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Exercise & Fitness

7 Mind Stimulating Activities for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Worried about your forgetfulness? If you’re a senior or you have elderly loved ones then this article is worth your time. Aging comes with a lot of challenges.

As people grow older, their bodily systems start to slow down, the brain declines gradually. Sometimes memory slips can be due to impaired memory or Alzheimer’s disease.

Fortunately, there is a way to work around memory slips associated with the normal aging process. In this article, you’re going to learn about seven mind-stimulating activities for elderly loved ones.

But before that, let’s understand a few things.

What happens to the brain during the aging process?

With normal aging, elderly people start to experience hearing loss that’s followed by the decline of vision. Their reflexes begin to slow and memories start to decline.

Studies have shown that the brain shrinks as we age. The shrinking of the brain impairs mental processing. Unfortunately, aging is inevitable.

Thankfully, you can improve or maintain brain power through simple mind-stimulating exercises- that we’re about to share with you here.

The idea is to do different brain-stimulating activities regularly.

Memory changes related to normal aging

  • Challenges learning something new. It takes longer to new information to memory.
  • Constantly forgetting where you left your things- car keys, glasses, etc.
  • Forgetting names of acquaintances or calling the wrong person the wrong name.
  • Getting into a room and forgetting why you entered.
  • Occasionally forgetting appointments.
  • Taking longer to retrieve the information you have.

 

Common brain changes associated with aging according to scientists include:

Neurotransmitter systems– Researchers suggest that as the brain ages, it produces fewer chemical messengers which leads to declining cognition and memory and increasing depression.

Brain mass– Shrinking of the areas responsible for higher cognition function and encoding of new memories- the hippocampus and frontal lobe.

White matter– Shrinking of myelin (nerve fibers that carry signals between brain cells) hence leading to slower mental processing and reduced cognitive function.

To slow down or prevent brain deterioration, researchers recommend the following mind-stimulating activities.

1. Word Games

Word games act as brainteasers. They arouse many parts of the brain which helps to improve memory, thinking patterns and processes as well as recall.

Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords are just a few effective word games for older adults.

Seniors who enjoyed word games in the past may still play them.

Of course, they may experience challenges with the advanced wordplay exercises, unlike in the past, but they can enjoy simpler ones.

A home caregiver can be a good companion when it comes to playing word games for seniors.

At-home caregivers can encourage seniors to complete crossword puzzles printed in daily newspapers or buy from stores.

These games are a fun way of engaging the brain.

2. Reading

Reading is also a brain-stimulating activity for seniors.

Encouraging your elderly loved ones to read books and magazines can help engage them and keep their brain active.

Aside from books and magazines, encouraging older adults to read articles on the web, daily newspapers, or an entertaining novel could not only help to keep them stay informed and entertained but also helps to improve their cognitive functions.

Reading encourages imagination and stimulates the brain to create images that match those on paper. This makes reading an entertaining and effective way to engage the brain and keep it active.

Some seniors enjoy reading children’s books as they are easier to read and comprehend.

3. Computer Games

Computer games are entertaining and fun. They are also effective when it comes to stimulating the brain.

While they are known for entertaining and keeping the younger generation busy, computer games are also effective activities for stimulating the mind of older adults.

The good news is that there are tons of computer games aimed at seniors on the internet- you can also buy them at your local computer shops.

4. Exercising

Regular physical exercise can help to prevent age-related mental decline.

The idea is that physical exercise improves brain activity by increasing the circulation of essential nutrients and oxygen to the entire body- including brain cells and nerve impulses.

The good news is that you don’t need to put your elderly loved ones through hard exercising.

Walking, yoga, or a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise of moderate intensity for at least 20 t0 30 minutes regularly can help to improve brain power, focus, and promote relaxation for seniors.

Some studies have shown that older people aged over 50 years who don’t engage in physical exercise experience a decline in memory and thinking capacity.

Researchers say that physical activity can help to slow brain aging by 10 years.

Dancing is also an effective brain-stimulating activity to slow down age-related memory decline.

5. Playing Musical Instrument

Playing a musical instrument could also help to delay age-related cognitive decline and retain listening skills for older adults.

The process of learning how to play a sound on a musical instrument alters brain waves in a way that improves listening and hearing skills for older people.

The change in brain activity shows that the brain renews itself to improve an individual’s ability to perform tasks.

Typically, the act of playing a musical instrument requires coordination of multiple brain elements- the perception, hearing, motor, and other brain systems.

6. Craft Projects and Hobbies

The act of creating something engages our hands and minds to manufacture something unique.

An activity of this nature helps to flex mental muscles as the brain is required to stay focused and engaged.

It could be simple art-focused crafts like building model railway sets.

The activity improves mental focus.

Hobbies like scrapbooking, stamp collecting, and many others also help to improve mental focus.

7. Gardening

Vitamin D deficiencies could impair neuroglial systems beneficial for the brain.

Gardening is an activity that involves spending time outdoors and could help seniors get fresh air and exposure to sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D.

You could accompany your elderly loved ones to plant a few seedlings in a container or weeding a flowerbed.

8. Board and Card Games

Board games are enjoyable and fun for most seniors. Playing board games involves engaging with other players which require thought and planning. Card games are also another effective brain-stimulating activity for seniors.

Playing simple card games such as Solitaire, Memory Match, and Poker can help to boost cognitive function in seniors.

They help to trigger parts of the brain responsible for rational problem-solving and memory retention.

Caregivers can play card games with seniors after dinner to sharpen their minds.

9. Learning a New Language

Our learning abilities start to decline as we grow older. However, learning a new language can be a great way of creating new mental connections.

You could help your older loved ones to brush up on some long-forgotten language or learn a new language from the start.

There is a ton of online resources for seniors out there.

10. Cooking Activities

Cooking classes can be powerful brain-stimulating activities for seniors as well.

The act of learning something is what’s important for older adults as it involves using the brain to mix certain ingredients in the right quantity.

First, there is planning then there is thinking required when following recipes and the entire cooking process.

11. Playing Chess Games

Chess games are used for educational purposes due to their brain-stimulating abilities.

For seniors, playing chess games could be beneficial in the following ways:

  • Increase creativity.
  • Increase individual’s IQ.
  • Stimulates the brain.
  • Improves concentration, memory, reading, problem-solving skills, and many more.

12. Chatting With Others

Having a conversation with others is also another powerful brain-stimulating activity for seniors.

Of course, chatting may not be an activity for most of us; however, for seniors who may be spending most of their time alone, encouraging them to chat with others could help them feel part of society.

Spend time discussing with your elderly loved ones and encourage them to share their experiences.

13. Using Brain Training Apps

From Lumosity to Happify and Braingle, the internet has no shortage of brain training apps that could help to train the brain and improve memory for seniors.

The good news is that these apps are easily accessible and seniors can use them when they are bored or on a long journey.

Some apps contain brain exercises that help to improve mental focus and memory while some present exercises that enhance reasoning, awareness, etc.

Last but not least, a healthy diet is a key component of brain health.

Researchers suggest that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help provide healthy brain aging.

Conclusion

Keeping our brains healthy and stimulated is crucial as we grow older. As stated above, older people who exercise their brain cells regularly are less likely to lose cognitive functions than those who don’t exercise.

If you’re a senior or you have elderly loved ones then these mentally stimulating activities could help to improve mental focus and memory.

Author Bio
Nick van Migrot is a professional mental health expert who specializes in educating elder adults on how to improve their mental health at college paper writing services. Besides, Nick offers thesis writing services.

 

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Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical
Health Tips

Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

This week at the Aging Well Conference in Arlington, I was invited to speak on the critical topic, The Decisions A Health Care Proxy May Make On Your Behalf. I’ve written several times about legal documents and selecting an executor and agent. While researching for the presentation, I came across valuable information on the American Bar Association website and want to share with readers. Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical

The decisions a healthcare proxy will make on your behalf

  • Choices about medical care, including medical tests, medicine, or surgery
  • The right to request or decline life-support treatments such as medical devices to aid breathing, medical devices to provide food and water, CPR, blood transfusions, dialysis, and antibiotics
  • Choices about pain management, including authorization or refusal of medication or procedures
  • Admission to an assisted living facility, hospital, hospice, or nursing home
  • Choices about where to seek medical treatment, including the right to move you to another facility, hospital, or state
  • The right to see and approve release of your medical records
  • The option to take legal action on your behalf in order to advocate for your health care rights and wishes
  • The right to apply for Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs or insurance benefits on your behalf

Good advance planning for health care decisions is, in reality, a continuing conversation–about values, priorities, the meaning of one’s life, and quality of life. When making a health care advance directive like a durable power of attorney for health care, be aware that just having a written advance directive by itself does not ensure that your wishes will be understood and respected. Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical
There are several key points in choosing an ideal healthcare proxy and it begins with talking about your wishes and finding out if the person will follow them. These questions will help you assess and choose the best healthcare proxy.

  • Will this person speak for you in case you cannot?
  • Act on your wishes and separate their own feelings from yours?
  • Live close by or could travel to be with you?
  • Knows you well and understands what you want?
  • Is someone you trust with your life?
  • Will talk with you about sensitive issues?
  • Will be available long-term?
  • Able to handle conflicting opinions between family, friends and medical team?
  • Can be a strong advocate in the face of an unresponsive doctor or institution?

This guide will help you do a better job of discovering, clarifying, and communicating what is important to you in the face of serious illness. Remember once you know exactly how you want to be treated if you should become incapacitated, write it down and let you healthcare proxy, family and friends know.

Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical

Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical Why Choosing the Ideal Healthcare Proxy is Critical

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How Fast Does Alzheimer's Progress?
Conditions & Treatments

How Fast Does Alzheimer's Progress?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

It’s important to note that progression of the disease can vary from one person to another. This depends on many variables, from the time symptoms were first noticed, along with the patient’s preexisting medical history, or even how the disease is managed. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a physician experienced with Alzheimer’s, in order to cope and manage appropriately once this disease is diagnosed. How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress?
According to Dr. David Stern, Medical Director at Silverado Calabasas Memory Care Community, symptoms of Alzheimer’s start early and can typically go unnoticed. Generally speaking, there are two years between the time symptoms start and the time it’s diagnosed. From then, there is a slow and ongoing progression of the disease, and the length of time between the diagnosis and the time a patient eventually succumbs to illness can be about 10 years on average.

For more videos of phsycians answering common questions about dementia, please visit:
www.silveradocare.com/VideoFAQs

How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress?

How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress? How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress?

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Exercise & FitnessHealth

How To Keep Your Memory Clear

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Most people think that it’s too late to start exercising in their golden years.

But I have some good news for you. Did you know that exercise actually energizes us “older” folks’ cells more than younger people’s? And it’s never too late to start!

A recent 2017 study published in Cell Metabolism Journal showed that the older participants’ muscle cells actually benefited more from exercising than younger ones. In the experiment, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) changed the activity levels in almost 400 genes in the older participants, compared to only 274 genes in the younger participants. (These gene activities signal to our cells to do things like grow more muscle, improve insulin sensitivity, and supply oxygen more efficiently). That’s 46% more cell activity in older people!

This means intensive exercise can actually reverse aging’s damaging effect on your muscles’ cellular health. So you can increase your energy and you can keep building strength.

Not only that, but exercise can also keep you younger by almost 8.8 years! Here’s what I mean:

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study of 5,823 adults found that people who live a sedentary lifestyle have much shorter leukocyte telomeres (a part of our DNA molecules, and it’s correlated with our lifespan) than people who are active.

In other words, adults who did high-intensity exercises- such as a 30 minute jog five times per week- reduced their cell aging by 8.8 years (measured by the length of their telomeres).

Of course, you’ve always known that exercise is good for you. But now you know that as you age you benefit more from an active lifestyle. And it can slow down aging even on the cellular level.

But if you’re not a fan of intense exercises, even walking can improve your memory, reverse muscle loss, and prevent disabilities from falls.

Neurologist Peter Snyder conducted a study with 120 men and women between 60 to 80 years old. He found that the participants who walked regularly increased their brain volume by 2%, whereas those who stayed sedentary lost brain volume by 1.5%.

The 3.5% difference means that walking can keep your brain 3.5 years younger. How? Well, when we exercise, there’s a major chemical change inside the hippocampus in the brain. The hippocampus is responsible for many things, especially long-term memory. There, we have an increase in a brain protein called BDNF, which helps us grow new brain cells

This has a major impact on our memory as well. In fact, the active participants had a much better spatial memory at the end of the study compared to the sedentary participants.

What’s more, walking is a “resistance” type of exercise. When you walk, you build stronger muscles, bones, and balance. This makes you less vulnerable to falls that could keep you off your feet for weeks.

So you now know that exercising can help you stay young and ward off cognitive decline. But which ones should you do?

Well, since we’re all different and need to focus on different areas, there’s no “one size fits all” answer. So that’s why you should try different exercises to see what feels right for you, there’s something for everyone. (I enjoy resistance training, but I also enjoy a nice walk with my wife, Viv.)

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.

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senior man reading a book in his bedroom
Hobbies

3 Easy Tricks to Read and Assimilate Text Faster for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

It’s highly likely that you don’t remember how you learned to read as a child. However, the way you learned how to read as a child has little relevance to how we should learn how to read as seniors. While the slow process full of methods may work for young people who are trying to understand the basics of words and structure of different sentences, adults who need lots of information to process in a couple of seconds need an entirely different reading method.

Learning how to read and assimilate text is one of the best skills that you should develop today. This skill will save you lots of research and study time. While there are lots of amazing ways to develop this important skill, here are three simple and effective ways. But first, let’s define reading comprehension.

Reading comprehension

Reading comprehension is all about understanding what you are reading. Strong reading comprehension involves a wide range of literacy skills needed to identify and interpret meanings in a text. Several elements are involved in effective reading comprehension. And they include:

  • Fluency: This involves a mix of several factors. It focuses on your ability to read with the flow while decoding new vocabulary quickly.
  • Vocabulary: This involves decoding the meaning of new words to influence your reading comprehension. When you interpret meanings and identify links between new vocabulary, you greatly increase your chances of forming new ideas and understanding what you read.
  • Inference: Inference is an essential component of reading comprehension. When you make inferences, you connect information from texts to your ideas and opinions to identify the meaning of what you are reading. The ability to connect new ideas and form opinions will boost your retention rate.

1. Skimming and scanning are key

Skimming and scanning are some of the best reading techniques that seniors should use. They involve using keywords and rapid eye movement to read and assimilate text quickly. Skimming involves reading quickly to get an overview of the entire material. Scanning, on the other hand, involves finding specific facts.

While skimming informs you about the facts in a specific section, scanning helps you find a specific fact. You can use skimming to preview, review and determine the main idea of a section you don’t want to read. Or, when you want to find source material for an academic paper. Scanning is usually used to research a particular fact, to study topics that contain lots of facts, and to answer questions that require facts for support.

Skimming can save you hours of difficult reading. However, you should not always use it to read. It is quite useful when previewing a detailed reading. Or when reviewing a section with heavy content. When you skim, you can miss essential points. Skimming can be used to overview chapters or review a test. Skimming helps you decide if you need to read something. Skimming will help understand the general idea and tone of your material. To skim effectively, you need to move through the pages rapidly. You won’t read everything.

However, you’ll pay close attention to typographical cues such as boldface, headings, indenting, italics, and bullets. You’ll be on the lookout for phrases, keywords, names of people, dates, places, and unfamiliar words.

Scanning uses keywords and text organization. While skimming aims to get a comprehensive view of the material, the goal of scanning is to locate and focus on particular facts. Facts can be buried in long texts that have little or nothing to do with the topic of interest.

Skimming your material will help you determine if it contains the facts that you need. Scan summaries, tables, indexes, contents, and headings. To easily understand tables and lists, you should skim first to figure out the organization method used for instance alphabetical, most to least, or chronological.

When scanning, you should:

  • Know the keywords that you are searching for. Knowing the phrases and keywords will naturally turn you into a search engine.
  • Look for a single keyword each time. If you are looking for several keywords, you’ll have to perform several scans
  • Allow your eyes to flow quickly down the pages until you find the keywords or phrases that you want
  • When you get a keyword, read the material around it carefully.

2. Read the first and last sentence of the paragraphs

As speed reading experts report, most successful authors write to convey information. And they generally follow a tested formula. This involves starting every paragraph with a sentence that introduces the paragraph and gives a clear direction of where the paragraph is heading.

Since paragraphs in scientific and academic journals can contain lots of information, you’ll be wasting hours reading all of it if you’ve mastered the topic. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you have to read a long text, consider reading the first and last sentence in all the paragraphs. And you won’t miss much.

3. Be mindful

To read quickly and understand everything, you need to focus and concentrate. Minimizing distractions, external noise, and interruptions can greatly boost your concentration. If you notice that you are thinking about something else while reading, bring back your mind to the object of focus gently. Most seniors read a couple of sentences passively. And then spend several minutes going back to re-read to ensure they understand.

This popular behavior is known as regression. And it slows your progress significantly by making it harder for you to see the big picture. If you approach each text carefully and attentively, you’ll quickly figure out when you aren’t understanding something. And this will save you a lot of time and energy in the long run.

Bonus Tips:

1. Avoid multitasking

One of the worst habits you can form is reading while listening to the radio, watching TV, or entertaining a distracting thought. Multitasking is a myth. However, most people believe that multitasking is one of the best ways that will help them cope in a world of overload.

Our brains have been built to switch tasks but not to multitask. When you think you are multitasking, you are switching from task to task smoothly. If you are reading a good book or working on an important task, you don’t need to switch. Multitasking cannot help you get more work done. Stay focused on one thing till its completion. And you’ll be amazed by your progress.

2. Use speed reading apps

You can do most speed reading techniques manually. However, there’s always a likelihood of falling back into the habits that we’ve already formed. If you want to learn how to read and assimilate text quickly, you need to look for the best reading apps in online stores.

Some of these apps have a highlighting marker that guides your eyes through your reading list. You can also invest in a reading course that aims at improving your reading speed and comprehension rate. Other common methods that reading apps employ include pointing and setting daily targets to boost your reading speed.

3. Take notes while reading

Another effective method that will help you develop and improve your reading skills is taking notes as you read. You can record new words while reading a journal.

Effective note-taking will allow you to ask yourself essential questions and make clear connections on the topic of interest. Also, creating visual representations like tables, charts and diagrams will help in clarifying themes and forming conclusions from your reading. Note-taking is extremely important when it comes to comprehension and summarizing.

4. Read every day

One of the best ways to develop and improve your reading skills as a senior is to practice every day. Developing your reading skills takes time and effort. However, it pays off in spades in the long run. Set aside at least fifteen minutes to read every day. You can read a magazine, article, novel, or any kind of text. Taking your time to practice your reading skills will pay off.

5. Set reading goals

Setting daily reading goals will help you develop a wide vocabulary, gain a deep understanding of your texts and make it easier for you to form connections between the things that you are reading and your ideas and perspectives.

For instance, you can set a goal to learn the meaning of two or three new words related to a specific topic like technology or business management. Then, you can start using these words when constructing sentences. As you build your vocabulary, you’ll gradually increase the difficulty levels of the texts that you are reading.

Conclusion

Thanks to the rapid technological advancements, we are constantly bombarded with new information. This is especially true for seniors who love reading and developing their skills. If you use the suggestions that we’ve outlined in this article, you’ll not only learn how to read effectively but also cut the amount of time you spend reading.

Author Bio:

Nick van Migrot is a professional college paper writer at assignment help and a member of several writing clubs in Los Angeles, California. Nick is interested in topics such as business, hospitality, finance, and marketing. He is the father of a lovely toddler and a passionate long-distance runner. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter.

 

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Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse
Conditions & Treatments

Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

If growing older weren’t hard enough already, aging can often entail a loss of physical, psychological and/or environmental mobility, which in turn raises the risks of a drinking problem. Consider, for example, that nearly 50 percent of nursing home residents have alcohol-related issues, according to statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse
This link between immobility and substance abuse among the elderly can be easy to miss— both for those who are most vulnerable (seniors) and for their loved ones. Exactly how are immobility and alcohol abuse connected in older adults, and how do you know if you or a loved one is affected? Below are answers to these questions, along with some tips for coping with aging-related immobility in healthy ways.

How Immobility and Substance Abuse Are Connected

Immobility is very common in old age because of physical, psychological and environmental factors that, in addition to restricting older adults’ freedom to get around, make them more susceptible to alcohol abuse and addiction:

  • Physical Causes of Immobility – Arthritis, osteoporosis, hip fracture, stroke and Parkinson’s disease are the biggest causes of immobility in old age, according to researchers. But heart disease, diabetes, and other physical conditions that are more common in old age—chronic pain, for example—can contribute to the same phenomenon, thereby relegating a previously active and independent adult to a homebound existence.
  • Psychological Causes of Immobility – Impaired mobility can also be the consequence of cognitive and emotional issues related to aging. These can include dementia; anxiety and depression; a fear of falling or getting hurt; low motivation; and grief after losing a spouse.
  • Environmental Causes of Immobility –The loss of a license is a major contributor to immobility in old age, as is the lack of transportation by able-bodied friends or family members when driving is no longer permitted. Similarly, a homebound senior who does not have adequate care or the help of assistive devices that make it easier for them to get around—handrails on stairs, bars in the shower, a walker or wheelchair, etc.—can end up bedridden.

These many causes of immobility in old age naturally can be accompanied by difficult emotions, such as feelings of anger and sadness over a loss of independence and embarrassment about having to be dependent on others to get around. And these often negative and uncomfortable emotions may trigger drug or alcohol abuse, research has suggested.

Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults: Warning Signs to Watch for

If a senior’s drinking typically occurs as an effort to dull or soothe difficult or painful emotions related to a loss of mobility, they may therefore be suffering from alcohol abuse. Other warning signs to watch for in discerning a potential alcohol problem include:

  • A pattern of solitary drinking
  • A loss of interest in former hobbies
  • Drinking despite warning labels on prescription drugs
  • Chronic health complaints
  • Memory loss and mental confusion
  • A decline in personal hygiene on account of drinking

Coping With Aging-Related Immobility in Healthy Ways

We have now established that coping with aging-related immobility can be emotionally hard, and that it is not uncommon for a drinking problem to develop in the absence of healthy coping tools. One of the best ways to protect one’s health in the golden years, then, is to surround oneself with a healthy emotional support network. Research at UC Berkeley has confirmed this observation. Specifically, seniors who live in neighborhoods with high levels of “social capital” where “there is more trust and more helpful neighbors,” reportedly enjoy greater mobility—and, by implication, lower rates of alcohol abuse.
What’s the takeaway for good health? That in the older years, relationships of mutual trust and support are arguably more important than ever, and that surrounding oneself with a robust support network is key. In other words, the more you or a loved one struggling with immobility can make use of opportunities to socialize, the healthier you’ll be.
About the Author
Anna Ciulla is the Vice President of Clinical and Medical Services at Beach House Center for Recovery, where she is responsible for designing, implementing and supervising the delivery of the latest evidence-based therapies for treating substance use disorders. Anna has a passion for helping clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders achieve successful long-term recovery.

Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse

Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse
 

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Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population
Conditions & Treatments

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Cases of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have increased sharply in the US over the past several years. The reason why it is taken for granted: as the American population grows older, dementia becomes more prevalent. But Alzheimer’s and other dementias may be spreading faster than many people think. Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population
A new study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has found that cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia are projected to increase from 6 million cases in 2017 to 15 million cases by 2060. That’s an increase of 150%. Over the same period, America’s population is projected to grow from 323.1 million to 416.8 million. That’s an increase of just 29%.

If these projections hold true, this means that cases of dementia in America will increase at 5 times the rate of the US population across the next four decades.

So why is the dementia rate growing so much faster than the American population? An aging populace is the main reason — America’s senior population will more than double over the next 40 years. But this doesn’t completely explain the discrepancy. When you crunch the numbers, an aging population only explains 3 out of every 4 cases of dementia projected by the NIH study. No matter how you look at it, cases of dementia are spreading faster than they should be.

While nobody has a definitive answer, there are a few theories as to why Alzheimer’s and dementia seem to be spreading at faster-than-expected rates.

  • Medical advances in other areas may be extending lifespans, meaning more Americans are reaching the age where they develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
  • Changes in the typical American lifestyle — including changes to diet and exercise habit — may be putting more people at risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
  • Changes to home, work, and community environments may be exposing more Americans to environmental risk factors that increase dementia rates.
  • Another common explanation is that Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis practices have become more accurate in recent years. This could mean that cases of dementia aren’t actually rising — they’re just being accurately diagnosed more often. However, most modern studies go to great lengths to account for this possibility, and this theory wouldn’t explain the projections of the NIH study.

Preparing for Higher Rates of Alzheimer’s & Dementia

As important as it may be to know why cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia are spreading, it’s equally important that we know how to respond. Unfortunately, as a nation, we are underprepared for the spread of dementia in the coming decades.

Here’s how we can change that. First, we need to increase awareness and education. Most Americans have a limited understanding of Alzheimer’s, the different types of dementia, and age-related cognitive impairment more widely. We need more people to understand the risk these conditions present, along with how we can prevent, manage, and address their development.

Next, we need to put more resources into dementia treatment and management. This includes expanded research into Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, and the search for a possible cure. It also includes advance planning for the care needs of those with different types of dementia. This means addressing America’s shortage of professional caregivers, increasing the availability of home dementia care and home Alzheimer’s care services, and encouraging families to plan ahead for the care needs of loved ones.

Finally, we need to do everything possible to defy these projections. After all, they’re just that: projections. Americans have the power to prove them wrong. Research has given us a number of proven ways to prevent, delay, and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If Americans — particularly those of us who know that we’re at risk of Alzheimer’s — can make adjustments to our diets, our exercise habits, and the spaces where we live and work, we can stop dementia from spreading so rapidly.
10 Dementia Warning Signs

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population

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Mid section of disabled senior woman walking with walker in garden on a sunny day
Aging

10 Enjoyable Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The majority of seniors lose mobility due to conditions like serious joint pain, stroke, or injuries from falls. At the point when this occurs, leisure activities and exercises that they used to appreciate may become troublesome. Loss of mobility for seniors doesn’t always equate to the completion of fun occasions. There are several great ways to have fun without having to move around. In this article, we have compiled ten enjoyable activities for seniors with limited mobility. You’ll probably discover something that suits you after reading this article. Let’s get started!

1. Read

Reading is one of the best activities for seniors. It a great way to spend time while keeping the mind engaged. It can reduce stress, improve memory, delay cognitive decline and improve the quality of sleep. Whether you like reading magazines, non-fictional books, e-books, or listening to audiobooks, immersing yourself in a story or learning about an interesting topic is a great way to spend your time. You can also consider organizing a book club among your acquaintances to socialize while reading.

2. Explore other hobbies

Hobbies are good for seniors with limited mobility. Hobbies that don’t require lots of movement include baking, cooking, crotchet, indoor gardening, knitting, playing a musical instrument, birdwatching, and becoming an essay writer to name a few. Limited mobility will allow you to learn something new and try out things you’ve never done before. Learning is one of the best ways to keep your mind active and avoid boredom.

3. Exercise

Even if you cannot move much, there are several exercises that you can do to keep your body moving. Whether it’s standing, or sitting, you can still enjoy the health benefits linked to exercising. Yoga routines and chair exercises can boost your health and wellbeing.

4. Sharpen your creativity

Getting in touch with your creative side is another great way for seniors with limited mobility to spend their time. Coloring, drawing, sculpture, and painting are some of the best ways to be creative. Fun projects include organizing photo albums, creating scrapbooks, and making a family recipe book. Being creative promotes your health. Research studies have found that creative activities play an integral role in people suffering from chronic illnesses, negative emotions, and stress.

5. Spend time outside

Getting out from time to time during the day will help you relax and boost your mood. Even if your mobility is limited, you can consider sitting next to a window or porch on your veranda to get some fresh air while viewing the beautiful scenery.

6. Invite people

Asking friends and family members with pets and children to stop by for a visit is one of the best ways to keep yourself engaged. Most people lighten up in the presence of a young child. Playing with pets is another great way to reduce stress and bring cheer.

7. Brain games

Another great way to spend your time is by playing exciting brain games. You can play by yourself, with a friend or a family member. Try out a crossword, brain teaser, or Sudoku. Spending a few hours every day on such games will help you keep your brain sharp. When you are not mobile, it’s easy to sit around and watch TV for hours. And this might not give your mind the kind of stimulation that it requires. Playing brain games will improve your mental health.

8. Watch TV shows and listen to music

Watching TV all day long is not one of the best ways to spend your time. However, watching a few TV shows will allow you to enjoy your day. Watching TV can go hand in hand with a hobby. For instance, you can watch a documentary on a topic that you are passionate about. Travel and Food channels can also inspire you to travel and try out new recipes.

9. Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to spend your time. Scientific studies have shown that music has the power to reduce, anxiety, stress, and pain. It also improves sleep and immune function while boosting memory.

10. Volunteer

Even if you are an immobile senior, there are several great ways to give back to the community. It a great way to stay engaged and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. You should consider contacting local hospitals, charity organizations, and religious institutions to find out if there are projects that you can contribute to. This could mean crocheting hats, knitting, creating blankets, or assembling packages.

Conclusion

As we get older, our mobility starts to suffer. You may start noticing pains, aches, and fatigue affecting you in different ways. Recovery time can get longer. However, getting old doesn’t mean that you have to confine yourself to your home. As you have seen, there are lots of exciting activities that you can indulge in to improve your physical and mental health.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Holland is a professional writer at Assignment Masters, essay writing service and best essay writers with 3 years of experience who has been writing about education, student life and career development for several years. She helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.

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7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging
Aging

7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

“Growing older isn’t easy.” I hear those words from my friends and family. It’s hard to see them suffer physically, strain mentally and emotionally, and most of all struggle financially. 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging
It’s common for us to reflect on the past and see our mistakes. We all have regrets. And if we look back long enough, we’d say, “If I could do it all again, I would..”
I’m sharing with readers what my older friends and acquaintances would tell their 21-year-old selves about life, taking care of the body, saving for retirement, and staying emotionally balanced.

  1. “Take care of your teeth. Plan for retirement. Stay physically fit and exercise forever. Enjoy the stamina you have now and don’t take it for granted. Talk to people over 60 the same way you would talk to anyone. Take a yoga class, drink water, find people to travel with. (FYI, I’d hate to be 21 again.)”
  2. “Ask, ‘Where do you want to be in 5 years,10 years,” and stretch that out to 20, 30, and 40. Review the realities of life; you may have a great paying job now, but that can and does often end. Prepare for ending up alone. Watch out for insincere people, your health, and know you are your best advocate. Enjoy life! As for the folks over 60; don’t talk down to them, they didn’t grow up with computers, cell phones, etc. And, they’re taking advantage of ‘slowing down and smelling the roses.’ So, push them. They’re neither stupid or lazy, but have different priorities.”
  3. “Save for the future. I was self-employed, so I made a habit of saving and investing. Compound interest is no joke. I set financial goals and worked toward them. But, don’t forget to enjoy life along the way!”
  4. “Respect your elders, one day you’ll be one. Pay it forward. Get to know a person by personal contact; visit them, call them, write to them, send cards. Texting a smiley face emoji is not bonding. Listen to the wisdom, write it down, pass it on.”
  5. “Watch out for people who sap your joy. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and lift you up. People who are 60 often feel 40 in their mind. They just move slower. Engage and ask them for advice. They have ‘been there, done that.”
  6. “Enjoy other people’s families. I’m an adopted Grandma and love it. I can do things for kids that their parents can’t. Sometimes, it’s just being listening ear. Sometimes it’s to introduce them to Times Square, theater, and fine dining experiences.”
  7. “Early on, find a mentor, someone who’s living the life you want, and listen closely to their advice.”

Sign up for my newsletter – send an email to Carol@Seniorcare.com and write “sign me up” in the subject line.
Retirement Lessons to Teach your Children

7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging

7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging 7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Aging

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