Guest BloggerMaintaining medication adherence during a health crisis
People of all ages can have difficulty managing their medications, but this is especially true for seniors who may face physical limitations, memory loss, and multiple chronic conditions. Add to this the complexity that coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing has created for caregivers and older adults, and you have a perfect storm for medication non-adherence, which is estimated to account for 10% of hospital readmissions, nearly 25% of nursing home admissions, and 20% of preventable adverse drug events in older adults. So, what is medication non-adherence? According to the American Pharmacists Association, non-adherence includes delaying or not filling a prescription, skipping
Continue readingStaying Healthy on Quarantine, Top 5 tips
The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone in the world, no matter where the age. Quarantine measures have been put in place to prevent citizens from getting sick or infecting their fellows. Staying healthy during quarantine is simple, as long as you know what you must and must not do. Here are some of the most basic do’s and don’ts. Health is important, so respecting some of these guidelines could make a difference. Get into a daily routine Keeping an on-going routine is crucial for productivity. You need to set a schedule and prioritize your activities accordingly. It’s important to know when
Continue readingHow Covid-19 Will Change Aging and Retirement
There is not one person on the planet who hasn’t been affected by the Coronavirus. The virus started spreading in 2019 and continued to affect people globally throughout the year 2020. Traveling was halted, lockdowns prevailed, and the economy was disrupted as the world faced an unprecedented situation throughout the globe. Not only has the pandemic caused people to stay at home throughout the year, but it has also affected our lifestyle, changing it forever. Some people are referring to the current situation as “the new normal,” indicating that we will have to adapt to this situation as this might
Continue readingMental health, Disney+, Zoom, vegan food: How COVID changed the lives of seniors
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%),
Continue reading
Kendall VanBlarcomSocial Distancing and Mental Health
If you have not been spending time with friends and family, you may be wondering about the relationship between social distancing and mental health. It is normal to feel frightened and anxious when there is a lack of control. The important thing is to connect with others in new ways and be aware of possible mental health issues, such as depression and substance abuse. When you are feeling frustrated and are not sure where to turn, connect with a counselor to talk through your feelings. As difficult as it can be, some of the best practices include eating well, getting
Continue readingVenturing Out in COVID Times
As your community reopens, you may want to venture out to restore some normalcy to your life. If so, take precautions to minimize your risk of the disease. Choose your activities wisely to avoid putting yourself in precarious situations that can lead to coronavirus infection. Here are additional precautions you can take while out to keep you safe from COVID-19: Face coverings and social distance. Wear a mask whenever you’re around others and practice social distancing. This is especially important whenever you’re in an indoor setting. Most businesses require that you wear a mask on their premises. If they don’t,
Continue readingHow Seniors Can Protect Themselves against COVID
Due to their age and compromised immune systems, seniors are at higher risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The danger is even greater during a worldwide pandemic. If you’re 60 years of age or older and suffer from chronic health conditions like heart disease, respiratory problems, cancer, or diabetes, it’s vital you protect yourself against life-threatening diseases like COVID-19. According to data from the Centers from Disease Control, seniors are twice as likely to experience severe cases of coronavirus in comparison to younger adults. When it comes to COVID, protecting yourself from infection could very well save your life.
Continue readingHow to Live in Our Changing World
We all know that change is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it is easy for us to understand or embrace a changing world. It can be scary and upsetting. Some individuals find themselves not wanting to go outside. Others may discover they have different views than someone close to them, a situation that can lead to disruptions in friend and family ties. If you are having a difficult time coping with fast changes in the world, discussing your concerns with a personal coach can help. With support, people can adapt to new circumstances. Acceptance and Communication Everyone has an encountered
Continue readingVirtual Programming Brings New Revenue for Centers
“We pulled off an unbelievable come-back,” says Mary Sanchez, a program director in Maryland. Mary’s adult day services center was closed since the outbreak of the coronavirus. In the early months during the closure, her center had lost most of its revenue. Staff were on leave without pay. Senior members were following the stay-at-home advisory, disconnected from their daily programs at the center, friends and caregivers. “I started to look into virtual programming to sustain some revenue.” Like many of us, Mary tried to use Zoom and Google Hangouts to connect with her members. It has been very challenging for
Continue reading