Mobility for Seniors
Older adults who lose their mobility are less likely to remain living at home; have higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalization, and death; and have poorer quality of life. Why is mobility important for seniors? It’s not all about the physical benefits of being mobile. When you have more mobility, you feel good from the inside too. And it’s not just your body that feels good, but your mind and self-esteem. When seniors don’t get enough physical activity, they can also experience falls and become weaker. Mobility also helps with balance, coordination, and concentration, which can help increase the quality of life. Improved mental health, heart health, resistance to injury and better confidence. What causes the loss of mobility? As people age, mobility and balance decrease, and the body gets weaker. In addition, factors such as bone structure and muscle atrophy can affect one’s ability to move effectively. The most common causes of mobility impairment in the elderly are: How to improve mobility: As a person ages, the individual may need to reduce some physical activities. However, exercise and mobility are still crucial later in life. Getting older does not mean a person has to give up their favourite activity, but they may need to adjust their routine. Exercise can help maintain or improve balance, joint health, strength, and flexibility. It also helps the brain to stay sharp by enhancing cognitive abilities.To avoid an increase in mobility loss and fall risk, it is critical for older adults to exercise. Depending on your health status, there are many forms of exercise – taking a walk, joining a fitness class, dancing, working with a physical therapist etc. To improve mobility in older adults, we recommend using the following: Focus on crucial areas such as neck, shoulders, biceps/upper arms, hips, hamstrings, quadriceps, and ankles. Exercise is a major contributor to mobility, and its benefits are well observed. Let’s get moving in 2023! Please speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
How To Talk To Someone Who Has Dementia
A frequent challenge faced by loved ones is how do you talk to someone who has Dementia. Communication is often strained or non-existent as we struggle to connect with someone we barely know anymore. These are all questions that enter our minds when we try to talk to someone with Dementia. But, unfortunately, instead of feeling positive and hopeful about a visit or encounter, we feel strained and anxious. One of the most complex parts of caring for and knowing how to talk to someone with Dementia is avoiding further confusion and conflict. We have to learn new ways of communication. So how do we keep confusion and conflict at a minimum when we talk to someone with Dementia? Always agree, never argue: When we talk to someone with Dementia, it is easy to want to correct them. We hear them mix up memories or even create new ones. The temptation to steer them toward the truth is strong. In their mind, however, they are speaking the truth. There is rarely any malicious intent behind the lies. As we talk to someone with Dementia, we need to work hard to enter their world and remember to agree even with their delusions. Always redirect, never reason: When we talk to someone with Dementia, we sometimes unintentionally and, despite our best efforts, stumble on a subject that causes tension or even argument. In these instances, while we want to reason out of the argument or try toconvince, redirection is our best course of action. Always distract, never shame: A common issue when we talk to someone with Dementia is our words and actions can bring shame and humiliation to our loved one. Talking about them instead of to them or with them. Pointing out the weird or surprising things they do or say. Correcting them, especially in front of others. Making a big deal of accidents and things they can no longer control. Dementia carries enough humiliation and shame without our help. As difficult as it is, when we talk to someone with Dementia, we must remember not to bring further embarrassment to our loved one. Always reassure, never lecture: Going hand in hand with not bringing shame when we talk to someone with Dementia is providing reassurance. They need to know you’re there to support them and hold their hand (figuratively and literally) through this very dark disease. Always reminisce, never say “remember”: One of the first things we do when we sit down to talk to someone with Dementia is trying to bring up old memories. Talk about the good times, the trips, the family and friends. Look through old photos and recollect as you go. You have created a happy moment for your loved one and added a wonderful memory for you. Always repeat, never say “I already told you”: One of the most frustrating parts of trying to talk to someone with Dementia is the constant repetition. Questions will be asked repeatedly with no memory of it being asked before. Statements will be repeated continuously and sometimes without pause. When you talk to someone with Dementia, you have to remember that even though you’ve repeated yourself to the point of frustration, to them, it is the first time you’ve responded. When you react angrily or mildly irritably, they have no idea what they could have done and become hurt by your negativity.
Hydration and Delirium
Did you know that: Delirium is different from dementia?Dehydration is a cause of delirium?Seniors can avoid delirium by staying hydrated? Delirium is a mental disturbance characterised by new or worsening confusion, changes in the level of consciousness or hallucinations. Delirium is different from the slow progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It has a sudden onset from hours to days, and although delirium can be reversed, it is easier to prevent than cure. Seniors are at risk of delirium due to factors involving their internal weaknesses and environmental factors. Some risk factors, such as advanced age or dementia, are fixed. Other risk factors such as pain, malnutrition, dehydration, sensory loss, depression, and fever are modifiable with intervention. However, with each factor present, delirium risk increases. Therefore, the key to preventing delirium is reducing the number of modifiable risk factors. Infection and dehydration are common modifiable delirium risk factors. Older adults usually know when they have an infection, but do not recognise when they are dehydrated.Mental status changes begin with mild dehydration and worsen with each stage, ending in delirium. In moderate dehydration, short-term memory loss occurs. Once an older person is thirsty, they are already mildly dehydrated. Symptoms of severe dehydration include dry mouth and lips, sunken eyes, increased mental status changes and decreased urine output. Failure to recognise signs of dehydration predisposes older adults to become increasingly and chronically dehydrated, which is a slippery slope towards delirium. Why are older adults prone to dehydration? Why are older adults prone to dehydration? Generationally, older adults are not focused on hydration. Many seniors purposely limit fluid intake because they fear bladder accidents. Others with compromised mobility may curb fluid intake to avoid extra bathroom trips. Poor access to fluids or needing help to drink may limit intake. Many drink water only when taking medication. Older adults have decreased muscle mass and increased fat; because 75% of body water is stored in the muscle, seniors have less capacity to store water. Women have more body fat than men at any age, so older women have an even higher risk of dehydration. How do you know if you are drinking enough? An older adult can take simple steps to check their hydration status. Firstly, thirst should not be experienced at any time. Secondly, urine should be colourless or straw-coloured, and odourless. Being familiar with a urine colour chart is good practice for all ages and critical for older adults to avoid dehydration. Increase daily fluid intake, especially water! At least half of your daily fluids should be water. Water significantly reduces older adults’ risk of becoming delirious. Milk, vegetable or fruit juice, and soup are also healthy fluid choices. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks should be limited due to their diuretic effect. In addition, the body needs water to filter alcoholic beverages from the body. Drinking healthy fluids is as important as eating healthy foods.
Warning Signs of Substance Abuse and Addiction in Older Adults
Many people assume that young people are the primary source of problem drug and alcohol use, however, there are a large number of senior citizens and older people who abuse substances regularly, some even to the point of forming an addiction. There are many reasons why an older person may turn to drugs and alcohol; children grow up and leave, friends become fewer, loneliness and boredom, helping to alleviate pain and bad health, and coping with losing a loved one of many years. On top of this, some people may have a problem with drugs and alcohol for many years, and if it goes untreated, it can continue well into elderly life. Warning signs of substance abuse & addiction in older adults Spotting the warning signs of addiction and substance abuse is more difficult in the elderly. This may be because interaction is less frequent, they are secretive about their problem, or they are misdiagnosed due to their age and related ailments. Here are some warning signs of alcohol and drug abuse in seniors: The health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse are far more severe in older adults. Falling due to impaired coordination becomes more likely, the chance of mixing prescription medication with harmful substances increases, withdrawal symptoms become more dangerous (especially from opioid painkillers, alcohol and benzodiazepines), the possibility of fatal overdose is heightened, and the already dangerous results of abusing substances are far worse in seniors. Why senior substance abuse is misdiagnosed Providers may confuse symptoms with other chronic health conditions or natural, age-related changes. Many are also prescribed medications to manage these conditions, including some which may be addictive. Because of this, doctors may overlook signs indicating prescription drug abuse in older adults, including frequent doctor visits, running out of medication early, doctor shopping, or having multiple controlled medicines prescribed. Treatment for elderly substance abuse Research shows that older patients have better results with longer durations of care. Once a problem with drugs or alcohol has been identified, several treatment options are available. Some patients may benefit from less invasive outpatient treatment programs, whereas some will require medically assisted treatment to detox and inpatient rehab to effectively begin recovery. Some may also require specialist treatment for ongoing medical conditions that can be exacerbated by recovery (from severe withdrawal symptoms, for example); others may have co-occurring mental health conditions that also need treatment. Please speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about addictions.
Foot care Tips for Improved Health
Ageing takes a toll on the feet. Over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down, exposing the bones and joints of the feet to wear and tear. An injury as simple as a bad blister can impair mobility, balance, and overall function in older adults. Use these essential senior foot care tips to keep ageing feet healthy and reduce the risk of health issues indirectly caused by foot problems. Keep feet clean: Good foot hygiene is critical to preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections – routine foot cleaning may need to happen outside the bath or shower. Making a regular habit of simple foot wipe-downs with warm water, soap, and a washcloth will do the trick. Moisturise feet: Dry skin is more prone to cracking, flaking, and breaking, so moisturising is essential for preventing open foot sores. Foot cream should be applied after the feet have been thoroughly washed and dried. This ensures that moisture is locked in and helps keep skin soft and supple. Cover moisturised feet with breathable cotton socks for comfort and warmth. Trim nails: Keeping toenails trimmed is an essential element of foot care. It can cause pain or interfere with stable walking if they get overgrown. Professional care may be required for seniors with health conditions that affect their feet, like diabetes. Monitor sores: Did you know that a common location for bedsores is on the heels of the feet? Older adults who spend a lot of time in bed or a chair, continuously resting their feet on a surface like a pillow, footstool, or mattress throughout the day can result in pressure and skin irritation, leading to tissue breakdown. Prevent this potentially life-threatening condition by ‘floating the heels’ – propping the ankles up, so the feet rest suspended in the air without touching anything. Get properly fitting footwear: Wearing shoes that are too small or too big can impact more than comfort levels – they can rub and cause blisters and other foot ailments, as well as impair mobility. In general, seniors should avoid wearing heels higher than one inch and find close-toe shoes that are comfortable and support their arch type, foot width, and ankles. Address pain: Feet are often the first parts of the body to show symptoms related to conditions like arthritis and diabetic neuropathy. They can also be affected by injuries like plantar fasciitis. If an older adult experiences pain, tingling, numbness, stiffness, or inflammation in their feet or ankles, they should visit a doctor or podiatrist for a thorough exam as soon as possible. Promote circulation: Older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or conditions that limit mobility may experience reduced circulation in their lower legs and feet. Circulation in senior feet can be improved with foot massages, elevating the lower legs when resting, and talking with their doctor about prescribing compression hose.
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
The definition of dehydration is that you lose more fluid than you take in. Many of us believe dehydration is prevented by our body’s natural sense of thirst to remind us to pour ourselves a glass of water. But, the fact is, as we get older, our sense of thirst will diminish significantly. Hydration is vital because it keeps electrolytes balanced, blood volume normal, aids digestion, transportation of nutrients, and kidney functioning. Signs of dehydration in older adults: Five Reasons Seniors Need to Stay Hydrated As we age, several physiological changes can put seniors at a higher risk of dehydration, such as increased fluid loss, reduced body water content, and decreased fluid consumption. Decreased Thirst: It’s a fact that we lose our sense of thirst with age, and older adults may overlook their need for hydration. Keeping up with your daily water or fluid intake will help prevent a medical emergency. Kidney Function: Our kidneys are responsible for filtering out blood by removing waste, controlling the body’s fluid balance, and keeping electrolytes at the correct levels. Unfortunately, kidney function can diminish as we age, decreasing the body’s ability to create urine or remove waste. Staying fully hydrated helps to keep kidneys functioning to the best of their ability. Brain Power: Dehydration symptoms in seniors can mimic signs of dementia. Why is that? Because dehydration is just as critical for brain function as it is for body function. Cognitive function is enhanced when brain cells get the proper amount of hydration. Urinary Incontinence: It is uncomfortable and frustrating. Some seniors avoid drinking to avoid the experience, which can lead to other health risks. Reduction in fluids can cause urinary tract infections, which can cause pain and sometimes dementia-like confusion. Digestion: Dehydration can cause constipation. Staying hydrated and consuming the proper amount of fibre helps seniors remain regular. Lack of water can lead to gastritis, acid reflux, and in some cases, ulcers, as the stomach does not have enough water to produce digestive acid. Research has shown that drinking water can help limit acid reflux symptoms by temporarily raising the stomach’s PH.
Do people with Alzheimer’s know they have it?
Many people have raised the question, “do people with Alzheimer’s know they have it?” You might be surprised to learn that some people are not aware that they have Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, a brain tumour, stroke, and other types of damage in the brain are cognitively impaired and might not believe anything is wrong with them. Sometimes, this is caused by a condition called anosognosia. The meaning of anosognosia is ‘to not know a disease’ and is not the same as being in denial. Anosognosia = someone who does not understand that something is wrong Anosognosia causes someone not to be aware of their health condition. It’s common in some cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s. If someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s also has anosognosia, they won’t know or believe that they have it. Each person is unique, so the symptoms of anosognosia might vary. Symptoms may also change over time and even during a single day. For example, a person might sometimes understand what is going on and other times believe that they are fine. Because of this inconsistent behaviour, some family and friends might not even know that there’s something wrong even if they notice that some behaviours seem unusual. Anosognosia and denial are not the same things When someone is in denial, they’re aware of a fact but refuse to accept it. But with anosognosia, someone with Alzheimer’s is not in denial. On the contrary, they are not even aware that they’re cognitively impaired. The disease has damaged their brain and makes it impossible for them to know what’s happening. Symptoms of anosognosia Not being aware of their cognitive impairment can show up in someone’s understanding of their own memory, general thinking skills, emotions, or physical abilities. For example, they might have trouble with language, like not being able to find the words for everyday objects or simple tasks. However, they might try to explain these situations by saying they just forgot or are tired. Or, if they miss an appointment, forget to change dirty clothes or leave food unrefrigerated, they will probably still make excuses and insist that there’s nothing wrong. And even if it’s evident to others that they need help, they will likely insist that they’re just fine and able to care for themselves. They might even get angry or defensive if you remind them about their cognitive impairment because they are convinced there is no problem.
The Benefits of Music to Older Adults
Every human culture has a musical tradition. So why do we love music? If you think about it, isn’t it remarkable that we perceive certain tones, patterns, and intervals as ‘music’ among the many noises in the world? Brain scientists continue to study this uniquely human mystery. Now they are even using advanced imaging to map the parts of the brain that operate when we’re listening to our favourite tunes or singing a song. And scientists are finding more and more health benefits we gain from music, beginning at birth and lasting through the end of our lives. Music connects us with others: Experts say our culture is experiencing an epidemic of loneliness – and as we grow older, it becomes more challenging to stay socially connected. Music is an excellent tool for creating bonds among people, cutting across backgrounds, abilities and generations. Imaging shows that when a group of people perform or listen to music together, their brains show coordinated neurological responses to the rhythms and mood, resulting in a feeling of connection and togetherness. Music is great exercise for the brain:Neurologists tell us that following and interpreting the melody, anticipating patterns, and making sense of a piece of music gives the brain a good workout. Brenda Hanna-Pladdy from Emory University says: “Musical activity throughout life may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making your brain fitter and more capable of accommodating the challenges of ageing.” Music can be an excellent stimulus for life review: One of older adults’ most essential ‘tasks’ is to look back on their lives, reminiscing, recollecting, and putting everything into perspective. This provides a sense of purpose and meaning. Stored in the brain along with particularly vivid memories, music helps us visualise a particular time and our place in it. Music can be a powerful tool for people with memory loss: What about a life review when a person has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? Music is stored differently in the brain than speech, so it can bring forth recollections that mere words cannot. The cognitive and emotional effects of music help people with dementia connect with their own memories, other people and the world around them. Music also reduces agitation and anxiety and improves their sleep. It can promote stroke recovery: The American Heart Association reports that stroke survivors experience enhanced improvements in balance and strength when they listen to music during rehabilitation sessions. Just as is the case with memory loss, music may help patients access a different part of the brain involved in movement and coordination. Music also lessens depression among stroke survivors. Music provides peace and comfort for people at the end of life: Many hospice organisations use music therapy to meet patients’ emotional, spiritual, and social needs. Studies show music increases feelings of well-being and transcendence and emotionally connect the patient with family and others present. It also can reduce pain. Source: Elder Advisory Group
How Does Love Affect Our Physical Health?
We all know that love can give us a physical reaction – a quickened heart rate, butterflies in our stomachs, dilated pupils, sweaty palms, and a hard time finding words. Love affects our physical health on many different levels. Love Promotes Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Many studies have shown that a healthy and supportive relationship – romantic, familial, friendship, or otherwise can be linked to higher self-esteem, increased sense of self-worth, and improved self-confidence. No matter what form it comes in, love helps people incorporate safer behaviours into their everyday lives, reduces anxiety (worry, nervousness), and lowers the chance of developing depression or another form of mental illness. Love Changes Your Brain Chemistry Several brain chemicals and hormones can be attributed to love, but two specifically stand out: dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine is a brain chemical that releases when you see or feel something pleasurable. It makes you want more of it. Oxytocin, a hormone that calms and helps couples bond, helps promote intimacy between two people. It’s also referred to as the ‘cuddle hormone’. This hormone is also released when playing with or petting your dog. Falling Out of Love Hurts When someone we love hurts us or is no longer part of our lives for one reason or another, our health can take a hit. This is because physical and emotional feelings use the same pain centres, and our brain uses the same neurological pathways to feel those feelings. You may have heard of broken heart syndrome, but you may not realise it is an actual medical condition that can negatively affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. Broken heart syndrome is also referred to as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, in which the heart temporarily enlarges – a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Good News: Your Heart Can Rebound Love is the greatest and most complex human emotion. While everyone experiences love differently, everyone has the capacity regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion. Love comes in many different forms and manifests in many ways throughout your life and relationships.
Supporting Anti-ageism
Ageism arises when age is used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage, and injustice. It can take many forms including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory acts, and institutional policies and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs. Ageism affects how we think, feel and act towards others and ourselves based on age. It imposes powerful barriers to the development of good policies and programmes for older and younger people, and has profound negative consequences on older adults’ health and well-being. There is no reason to experience discrimination as you get older. With some effort, you can overcome ageism. The following suggestions may help: Speak up: Don’t let yourself be pushed around because you’re older, and always make an effort to participate in conversations. Engage in the world: People who stay active – mentally and physically – can overcome ageism more easily. Follow the news, live in the present, and look to the future. Show your children and grandchildren that you’re aware of what’s going on around you. Be positive: Attitude has a lot to do with how people can overcome ageism. Relish the experience and wisdom that come with age and put them to good use. Be as independent as you can: There’s a concept of learned helplessness. If you assume that because you’re a certain age, you’re unable to do certain things, you won’t be able to do them. You won’t lose those abilities if you continue to do for yourself what you can. Stay active: Surround yourself with younger people. Join in activities at your church or place of residence. Support charity projects. Exercise to your ability.