Healthy Vacations

When the humid weather hits families begin daydreaming about exotic vacation spots or summer getaways. While calling a travel agent and booking a budget friendly vacation is important; so is protecting senior citizens when traveling.

Whether your destination is close to home or thousands of miles away, most senior citizens will want to be included in their families’ vacation plans. Their health needs to be a top priority on your vacation “to-do” lists. A Healthy Travel: A 10-Minute Consult from Harvard Medical School report gives tips for providing a safe and healthy trip for your families, including senior citizens by carrying these following items:

1.  Prescription medications. Take at least a week’s supply in your carry-on (if you’re flying) and store anything beyond a week’s supply in your regular luggage.

2. Other prescription medication. Depending on your destination and personal medical history, consider asking your doctor about taking along antibiotic for self-treatment, etc.

3. Take along allergy medications, such as antihistamine and 1% hydrocortisone cream for mild allergic reactions. If you or your traveling companion has a history of severe allergic reaction, bring an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen).

5. Bring cold-symptom medications, including a decongestant and throat lozenges.

6. Have “other” medication readily available, such as but not limited too: motion sickness medication; pain relievers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen); anti fungal and antibacterial ointments; lubricating eye drops; and first aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, an elastic bandage, antiseptic, etc.).

These healthy tips are needed for keeping senior citizens safe during a vacation, so they can enjoy it.

It is also is vitally important for senior citizens to pick the correct destination for their vacations. When senior citizens have accomplished the goal of retirement, they deserve to enjoy a great getaway that is specifically geared towards them and their age. It is first, very important that senior citizens consult their doctors guidance before departing.

One vacation idea for senior citizens is a weight photo wander. This especially is a good idea if the senior citizens loves photography. On these activities, senior citizens are able to go on led tours of beautiful spots. Senior citizens can capture moments of wonderment in nature or fun pictures of the grandchildren.

Attending a luxury cruise trip is another good idea for a vacation for middle-agers. They will enjoy finding themselves in the company of other visitors their age. These cruises include activities such as sailing trips or other friendly and cheap deals for an elderly person, on a discount. It is also satisfactory as a senior citizen if you’re confident you’re safe and sound during your expedition.

Simple trips or bigger adventures can be both exciting or scary for senior citizens. It is important to have both your health and proper destination ”to-do lists” checked off and completed. This will ensure both a fun and safe vacation for senior citizens and their families.

**This article was written with the aid of the following articles**:

http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Travel/2008/20080613-TakingThese.htm

http://matisa89.hubpages.com/hub/VacationSuggestionsforSeniorcitizensThatTheyWillActuallyEnjoy

(Photo Credit: discoverbeautifulcruises.com)

Senior Citizens and Sun Exposure

Photo Credit (www.griswoldhomecare.com)
Senior Citizens Sun Safety

The hot, humid weather of May after the April showers also brings to light the concern with senior citizens and sun safety. It is tempting to run outside whenever the sun rays shine through the windows. Before spending countless hours in the sun, it is important to be educated and take caution with sun safety. 

   The risk of skin cancer increases with age. In fact, skincancer.org reports “between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer”.  It is common thought that senior citizens do not need protection from the sun. However, it is never too late or too soon to begin protecting yourself or an elder you love, from the sun.

Following these tips from The Skin Cancer Foundation, is the first step in sun-safety:

• Encourage the wearing of protective clothing, wear broad-brimming hats and UV-filtering sunglasses on outdoor excursions.
• Encourage the application of water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before excursions
• Consider  the application of UV- blocking film to windows
• Participate in any outdoor activities during the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM (also ensure frequent “shade breaks”)

Following sun safety tips is only the first step in protecting senior citizens. Being educated on sun myths vs. truths is also extremely vital.

Here are a few myths and the truth about them:

Myth #1: Seniors need constant sun to supply vitamin D.

Truth: Seniors should only have about 15 minutes or less of sun exposure two or three times during the week. If they have this exposure on their face and hands, they will produce adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Also, Vitamin D is not only found in the sun, it is also found in foods and in multivitamins. Cautions such as wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are necessary.

Myth #2: Seniors only need to apply sunscreen once a day.

Truth: Sunscreen should be applied by seniors an hour before venturing into the sun and be reapplied about every two hours; if the senior is swimming or in the ocean then the sunscreen should be applied more frequently. The sunscreen should also have a broad spectrum of protection that blocks UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause tanning and wrinkling while the UVB rays cause sunburn, aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.

Myth #3: Seniors only need sunscreen at the pool or beach.

Truth: The elderly should wear sunscreen any time they are outside longer than 15 minutes. If a senior is exercising or working in the yard, they should avoid too much sun exposure.

Myth #4: Sunburn is the only problem seniors should worry about when exposed to the sun

Truth: This is not true. With the exposure to too much sun, senior citizens are also at risk for hurting their eyes. The UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eyes. Senior citizens should always wear sunglasses and these shades chosen should be brown, gray or green lenses. These darker and larger lenses are better at protecting the eyes. The shades should also wrap around the eyes and block a high percentage of UV rays.

**This article was written with the aid of these following sites: **

 http://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/your-community/senior-centers

http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Seniors_320/Families_Urged_to_Help_Seniors_Be_Sun_Smart_printer.shtml

Cold and Flu

It’s that time of the year again. The tissue boxes and cough drops are making their appearance. RetireEase Senior Services has issued this article on precautions that senior adults can take to hopefully prevent an oncoming cold or influenza virus.

 

            Having the flu is never a pleasant experience for anyone. The virus is brutal, usually accompanied by exhaustion, an aching body, coughing, and a fever among other symptoms. For the younger adults, the flu is not quite so serious. It may just mean a few days off from school or work and lots of tissues and chicken noodle soup. But the flu is a much greater threat to senior citizens; ultimately, the virus can be fatal. As the body ages, the immune system becomes weaker, making it harder and harder to bounce right back from an illness. Plus, the flu itself is not always the problem. The flu can cause other medical issues an older adult might have to become more serious, especially if the senior has diseases or problems dealing with his or her respiratory system. The most effective way to prevent the flu  is to get an annual flu shot. Seniors should consult their doctors about this; senior adults would need to receive the vaccination early enough for it to start working before the flu virus comes into contact with him or her. The other precautions that can be taken to avoid the flu virus are similar to the ones that can be taken to avoid the common cold as well.

(cartoon from: stuffunemployedpeoplelike.com)

           

            The common cold is just what it states- it’s common. But, just like influenza, a common cold for a senior citizen can be more threatening than for a younger generation. There are multiple things one can do to minimize the chance of catching a cold. During this season when it seems that everyone is constantly coughing and sneezing, it bodes well to wash your hands often. Think of the doorknobs, remotes, cell phones, and other items that sick people have touched. It is a little hard to twist a doorknob with your toes, so just wash your hands afterward, since it cannot be helped. This also means limiting the contact between your hands and your eyes/nose/mouth. Touching an infected doorknob and then touching your face is a sure way to transmit the cold to your body.  An obvious answer is to avoid, if possible, people who are infected. If you absolutely have to be near them, just remember to keep washing your hands as much as possible. Also, remember to drink plenty of water. It’s vital that we drink water to stay healthy, and it’s important to drink even more water during this season so that our bodies can fight off sickness better. A senior also needs to get the appropriate amount of sleep and food to stay healthy. A body that is busy fighting off a virus needs to be regenerated and taken care of, so sleep and nutrition is essential. Taking vitamins, especially Vitamin C, will also help the body to be in it’s top form to battle a cold. 

 

Remember, influenza and the common cold can become a large threat to senior citizens and precautionary measures should become a priority to keep older adults healthy and feeling well.

 

 

 

***The information to write this article was provided by these articles:

link to article: http://www.healthwellness1.com/influenza/flu-risks-for-senior-citizens.html

link to website: http://www.healthwellness1.com/

link to article: http://www.essortment.com/common-cold-prevention-10-tips-37676.html

link to website: http://www.essortment.com/

 

Senior Citizens and Exercising

Even though senior citizens are older it certainly doesn’t mean that they have to or should stop exercising. Even those elderly that may have certain physical or health disabilities or conditions can have daily exercise programs. As with any age, daily exercise has long-term health benefits. The National Institutes of Health’s SeniorHealth recommends four types of exercises for seniors. This includes the categories of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

Endurance Exercises

Running, jogging, walking and biking are all examples of endurance exercises. Endurance exercises increase your heart rate, circulation and breathing rate since you rely on your cardiovascular system to keep your body in motion. These endurance exercises improve your overall health and well-being because they help increase lung capacity and improve the functioning of the heart & circulatory system. Endurance exercises should run 30 minutes in length. These exercises should also be done at your own pace, so you can get complete satisfaction out of it.

Strength Exercises

Weightlifting and targeted exercises such as abdominal curls or leg lifts are examples of strength exercises. Your daily exercises such as lifting groceries out of the trunk of your car, are examples as well. Strength exercises can build up your muscles and can improve your ability to perform simple daily activities. When certain areas of your body are strengthened, such as the lower back, it can reduce your risk of injury.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises are recommended for seniors as a way to prevent injuries due to falls or lack of balance. If your perform certain balance exercises, such as standing on one foot, can help improve coordination and balance and reduce your risk of injury. These exercises can also build your muscles to help improve your stability.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility and being limber can improve certain daily activities also. When performing tasks, such as reaching into a cabinet or doing laundry, you’ll appreciate benefits of performing flexibility exercises. These exercises can help reduce your risk of joint injury. Some exercise programs such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi are all helpful in improving your personal flexibility. These programs can be found at local gyms.

**This article was written with the aid of www.livestrong.com. (http://www.livestrong.com/article/411396-good-exercises-for-senior-citizens/)

Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia and Senior Citizens.

It is a scary reality for any senior citizen to face. The fact that their forgetting little facts, people’s names or even recalling memories is more than just “growing older”. Perhaps there is a more serious cause of all these lapses in memory. Maybe it is something as serious as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  These big names sound daunting and life altering, which they can be. However, knowing the signs and preventative measures for both, can help reduce the disease and make it easier to live with.

Frist of all:  What is Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Dementia is the general term for the severe decline in mental ability in senior citizens that may hinder their daily life. Unlike other diseases, this term is not one for a specific disease. It refers to a wide range of symptoms associated with decline in memory or thinking skills. Some of the more specific diseases that fall under the umbrella of “dementia” is Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (which occurs after a stroke), and others.

Dementia is caused by a variety of symptoms including reversible issues like a problem with the thyroid or a vitamin deficiency. It is often wrongly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” both of which reflect a formerly widespread and incorrect belief that serious mental decline is simply “a normal part of aging.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. (It accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases).  It causes issues with memory, thinking and behavior. The symptoms typically develop slowly and progressively get worse with time. They can even become severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.  Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Many patients of this disease are 65 or older however. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but treatments are available to give more time for someone suffering from the disease. Also, new research on the disease is being conducted daily.

Here are the 10 Warning Signs for Alzheimer ’s disease:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
4. Confusion with time or place.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood or personality.

Both of these diagnoses can be scary. Losing one’s memory or ability to conduct daily activities can be frightening or even devastating. However, resources are available for family members or senior citizens suffering from these diseases. Help is available. If you need more information or want someone to talk to about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with:  visit or call alz.org/10signs or 800.272.3900.

**This blog post was written with the aid of information gathered from alz.org.

 

 

Senior Adults and Driving Concerns

It is important to understand that it is normal for people’s driving abilities to change as they grow older. It is even more important to be aware of the warning signs that age might be hindering the ability to drive safely. Here are some concerns to take note of that may affect driving:

• Pain or weakness in the body parts used for driving may cause issues for driving safely on the road. Some examples of this are if a senior is having difficulty turning his or her neck to look over the shoulder or if reduced strength in a senior’s arms it difficult to have quick reaction time.
• Reaction time is a very important issue to be aware of. A person’s reaction time may be slower because of age and this could result in a serious injury.
• Medications may also be a hindrance on safe driving. Certain types of medications or taking multiple medications at a time may have an effect on the body while driving.
• Hearing and eyesight problems can interfere with the ability to notice traffic light/signs or hear emergency sirens.

 

However, aging does not automatically mean that seniors cannot drive at all. There are numerous precautions and steps that can be taken to help seniors keep driving safely.

• Seniors need to schedule and attend regular check-ups with their doctors. Staying healthy is vital and will help decrease any problems on the road due to health concerns.
• It is important for senior adults to get their eyes and ears checked every year. This includes making sure corrective lenses and hearing aids are correct and up-to-date and these should be worn when driving if prescribed by a doctor.
• It is important to make sure that a senior’s medications do not cause problems on the road. He or she should consult their doctor to discuss how the medicine will affect their driving abilities, before they take it and get behind the wheel.
• It seems simple, but getting an adequate amount of sleep is crucial for continuing to drive safely. 
• Owning and driving the right car can also help seniors drive safely. Choose a car that is an automatic with power steering and power brakes. It also helps to keep the car “healthy” as well, with regular trips to the mechanic.
• In today’s busy and distracted world, it is critical for seniors to drive defensively. This means leaving ample space in between cars while driving and constantly being aware of the surroundings. As well as trying to stay as focused as possible on the road without the distractions of a map or cell phone. If they absolutely must be used, pull over to the side of the road.

Even though aging is not the equivalent of poor driving, it is essential to understand that sometimes seniors must adjust to a life where driving is no longer an option. This may be difficult at first, but it can be beneficial to seniors once they understand what this life entails.

• If seniors are no longer driving, this can actually save them money. They no longer need to buy gas or spend money on trips to their local mechanic.
• This can also be a health benefit. Giving up driving can create more chances to cycle or walk to the places that seniors need to get to, if it is not too far. Regular exercise is vital for great health and this is a good way to exercise everyday.
• This can also help seniors enjoy the benefits of an expanded social life. If some senior adults are unable to cycle/walk to most places, they can simply carpool with a friend. If this makes a person uncomfortable and feel like he or she might be intruding on another person’s time or schedule, it can be suggested to offer the friend gas money or do the driver a small favor in return.

 

It can be difficult for loved ones to approach the topic of driving to senior adults, especially if the decision has been made to stop driving because of safety concerns.

Here are some suggestions for making the conversation flow smoothly when speaking to a senior adult about his or her driving safety.

• This conversation needs to be spoken with kindness and respect because this may be a difficult change for a senior adult. Make sure to empathize with his or her feelings during this adjustment.
• If there are multiple loved ones who have noticed these safe driving concerns, bring them into this discussion as well. The senior might take the suggestion better if they know that one person is not simply nagging about the senior adult’s driving. He or she understands that it is a true issue.
• Make sure that solutions and alternatives are brought up in the conversation as well. The senior adult needs to understand that there are other ways to get to the places they need to go. Do not just let them think that because they cannot drive anymore, that they are not able to go anywhere now.
• The senior adult will be able to comprehend the situation better if he or she is presented with actual concerns. Do not just say “Your driving is poor.” They need to hear exactly what issues might harm them while driving such as, “The last time we rode together, and you almost missed that stop sign on Main Street.”

 

As people age, it is important to take note of the warning signs that driving may become an issue. This does not always mean that seniors need to stop driving. There are precautions and tips that can be taken to maximize safety on the road. However, if there comes a time when a senior must stop driving for his or her own safety; remember to approach the conversation with a few key suggestions in mind to help the conversation go smoother.

                       

*** This was written with the aid of the article “Senior Citizens and Driving: Safety Tips, Warning Signs and Knowing When to Stop” written by Joanna Saisan, M.S.W., Monika White, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson.

 

Link to the article:  http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm  

 

Link to site:  http://www.helpguide.org/    

 

 

2013 Leader in Excellence

With a new year, comes new goals and chances to strive for success. Also, comes recognition for hard work in the previous year. RetireEASE Senior Service is excited to share that we’ve been named Best of Home Care 2013 Leader in Excellence for 2013. This prestigious recognition is awarded to those who achieve in 10 or more categories in the Best of Home Care for at least 12 consecutive months.

This honor is only achieved by the hard work of our wonderful staff, caregivers, and patients of RetireEase Senior Services. We extend our gratitude to the driven individuals who make our company a success.  2013 will only be another year of our staff working for the success and happiness of our patients.

Thank you, to all who made this award possible!