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Aging

How Older Baby Boomers Want to Live

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

We’ve all read that the aging boomers want to stay at home as long as possible, and that stills hold true. However, LeadingAge, a non-profit global organization whose mission is to be the trusted voice for aging adults, has found some interesting data about the segment and where they would like to be when and if a physical or cognitive disability should occur.

LeadingAge, through NORC, conducted a survey of older baby boomers to gather insights into how they think about their quality of life if they become physically disabled or cognitively impaired and need long-term services and supports. LTSS includes services that help a person get through a normal day, things like getting out of bed, bathing, eating, toileting, moving around, etc.

They surveyed older boomers to imagine they had a physical or cognitive impairment and needed help. Then we posed questions like: What would be important to them? Where would they want to live? Who would they be comfortable receiving help from?

Asked what would be important if they were in a position of needing help with daily activities, being safe was ranked the most important consideration, higher even than being around family or friends.

The study found that 40% said they would want to live somewhere other than their current home or apartment if they had a physical disability that required them to need help with daily activities. Most earlier studies and surveys report that the majority (76% or more) of adults say they want to stay in their own home. These earlier studies do not target older baby boomers and they do not ask for separate responses depending on whether the impairment is physical or cognitive.

Survey Responses

If help with basic daily living activities is needed, on a scale of 1-10 (10 is most important), how important is it to do the following:

  • Be safe – 9.5
  • Be around family – 8.9
  • Have access to the outdoors – 8.8
  • Be around friends – 8.7
  • Be physically active – 8.6
  • Live in your own home – 8.5
  • Get out on a daily basis – 7.9
  • Have meaningful social activities – 7.8
  • Live in your current community – 7.7
  • Practice my religion – 7.5
  • Make a difference – 6.9
  • Travel – 6.6
  • Work – 5.1

 

The findings touch lightly on the differences among the older boomers who responded based on income, sex, and age. In the coming months, LeadingAge will be reporting on the findings in more detail and further analyzing their implications for this important aspect of being ready for an aging America.

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Senior woman reading in kitchen
Seniors & Covid

Mental health, Disney+, Zoom, vegan food: How COVID changed the lives of seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

New survey by Amica Senior Lifestyles taken look into the mental and lifestyle impact of COVID-19 on seniors in the US and Canada

  • 85% of seniors surveyed said they are talking about their mental health more

  • 38% report feeling less connected to their loved ones during this pandemic

  • 72% of Baby Boomers and seniors said that they used video calling at some point during the pandemic

  • Of those that have used video calls, 54% said it helped them feel more connected to family and friends over the past 9 months

  • 2 in 5 seniors have taken up social media (42%), and Netflix & Disney+ (41%)

  • Nearly a third (31%) of seniors are using streaming services to help manage their mental health

  • 41% of seniors have embraced cooking over the past 9 months, with 30% of seniors taking up a more plant-based and vegan diet

Seniors and those in the ‘Baby Boomer’ age groups are statistically the most likely to see the pandemic as a major threat to their health, just one issue among many in 2020, seeing many have their lifestyles whether by choice or imposed by government actions.

To understand the impact, Amica Senior Lifestyles surveyed 1,409 Americans and Canadian seniors on how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed senior lifestyles, both mentally and physically.

When asked whether the pandemic had caused them to consider and talk about their mental health more, 85% of US and Candian respondents said that it had; with almost 3 in 4 (74%) seniors saying they are thinking more about spirituality too.

Some of this consideration of over mental health is, in part, due to the isolation many seniors have felt over the past 9 months, as many have been unable to see family or friends or had their daily routines turned upside down.

This isolation is somewhat shown in the fact near 2 in 5 (38%) of seniors reported feeling less connected with their loved ones. However, there is some good news.

72% of Americans and Canadian respondents had engaged with video calling at some point during the pandemic. The most popular software and technology for seniors in the US and Canada were; Zoom (35%), Google Meet/Duo (22%), WhatsApp (19%), and Facetime (15%).

Over half (54%) of those surveyed stating that video calls had made them feel closer to their family, and 2 in 5 (42%) saying that the connection and closeness they felt from video calling had a positive impact on their mental and physical wellbeing

While video calling was the biggest technological “take up” by seniors during the pandemic, social media and streaming services also saw a jump in seniors opening accounts.

42% of respondents said they’d started to use social media applications, while 41% they had tried TV streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, with 29% revealing that they had tried music streaming services

When asked about their TV streaming habits, a third (33%) of respondents said they use the services to enjoy feelings of nostalgia from old films and shows, while 31% said they use it to assist with keeping positive mental wellbeing and a quarter (25%) use such platforms specifically to make them laugh and feel happy.

In addition to the pick-up of technology to entertain and keep connected, seniors have also been taking to online shopping and banking; to manage their spending and buy products for around the house.

Almost a quarter (23%) of seniors surveyed said they had shopped online for the first time in response to the pandemic’s impact on shop openings and fears of to their health, while 46% of respondents said they were shopping online more than before the pandemic.

Over a third (35%) said the pandemic had introduced them to online banking to manage their finance, however, 23% said that the pandemic restrictions had made managing their finances harder.

Overall, the majority (71%) of our Seniors and Baby Boomers said that they intend to stick to at least some element of their new tech choices after the global pandemic is finished.

Away from digital technology, 2 in 5 (41%) said they had embraced cooking over the past 9 months, while a third (34%) had taken up baking, and 32% painting and drawing. In addition to this, our survey found that 3 in 5 (61%) of respondents said they felt more inclined to seek out and try bucket list experiences once lockdown restrictions end – citing the restrictions as the motivation.

Perhaps as part of their cooking hobby and experimenting with different cuisines, our survey found 30% of seniors had taken to eating more plant-based and vegan meals since the start of the pandemic. Conversely, 1 in 5 (21%) said they were eating more meat, while 49% reported no change in their food preferences.

As for what people seniors are eating, the majority (59%) said they were largely eating healthier, with only 9% saying they were eating more junk food than before the pandemic. 88% said they will stick to the food choices they made once the pandemic is over.

In response to our survey finding seniors are considering and talking about their mental health more, Nicole Arzt, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, at Family Enthusiast comments:

“We know the physical risks of COVID in seniors, but we can’t disregard the mental health risks associated with lockdowns, social distancing, wearing masks, etc. Loneliness is already a significant issue affecting older people, and this pandemic is exacerbating that feeling for many people. It’s hard to not be able to see your children or grandchildren.”

“We need to keep talking about the impact of mental health and providing support to this population. This doesn’t downplay the risk of COVID. Instead, we need to keep in mind that parallel issues like depression, anxiety, increased substance use, poor eating habits, etc. can have their own short-term and long-term consequences.”

By Amica

Amica Senior Lifestyles is setting a new standard for senior living in Canada by combining unparalleled premium hospitality and amenities with expert care and support to deliver a personalized senior living experience.

Committed to enriching the lives of seniors now and as their needs change, Amica offers independent living, assisted living and memory care lifestyle options. Established in 1996, the company owns and operates 31 residences in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, with plans to continue expansion in select markets.

METHODOLOGY
A representative group of 1,409 Baby Boomers and seniors from the USA and Canada were polled on behalf of Amica Senior Lifestyles, using Amazon’s online survey platform, Mechanical Turk. Survey responses were fielded in September and October 2020. They were asked a variety of questions relating to their lifestyle changes during and after the global pandemic.

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Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet
Pets

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Many people own pets, but no population needs one more than senior citizens. Owning a pet has many benefits that can help seniors feel better about their life and improve their health. If you’re considering a pet, read about all of the advantages of one here.

The Perks Pets Provide

Pets are friends. They are loyal and can gauge how you feel and what you are thinking. They know when you’re sad, happy, and will try to make you feel better. While this may sound like invented benefits from a dog lover, there’s scientific evidence behind it.

The American Heart Association has studied the effects of dogs, and have found that it can lower the risk of heart disease and can even lead to greater longevity. Some other studies identified by HelpGuide.org finds that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Lower blood pressure, and higher levels of serotonin and dopamine are all associated with owning a dog. It’s even been found that people who own pets over the age of 65 visit the doctor fewer times. Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

Researchers at the University of California – Davis have found that Alzheimer’s patients experience less stress and anxiety when they have a dog or cat. It’s the ability to touch the pet and the nonverbal communication that helps them stay calm.

Caregivers also find that clients who own pets are much easier to work with due to two reasons:

  1. The pet provides stress relief to the caregiver.
  2. The client or family member is much calmer, so it makes it easier to work with him or her.

Why Pets Help Seniors

The reasoning behind the therapeutic benefits of owning a dog is that humans need to touch. When they pet or hug a dog, it affects their body and mind. It calms and relaxes people, and that is what sparks the lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It also boosts serotonin and dopamine levels (related to your mood), which helps you feel happier. Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

What some people don’t consider is that a pet such as a dog needs exercise. This can help a lot of seniors get out of the house, which increases their physical activity. This, in turn, helps fight many medical conditions.
Companionship is another consideration. When you don’t have anyone around you, it’s more likely you’ll feel lonely. With a pet, you’ll have that animal right by your side keeping you company.

What You Should Own

Dogs provide the most benefits, but cats are good too. The only disadvantage to owning a cat is that you don’t get the exercise, as you do with a dog. However, seniors who have limited mobility may find that a cat is perfect for them.

If dogs and cats aren’t your style of pet ownership, birds, hamsters, and other small pets can be beneficial as well. It’s the act of holding and petting animals that will help you feel better mentally and physically.

The Only Thing Pets Do Not Provide

Unfortunately, pets cannot have a conversation with you. While they do have their own way of communicating, they simply cannot talk with you like a personal confidant can. That’s why Kendall Van Blarcom is here for you. With personal consulting sessions along with a pet, you will have everything you need. You’ll be able to cuddle with your pet, get the exercise he and you need, and then have a good old fashioned conversation with someone who understands you and wants to listen to you.
Contact Kendall Van Blarcom today for more information on how personal consulting can help you.

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

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Aging

Attitudes to Enhance Aging

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

What is your mindset about growing older? Do you want to avoid thinking about it for as long as possible? Is it a negative passage to be endured? To set an ideal mid-life into motion, you need a positive outlook.

A study of 660 adults aged 50 and older in Ohio, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that people who had positive attitudes about aging lived more than seven years longer than those with negative attitudes.

While the results remain unproven by other researchers, the study does link positive outlook and good health. For example, depression is linked to poorer recovery from heart attacks and stroke. And having a positive outlook in general in your early 20s predicts survival well into your 80s and 90s.

Studies like these don’t have to convince many people that life is a heck of lot easier with a positive attitude. For me, over the years, the following mindset has helped me approach older age with gratitude.

  • Accept yourself – low self-esteem and confidence are common but beauty is not defined by physical traits but by qualities. The act of accepting oneself as they are seems hard but you can do it! Do not allow the flaws to govern your heart and future.
  • Surround yourself with positive people – hang out with people who feed your soul, the ones who you appreciate and look up to. Make sure they feel the same way about you. Positive types give us a sense of well-being.
  • Do the things and activities you love and make time for self-care. Find a hobby like cooking, gardening, painting or reading. This helps you feel connected and less stressed.
  • Express feelings – talk about your feelings with someone you like and trust. Never bottle them up. Communicating helps us process our emotions and to move on with a clearer and happier mind. If you prefer, keep a journal and write your feelings down.
  • Appreciate little things – if you give too much energy to the “big” problems you’ll stress and ignore the little things that make living so pleasurable. Make every experience a learning experience, even failures.

Questions to ask:

Who am I on this journey for? What will it take to love myself? What sacrifices am I taking for good health?

Live each day knowing there’s plenty to go around. Believe in and trust yourself. Focus on what you can do now and be your best self instead of correcting the past.

Take away:

Trust yourself – BE OPEN – Acknowledge fear and do it anyway!

Attend my free Live events on Facebook @Carebuzz. Every Tuesday, 3:00 PM CST, we discuss proactive living in mid-life. (https://www.facebook.com/Carebuzz/)

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Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations
Aging

Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

The idiom “it’s like Greek to me” is commonly used to express when someone is having difficulty understanding someone or something. The ability to have communication with one another is the cornerstone of personal relationships. Human beings were meant to be in relationship with one another, and when communicating with one another becomes difficult, it threatens who we are at our very core. Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations
Communication issues, in particular, are quite common among the generations. There are five living generations, each with their own set of values and communication styles. Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations
Traditionalists are those who were born between 1922 and 1945. They tend to respect authority, will place work before having fun and are rule-followers. Baby boomers are those who were born between 1946 and 1964, and are known to be workaholics. They value quality over quantity and are definitely not afraid to question those in authority. Generation X are those born between 1965 and 1980. Gen Xers value direction and structure in their lives and believe in addressing issues immediately. Millennials were born between 1981 and 2000. They are go-getters, love multitasking and are huge fans of collaboration with others. And then there are the Generation Zs – also known as iGens and Centennials – were born after 2001. As their very name suggests, they prefer communicating through technology in a way that previous generations have not.
All of these different styles and values can create a perfect storm when it comes to the generations being able to effectively communicate. Whether it’s on the job, or just grandparents trying to find ways to have healthy conversations with their adult children or grandchildren, knowing the best way to approach each generation can help tremendously.

Talk Like a Traditionalist

Let’s take a look again at the qualities that make up those of this generation. They respect authority, place an emphasis on work over fun and believe in following the rules. Knowing this, in order to have effective communication with someone from the traditionalist generation, you will have to have a clear set of rules that both parties agree to follow, and show respect for one another during the exchange.
In the age of “text speak,” some younger people tend to allow those shortcuts to sneak into their everyday conversations with others. Traditionalists neither like nor understand this kind of language, so it is important to make sure when speaking with a person from the traditionalist generation, that you speak in full, proper sentences.
To traditionalists, respect is also very important. So, if they are offering advice, it is coming from a place of experience. If you disagree with their advice, it is best to keep that information to yourself. Simply thank them for the suggestions and leave it at that.

Translating Boomer Speak

Talking effectively to those from the Baby Boomer generation depends on your ability to get to the point. Boomers are known workaholics who value quality over quantity, which also applies to the conversations they have with others.
Because boomers are not afraid to question those in authority, they also are less likely to be offended if an adult child or grandchild questions something they are being told by a boomer. Boomers also respond better to one-on-one, face-to-face communications with others.
Boomers also want to feel needed, so if they do not feel like their opinion is being valued during conversation – or that someone is outright disrespecting them – they will interpret that as being personally rejected. It can be difficult to converse with someone who feels personally insulted.
Unlike the traditionalist generation, boomers aren’t entirely turned off by communication facilitated through technology. While they don’t prefer it, they also will not entirely shun it and will take electronic forms of communication, such as email and texting, over no communication at all.

X Marks the Spot

Generation Xers value direction and structure in their lives and believe in addressing issues immediately. While they aren’t strangers to technology, they also do not embrace it as readily as Millennials and iGens.
Gen Xers do not mind being challenged; however, they prefer to resolve conflict quickly and immediately. If you are having a discussion with someone from this generation, and there is a point of contention, it is best to address it immediately. Waiting weeks, or months, after something has occurred to address it with a Gen Xer will be met with a bit of resistance instead of the kind of congenial exchange that may have occurred if the issue had been discussed right away.
Feedback is important to this generation, so one-sided conversations or communication of any kind will not be well received. Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Millennials

The Digital Divide

Both millennials and iGens are heavily dependent on technology in their everyday lives, and that includes in their communications. Because both of these generations are great at multitasking, the use of technology is in the forefront. This can pose quite a challenge when it comes to communicating with traditionalists and boomers, and sometimes even with Gen Xers.
According to a 2014 Gallup poll, texting is the most frequent form of communication among Americans younger than 50. Cell phones and email as primary communication methods also was highest among these age groups. Other findings include the importance of social media to this generation, which is among the top four ways those aged 18-29 opt to communicate news about themselves to others.
Because traditionalists and boomers are not as technology savvy as their children and grandchildren, this can cause quite a disconnect in the communication pipeline. While it might be uncomfortable, boomers and traditionalists might find it worthwhile to learn to use at least one form of technology to communicate with adult children and grandchildren. The converse also is true. Millennials and iGens also might want to commit to at least occasionally communicating face-to-face, or even over the telephone, with older generations. Being willing to meet each other halfway is a good first start in bridging the communication gap.

By Mary Spann, President at Upside of Downsizing®
Mary Spann is the founder and president of Upside of Downsizing®. In addition to her 26 years in construction, interior design, and home staging, Mary also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, making her uniquely qualified to assist with the downsizing process. Mary learned the key components of construction and interior design at an early age. Her father was a prominent custom home builder in Minnesota and Texas, and her mother was a successful interior designer and a real estate broker.

Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations

Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger GenerationsCommunication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger GenerationsCommunication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations Communication Tips to connect Boomers with Younger Generations

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Recognizing Depression in Older People
Conditions & Treatments

Recognizing Depression in Older People

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Did you get a sense of unhappiness or discontent in elderly relatives when you last saw them? It might be easy to write this off as a bad day, but it could be possible that the person is experiencing a more pronounced depression that they might struggle to communicate clearly. Recognizing Depression in Older People
Depression in older people can often go unnoticed, either through failing to recognize it or the senior citizen doing their utmost to conceal it. Keeping it bottled up is the worst thing to do; if you spot an elderly relative who seems unhappy, talk to them about it. That could be the conversation they crave and, in knowing that someone truly cares, their depression might ease considerably, if not disappear entirely.

Thanks to Be Independent Home Care for supplying this helpful infographic on how to recognize signs of depression in older people and what you can do to help seniors who are experiencing depression.
Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People

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Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year-Old Workers
Aging

Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Last year in Bangkok, I met a very happy couple. She was 59, and he was turning 60 in few days. Noone I met before had ever poured on me such a bubbling fountain of liveliness as they did. Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers
What made them so joyful? Maybe the fact that it was the second marriage for her, and fourth marriage for him. Maybe, their collection of Harley Davidsons. Or maybe, the fact that they were solidly employed, well paid, and highly valued specialists. Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers
***
Getting to your senior years, you can become a valuable human asset for any business. Your expertise can aid people. Furthermore, proper employment and solid education are proven to be the secrets for feeling confident and content in older age.
If you’re curious about your options for establishing yourself as an invaluable expert in any age, this article is here to help you. Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year-Old Workers
First, we’ll clarify why you should hone your skills. Second, find out how you can tweak your expertise to align with modern jobs market requirements. And finally, go into details about how you can refresh your education to become unique and competitive.

Overcome fear of change

Anxiety about shifting your gears might be keeping you behind. Being nicely tucked into your 9-to-5 with regular paychecks gives you the feeling of comfort, coziness, and predictability. Why would you want to change anything? There are at least three reasons.
First, because in the modern world you need to evolve to keep that 9-to-5. Half of the workers over 50 years of age believe they would need to obtain additional education to find another job with a similar salary if they lost their current position to AI, according to Gallup research.
Second, because learning lets you achieve your full potential. Recall all the paths you have looked into. Now you have more spare time on your hand to master the photography, writing or entrepreneurship the way you always wanted to.
Third, because it improves quality of your life. Manfred Diehl, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist who studies processes of aging, names engaging in mentally challenging activities and learning new things the keys to positive aging. Skills training can also make you more resilient to dementia, according to the American Psychological Association.

The problem is not being older

Most often the issue is being out of date with your skills. Good news – this is solvable. With a willingness to evolve, you have lots of options available.
Your huge benefit is that you already have a set of qualifications that took you through decades of career. Now brush up your capabilities a bit to make them relevant to the digital era.
Tech-savviness is first and foremost. While 80% of Americans in age between 65 and 69 used the internet in 2016 (Statista), the vast majority of them still needs someone to help walk them through the process of acknowledging with new devices or using the social networks, according to Pew Research study from 2014. Being comfortable with the web is a must today. Tap in it – the sooner the better.

Where to find the learning opportunities and how to get most out of them

Before you get to learning, assess your skills. Leveraging on your specialization is always a good idea, as you only have to upgrade, not start from scratch.
If you come from a writing-related profession (think journalism and PR) then all you need is to get a grasp of digital tools to get into essay assistance, resume consultancy, or business writing spheres. Bookkeeping is a perfect background for a virtual financial assistant. Engineers can tap into math teaching or technical writing. Same goes for every skill set.
Evaluate the degrees and certifications you have and figure out what you’re lacking. If you can do with a web course or certificate program, you don’t need to overspend on community college.
Now when you know your needs, look for a solution that suits them best.

Self-education via online courses

Find tons of courses for every subject on following sites. Hundreds of them come free of charge. However, to get a valid certificate, you’ll need to enroll a paid course.

Community colleges

Keep in mind that there’s no age limit for getting the subsidized loan, and you can also seek for it as a part-time student. Stafford loan is a low-interest loan from the government for educational purposes. Research scholarships and grants offered by colleges, non-governmental groups, and foundations. Check this site for a full list. Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers

Certificate programs & Intensive learning seminars

These are usually more affordable and focused on the specific qualifications. Consider them if you have limited resources and need to add to your skill set fast. Some of them, like Osher Centers and the Oasis Institute, are widely available across states.

Programs for older workers, Part-times, and Internships

One by one, well-respected corporations such as Morgan Stanley, IBM, Deloitte, and Ford launch the “returnship” programs to attract and keep older workers. Benefits here go both ways, Forbes states. While interns get a chance to re-enter job market from a different angle and update their skills, the companies get diligent workers who act professionally and have a deep understanding of business processes.
Another way is part-time employment. It’s a good move when you want to test-drive your dream business before the career change.

Volunteering

Volunteering for nonprofits gives you a sense of fulfillment, yes, but also a boost in career skills and networking. NGOs are businesses, after all. Join them to learn fundraising, grant writing, running events and social media management.

Employer-provided training

Training is a critical component of any plan to retain older workers for the companies, strongly encouraged by the government. Along with the internal trainings, many employers offer tax-free tuition help programs. Make sure to let your employer know about your desire to learn, and be specific about subjects.

Simple steps to stay a sharp professional:

  • Stay up to date with technological trends and demonstrate it when you network
  • Network a lot!
  • Participate in the industry events in your area
  • Write articles to share your knowledge
  • Prioritize your development when choosing work projects

Takeaway

To bolster your value in the job market and compete with up-and-comers, you can find hundreds of educational opportunities both online and offline. Keep your skills up-to-date and network – these are the two fail-proof strategies for you to remain marketable and flexible.
 
By Samantha Engman
After a decade of successful career in marketing, Samantha Engman switched to content creation for aspiring businesses and deserving causes. Don’t miss out her articles at Bid4papers and Twitter for useful tips on building your success online.

Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers

Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers Ultimate Skill Refresh Guide for 50+ Year Old Workers

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Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Exercise & Fitness

Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

As we age, we progress through different stages: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and late adulthood. As we move into our “senior” years it more important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. As we age there are changes in all our body systems, including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Some common conditions and illnesses include: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Improving overall health, and addressing risk factors, make it possible to maintain and enhance the quality of life as we age. Improving our eating habits and increasing physical activity will reduce or even prevent common diseases. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Physical therapists can help you improve your health and wellness with a well-balanced exercise and injury prevention program. Progressive exercise can increase strength, improve flexibility and boost quality of life for individuals of all ages. Your physical therapist will evaluate your current capabilities and take medical conditions into consideration to help you achieve your new goals.
Here are some tips for improving your mobility and decreasing your pain:

  • Invest in comfortable footwear. This will encourage you to walk, exercise more and reduce the risk of injuries to the joints.
  • Making a conscious effort to walk (or be more active) around the house and at work.
  • Identify those exercises that you enjoy and do them as often as possible. Some soreness for a day or two is ok, but make sure to contact your physical therapist if you feel any sharp pain that gets worse.
  • Consistency in your progressive exercise program consisting of isometric or isotonic exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.

The sooner you start the better! If you, or someone you know, is approaching or over the age of 50 advise them to take steps to be proactive about their health. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50 Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50 Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

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Care For Your Eyes As You Age
Vision

Care For Your Eyes As You Age

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Care For Your Eyes As You Age

Care For Your Eyes As You AgeThe baby boomer generation makes up an estimated 76 million people – roughly one-fourth of the U.S. population. This means that either you or someone you love is part of this aging group. According to Eye on the Boomer, a recent survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, almost as many baby boomers say they worry about losing their vision as those that say they worry about having heart disease or cancer. What’s more, 78 percent of those surveyed ranked vision as the most important of the five senses. Yet, more than half of the survey respondents ages 45-65 said they don’t typically have a recommended annual eye exam, and even fewer are aware of important nutrients that can play a key role in eye health.
Experts recommend that disease prevention, including lifestyle modification, attention to dietary intake and vitamin supplementation must become a greater focus of primary vision care. Studies indicate that proper nutrition promotes healthy eyes, however many American diets are found to be deficient of the critical nutrients that help protect eye health.
“If people are at risk for heart disease they typically make lifestyle modifications,” says Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, president of the Ocular Nutrition Society. “This survey found that people are as concerned about their eyes but do not know the simple steps they can incorporate into their daily lives to take care of them.”
* Vitamin supplements can be used for your eyes, too
While people take a variety of different supplements to support their health, vitamins specifically formulated to help protect the eyes are often not in the mix – and for many people, they should be. While more than half of those surveyed are taking supplements to protect their joints, bones or heart health only 18 percent say they take supplements to support their eye health.
“As we grow older, the need for certain vitamins and nutrients to support the eye increases – the survey revealed low awareness of these essential nutrients,” says Anshel of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin. He adds that there is a “need for greater education on the lifestyle modifications that baby boomers can incorporate into their daily lives, including proper nutrition, to help safeguard eye health as they age.”
To help protect eye health as they age, Anshel recommends people aged 45-65 take the following steps:
* Stop smoking, exercise regularly and wear sunglasses with UV protection
* Make an annual appointment with an eye doctor
* Eat foods rich in eye healthy nutrients, such as tuna or salmon for omega-3s and spinach, kale and broccoli containing lutein and zeaxanthin
* To help overcome shortfalls in the diet consider a vitamin supplement specifically-formulated for eye health
To learn more about the Eye on the Boomer survey as well as eye health, please visit ocularnutritionsociety.org.

Provided by: ARA
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