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14 Jun, 2022
Helping Seniors with Independent Living Through Occupational Therapy
01 Apr, 2022
Finally, Thanksgiving is upon us! A time filled with friends, family, great food, and laughter. However, one thing that makes this holiday different from other American holidays is its emphasis on gratefulness. Thanksgiving is all about appreciating those around us and being grateful for the things we have, aside from its historical significance of course. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a friend, the holidays provide a great opportunity to keep your relationship with a senior strong. Here are a few fun activities for family members and seniors to participate in: Baking This is a great activity for seniors as well as the whole family, especially since food is a staple at Thanksgiving. Some things worth baking during this season are things like pumpkin pie, apple pie, cheesecake, or simple things like chocolate-chip cookies. The children can also join, helping bake the cookies and then decorating them. For healthier baked goods, one can look online or ask the senior for some dessert recipes. What would make the senior happier than baking something from their childhood? Relive Moments Through Scrapbooking If you have a pile of photographs that you’ve been saving, now is the perfect time to bring them out! This is also a great activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s as a photograph and recalling when it was snapped might jog their memory. Decorating the scrapbook with stickers and other items might even invite the kids to join in as well. Later on, the kids will inherit the scrapbooks and be able to look back on the great memories they’ve made. Holiday Decorating Decorating the house for the holidays is another festive activity which seniors can most definitely participate in. Put out some cinnamon-scented pine cones or even some autumn colored trinkets to the space. Go outside and collect some beautiful fall-time leaves which have fallen down. Another great idea is taking the senior to a pumpkin patch and picking out some pumpkins to decorate the front of the house. Shopping Many might overlook this festive activity, however seniors can be brought along to help with the Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only will they be great company, but they might also provide some tips for which items to purchase. Have the senior hold the shopping list and keep track of all the items you buy, this will ensure that nothing is forgotten. After that, have the senior pick a place where they would like to eat and thank them for their help.
31 Mar, 2022
The brain is like a super-machine, working faster per second than any computer on the market. However, as we get older it tends to slow down resulting in things like forgetfulness and problems with memory/cognitive functions. Many seniors fear memory loss, and for good reason. After all, our memories form a significant part of who we are. When we lose them, we feel as though we lose pieces of ourselves. It is therefore vital to keep the brain as healthy as possible. There are many things that seniors can do to help keep their brains sharp. Improve Sleeping Habits Everyone knows how important sleep is, so it should be of no surprise that sleep also helps maintain and improve cognitive functions. A good night’s rest is also essential for the consolidation of memories. Unfortunately, many seniors report having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for a full night’s rest which ranges from seven to nine hours. Seniors should try changing some habits if they are experiencing problems falling asleep such as… Sticking to a consistent sleeping schedule Making the bedroom darker, quieter, less cluttered Eliminating caffeine a few hours before bed Turning off all electronics an hour before bed Avoiding consumption of dense food before bed Reduce Stress Stress is something that everyone experiences, some more than others. Even though it is a normal part of life, seniors especially should focus on reducing their stress levels as emotional tension acts as a barrier to the creation and retrieval of memories. When the cognitive load is bigger than the brain’s ability to handle it, you can’t learn or consolidate new knowledge as effectively. There are a number of effective ways to reduce stress and mental distractions. Learning to say no if you feel like you need some downtime Paying close attention to a new piece of information you want to remember for at least 10 seconds. Do one thing at a time, avoid multitasking Let people know how you really feel instead of keeping your emotions hidden Get Moving! Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes has many great benefits, including keeping your brain sharp. This is due to an increase in heart rate which pumps more oxygenated blood into the body, thus boosting the amount of oxygen received by the brain leading to cognitive improvements. Frequent exercise also lowers your risk of developing other diseases which impair the brain such as Alzheimer’s. Have Fun and Socialize Socializing with others and having fun not only boosts dopamine, but also maintains brain functioning! Brains are wired for relationships and communication. Thus when we interact with others, we reap cognitive benefits. Some opportunities for socializing and having fun for seniors include: Going on fun day outings with friends Making friends with others with a great sense of humor Joining clubs that interest you Hosting a gathering at home
10 Mar, 2022
The moment we’ve all been waiting for… the COVID-19 vaccine has finally been released! Even more surprising, not only has one vaccine been approved and released, but rather two. These incredible vaccines go by the names of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. Both have been available to Americans since December and are considered mRNA vaccines. What Are Their Similarities? Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA vaccines. What does that mean exactly? Well to put it in simpler terms, they both use messenger RNA which tells cells to produce a protein on the surface of the virus. The immune system in turn, recognizes the vaccine-spike proteins as pathogens and produces antibodies to block future attacks of the virus causing COVID-19. Another thing that both vaccines have in common is that they were both developed in the United States and require two doses for maximum effectiveness and protection from COVID-19. How Are They Different? Even though Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA vaccines, there are quite a few differences between them. For instance, the Moderna vaccine’s pricing is $15 while Pfizer’s is $20. It is no wonder then that these vaccines have mostly been purchased by high-income countries like the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Further, Moderna can be stored in a refrigerator for a whole month, does not need to be diluted, and needs to be kept frozen for longer-term storage. Pfizer on the other hand, must be mixed prior to being used, maybe stored at -13 to 5 degrees Ferenheit for up to 2 weeks, longer storage must be at -112 to -76 degrees Ferenheit. Safety and Side Effects Unfortunately, there may be some side effects Unfortunately, there may be some side effects associated with Moderna and Pfizer however adverse or allergic reactions to these vaccines are rare. Some mild to moderate side effects seen in clinical trials ranged from pain at the injection site, aching muscles and joints, and/or fatigue. Before getting vaccinated, it would be wise to inform a healthcare professional if one has an allergy to any of the vaccines ingredients. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions and/or anaphylaxis should also consult their physician before receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Can Some Vaccines Work Better Than Others? There has been a lot of controversy whether some vaccines are more effective against the Coronavirus than others. Many health care experts claim that all vaccines are effective, however since trials were conducted at different times, it isdifficult to estimate their effectiveness figures. However in one specific large-scale trial for Pfizer, the vaccine was shown to prevent about 95% of symptomatic COVID-19, one percent more than the Moderna vaccine. This trial contributed to many believing the Pfizer vaccine to be more effective against COVID than Moderna. Additionally, studies conducted also showed both vaccines to be equally protective across all ethnic and racial groups. Things to Keep in Mind Even though the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been released and distributed to the public, it is still unclear as to how long they will continue to protect individuals. Due to this, companies will continue following volunteers for 2 years further testing the vaccines and if their immunity beings to wave. It has even been said that periodic booster shots will be given to extend immunity and protect against new variants of the virus.
09 Mar, 2022
As the body ages, it tends to lose necessary vitamins and nutrients. This makes it our job to maintain a healthy diet and take vitamins to replenish what has been lost. Even though there is an overwhelming amount and variety of vitamins on the market, here are some top physician recommended vitamins for seniors 60 years and older. VITAMIN B12 This vitamin is highly recommended for seniors and adults alike. This is due to the fact that it produces blood as well as nerve cells. Vitamin B12 is derived from animal foods such as fish, meat, dairy, and eggs. However, aging makes it harder to absorb this vitamin from food, especially if one is diagnosed with atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is a condition affecting 30 percent of Americans aged 50 and over. Individuals diagnosed with atrophic gastritis have a difficult time absorbing nutrients from food and are therefore required to take specific vitamins. Some contributing factors to a B12 deficit are some medications, antacids, and weight loss surgeries. VITAMIN D Vitamin D is another necessary vitamin for seniors as it is needed for the absorption of calcium. Calcium and Vitamin D are significant in that they help prevent osteoporosis, a condition where bone strength weakens and becomes prone to fractures. Another reason why seniors are recommended to take Vitamin D is that it helps nerves, muscles, and the immune system function adequately. Although it is true that humans can acquire vitamin D from sunlight, it becomes more difficult to convert the sun’s rays into this vitamin as one ages. OMEGA-3 Omega-3 is essential for seniors as it is important for the eyes, brain, and sperm cells. These fatty acids cannot be made by the body, therefore it needs to be supplied through pills or food. Some foods high in Omega-3 content are fatty-fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed. In addition, omega-3s may also protect against alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and arthritis. MAGNESIUM Magnesium is another great and often forgotten supplement for seniors. Not only does it help the body make protein for bones, but it also helps helps keep your blood sugar stable. Magnesium can be derived from leafy greens, nuts, and seeds however seniors tend to eat less of these and prefer to take magnesium in a pill form. Additionally, the majority of seniors take medications which tend to leave them short of magnesium. SELENIUM Selenium is one nutrient which many might not know about, but is essential to the human body. It works to protect the cells from infection, damage, and keeps the thyroid healthy. Further, selenium has also been linked to prevent age-related illnesses like dementia, certain types of cancer, and thyroid disease. An easy way to supplement selenium is to include one to two brazil nuts a day into your diet, or simply take it in a pill form. Make sure to not eat too many brazil nuts, as too much selenium may cause hair loss.
08 Mar, 2022
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important in keeping diseases at bay, supporting longevity, and boosting energy levels. This is especially true for seniors because as the body ages, many health requirements change such as vitamin and water intake. The majority of seniors today cope with vitamin deficiency as well as dehydration due to the failure of incorporating proper nutrition into their daily lives. Fortunately, eating healthier is easier than most think! It is a good idea to start off simple. Swap the sugary sodas for water and try incorporating these 5 health-boosting foods into your diet.
08 Mar, 2022
Over 25 percent of all older adults are affected by arthritis and are on some sort of medication for it. Although many believe that prescribed medicine is the only way to treat arthritis, there are other treatments available. One effective and simple method of treating arthritis is exercise. Exercise is beneficial for individuals with arthritis as it lubricates the joints, keeps them flexible, and helps lessen the pain. Additionally, exercising helps shed those extra pounds which put a lot of strain on the joints and makes them stiff Therefore, do not hesitate to incorporate exercise into your daily routines! Before starting any exercise plan, have a doctor’s approval. An individualized exercise perscription from the doctor usually includes low-impact exercises from these categories: Endurance Exercises-​ Helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces swelling in joints Balance Exercises-​ Improves proprioception (ability to know where you are in space). Prevents falls. Range-of-Motion Exercises​- Relieves stiffness and improves flexibility. Strengthening Exercises-​ Helps muscles support the joints. YOGA One great exercise for people with arthritis is yoga. It encourages better posture by making you stronger and more flexible. Some studies have shown how yoga may even prevent inflammation and help protect against some chronic inflammatory diseases. Participating in yoga in the long run could also improve heart health. One study done found that participants 40 years or older who took yoga for 5 years had a significantly lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. WALKING Another beneficial and fairly easy exercise for people with arthritis is… walking! Many might not know this but walking is very beneficial not only for arthritis patients, but for everyone! Begin by taking a 15 minute walk first and then slowly progressing each day. That means that if you started with a 15 minute walk on the first day, increase it to a 30 minute walk the next and so on. This will improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, and support flexibility. SWIMMING If a senior is suffering from arthritis in multiple area, the best exercise for them would be swimming, This is due to the fact that water takes the weight off of joints and allows them to move further with less pain. If the senior does not know how to swim, sign them up for water aerobic classes where you spend the majority of time standing on the bottom of the pool. Better yet, sign up for the water aerobic class with the senior to provide support and spend some quality time with them. WEIGHT LIFTING Although lifting weights might seem intimidating, it is one of the most beneficial exercises for seniors with arthritis. Weight lifting strengthens muscles and helps ease joint pain and stiffness. One study found that seniors with arthritis who performed strength training exercises twice a week for two years improved muscle strength by 59 percent. Furthermore, reductions in pain, inflammation, and stiffness were also reported. Another reason why arthritis patients should weight lift is because strength training can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is significant because many medications used to treat arthritis can increase the risk of osteoporosis (a condition that weakens the bones).
07 Mar, 2022
What is Diabetes? Diabetes comes in three forms, Diabetes 1, Diabetes 2, and Gestational Diabetes which usually occurs in pregnant women and will not be discussed in this article. The first form also known as Diabetes Mellitus is when the pancreas does not produce insulin. This occurs when the body attacks the pancreas with antibodies resulting in its failure of providing insulin. It primarily begins in young children and adults but impacts them for the rest of their lives. Type 2 Diabetes, however, is when the body fails to produce or use insulin effectively. It is the most common type of Diabetes and occurs in middle-aged and older adults. It is crucial to monitor diabetes and receive proper treatment otherwise, serious health issues like heart disease, eye problems, and nerve damage can arise. Currently, there is no cure for Diabetes, but with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, one can live a long and happy life. Symptoms of Diabetes 1 Symptoms of Diabetes 1 have been reported as… Thirst Frequent urination Extreme hunger Bed-wetting Mood swings Unintended weight loss Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Symptoms of Diabetes 2 Some common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include but are not limited to feeling tired, increased hunger or thirst, losing weight without trying, blurred vision, and urinating often. Healing slowly from cuts and bruises or developing skin infections have also been reported. It is very important to get checked regularly for diabetes, especially for seniors as many of them claim that what they are experiencing are just symptoms of “getting old.” On the contrary, these could be signs of a serious and underlying problem. Testing for Diabetes Some common blood tests to help diagnose Diabetes include… Fasting Plasma Glucose Test – Must be taken after having gone without food for at least 8 hours. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – Taken after fasting overnight and again 2 hours after drinking a surgery drink. (Not given for Type 2 Diabetes.) A1C Test – Can be given at anytime during the day. Shows the average glucose levels from the past 3 months. Random Plasma Glucose Test – Given at anytime during the day. Managing Diabetes There are a number of ways to help manage diabetes, one of them being a change in lifestyle. For instance, implementing exercise and a healthy diet into one’s daily routine can improve the quality and satisfaction of life. Before starting any diet or fitness regime, it is, however, crucial to meet with healthcare professionals such as doctors, diabetes educators, dietitians, and fitness coaches. Furthermore, the right medication also plays a significant role in managing diabetes. Insulin injections, diabetes pills, and other medications helping with high blood pressure and cholesterol might be prescribed. Usually, once a patient has been diagnosed with diabetes, a healthcare team creates a diabetes management plan specifically for that person. The plan is based on health goals, lifestyle preferences, and other health conditions present. Some things that the diabetes management plan covers and teaches are things like: how to track your glucose levels, make healthy food choices, be active, and take your medications.
06 Mar, 2022
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to external skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores usually develop on the skin covering the heels, ankles, hips, tailbone, and other bony areas of the body. This is one of the most common conditions, especially among bedridden individuals or those spending a significant amount of time sitting or maintaining the same position. According to the National Pressure Inquiry Advisory Panel, about 2.5 million patients develop bedsores each year, and 60,000 of those infected die as a result. Three Causes of Bed Sores Damage to the skin and interrupted blood flow may occur from: Pressure from sitting or lying down for a prolonged amount of time without shifting position Shearing occurring when one’s body slides in a bed or chair resulting in the skin sliding or pulling away from the underlying supportive tissues Rubbing or friction resulting from transfers, such as when the body is dragged over bedsheets Which Individuals Are Most at Risk? Although there are many groups such as bed-ridden patients, those with spinal cord injuries, and very young persons, the most at-risk group for developing pressure ulcers are seniors. Seniors over 70 years have a high risk of developing pressure ulcers because their skin thins, loses elasticity, and becomes more fragile as they age. Bed-ridden seniors and those in a wheelchair are even more likely to develop bedsores. Therefore, is it crucial for caregivers to pay particular attention and provide the right care for these individuals. In addition, lifestyle factors as well as chronic health conditions affecting blood circulation can further increase the risk. These include conditions such as cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, hip fractures, and heart disease. Warning Signs of Skin Breakdown One noticeable sign of skin breakdown is a change in skin color. These marks may be purple or blue in darker-skinned individuals and pink or red in lighter-skinned individuals. Some other signs indicating skin breakdown are unusual fluctuations in skin temperature and changes in tissue consistency. Skin excessively warm to the touch indicates inflammation whereas the opposite signifies poor circulation or no blood flow to that particular area. Noticeable changes in tissue consistency include the affected areas feeling exceptionally soft or different from the surrounding healthy tissue. Deep bruises near at-risk areas are another warning sign indicating significant damage below the skin. They should be monitored closely in case it turns into a sore. Skin Care Tips In order to maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier, it is important to keep it moisturized. Natural moisture creams should be implemented in ones’ daily routine to shield the skin, especially from things like urine and stool. Another tip is to stay hydrated throughout the day. This will ensure that the skin stays plump and resilient. It also allows the skin to retain moisture, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
05 Mar, 2022
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. In present-day America, more than 5 million people age 65 and older are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This cognitive disease causes a decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills that impacts a person’s ability to function independently. Although the cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, there are a number of things one can do to prevent it.
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