Although abuse of medications can be an issue amongst the senior population, improper medication use isn’t just an issue who do it intentionally. Improper medication use can occur in seniors who have a daily drug cocktail that they’re prescribed and they forget to take their prescriptions according to schedule or double up on their dosages inadvertently. In order to help seniors manage their medications with proper use, seniors should check out a new smart prescription box.

uBox Smart Pill Box Features:

• Storage - 14 chambers for pill dispensing for 2 weeks worth of medication or multiple types of prescriptions

• Alert system – seniors who find themselves unable to remember when it’s time to take their medications are alerted with flashing lights and a buzzer

• Protection against duplication – so seniors do not accidentally take the same medication again, seniors cannot get the device to open unless it’s time to take a pill

1. MIT News

2. TrendHunter

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Gardening is a great pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, but it is a hobby that often older adults take on during retirement once they have more time to really nurture the items that they’ve planted and enjoy the experience. The benefits of gardening can affect the overall health in Minnesota seniors in the following ways:

1. Exercise – gardening is a low impact cardiovascular workout that has benefits to the heart. More strenuous gardening, like hauling rocks can equate to 600 calories an hour, but lighter activities have their benefits too! Gardening is said to work all the major muscle groups and can increase flexibility, balance and strength.

2. Nutrition – if you plant a garden with fresh fruits and vegetables, you will take pride in what you created and will be more likely to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet with your produce straight from the garden, which once planted, is also budget friendly!

3. Stress reduction – gardening helps reduce stress, even just from allowing you to be out in nature. The colors and smells are stimulating and stress relieving, and the activities can help you take your mind off of the things that are on your mind. Horticulture therapy is a common practice, and it can even help those who are sick recover faster!

Via: Associated Content

Image: townshipofstickney.org

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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