Minnesota currently has the largest number of uninsured people in their population, and what this means for seniors is that their financial stability and health is always at risk, because when and if a medical emergency occurs; they just might not have the means to keep themselves afloat when they need to scramble to finance their health care and pay their living costs all on a limited budget.  This may sound like a negative, and today, it is. But, as Minnesota is attempting to bring a universal health care program to the state, the financial and health implications of seniors and their families might be an advantage.

With so many people in Minnesota living without health insurance, there is even more urgency to bring in a universal health care program to make sure that residents of all ages receive health care that will prolong their lives. According to studies, due to the costs of preventative medical care, like checkups to monitor existing conditions like blood pressure, seniors avoid stepping through the doors of a doctor’s office or into a hospital until their health presents an emergency situation, and at that point, it’s not just their health but also their finances that are at a greater risk.

By implementing universal health care, seniors in Minnesota should finally be able to focus on living, without worrying about the impact healthcare has on their wallet.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

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Q – Email really helps keep me in touch with family members who live far away from my Minnesota home. Between Facebook, email and Twitter, I find our family is closer than ever even if it’s from a distance. Unfortunately though, the older generations of our family who are not online seem to be constantly left out, and now that I’m better in touch with everyone else, I feel like there is an even bigger generational gap than ever before. Is there a company that provides a service that would allow me to communicate with my grandparents and other older generations in the family, even if they are not online?

A – This does seem to be a very common problem, while some seniors in Minnesota and across the United States are getting online, not all of them are familiar with the technology and that can make it a challenge to keep in touch, especially when we’re so used to using the more modern methods of communication like Facebook, Twitter, email and other social networking sites. Fortunately, there is a company that has recognized this potential generational gap when it comes to communication, and they have provided a solution. Sunnygram allows you to email your grandmother, or another older relative who is online as part of a subscription service. Once a week, they compile a newsletter of any information or photos that you have sent in your emails to provide to your loved one. In order to get back to you, they can call a phone number where they can leave a voicemail, and what they say will be recorded in an email back to you. This is an affordable monthly subscription service, which is priceless when it puts you back in touch with those who you struggle to remain connected with.

Sources:

1. CNN

2. Inventor Spot

Image Source: sunnygram.com

Caring for a Minnesota senior with Alzheimer’s as I have been for a number of years can have its challenges, and the biggest difficulty is accommodating my care recipient’s sleeping patterns and her mood. I try to do everything I can to help improve her well-being, and I prefer to stick with natural methods because one thing I hate, is seeing seniors over medicated in order to treat their symptoms. Recently, I read an article about a study that showed that seniors with dementia can improve their sleeping patterns simply by introducing more light, either natural or artificial into their homes. Immediately after reading this, I went out and picked up some brighter light bulbs for use during the day, and made a point to ensure that the blinds are always open for a source of natural daylight.

The study said there wouldn’t be drastic changes, but I figured that anything that can help to any degree is more than worth the effort! As the study promised, within a couple of weeks it seems like my care recipient’s circadian rhythm was adjusted and she seemed to be getting more sleep at night. Her mood seemed to change, so much so that her family wondered what changes had been made to put her in better spirits. Every little thing helps when it comes to dealing with dementia, even if it’s only one part of the overall battle; it’s worth the efforts to see that a senior’s life has improved even in the most minimal ways.

Sources:

1. New York Times

2. Web MD

3. The Journal of American Medical Association

Image Source: scientificamerican.com

Growing older isn’t easy for any older adults; it can be an isolating time when dealing with the changes of aging, loss, and sometimes, an inability to live independently for the first time in their lives. The Central Minnesota Elder Care Network helps seniors cope with the changes of aging by offering one-hour counseling services for people who need some support due to the changes of life. It’s a non-profit organization, so Minnesota seniors don’t need to worry about the potential costs of receiving therapy, since there are none; the Central Minnesota Elder Care Network relies upon volunteers and donations to remain in operation.

The Central Minnesota Elder Care Network is available to seniors who are aged 55 and older, those who are feeling isolated or lonely, those struggling with an illness or injury, those who are making life-affecting decisions, and those who are suffering from grief or feeling overwhelmed can be sent a Peer Counselor just to talk to. By talking to someone, seniors can begin to cope with everything they’re dealing with, with the help of someone to listen, empathize, and help them look forward to the future.

Visit the Central Minnesota Elder Care Network

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While out and about in Minnesota you might have noticed an increase in senior citizens over the age of 65, and this is because across the United States, the senior population is higher than ever with more people living longer lives and having periods of retirement that seem to last forever. Soon, for the first time ever, the number of seniors in North America will outnumber the number of 5 year olds. As if it’s not enough that today there are some 506 million seniors in the US alone, this is expected to double by 2040 to a senior population of approximately 1.8 billion.

It’s not just the US that’s going to find an increase in their senior population either; people are living longer in countries around the world, including those that are still developing, and while the US and North America might be able to change with the impact the senior boom has upon senior services and the availability of social programs, this might not be the case in other countries. Many developing countries already struggle to provide health care and other social programs for their population, and they might just collapse under the weight of an increasing senior population.

It’s a fantastic thing that seniors are living longer lives, but in the United States and worldwide, with senior populations expected to continue growing it’s time to start preparing for this increase!

Sources:

1. Reuters

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“Turn that music down or you’ll damage your hearing!” is a statement of warning that we’ve all voiced to a teenager or heard ourselves during our youth. While usually uttered in frustration when the speaker can’t seem to hear themselves think, you might be surprised to learn that this isn’t just a mindless threat; it does hold some truth. Talk about empowerment for parents everywhere! Hearing loss isn’t only found in senior citizens, and it can occur outside of the natural process of aging due to noise related damage. Learn more about Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) by reading on and learning just what others want to know in these frequently asked questions.

Q1 – How does noise cause hearing loss?

A1 – When certain sounds are heard at unusually high levels, or that are loud and last a long time sensitive structures in the inner ear called hair cells are damaged and can never grow back; resulting in NIHL.

Q2 – Can NIHL only affect teenagers?

A2 – While there is a stigma that teenagers listen to loud music that can damage their hearing, NIHL can occur is people of any age, including the elderly. Seniors may find NIHL more dramatically affects their hearing loss if they are already suffering from age related changes.

Q3 – How loud does a sound need to be to result in NIHL?

A3 – Sounds are measured in decibels; normal noises may range between 40-80 decibels, but any noise over 85 could result in NIHL if there is prolonged or repeated exposure.

Q4 – Is there anything, besides loud music, that can cause NIHL?

A4 – Any noise above 85 decibels has the potential to cause NIHL; prolonged exposure to sounds of a woodworking shop or extremely loud traffic noises could cause hearing loss. One loud impulse sound, like an explosion can also result in NIHL.

Q5 – What are the symptoms of NIHL?

A5 – Damage from one loud sound can cause immediate symptoms, or prolonged exposure to a loud noise can result in gradual development. People suffering from NIHL may find that sounds become distorted, muffled, or may have problems understanding speech. Others, may experience no symptoms at all, and will discover the damage through a hearing test.

Q6 – Can NIHL be prevented?

A6 – While it’s impossible to avoid exposure to loud noises completely, especially when an unexpected one occurs (like an explosion) basic precautions can be taken, like wearing ear plugs when in an especially noisy environment.

Q7 – How can NIHL be treated?

A7 – Since there is no way for the damage hair cells to re-grow,  treatment methods relate to improve the hearing of affected individuals using hearing aids and assistive listening devices.

Source:

1. nidcd.nih.gov

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Minnesota currently has the largest number of uninsured people in their population, and what this means for seniors is that their financial stability and health is always at risk, because when and if a medical emergency occurs; they just might not have the means to keep themselves afloat when they need to scramble to finance their health care and pay their living costs all on a limited budget.  This may sound like a negative, and today, it is. But, as Minnesota is attempting to bring a universal health care program to the state, the financial and health implications of seniors and their families might be an advantage.

With so many people in Minnesota living without health insurance, there is even more urgency to bring in a universal health care program to make sure that residents of all ages receive health care that will prolong their lives. According to studies, due to the costs of preventative medical care, like checkups to monitor existing conditions like blood pressure, seniors avoid stepping through the doors of a doctor’s office or into a hospital until their health presents an emergency situation, and at that point, it’s not just their health but also their finances that are at a greater risk.

By implementing universal health care, seniors in Minnesota should finally be able to focus on living, without worrying about the impact healthcare has on their wallet.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Many seniors with Alzheimer’s encounter something called Sundowning; a restlessness and inability to sleep at night. This is a concern for many Minnesota families who have seniors that suffer from this disease, because at night, when they should be asleep, is the time when they are most likely to be at home alone, and when unsupervised, some sometimes incognizant of their actions, this can be a serious safety concern. Home caregivers hired to help with Minnesota seniors most often work during the day, unless they live in the senior’s home; and since this can be a more costly alternative for many families, it’s hard  to know what to do with seniors with Alzheimer’s to keep them occupied and safe during the nighttime hours.

Elderserve at Night is a one of a kind Alzheimer’s program to help families and seniors living with this disease cope during the nighttime hours when they can become the most restless and likely to injure themselves with no one available to help. With this nighttime program for seniors with Alzheimer’s, seniors are picked up from their homes and kept busy between 7am and 7pm every evening and well into the night. Seniors are given the opportunity to socialize, the engage in guided activities like painting, music, potting plants, and they are provided methods to just relax away from home where they constantly face the worries that come around when the sun sets.

With this program, seniors even receive meals, the opportunity to shower, and the chance to rest if the mood strikes them; but the top benefit is that seniors and their families know that their loved ones aren’t going to become victims of the night.

Sources:

1. NYTimes

Walkers and canes are supposed to add extra safety and security to Minnesota seniors who are recovering from an injury, suffering from osteoarthritis, or find themselves unsteady on their feet. So, if they’re supposed to help, then why are walkers and canes responsible for the 47,000 senior injuries treated in hospitals across the United States?

Walkers and canes do provide added safety, but only if they’re used properly. When they’re not used correctly, then they can actually be the cause of accidents. Seniors that use their walkers and canes wrong, tend to make the following mistakes.

• Walkers that aren’t adjusted to the right height, cause seniors to stoop and provide inadequate support that can result in falls, and cause aches and pains

• Seniors don’t use their walker to get up from a couch or chair. Anytime they go to get up, their walker should be directly in front of them, and used to pull them up

• Seniors move their walkers too far ahead when walking with it, which makes them strain to reach it and puts them in a more precarious position than if they weren’t using it in the first place

• Seniors don’t receive training in walker use from a rehabilitation clinic or physiotherapist

• Seniors might borrow a walker from a friend or family member, that wasn’t selected specifically for them or adjusted to the right height or size.

Sources:

1. The New York Times

2. About

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Many Minnesota seniors find that as they age they begin to feel less stable on their feet. Some balance problems can be attributed directly to aging, but there are other reasons that these issues can occur for which all seniors should seek a consultation from a doctor.

Causes of Balance Problems:

• Issues in the inner ear

• Disorders of the brain or the heart

• Infections

• Head injury

• Medicine

• Issues with blood circulation

• Lifestyle factors like stress, fatigue, allergies, smoking, or alcohol use

Often balance isn’t just about lack of stability; and one of the first signs of any of the above factors that can affect a senior’s balance is dizziness. The first step to dealing with balance problems is to speak up; although seniors may be reluctant as they believe changes in balance prove that they’re getting old, these medical problems must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. The best thing seniors can do is to make an appointment with a primary care physical and be honest about what they’ve been dealing with.

It is possible to prevent certain health issues that can contribute to balance problems. Issues in the inner ear can be prevented through simple diet and lifestyle changes; specific treatment options do depend upon the specific diagnosis, generally, better eating and a more active lifestyle can help to prevent the development of balance problems. Once a doctor has pinned down the specific reasons why a senior is unsteady on their feet, they can help provide advice to treat and prevent the major system, which is declining balance.

Sources:

1. NIH Senior Health

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