medical care providers and perhaps their religious advisor. The final decisions, however, are up to you and your parent.


If you have siblings, your decision-making circle is much larger and has the potential to be highly emotional. It may include a variety of opinions and be loaded with family relationship baggage. Siblings can be a major source of support and a major source of stress. Not everyone thinks alike or has the same amount of time or talent to devote to caregiving. For these reasons, you may want to consider having a family caregiver meeting. A family caregiver meeting can help you work on specific problems, give people a chance to share thoughts, make a list the needs of your loved one and opens discussion about who can best fill those needs and how.


Whom you invite depends on your own family dynamics. You may want to consider being more inclusive rather than being exclusive. You may assume someone is not interested or involved enough; however, that person may end up being someone who really has the time and would love to pitch in. More hands tend to make less work. If possible, be sure to include your loved one, as they are the expert on their thoughts, wishes and needs. If relationships with your siblings are typically contentious, you may want to invite a social worker or religious leader to help mediate.


A caregiver family meeting should not be much different from staff meetings at work to address tough issues or lawyers meeting to discuss a plea bargain. Both situations have the potential to be emotionally charged. However, the difference is in the planning. Imagine a lawyer going into a plea bargain meeting unprepared, with no notes, no facts, and just relying on raw emotion. You could be almost sure their client would not be getting the best representation that they need or deserve. A lawyer or a boss goes into a meeting at a set date, time, place with certain people invited. There is an agenda, rules of communication to follow, there is productive discussion, notes are taken, decisions are made, and subsequent meetings may be scheduled. Caregiver family meetings can be run the same way.


Whether you have no siblings or many, a planned and organized caregiver family meeting can help you all make the best decisions possible for your loved one. For more information about caregiving, you may wish to consider signing up for a Powerful Tools for Caregiver class. During six lessons, groups of caregivers explore and share tools for focusing on self-care in order to be able to provide the best care possible to a loved one. To find a class near you visit www.msue.msu.edu and search for Powerful Tools for Caregivers. You can also call your local Michigan State University Extension Office to inquire about starting a class in your area.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Think genes dictate your life span? Think again

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Courtesy Spectrum HealthBeat

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

 

Your life partner has a much greater influence on your longevity than the genes you inherited from your family, according to a new analysis of the family trees of more than 400 million people.

 

“While it is a widely held belief that lifes pan heritability ranges from approximately 15 to 30 percent, the findings discussed in this paper demonstrated that the heritability of human longevity is likely well below 10 percent,” said lead researcher Cathy Ball. She is a chief scientific officer for Ancestry, the popular genealogy website.

 

Earlier estimates were skewed because they didn’t account for the strong influence that a person’s spouse or life partner can have on their longevity, Ball and her colleagues said.

 

People tend to select partners who share traits like their own, the researchers explained. If you have a lifestyle that’s going to contribute to a longer life, you’ll likely choose a mate who shares that lifestyle.

 

Dr. Gisele Wolf-Klein is a geriatrician with Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. She said, “Chances are you’re going to try to partner with someone with equal interests in terms of health habits. If you find someone who wants to run a marathon with you rather than be a couch potato, chances are you’ll keep running more marathons.”

 

Wealth could be another nongenetic trait shared by mates, the researchers suggested. If income contributes to lifespan and wealthy people tend to marry other wealthy people, that could also add to their longevity.

 

After correcting for the effects of such mating, Ball’s team concluded that genetics contributes not more than 7 percent to longevity, and possibly even less.

 

“The research findings expose the complex dynamics of longevity,” Ball said. “Although there is a genetic component, this study shows that there is a major impact from many other forces in your life.”

 

For the study, researchers combed through 54 million public family trees generated by Ancestry.com subscribers, which represented 6 billion ancestors.

 

From there, the team refined the records until they wound up with a set of human pedigrees that included more than 400 million people, each connected to another by either birth or marriage.

 

Things got interesting when the researchers started looking at people related only by marriage. They found that siblings-in-law and first-cousins-in-law had similar life spans, even though they aren’t blood relatives and generally don’t live under the same roof.

 

Further analysis showed that factors important to life span tend to be very similar between mates. People are choosing folks who share values that will either shorten or extend longevity, the researchers noted.

 

The findings were published Nov. 6 in the journal Genetics.

 

“I think it’s a very optimistic and positive message for us,” said Wolf-Klein, who was not involved in the research.

 

“It outlines something that’s becoming more and more obvious to all of us—we have a certain control over who we are and what we become,” she added. “Regardless of your genetics, if you adhere to good diet, good exercise, healthy habits, you can overcome some of the dooms of genetics.”

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum HealthBeat.

Mindfulness and our aging brain

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An aging brain has a higher tendency to remember positive aspects of past events, rather than negative. (Photo courtesy Michigan State University Extension)

By Holly Tiret, Michigan State University Extension

 

As we age, our cognitive control declines. In recent years, many programs have been developed and promoted to help stimulate our brains with the goal of delaying cognitive decline. However, the research on whether or not these brain-enhancing activities actually helps is not conclusive. These results are because a part of the brain that is affected by aging, has to do with our ability to focus on a task without getting distracted by internal and external stimulus.

 

At the same time, as we age, the emotion processing and regulation part of our brain is increasing. Therefore, our brains are a paradox — as we age, starting at about 30 years, our cognitive abilities decline and social-emotional abilities increase.

 

Another interesting aspect of our aging brain is that we tend to remember the positive aspects of past events, even if those events were overwhelmingly negative. Researchers Mather and Carsten (2005) call this the positivity effect. The tendency to focus on the positive, rather than the negative, may have to do with our realization that we have a limited lifetime. Our goals switch from future-oriented to emotional satisfaction and well-being.

 

Some researchers are now looking at the benefits of mindfulness as a way to tap into that increase in social-emotional abilities in order to enhance our brain functioning and overall well-being as we age. As defined by John Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement.

 

Mindfulness has shown to increase our capacity for sustained attention, a cognitive capability. By focusing on the present moment, in particular without judgement, we are tapping into our aging brains’ tendency to focus on our own emotional satisfaction and well-being, rather than plan for the future or dwell on negative past experiences.

 

There are many ways to learn about mindfulness and begin your own practice. You can look up resources online regarding mindfulness or visit your local library and check out some books. You may also consider contacting your local Michigan State University Extension and signing up for one of our Stress Less for Mindfulness classes. Any way you choose, expanding your knowledge and developing your own mindfulness practice could improve your cognitive, emotional processing and overall well-being as you age.

 

In conclusion, mindfulness may be a way to improve our cognitive control as we age by teaching us to improve our ability to focus our attention on a particular task, such as our breath, (in the moment) and reduce our attention (on purpose) to external and internal thoughts or events (without judgement).

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

On the shelf: ‘The Hot Flash Club’ by Nancy Thayer

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By Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch

 

When I picked up this book, I was looking for something light to read that involved characters that I could relate to—and I was not disappointed. In The Hot Flash Club, Nancy Thayer introduces the reader to four very diverse women ranging in age from fifty-two to sixty-two. The only things they have in common are a mutual acquaintance and the process of menopause.

 

I found my self quickly drawn into the world of Faye, Alice, Shirley and Marilyn, characters who give the term “aging gracefully” a whole new meaning.

 

As the four women plunge into an unexpected relationship with each other, they explore many current women’s issues with gentle humor, honesty, and nerve. Rather than viewing menopause as the end of childbearing years, Thayer suggests it is the launching point into late middle-age. Her characters are far too busy living their lives and following their dreams to focus on things that might hold them back, like arthritis, divorce, retirement and widowhood. Those topics are simply a part of their lives, not the main focus, and this positive approach works well within the framework of the story.

 

While the story holds a lighter tone than works by authors such as Elizabeth Berg, it is an entertaining and positive look at women and aging, as well as being a gentle reminder that life is a journey, not a destination, and our perception of the process is vital to how much we enjoy the ride.

Caregiving for spouses and partners

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By Diane Rellinger, Michigan State University Extension

 

Becoming a caregiver for your spouse or partner can have a profound effect on your relationship.

 

Traditional marriage vows tenderly express commitment to love each other through the best that life brings as well as well as through the worst of times. As the journey of life continues, spouses and partners confidently face a barrage of changes and transitions together. Over time and through partnership efforts routines, roles and expectations naturally become established.

Identifying role changes and challenges

Changes in the physical, mental or emotional health of a spouse or partner can have a profound effect on relationships. This can include one partner taking on the role of caregiver of the other.

 

Regardless if the caregiving role developed gradually or if circumstances occurred that changed life instantly, navigating daily life and assuming and accepting the role of caregiver includes navigating both good and bad days. Grief, loneliness, anxiety and exhaustion are all natural feelings that spousal caregivers can experience as they tirelessly try to meet the needs of their loved one. Assuming unfamiliar tasks that their spouse usually completed previously and adding daily care responsibilities, often while still employed, is stressful and can take a toll on a caregivers’ health.

The isolation associated with caregiving

Spouse and partner caregiving is a labor of love. Loyalty is a significant factor that drives caregivers. Spouses often believe they should tackle caregiving single-handedly and do not readily accept offers of assistance from family and friends. Caregivers may feel they can provide the best care for their spouse and do not ask for additional help even when they are feeling overwhelmed. Most care recipients prefer their spouse to be their care provider. Yet care recipients are often dealing with multiple and ongoing health changes that make their own behaviors and needs unpredictable and sometimes challenging. Care recipients may experience a wide array of feelings like anger, grief and depression that spousal caregivers have to attempt to navigate on a daily basis.

 

Caregivers may experience varying degrees of guilt as they navigate and mourn the loss of what once was normal, and grapple with life as it is now. Pouring oneself into the daily care of another can also lead to isolation as caregivers slowly pull away from social engagements to spend most of their time at home. As a spouse or partner attempts to care solely for their loved one the risk of injury and other negative health factors can begin to appear in the caregiver, which can be amplified by age. It is typical for a spousal caregiver to neglect their own self-care in pursuit of immersing themselves in caring for their spouse.

Caregivers benefit from community resources and support

Every spousal or partner caregiver should be aware that they can equip themselves with new skills and knowledge through education and community support. This can help caregivers confidently provide care with sufficient help and also maintain their own self-care.

 

Most caregivers and care recipients experience continual transitions in their relationship and Michigan State University Extension highly encourages caregivers to seek support and help to find systems that benefit both individuals. There are evidence-based community programs designed to assist caregivers, including spousal caregivers, to maintain their own mental, emotional and physical health. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program designed specifically for caregivers will increase self-care habits; build confidence in handling numerous caregiver responsibilities like making difficult decisions, dealing with challenging emotions and finding local community resources. To learn about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program in Michigan contact your local MSU Extension office.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Resistance to Assistance: Empowering Older Adults with Choice

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

As we age and those we care about age alongside us, we eventually enter the territory of difficult conversations and decisions. One of the most difficult discussions with a loved one is the recognition that a loved one needs more help than they currently have. Today, nearly a third of older adults live alone. Often, other family members will step up to help, but as the need for assistance increases many family members find that they do not have enough hours in their lives to provide the help that is necessary. While the caregivers might recognize the need for more help, the person who actually needs the help might disagree, even outright refuse help. 

 

The range of options as we age has dramatically expanded, because we’ve come to recognize that the most ideal situation for older adults is to be able to remain in our own homes as we age. Now the care comes to people, right into their own home, rather than needing to move to a nursing home for care. Support services are now available, even for lower income adults, making it possible for them to continue living independently. One would think anyone would be thrilled to learn about these options, but often, family members discover just the opposite. When presented with the possibility of having care come to them, some people resist assistance. What can we do?

 

The first step is to recognize that our loved one has been an independent, capable person, making their own decisions, and determining their life direction for decades. They do not want to hear what other people think is best for them.

 

Julie Alicki, a Social Work Consultant and Certified Advanced Dementia Practitioner with Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, states, “All too often an older child attempts to tell their parent what is “good” for them and in the process builds resentment because the parent feels that their child is trying to tell them what is best for them, when really they are the experts in their own life.”

 

It’s not wrong to present our loved ones with good options, but it is important that we remember they are self-determined individuals. Alicki suggests, “Using facts instead of emotional pleas for them to make changes is usually the best way.” This approach respects them as the main decision maker in their own life.

 

Timing is also important. All too often, families wait until either they are at their wits’ end or there is a crisis before they seek help. Wanting to establish in-home services for a loved one might be a good thing, but too much all at once can be overwhelming, presenting a dramatic change to a person’s life and their environment.

 

Alicki, who meets with individuals and their family members daily to review these options, advises families to “[Bring] help in gradually, for instance having someone come in one time per week for 2-3 hours to clean, is easier than to wait until a person needs help with everything and trying to have someone in the house numerous times per week; start slow and work your way up.”

 

As they become used to the change and recognize the benefits of the assistance, they may be open to more.

 

There will always be bumps in the road. Thankfully, there are professionals like Alicki who can help navigate them. If this is a conversation you need to have with a family member, contacting Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s Choices for Independence program might be a good place to start. They are able to look at the situation and help individuals and families understand the range of options available to help them continue living at home. To make an appointment, call 888.456.5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org.

Aging In Place: How older adults can maintain independence

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Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA)

 

According to US Census data, persons 65 years or older represented 14.5% of the U.S. population in 2014; they are expected to represent 21.7% by 2040. Nearly all seniors want to stay in their homes or “age in place.” Unfortunately, there are many factors that can make living independently a challenge.

When our loved ones can no longer get dressed, fix a meal or remember to take their medications, small home modifications, transportation or in-home services may be all that is needed to help them stay in their homes. Here are some resources that can help older adults live where they choose for as long as possible.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) offers services tailored just for seniors. These include nutritious meals and door-to-door transportation. To learn more about CAA’s senior services, visit their website here.

The Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency offers an online database of aging resources. To find supports and services near you click here and search by location or service type.

MI Choice Waiver Program is an option for older adults and disabled persons who need additional help caring for themselves. The program provides in-home services covered by Medicaid to income-eligible adults. Click here to learn more about services and eligibility.

If you or a family member are starting to have trouble doing everyday tasks, check out the National Institute on Aging’s tip sheet, There’s No Place Like Home — For Growing Old. This sheet can help you develop a plan today to maintain independence in the future.

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org