Seniors
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Related Issues: Deafness, Elder
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Journals
- on Elder Abuse and Trauma
Resouces: Seniors,
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Mature Smart
Books: Grandpa
Knows Best
Mature Smart - a commercial site, but the products are
straight-forward and useful, very appropriate for an older or
disabled person. www.maturesmart.com/
A Dementia That Can Kill Quickly
People with frontotemporal dementia have shorter life spans than
Alzheimer's patients, study finds.
Study Disputes Menopause-Memory Link
Despite frequent complaints of forgetfulness among women going
through menopause, a new study suggests their memories are just
fine.
Better With Age? Men's Sex Lives Better at 50
Than 30
Research shows men in their 50s are more satisfied than men in their
30s -- where do the rest rank?
Source: www.webmd.com/content/article/119/113194
Anesthesia Can Dim Elderly Patients'
Minds
Effects can last two years after surgery, study says.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=521967
Tai Chi Chih Boosts Shingles Immunity In
Older Adults
Fifteen weeks of tai chi chih practice may have helped a small group
of older adults increase the levels of immune cells that help protect
their body against the shingles virus, according to a new study.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC254/333/29758/369559.html?d=dmtICNNews
AMA Offers Web Guide On Elderly
Drivers
The American Medical Association is offering a new Internet guide to
help doctors decide whether their elderly patients are still fit to
drive.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/8896/367546.html?d=dmtICNNews
New Treatment for Chronic Eczema
New research reveals hope for the millions of people throughout the
world who suffer from chronic eczema.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=8006442
Improper Drugs
Prescribed for Elderly
One in five elderly Americans filled
prescriptions for drugs considered inappropriate for older patients,
according to a study of 1999 insurance claims. Of the 765,000
patients age 65 or older in the study, nearly 20% ordered two or
three drugs "of concern," says the study in the Archives of
Medicine. The drugs that were commonly misprescribed included two
antidepressants, anitriptyline and doxepin. An accompanying editorial
calls the rate of errors, even if exaggerated, "a significant failure
in the American health care system." It suggests a computerized
system that would alert pharmacists to possibly inappropriate
prescriptions or dosages.
Source: USA Today
Envy Eats Away at Everyone
Jealousy much the same in men and women, study says.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513708
Through Sickness and in Health
When one spouse cares for the other.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512754
Surgery Better Than Drugs For Serious
Lack Of Blood Flow To The Heart
Surgery or angioplasty to improve blood flow in patients with
moderate to severe levels of blood flow restriction to the heart
reduces the risk of cardiac death more than medication alone,
researchers report.
Source: American Heart Association , www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/21291/364951.html?d=dmtICNNews
Bush Pledges To
Support Rural Medicare
The White House will support increased Medicare funds for rural
hospitals when Congress considers overhauling the federal health care
program for older people.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/8896/364907.html?d=dmtICNNews
Hearing Tests
Hearing tests can determine if you have hearing loss and can help to
identify the cause.
Source:
Americans Can Grill Worry-Free, Experts Say
Given the discovery of a single case of mad cow disease in Canada on
Tuesday, is there any danger to Americans as they head to the grocery
store to stock up for Memorial Day weekend, the first big grilling
holiday of summer?
Source:
Alzheimer's Vaccine Again Shows Promise
An experimental Alzheimer's vaccine that was pulled from clinical
trials because of bad side effects now appears to have shown success
in slowing or even reversing symptoms of the disease, a new study
says.
Source:
Drug Plan May Call For Wealthy To Pay More
With debate on Medicare prescription drug legislation expected this
summer, House Republicans are considering a plan requiring
upper-income beneficiaries with high bills to pay more than others
with similar expenses.
Source:
Benefits Of Physical Activity For
Older Americans
HHS released a new report finding that frail health often associated
with aging is in large part due to physical inactivity, but that it's
never too late to benefit from becoming physically active. The report
also provides strategies that individuals, clinicians and communities
can follow to foster greater activity among older Americans.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/21142/351650.html
Census Finds 2.4 Million Grandparents
Taking Primary Caregiver Roles Again
More than 2.4 million grandparents were found by the 2000 census to
be primary caregivers to a grandchild. It was the first time the
once-a-decade count tracked such living arrangements.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/352197.html
'Safe home' design may prevent injuries in
elderly
Research shows that 80% of injuries in people over 50 years of age
occur in the home. In response to this statistic, Brazilian doctors
held a competition that called for people to design a "Casa Segura"
(Safe Home), suitable for an elderly person. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45261&src=n46
Senate Probe: Abuse In Nursing Homes Not
Treated Like Other Crimes
Nursing home patients have been dragged down hallways, doused with
ice water, sexually assaulted and beaten in their beds, yet few
prosecutions have resulted, a congressional investigation found.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/346699.html
Secretary Thompson Hails 30th Anniversary Of
The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program
Calling it the one of the most successful community-based programs
for seniors in America, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today renewed
his commitment to the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program and
launched its 30th anniversary celebration.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/346641.html
Census: More Elderly Live Together
Vic Pelton, 73 and in love, says there are no wedding bells in his
future. He's content to share house keys and closet space - but not
"I do's" - with his girlfriend of nearly two decades.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8010/353097.html
Gray hair can be a signature life event
Whether dyed, rinsed or allowed to grow naturally, gray hair can be a
signature life event. Find out why it happens.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9023/24253/348513.html?d=dmtContent&k=wellx408x24253
Census Finds 2.4 Million Grandparents Taking
Primary Caregiver Roles Again
Hunched on the living room floor in front of a Lego set, 5-year-old
Michael Simmons turned and waved at his grandfather. "Look, Grandpa,"
he said, holding a newly built toy in hand.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/352197.html
Boomers Age, Housing Needs Change
Experts call it the home of the future: wider hallways, nonslip
floors, bathroom grab bars and adjustable shower seats - all for the
comfort and convenience, too, of aging baby boomers.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347962.html
UN: People Over 60 Will Quadruple
The number of people over 60 years of age will quadruple during the
next half century in a worldwide "demographic revolution" that will
strain pension and health care systems, U.N. officials and experts on
aging said Wednesday. ,Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347830.html
Get the Most from Your Health Care
Team
Whether you are the primary caregiver for a family member, or even
taking care of yourself, it pays to ask questions in a clear and
assertive manner. Don't assume "the doctor will let us know if..."
The best work actively with the health care team.
Use these suggestions to take the initiative:
- Stay educated on each condition or treatment
- Discuss personal wishes
- Prepare for doctor's appointments
- Schedule regular discussions with all care team members
- Call in "the cavalry" when necessary
Stay educated on each condition or treatment
Research suggests that caregivers and patients who educate
themselves get better results from doctors. Learn all you can to
explore treatment options and alternatives knowledgeably.
- Ask the doctor for books, videotapes, or other materials that
explain your loved one's condition and treatment.
- Get information from condition-specific organizations, such as
the Alzheimer's Association and the American Heart
Association.
- Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right
to question anyone involved with your loved one's care.
FamilyCare America (www.FamilyCareAmerica.com
)
offers articles designed to address the specific concerns of
caregivers. The company's online resource locator can help narrow
your search for relevant information.
Discuss personal wishes
Before meeting with the doctor, get firm answers to the tough
questions. Review these issues as early as possible, before there is
a crisis. And consult a lawyer about living wills, durable powers of
attorney for health care, and other documents that can help insure
your loved one's wishes are carried out.
- Who should make medical decisions if your loved one
cannot?
- What kind of medical intervention does your loved one want?
Under what circumstances should heroic measures not be taken?
- What medications or procedures should be avoided?
- What worries or fears does your loved one have?
Prepare for doctor's appointments
Before each meeting with the doctor, make a list of issues you
want to discuss. Write down questions in advance and make sure you
have a pen and paper handy to take notes and record the doctor's
answers. Consider asking the following types of questions:
- Can you explain the illness in non-medical terms? Where can I
find more information?
- How has the situation changed since the last appointment?
- Are more tests required? A second opinion?
- What treatment options are available? Are there alternatives?
What is likely to occur without any treatment?
- What are the side effects of these treatments? Of prescribed
medications?
- How can you be reached? If you are unavailable, whom should we
contact?
- What steps should we take in case of emergency? What is the
likelihood of such an event?
- What are the next steps in the procedure or diagnosis?
You can keep a record of all discussions by using the Appointment
Information form and the Caregiver's Log worksheet found at www.FamilyCareAmerica.com
Schedule regular discussions with all team members
A health care team may include a primary doctor, specialists,
nurses, health aides, care professionals, family, and friends. In
cases of complicated illness, you may want to draw these people
together for a "heath care conference" that will get everyone on the
same page. Don't assume all members of the health care team know the
full picture; ask the primary care physician to take charge as
"quarterback" to make sure everyone is clear about their roles.
Call in "the cavalry" when necessary
If you are unable to get the results you want on your own, find
professional assistance.
If you are dealing with an eldercare situation, consider hiring a
geriatric care manager.
Most health care facilities have resource persons such as social
workers, patient advocates, chaplains, and nurses who will work for
you and help clarify any concerns.
If you are battling the "system," enlist the help of your state
ombudsman for managed or long-term care.
About this Article
This article is reprinted with permission of www.FamilyCareAmerica.com
,
a nationally recognized resource that provides families with
interactive care planning tools, resource locators and helpful
checklists to make caregiving easier. The company also provides
corporations with a Work/Life program for employed caregivers. For
more caregiving information, visit them on the Web.
© 2001 FamilyCare America, Inc.
Older Men and Community Building
Prof. John Macdonald, Director of MHIRC, presented a paper about the
spiritual health of older men at the "Older Men and Community
Building Seminar" in February 2001. New articles also include "Making
it OK to be Male", by Professor John Macdonald, Dennis McDermott and
Carmine di Campli, which was presented at the 8th National Australian
Suicide Prevention Conference. These and other new papers are
available on the "articles" page: www.menshealth.uws.edu.au
* * *
We have to act now to make sure you don't have to be a Rockefeller
to afford decent health care in this country. - Jay Rockefeller
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