Home » Aging » Page 12
Tag:

Aging

Caregiving

How Music Therapy is Changing Lives at the End of Life

by Silverado
written by Silverado

What is life without music? Even towards the end of one’s journey, life can still hold meaning and joy, and for some, music helps provide them with just that. Often as powerful as any drug or medication, music’s versatility allows for each patient to enjoy it in their own unique, individualized way.

When a patient initially begins hospice, music therapy is often provided as an optional element of their care. Should they opt for music therapy, a brief discussion is conducted to explain the goals and what to expect, as well as an assessment of the patient’s music history. Gaining insight into the type of connection they have to music helps formulate the optimal plan for the individual. For example, the patient may have favorite songs tied to positive memories, so the therapist might hold sessions where they play those songs and sing along to them.

The benefits of music therapy include, but are not limited to:

  • Pain and anxiety management
  • Pre-bereavement with patients and families
  • Increased quality of life through engagement or reminiscence
  • Decreased loneliness or agitation
  • Cognitive stimulation

 

Whether it’s listening to a song that brings back warm memories or playing an instrument to express emotions they can’t quite put into words, the actual manner in which music is used in the therapy is based upon the patient and their needs and preferences. One unique and very special instance of music therapy for hospice happened recently with Sam Reese, a patient of Silverado Hospice Austin

On the occasion of his 45th anniversary with his wife, Gloria. Sam created an original love song with the help of a Social Worker, Mark Catalano. Sam provided the core themes, which Mark used to compose the lyrics. Mark was also the one to perform and record the song, a beautiful piece memorializing Sam’s undying love for Gloria.

For more information on Silverado Hospice’s music therapy program,click here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

The Care Needs of Older Adults

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

The older segment living without the support of grown children, a spouse or partner continues to rise. Having few to depend on, other than a handful of friends, in many cases, the population has little to no personal support if and when illness strikes.

Local medical and healthcare organizations are more aware of the segment’s needs and address the older adult’s functional declines to better facilitate maintenance of the aging process. And we need more ways to assess the patient’s lifestyle.

For instance, the medical paperwork asks for marital status, age, illnesses, diseases, and symptoms. What it does not ask, “what is the living arrangement, emotional and financial support system, and if the patient has legal documents in order?”

If they did, I believe more individuals would plan before an emergency. Other insights to capture from older patients:

  • Who would you call if an emergency or crisis would occur?
  • Have you fallen in the past six months?
  • Do you have 3 or more chronic illnesses?
  • Do you take 5 or more medications?
  • Have you been hospitalized in the past three months?
  • Identify Cognitive and Functional Abilities
  • Do you need help with bathing, dressing, shopping, and paying bills?
  • Do you feel sad?
  • Are you lonely?
  • Do you drive?
  • Have you had a car accident in the last year?

 

Post hospital care is another problem. In a Facebook group for those aging alone, many members deal with surgeries and planning for post acute care. It’s a surprise to see the intelligent conversations around such difficult issues. You’d think we were patient advocates, not the actual patients!

Too often this segment goes unnoticed especially by providers and live silently in danger of a medical crisis. I hope to build more awareness for the group who is in need of protection, security, connection and support.

And even if you do have loved ones, who’s to say that they’ll be around when if you need them? Our society has changed so much. Today, family members move around the country taking new jobs or even new lives and experiences abroad, leaving an older parent to fend for herself. The U.S. Census (2010) estimates 27 percent of people 65 and over live alone /directory/#key-senior-statistics. Today, that number reaches closer to 30 percent.

Another significant risk is isolation. If a person lives in the suburbs, they have a higher danger and exposed to risks like poor health, restricted mobility, admission to institutional care, low morale, inadequate rehabilitation, and mental illness.

Moving forward, organizations form like the Transition Network and many more who focus on the dire needs of the aging and alone market.

Are you on Facebook? Like my Page @Carebuzz and join the conversation every Tuesday at 3:00 PM CST.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Aging

Signs of Anger Issues

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

If you are experienced as a caregiver for older adults, it is possible you have seen signs of anger issues. For some, anger outburst happen because a senior citizen is feeling vulnerable, which can magnify emotions and reactions. In separate cases, anger occurs in response to other problems, whether that is illness, pain, or memory loss.

When you see signs of anger issues in an individual you are caring for—whether those indicators are physical abuse, verbal abuse or periods of paranoia—talk through your experiences with a professional to find relief.

Coping with Physical and Verbal Abuse

If you are caring for someone who has an illness that is causing diminished cognitive skills, sometimes the medical issue causes personality changes. It is important to not blame yourself for an illness you cannot control. Be sure to take the steps you need to take care of yourself.

One first step may be to get a clear diagnosis of what is happening with your loved one. With a complete evaluation, you and your loved one’s healthcare provider may be able to land on the root of their personality change. With this knowledge, you can take the next steps needed to secure a healthy home.

In addition to making health and checkups a priority for the one you are caring for, be sure to take care of your own physical and mental health as well. Stay healthy with a proper diet, exercise, sleep, and socializing. Talk through any problems you are having so any negative thoughts can be released and address it when you are experiencing anger from a loved one.

Paranoid Behavior

Among the signs of anger issues is when an individual you are caring for accuses you of intending to harm them. It is important you bring this up, and any other examples of paranoia or hallucinations, with a doctor. This behavior could be the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another serious issue in need of attention. Possibly a shift in medications can help. Getting professional help is typically the right place to start as trying to convince someone that their thoughts are unreal may only increase their anger.

Everyone has good days and bad days, but no one should suffer abuse. If you see signs of anger issues in an older loved one or in a senior citizen you are caring for, reach out for help and support. It may take some time and persistence, but communication within families and among professionals can lead to solutions.

As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself. After all, if you aren’t healthy you are not able to take care of anyone else. Deal with any negative aspects of your life. It is important to learn how to take care of the caregiver, too. Change is inevitable and it is impossible to turn back time, but there are ways to adapt to changes. Work toward a stress-free household. Utilize the support available to maintain a healthy environment, for yourself and your loved ones.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?
Conditions & Treatments

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

We’ve all had it happen – forgetting a person’s name or not being able to find the right word. Maybe you miss an appointment or misplace the TV remote. Some memory loss is only natural with age, but the question is often asked – is this just normal aging, or is it the beginning of something bigger? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?
While minor memory loss is common with aging, it is not inevitable. Dementia, on the other hand, is generally a progressive condition originating in a specific disease or neurological disorder. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, while conditions such as Lewy body disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and others can also lead to memory loss.

So when should you be concerned?

Because the human brain is so complex and every person’s physiology is different, diagnosing dementia is not a simple task. Only a doctor can give a proper dementia diagnosis, but there are some definite signs that you may want to visit a medical professional with your concerns: Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

  • You have trouble handling multi-stepped or ongoing tasks.These generally manifest as financial difficulties – overdrafts, forgotten bills and other actions that involve a level of thinking things through. This applies to most kinds of complex planning, including travel or even cooking.
  • Forgetfulness interferes with your daily life.Forgetting a name or momentarily misplacing something is a hassle, but these happening more regularly and causing financial or interpersonal difficulties are reasons for concern.
  • You can’t seem to find the right words.While we often experience the frustration of having a word “on the tip of my tongue,” an increased frequency of this happening should be a warning sign. This is particularly true if it affects normal ability to communicate.
  • You experience problems retracing your steps.When we misplace our keys, phone or remote this is generally resolved by asking “where was I a few minutes/hours ago?” Since dementia often affects the short term memory first, a decline in memory involving recent things should merit a trip to the doctor.
  • You lose your sense of place and time.Not knowing where you are, how you got there or what day it is can be serious signs that a medical consultation is necessary.

It’s also important to listen to those closest to you if they voice concerns about forgetfulness or mention that you’ve asked the same question repeatedly. Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

Can you do anything about it?

While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, research is showing that certain activities and lifestyle choices can help delay its onset or slow its progression. The Nexus at Silverado program in which residents in Silverado memory care communities participate is based on these findings. For more information on Nexus, click here.

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Aging

When You Should Compromise

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Compromising can be a difficult thing to do with people. While it’s a great way to make two people happy about a situation, it doesn’t always work out that way. That’s because there are some situations in which you shouldn’t compromise. Knowing when you should compromise will help you save time and energy. When You Should Compromise

What It Means to Compromise

You probably know what it means to compromise. When two people do not agree on something, each person decides to do a little of what the other person wants, and the other person does the same. That way not one person gets everything he or she wants, but both people get a little of what is wanted. The problem is that it doesn’t always end up that way. Sometimes, one person can’t give a little because that would mean forfeiting it all. In the end, a compromise doesn’t help that person.

It’s true that some people will perceive compromising as losing no matter what. For example, a person may not be willing to give up any of what he wants, and if that’s the case, a compromise cannot be reached. Usually, these people feel that compromises don’t help them. They want what they want, and that’s that.
If you’re one of these people, it might be time to consider when you should compromise.

Situations When You Should Compromise

Instead of refusing to compromise on everything, the following are some situations in which you should.

  • When You’re Doing Something with Someone

When you’re trying to find something to do with someone else, you should compromise. It’s only fair since that person will be experiencing whatever you decide to do.

  • When Someone Is Affected By the Decision

Going along the same lines as the first one, this situation for when you should compromise has to do with when someone is affected by your decision. For example, you want to move to a new home, but you take care of your grandchildren each day. The new home is not kid-friendly, so you probably should compromise and find another place that you like, but is more kid friendly.

  • When Working in a Group

When you’re working on achieving a goal with a few people, you should try to compromise. Everyone has their own idea on how something should be done, so everyone should be able to have some input in achieving the goal.

  • With Yourself

You should always compromise with yourself. This is a big part of self-control. Almost everyone in the world wants to do everything they want, but that’s not always the right move. Being able to choose only some of the things you want to do can help you from getting out of control with money, time, or even emotionally.

When You Should Not Compromise

Just like there are situations when you should compromise, there are some when you should not.

  • When the Decision Only Affects You

You have the right to do what you want and need to do. Some people want to take that right from you because they believe they know what’s best for you. As much as the other person wants to compromise with you, when it comes to your life, your decisions are yours – just as the consequences are yours.

  • When Using Your Own Money

When you’re using your money on yourself, you shouldn’t have to compromise with others on how you use it. You may have made financial mistakes in the past, but the consequences are yours to deal with, so people shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do.

  • When Taking Care of Yourself

Many people compromise with loved ones on the best way to be cared for as they get older. While it can be a stress reliever to compromise in this situation, you don’t have to. Again, your life is yours, and if you’re able to competently make decisions, you still have the right to make them.

Getting More Help

While you may know when you should and shouldn’t compromise, what comes afterwards is the hard part. Dealing with others’ reactions when you don’t compromise can be difficult to deal with no matter the situation.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

Electricity Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and Caregivers

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Power outages aren’t very common, but when they do happen in your community, do you know what to do?

Preparing for power outage emergencies won’t be as easy as getting a 72-hour emergency kit ready—especially if you are an elderly or are caring for someone who is.

Here are a few things that may help you ensure your safety or of the elderly in your care.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS

Knowing what you’re up against is a big step toward being prepared.

WHAT CAUSED THE POWER OUTAGE?

  • Natural disaster.
  • Accidents leading to power failure.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE RISKS?

  • Do you live alone?
  • Do you drive or own a car?
  • Do you have any physical, medical, thinking or learning limitations?
    • Smell.
    • Hearing.
    • Mobility.
    • Vision.
    • Communication.
  • Are you reliant upon any medical equipment or assistive technologies?
  • Are you reliant upon a caregiver?

HOW WILL THE POWER OUTAGE IMPACT YOU OR THEM IN THE NEXT 72 HOURS?

Below you’ll find helpful checklists for when there’s a power outage in your area—covering different scenarios and circumstances.

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK (FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS) AHEAD OF TIME

  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Call your local emergency management office.
    • Ask what their emergency plans are and how they can assist you.
    • Ask for their list of contacts and of the numbers of nearby health care facilities—keep these numbers close.

GATHER ALL RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS FOR EASY ACCESS

  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
    • Outline your needs. This is in case you will be moved to a facility so first responders will be informed on the type of help you need.
    • Prepare your medical documents and records so medical personnel will be to see to your medical needs.
    • Prepare a list of your medication.
  • State the best way to communicate with you. This is important especially if you or the person in your care needs to be brought to a facility that is unfamiliar with your needs.

PREP A 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

  • Use battery operated flashlights and lanterns. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
  • Unplug all major appliances so they won’t be damaged by the electrical surge when the power is restored.
  • Store your supplies in a container that has wheels.
  • Label your emergency medical supplies with large print text or Braille.
  • Label your equipment and assistive devices, like wheelchairs, canes or walkers, with your name, address and phone numbers.
  • Get ice or frozen cold packs in a small ice chest to store your medicines in.
  • Keep your emergency contact list close and contact them as soon as you can.
  • Pack plenty of batteries and power banks for your assistive devices.
  • Pack plenty of lighting resources like flashlights and lamps (if you have a power generator, even better!).
  • Prepare food and water supplies for up to 72 hours.
  • Ready blankets and extra clothing for warmth.
  • Set aside extra money, as well as the documents you’ll need to secure social security and other regular benefits.
  • Don’t forget to prepare emergency kits for your pets/service animals

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND/OR ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare batteries or alternate sources of power that will sustain you and your medical equipment/assistive technology for the next 72 hours.
  • If you have a hearing disability, prepare a TTY (or Text Telephone), or extra batteries for your assistive devices.
  • Contact your doctor or health care provider and ask for nearby alternatives you can relocate to for help during a power outage.
  • Use portable generators cautiously.
    • Make sure you operate them outdoors, in a well-ventilated area.
    • Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical system (unless using an approved transfer switch that is compliant with your local electrical code).

ALTERNATE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS CHECKLIST

  • Prepare cards with phrases, pictures, or pictograms for communication, so your support network or first responders can communicate with you.
  • If you are visually impaired, or care for one:
    • Prepare Braille or text communication cards for communication.
    • Label your emergency supplies with Braille or large print texts

SCHEDULED TREATMENTS/THERAPEUTIC CARE ALTERNATIVES CHECKLIST

If you or the senior citizen in your care requires regular medical treatments like dialysis, or other procedures, call your clinic or hospital to.

  • Ask about their emergency plans and processes and how they can help you during the crisis.
  • Ask for their back-up medical treatment providers close to your location

MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare extra battery packs if you or the person in your care uses a power wheelchair.
  • Prepare an extra manual mobility aid like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair as your alternative for moving around.
  • Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpack or a duffel bag.
  • Plan and prepare your transportation options, in case you need to move to a clinic or hospital for care and assistance during the emergency.
  • If you have a personal vehicle, keep your gas tank full.

 

A little planning can go a long way to making sure you or the person in your care is safe and taken care of. Keep to this list and don’t worry: you’ll find that there will always be people to help you during emergencies.

SOURCES

  • Preparedness information for people with disabilities., American Public Health Association.
  • Disaster Planning For Older Adults, Insurance Information Institute.
  • Emergency Preparedness Tips for Senior Citizens, Senior Citizen’s Guide.
  • Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors, American Red Cross.
  • The Importance of a Personal Support Network, American Red Cross.
  • Power Outages, Ready.gov

 

For more information: https://www.chooseenergy.com

 

0 comment
2 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
How Home Care Helps Seniors with Vision Loss or Impairment
Vision

Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

While a huge number of today’s population need the help of glasses or contact lenses to improve their sight, it’s almost inevitable that vision will deteriorate with age. It’s estimated that once we reach early-mid 40s, quality of sight will naturally decrease and unless you’re incredibly lucky, it’s likely to happen to almost all of us as we age.

However, while this process is considered natural, we’re certainly not doomed to a retirement without sight. There are multiple procedures and treatments that can be done to both prevent and rectify this process, meaning you’ll likely still have sight until the end of your days even if you’ve already noticed deterioration! So, to learn more about why your vision changes as you grow older and how to help slow it down, here are some pointers.

Why does eyesight deteriorate?

As we age, the surface of our eyes’ cornea (the entry point for light which enables us to see) can become damaged. For optimum vision, the cornea’s surface must be completely smooth but conditions such as eye inflammation, which are very common as we get older, can damage this fragile surface and impair vision.
Our lenses are also subject to deterioration too. At birth, our lenses are perfectly clear and are able to auto-focus so we can see both close and faraway images easily. But as we get older, the lens can become ‘cloudy’ – this is known as a cataract and, if not treated, can result in seriously distorted vision.

Treatment options

As cataracts are perhaps the most popular reason for why vision deteriorates with age, there’s luckily some very successful treatment options for this condition.

An affected lens can be removed and simply replaced with an artificial one. This new lens won’t be ‘cloudy’ and will have almost the exact same clarity as the lens of a new-born able to produce crystal clear images!
Prices are likely to significantly differ with regard to this treatment so, if you think you may be suffering from cataracts, looking at a table of average lens replacement surgery prices will give you a better idea of what to expect.

What you can do

While professional treatment is often the best method of correcting and preventing deterioration, there are certainly some self-help methods you can implement yourself.
Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as E, A and C will work towards improving eye health. And, performing simple eye exercises such as rolling your eyes in different directions (as long as this doesn’t cause pain) and massaging your eyelids will make your eyes feel more comfortable if you’re experiencing inflammation.

We’d all like to have perfect vision throughout our lives but, as we get older, this simply isn’t realistic. But as long as you accept the naturally-occurring sight deterioration you may be experiencing and investigate your treatment options, you’ll be prepared and ready to work towards both improving and preventing further sight decline.

Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down

Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down Why Vision Changes with Age and How to Slow It Down

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
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

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Aging

How to comfortably live to 90 and beyond

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Want to know the aging secrets of folks who’ve hit 90 years old and over? Well, in 2003 The 90+ Study set out to discover the answers.

Researchers at the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) followed 1,600 people who reached this ripe old age. Every six months, researchers visited these 90-year-old participants to perform mental and physical tests.

Of course, the participants also documented their diets, activity, medications, and more. And after all these years of study, we now have answers to how these folks manage to live as long as they do.

But before we reveal some of the surprising aging secrets, did you know the “oldest old” are the fastest-growing segment of the American population? In fact, by 2050, it’s estimated that there will be over 10 million Americans who are old enough to say they were alive when JFK was elected.

Now, here are a few of the factors contributing to their longevity, especially the healthiest among them:

  • Hobbies. Those who practiced hobbies around two hours a day were 21% less likely to die than those who didn’t.
  • Exercise. The more exercise the better! Physical activity up to 45 minutes a day earned a 10–25% reduction in mortality; anything longer kept the benefit steady (a 21-25% reduction).
  • Weight. People who were obese or underweight both were at greater risk of passing away.

 

These may not be surprising factors in longevity. But the next three factors have all had their share of controversy in the past. (Of course, talk to your doctor when it comes to your particular situation):

  • Another cup please! Moderate amounts of coffee (two cups a day) actually increased longevity.
  • Alcohol… good? Just like coffee, the data revealed those who drank two or more glasses of alcohol a day reduced mortality risk by 15%. (And the study wasn’t limited to wine.)
  • Overhyped vitamins? Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E didn’t contribute to longevity at all. NOTE: I don’t recommend ignoring these important vitamins for overall health and bone density. The study simply didn’t find these three correlated with the oldest people in the research.

 

So, what do you think? Have these seniors discovered the secret to longevity? If these findings don’t describe your life, maybe it’s time we all take a page from The 90+ Study.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and roses for some of these long-lived seniors. According to the researchers, over 40% of those 90 and older suffer with dementia. Nearly 80% are in wheelchairs or can’t move independently. And women are more likely to suffer with these issues.

And while there is no known “cure” for many age-related ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, we can try our best to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What are some good ways to maintain quality of life over time? Well, you can always turn to Senior News for the latest science and tips on how to live happier and healthier. And who knows… you could be the next 90-year-old living life on your terms and feeling great doing it.

(I hope to see you there one day!)

By Dean Neuls

Dean Neuls is the Co-Founder and CEO of AlgaeCal. He is a natural health author and student of bone health science who is passionate about helping people & bettering lives.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts