Health Costs Most Significant Factor in Seniors’ Well-Being

Q. I’m curious; what are the biggest challenges that today’s seniors face and what can we older adults – particularly those like me who are living alone – do about it?

Senior citizens in America are enjoying longer lives, better health and better economic security, but the cost of health care for the elderly has risen dramatically, according to Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being, which was released in June by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.

Here’s the evidence:

• After adjustment for inflation, health care costs increased significantly among older Americans from $9,224 in 1992 to $15,081 in 2006.

• From 1977 to 2006, the percentage of household income that people age 65 and over allocated to out-of-pocket spending for health care services increased among those in the poor/near poor income category from 12 percent to 28 percent.

• The number of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans increased from 18.2 million (51 percent of beneficiaries) in June 2006 to 22.2 million (57 percent of beneficiaries) in December 2009.

Sadly, there was no significant change in the percentage of people age 65 and over reporting physical activity between 1997 and 2008.

The best way to keep health care costs under control is to do all within your power to stay healthy, which includes following a nutritious diet and exercising. Many older adults lose their spouses and begin a downward spiral into poor health, sometimes just because they are lonely.

If you find yourself in this circumstance, please consider a professional caregiving service. The Fort Smith office of the Home Instead Senior Care® network hires CAREGivers to go into the homes and care communities of older adults to help them with a variety of services and, oftentimes, just to provide companionship.

CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. Many of these CAREGivers are older adults who share common interests with other seniors. So ensuring that you have adequate help including companionship is one way that seniors can reduce their risks of falls and other issues that could impact their health.

For more information about the Fort Smith office of Home Instead Senior Care® , contact Jonathan Fry at 479.434.6960 or visit www.homeinstead.com/665. For more information about this report, log on to http://www.agingstats.gov/agingstatsdotnet/Main_Site/Data/2010_Documents/Docs/OA_2010.pdf.

Latest Research Reveals Cell Phones Don’t Cause Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that available scientific evidence, including World Health Organization (WHO) findings released in May, shows no increased health risk due to radiofrequency (RF) energy, a form of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by cell phones.

FDA also cites a separate National Cancer Institute program finding that, despite the dramatic increase in cell phone use, occurrences of brain cancer did not increase between 1987 and 2005.
Although cell phones can be sold without FDA clearance or approval, the agency monitors the effects the phones have on health. FDA has the authority to take action if cell phones are shown to emit RF energy at a level that is hazardous to the user.

The study reported little or no risk of brain tumors for most long-term users of cell phones. “There are still questions on the effect of long-term exposure to radio frequency energy that are not fully answered by Interphone,” says Abiy Desta, network leader for science at FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “However, this study provides information that will be of great value in assessing the safety of cell phone use.”

WHO reports that Interphone is the largest case-control study of cell phone use and brain tumors to date, and includes the largest numbers of users with at least 10 years of RF energy exposure.

Although evidence shows little or no risk of brain tumors for most long-term users of cell phones, FDA says people who want to reduce their RF exposure can reduce the amount of time spent on the cell phone or use speaker mode or a headset to place more distance between the head and the cell phone.

These findings should help put your mom’s mind at ease. There are also other ways besides cell phones to help your mom stay independent. She can remain connected to her friends and family with the help of a non-medical CAREGiverSM from the Home Instead Senior Care® network.

Senior Driving an Individual Issue

Q. How do I know if my 86-year-old father is a good driver and should still be on the road?

First, you’ll want to take seriously any concerns that your dad’s doctor is expressing. Have a candid discussion with your father. Make sure he has a valid driver’s license and check the laws in your state. Some require driving tests and physicals for those over a certain age and shorter renewal periods. Then make it a point to ride with your dad to see how he’s doing. If he is hard of hearing, encourage him to always wear hearing aids when he gets behind the wheel.

In addition, check the exterior of his vehicle for any fresh scratches or dings. Look for telltale signs that your father might be having problems seeing such as the seat pushed up close to the dash board. If your father seems to be doing O.K., don’t be surprised.

The latest research reveals that older drivers are holding their own. A study reported in the July issue of Accident Analysis & Prevention found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards than young, inexperienced drivers.

The Study, “Age Skill and Hazard Perception,” from the Human Factors Safety Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), suggests that older drivers focus more on potentially risky situations, such as approaching an intersection or pedestrians on a curb, than young drivers.

What’s more, an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety study released in June noted that by 2008, the number of people 70 or older in the U.S. increased to 78 percent. But fatal crashes per licensed driver in that group declined about 37 percent. Among drivers 80 and older the fatal crash rate fell by nearly half compared with the he fatal crash rate for drivers 35 to 54 years, which fell only 23 percent.

The Insurance Institute attributed older drivers’ superior driving record in part to self-policing. Many seniors whose driving fitness is questionable are giving up their cars on their own. Rules in many states to strengthen testing before renewing licenses instead of renewing by mail are also helping.

Driving is an individual issue. If and when your dad does need to give up his driving, remind him that he has options including companionship service. The Home Instead Senior Care® network provides support for older adults who can no longer drive.

Fewer Calories, Longer Life, Researchers Say

It’s always best to keep your doctor apprised of any changes in your health habits. Your physician can let you know whether your appetite is normal or the sign of a health issue.
Here’s a study, though, that might interest you.

According to researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, consuming fewer calories leads to a longer, healthier life.

After studying monkeys who have lived most of their lives on a restricted diet, scientists found that a nutritious but reduced-calorie diet blunts aging and significantly delays the onset of such age-related disorders as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy.

During the 20-year course of the study, half of the animals permitted to eat freely have survived, while 80 percent of the monkeys given the same diet, but with 30 percent fewer calories, are still alive.

“We have been able to show that caloric restriction can slow the aging process in a primate species,” says Richard Weindruch, a professor of medicine in the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health who leads the National Institute on Aging-funded study. “We observed that caloric restriction reduced the risk of developing an age-related disease by a factor of three and increased survival.”

Eating alone certainly is not enjoyable. Why not check into a senior center in your area where you could join others your age for a nutritious meal and companionship. Or consider contacting a caregiving and companionship company such as Home Instead Senior Care. The company’s CAREGivers, who are screened, trained, bonded and insured, not only can serve as dining companions, but they can help you prepare tasty meals as well. Regardless of what you decide, make sure that you are getting nutritious meals each day.

Nutrition Important to Older Adults

Proper nutrition is vital to health aging. Look for these warning signs that you could be headed for trouble, from Home Instead Senior’s “Cooking Under Pressure” public education campaign:

Loss of appetite: If you have always been a hearty eater but no longer eat as you used to, it’s time to find out why. Underlying illness could be the root cause.
Little to no interest in eating out: If you have always loved eating out at a favorite restaurant but no longer are interested, dig deeper to determine the problem.
Depression: Change in appetite is a classic sign of depression. Be sure to follow up with a physician if you suspect depression may be a problem.
Sudden weight fluctuation: A weight change — losing or gaining 10 pounds in six months — is another sign that something could be amiss.
Expired or spoiled food: Check the refrigerator for expired or spoiled food. You could be saving food until it’s no longer safe. Make sure that all food is labeled, with the date, in large letters and numbers.
Skin tone: Observe your skin tone. If you are eating properly, skin should look healthy and well-hydrated.
Lethargy: If you have regularly been active and enjoyed taking walks but suddenly become lethargic, see a doctor. Poor nutrition could be to blame.
Cognitive problems: Seniors who live alone might forget to eat. If you suspect dementia, quick intervention is vital.
More than three medications: Medication can influence both appetite and weight. Check with your doctor to find out if your medications could be the culprit.
A recent illness: Illness or a hospital stay could make you lose interest in eating. Make sure you have reliable help at home.

Support in the way of companionship, and meal preparation and shopping assistance could be just what you need. Contact Home Instead Senior Care to learn more. www.homeinstead.com/665

SENIORS NOT COMBATING MUSCLE LOSS

Seniors Not Combating Muscle Loss
Nearly nine in 10 people think feeling weaker is one of the worst parts of aging, but few Americans over the age of 45 are taking steps to prevent muscle loss, a new study finds.

The survey, commissioned by Abbott and developed in conjunction with the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, found that nearly 90 percent of Americans older than 45 are not making daily exercise and proper nutrition part of their daily routines to protect their muscles as they age.

“Muscle loss is a serious issue that can lead to severe health and lifestyle consequences, yet building and maintaining muscle isn’t top of mind for most adults,” said Evelyn Granieri, M.D., M.P.H., MSEd., of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Especially with an aging baby boomer population, it’s important that people take charge of their health and take action now so that they can continue doing the things they enjoy in the future.”

According to Medical News Today, clinical research shows that starting at age 40, a person can lose 8 percent of muscle per decade, which can lead to loss of strength, mobility and the freedom to enjoy life.

Granieri said that talking to one’s doctor or dietician is a great way to identify small steps to take to protect muscle health today for a more active future. CAREGivers also are in a position to help clients protect against muscle loss by encouraging them to exercise and making sure they are eating nutritious meals.

Clutter Control an Important Part of Home Safety

While clutter is not a problem unique to seniors, conditions of aging including arthritis can lead to disorder and chaos. June is Home Safety Month, a great time to focus on cleaning up your home.
After all, too much clutter is a safety risk such as slipping on loose papers, threat of fire or the health effects of mold and mildew. Clutter might also make you uncomfortable to have guests in your home.
We suggest a three-step plan using three bins — one for the stuff you want to keep, one for donations and the other for trash. If you need a little help, why not enlist the assistance of a family member like a daughter or granddaughter. It could be fun activity and an event that will help you share memories with your loved ones. Here are some other ideas:
• Save only a piece of a dress to make a quilt or display in a shadow box. Scrapbooking and converting photos to DVDs are other ways to save treasured keepsakes without all the extra mess.

• Give unused gifts back to the giver or grandchildren.

• Buy a shredder to help you dispose of those unwanted papers. Recycle newspapers and magazines.

• Say “no” to free stuff and get off junk mail lists. (Go to www.dmachoice.org, www.catalogchoice.org, www.optoutprescreen.com for help getting off the lists.)

• If your family doesn’t want old photos, give them to museum, historical society, theater, library, church or synagogue.

Maybe what you really need is companionship. Make sure your stuff isn’t taking the place of people. Loneliness may also lead to depression, which also makes it difficult for seniors to get organized. Consider the services of a professional organizer and caregiver. CAREGiversSM from the locally owned Home Instead Senior Care® network would be happy to help you manage your home and keep you company.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care®, contact Jonathan Fry at 479-434-6960 or visit www.homeinstead.com/665. For more information visit www.cluttercreep.com.

Cataracts Not an Inevitable Part of Aging

Cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision, impacts more than half of all Americans by the age of 80, according to the National Eye Institute.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Common symptoms, according to the National Eye Institute, include:

● Blurry vision
● Colors that seem faded
● Glare
● Not being able to see well at night
● Double vision
● Frequent prescription changes in your eye wear

A study published in the June 2010 research Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, reports that cataracts could be less prevalent among aging women if they ate more foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

This study looked at the records of 1,808 women who participated in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease study, residing in Iowa, Wisconsin and Oregon. Results from this study, conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin, revealed that healthy diets are more strongly related to the lower occurrence of nuclear cataracts than any other modifiable risk factor or protective factor studied in this sample of women. Nuclear cataracts are the most common in all people, forming through natural aging in the center of the lens – the nucleus.

The study further concluded that lifestyle improvements such as healthy diets, smoking cessation and avoiding obesity may substantively lower the need for and economic burden of cataract surgery in aging American women.

In most healthy adults, cataract surgery is not a difficult procedure, but your mother most likely would need help with transportation and other services for a time. Consider contacting Home Instead Senior Care® for assistance. CAREGivers provide companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, errands and shopping. A CAREGiver could give both you and your mother peace of mind following her surgery, especially if you can’t be there yourself.

For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care® network contact Jonathan Fry at 479-434-6960 or log on to www.homeinstead.com/665. For additional information about cataracts, log on to http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/jaaj-hda061010.php.

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Controlling Weight Key to Avoiding Diabetes

Diabetes has doubled in the U.S. in the last 15 years and is highest among older adults ages 65 to 79 so many other seniors face these issues and share your concerns. Start with your doctor, who may very well tell you what other studies have confirmed: weight control is one important way to keep type 2 diabetes away. In fact, yet another recent study addresses this very topic.

Researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle, examined the relationship between measures of overall body fat, fat distribution, changes in these measures and diabetes risk among 4,193 men and women 65 and older.

They discovered that the Body Mass Index (BMI) at 50 years of age, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio were all strongly related to the risk of diabetes.

Compared with participants whose weight remained stable (plus or minus 4.4 pounds) over the time period, those who gained 20 pounds or more between the age of 50 years and entry into the study had an approximately three-fold greater risk of developing diabetes during follow-up, regardless of their BMI at 50 years of age.

Participants who were obese (BMI 30 or greater) at 50 years of age and who experienced the most weight gain (more than 20 pounds) between the age of 50 years and entry into the study had five times the risk of developing diabetes compared with weight-stable participants with normal BMI (less than 25) at 50 years of age.

Ask your doctor to recommend a good diet and exercise program. If you’re having trouble managing mealtimes, why not consider joining friends for lunch at a senior center or local coffee shop. Also consider seeking the support of a professional caregiving company. Shopping, meal preparation and mealtime companionship are among the most requested services provided by Home Instead Senior Care® CAREGivers, who are screened, trained, bonded and insured.

For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care® network, contact Jonathan Fry at 479-434-6960 or visit www.homeinstead.com/665. For more information about the diabetes study, log on to http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2010j/0622.dtl#3.