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Do Eating Disorders Affect the Elderly?

Date: August 5, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Different Ways to Stimulate a Senior's Appetite

When we think of eating disorders, we usually think of younger people. But this disorder is not exclusive to younger people. Eating disorders affect the elderly too, though it’s not often detected.

Do Eating Disorders Affect the Elderly?

Do Eating Disorders Affect the Elderly?

 

Sometimes people think that with age comes the freedom from self image. That’s just not the case. That kind of pressure for having a certain type of body has been around for a long time.

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. They are psychiatric illnesses marked by extreme feelings and behaviors around weight and food. It can have life threatening physical and mental consequences.

As mentioned before, they often appear during adolescence, but that doesn’t mean seniors are safe from it. A survey found that 13% of women age 50 and older experienced eating disorder symptoms over the past 5 years.

More than 70% were trying to lose weight, 62% felt their weight or shape was negatively affecting their lives.

Like body changes during adolescence, a lot of common changes that come with getting older can spike eating disorders symptoms. Changes like increased caregiving responsibilities, retirement, deaths, and moving are some of the most common.

All these changes causes a need for control that eating disorders seem like they provide.

Why Eating Disorders Are Hard to Detect

 

With seniors, eating disorders are hard to notice because they could be related to other age related conditions. Things like taste bud decline, dementia, and lack of access to food can cause eating problems without being part of an eating disorder.

Also, few people who work with older adults have the training or awareness to think about eating disorders affecting the elderly. They don’t think that this could cause weakness, dizziness, or dehydration.

It’s always assumed that it’s part of getting older.

Treating Eating Disorders in the Elderly

 

It’s critical to find eating disorders in older people because treating them is a lot different than treating teens. It’s also a lot different than treating age related eating problems. Though the consequences are the same: weak immune system, poor recovery from wounds, anxiety, cognitive impairment, weakened muscles and bones, and increasing fall risk.

Read more here.

6 Lessons We Can Learn From Mister Rogers

Date: July 29, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
6 Lessons We Can Learn From Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers is an icon, no question about it. You can’t say “Hi neighbor!” without thinking about him. By the time Fred Rogers died in 2003, he created almost 900 episodes of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. There are 6 lessons we can learn from Mister Rogers, no matter how old we are.

6 Lessons We Can Learn From Mister Rogers

6 Lessons We Can Learn From Mister Rogers

 

Even though the show was for kids, there is a lot that we can learn as adults. Maybe it will even remind us of certain things we’ve forgotten.

1. Routine and Responsibility are the Bedrock of Your Day

Every day, Mister Rogers came home on his show and did the same things. He sang a peppy song, put on his cardigan, and changed out of his dress shoes. Then he fed his fish and talked to us. He always spoke warmly and smiled at us.

Routines are comforting to children, but it can also help adults. Something we do every day and that we care about it can get us through tough times. A sense of responsibility for ourselves and others can do the same.

Feed your pets, call or text lonely friends, offer a ride to a neighbor, hug someone. Show off your inner Mister Rogers.

2. It Feels Good to Make Something, Even if You Aren’t Very Good at it.

Like another icon popular for his warmth, Bob Ross, Mister Rogers believes in making something even if you make mistakes. It’s not about the end result, it’s about how it feels good to do something.

So try something you’ve always wanted, even if you know you might not be good at it.

3. Put On Your Sneakers

There is nothing like changing into comfortable clothes after a long day. Even if you can wear casual clothes at work, it can still be helpful to change.

It gives more of a seperation between work and home.

4. The Land of Make Believe is Still Here

We know that practicing mindfulness and mediation is good for you, but where do you go when you mediate?

Have you used your imagination recently? Have you tried to make your world a little more magical?

Whenever you need to take a break from the world, go into your own land of make believe.

5. Look for the Helpers

The Fred Rogers Company has published a nice body of parenting resources, including an interview with Rogers talking about how to help children get through tragic events.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”—Fred Rogers

It’s a nice thought to keep in mind when times are tough for you. Remember there are people around you who want to help you. Also, make sure you become the helper for someone else.

6. Be a Good Neighbor

Through all the characters on Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, we were taught lessons about how to treat each other through times of misunderstanding and hurt feelings.

Right now, we live in a time where there are a lot of hurt feelings. It’s a good reminder that we never know what is going on in someone else’s life. It’s always good to have empathy.

Read more here.

Is Mental Illness in Seniors Hard to Spot?

Date: July 29, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Caregivers Are the New Working Moms

The Institute of Medicine, not the National Academy of Medicine, issued a report in 2012 saying that 14 to 20% of US adults over 65 have one or more mental health or substance use conditions. That’s around 8 million people. At the same time, there are a lot of studies saying that mental illness in seniors is often under-recognized and under-diagnosed. Is it really that hard to spot?

Is Mental Illness in Seniors Hard to Spot?

Mental Illness in Seniors

 

It’s been found that compared to younger adults, seniors are less likely to be asked by their primary if they feel tense or anxious. Therefore, they are less likely to be referred to a mental health professional.

A recent study of seniors getting home health services found that 23% screened positive for depression. Less than 40% of those people were actually getting treated for it.

Knowing for Sure Can Be Hard

 

There are a few reasons why it’s hard to see mental illness in seniors. Through a telephone survey, it was found that older adults are less likely to feel they need mental health care than young adults. They are less likely to talk about it with their primary.

Agism and stigma about mental health also play a part in this. Many seniors and their family members think depression is something that comes with age. With all the medical appointments that seniors need, a primary may feel like there isn’t a good time to bring up mental health concerns unless the patient does first.

There’s also the fact that some symptoms of depression, like poor sleep, low appetite, memory, and concentration problems, are signs of getting older. It’s hard to tell what symptom is coming from where. Never mind the fact that they may be taking medication, and the side effects are affecting them in these ways.

Treatment Does Help

 

It’s so frustrating that it’s hard to see mental illness in seniors because treatment helps them. With the right treatment, quality of life, and function skyrockets upwards.

Read more here.

7 Ways to Start the Senior Living Talk

Date: July 29, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
5 End of Life Lessons

Talking to an aging loved one about their living situation is hard. It can cause a lot of negative feelings to come out. Your beloved senior may think that you are trying to kick them out of their home. There are a few ways you can start the senior living talk so that no one gets hurt.

7 Ways to Start the Senior Living Talk

7 Ways to Start the Senior Living Talk

 

The key to any tough conversation is to listen as well as communicating. Both sides have to do this so that a conversation can actually happen.

1. Understand the Situation

A significant life change in your living situation can affect anyone despite their age. It’s one of the most stressful situations someone can go through, so keep your loved one’s stress levels in mind.

2. Be Realistic

This is not a one-time discussion. It’s really a series of them. You should know that your loved one will probably not agree the first time and that one conversation will not give you a solution.

3. Avoid “You” Statements

Any statement starting with “you” can feel like you are attacking your loved one. Instead, focus on “I” statements. An example could be “I worry about your safety.”

4. Be an Active Listener

Do not take over the conversation. Make sure to ask open-ended questions and actually listen when your loved one responds. If you need to, ask them to explain so you can understand what they are saying.

5. Encourage a Natural Dialogue

This means don’t force the talk. It will be awkward to talk about your senior’s future living plans, so take breaks. Go for a walk, do a puzzle, drink some tea. This will make it feel more natural when you do talk.

6. Give Good Examples

If your senior hasn’t considered moving out of their home, they probably don’t want to discuss different options. You should give specific and detailed examples of why other options like at-home care or an assisted community works.

This could make your reasons easier to understand. So share your specific concerns.

7. Bring in Experts

Experts can help make your case. You can bring in research or someone from the senior living field to talk to your parents. You can even bring other family members in the conversation so that your senior knows how many people care about their safety.

Read more here.

6 Ways to Deal with Chronic Pain

Date: July 22, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
There Isn't Enough Help for Seniors

Chronic pain is a reality that many seniors face daily. Our bodies get more fragile as we age. Chronic pain makes living daily life hard and can cause seniors to become homebodies. Here are 6 ways to deal with chronic pain.

6 Ways to Deal with Chronic Pain

6 Ways to Deal with Chronic Pain

 

Seniors should stay moving as long as possible. Here are a few ways you can help them handle their pain.

1. Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

Living a slow and barely moving lifestyle is one of the primary causes of chronic pain. Our bodies need to be moving to stay fit. If our bodies don’t move, then our muscles start to disappear.

So moving is important to stay healthy.

2. Taking Medication

When prescribed by a doctor, medication is really helpful at treating the symptoms of chronic illness. Anti-inflammatory drugs can treat muscular issues that cause pain. Aspirin can treat the pain.

If these drugs aren’t powerful enough, the doctor may prescribe opiates. Though they have many side effects that could turn into a problem.

3. TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS, is a popular treatment for chronic pain caused by muscular issues. A TENS unit is a small electrical device with 2 electrodes.

A low voltage current passes through the skin and into the muscle tissue. This creates impulses that are detected by the central nervous system.

The current stimulates the nerves, reducing pain to a manageable level.

4. Chiropractic and Massage Therapy

A chiropractor is a great way to treat pain without any drugs being involved. Inflammation and muscle tension can cause your bones to move out of place. This can make it hard to move and cause pain.

Chiropractors can manually move the bones back into place, helping with the pain.

Massage therapists can help with the tense muscles by forcing them to relax. They do this by stretching out the muscles so that the knots in them come undone.

These are only temporary treatments though.

5. Assisted Living

Chronic pain can get to the point where basic care is too difficult. Nutrition and hygiene are essential to slowing the aging process. Having a live in caregiver or an assisted living community can help seniors immensely.

Assisted living communities or a live in caregiver can help with basic care and keep seniors social.

6. Reduce Stress

Stress can cause flare ups with chronic pain. Our body reacts to stress with increased blood pressure and muscle tension. This increases pain. This is a cycle that’s hard to break.

Doing things that make you happy and reduce your stress can help a lot. You would be surprised at how sitting in the sun and being with friends can make you feel better.

Read more here.

5 Things That Can Help You Live 14 Years Longer

Date: July 22, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
24 Shortcuts to Living Healthier Until Old Age

We all want to live longer and healthier, right? Well, a new study shows that small lifestyle changes can increase your lifespan. Here are 5 things that can help you live 14 years longer.

5 Things That Can Help You Live 14 Years Longer

The Study

 

The study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, looked at different lifestyle factors that raise life expectancy. They looked at things like regular physical activity, not smoking, moderate drinking, and a healthy weight and diet.

Although the US is one of the world’s wealthiest nations, it ranks 53rd in the world for life expectancy at birth.

Researchers at Harvard University studied data from 123,219 patients over a 34 year period in the Nurses’ Health Study and 28 years of the Professionals Follow up Study.

5 Things That Can Help You Live 14 Years Longer

 

The researchers of the study focused on 5 things:

1. Never Smoke or Stop Smoking

 

2. 30 Minutes of Moderate Exercise Daily

 

3. Having a Normal Body Mass Index

 

4. Healthy Diet

 

5. Drinking a Moderate Level of Alcohol

 

Researchers found that 50 year old women who did all 5 low risk factors lived an average age of 93. 1 year to 14 years longer than women who didn’t adopt these changes. Men at 50 who adopted these changes lived to 87.6. 12.2 years longer than those who didn’t.

Read more here.

The Rising Cost of Keeping Seniors in Jail

Date: July 22, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
South Korea is Dealing With an Elderly Crime Wave

At least 1/3 of the US prison population will be over 50 by 2030 according to the Osborne Association. The association is a New York based advocacy group that works for justice involving people and their families. They cited figures showing that even as states are working to reduce prison populations, the number of seniors in jail are growing.

The Rising Cost of Keeping Seniors in Jail

Seniors in Jail

 

The number of older adults in jail is projected to grow 4,400 percent in the 50 year period between 1980 and 2030. It’s estimated that  400,000 seniors will be incarcerated.

According to statistics quoted by the researchers, adults over 50 make up just 3% of the total incarcerated population in 1993. That’s around 26,300 people.

Osborne Association Report

 

The association advocates for improved conditions in prisons and jails, better discharge planning, and expanded compassionate release of the elderly and infirm.

“Justice isn’t served by keeping elderly people locked up as their bodies and minds fail them and they grow infirm and die,” says Elizabeth Gaynes, who is president and CEO of the of the association.

The report is titled “The High Cost of Low Risk: The Crisis of America’s Aging Prison Population.” According to the report, there are 2 reasons why there is an increase in prison populations. The first is extreme sentences doled out during the tough on crime era. The second is the limited mechanisms for compassionate release. These reasons have driven what is now a costly and inhumane crisis that the system can’t handle.

The medical cost of caring for the growing senior population behind bars is also growing. This will add strains on the already resource limited corrections systems.

According to the data analyzed by the American Civil Liberties Union, it costs twice as much to incarcerate someone over 50. In some cases, it could cost up to 5 times more when medical costs are added.

Around half of the older prison population have some sort of mental illness or cognitive impairment. Some prisons are creating makeshift hospice wings and opening nursing wards for people with serious cognitive degeneration.

What’s even harder for inmates with cognitive decline may not remember why they are incarcerated. They may not even be able to follow the rules. This could be seen as disobedience and then they get punished. They could even be sent to solitary confinement.

Decareration

 

Research by the Pew Center on the States show that incarcerated people over 50 pose little public safety risk. They also have the lowest repeating offense rate than any other inmate demographic.

The association wants the system to look at the idea of justice differently. They want to try incarcerating less and even releasing some of the older inmates. Many of the older prisoners were arrested in their teens.

There is bipartisan support for decarceration for nonviolent offenders. The need for a new approach is underlined by the cost of housing elderly inmates. It’s now estimated to cost $16 billion a year.

The Osborne Association is trying to work out some policy idea that will work for everyone.

Read more here.

3 Ways to Pick the Perfect Walking Cane

Date: July 15, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
There Isn't Enough Help for Seniors

Walking canes are so helpful and can keep you mobile and independent. With something being so key, you want to make sure you pick the right one for you. There are 3 ways to find the perfect walking cane.

3 Ways to Pick the Perfect Walking Cane

 

3 Ways to Pick the Perfect Walking Cane

 

These are basic aspects of canes so that you can figure out what works for you. Hopefully this makes your choosing easier.

1. Consider the Different Types of Canes

You need to know what kind of support you need. Depending on what you need, that will decide what kind of cane you get.

There are straight canes that are single point canes that incorporate a rounded crook handle or L-shaped handle. They are usually made of lightweight aluminum or wood. Most of the aluminum models are adjustable in height and even fold up.

Offset handle canes are also single point straight canes. These come with a swan neck curve in the upper part of the shaft that puts the user’s weight directly over the cane tip for more stability. These are made of aluminum, are adjustable, and come with a flat soft grip handle.

A third type of cane are quad canes, also known as broad based canes. These are good for people who need a lot of weight bearing and support. They come with four separate tips, there are a some with three tips, at the base. They have an offset flat handle and can remain standing on their own.

2. The Fit of the Cane

Once you know your type of cane, you need to make sure it fits properly. You should stand up with your arms hanging straight down at your side. The top of the cane should line up with the crease in your wrist, so your arm is slightly bent at the elbow when you grip the cane.

The cane should have a rubber tip at the bottom so you don’t slip. A worn or torn tip is dangerous, so be aware of the state of the rubber tip. You can usually get new ones at the pharmacy.

Make sure the grip is comfortable and sturdy.

3. Where to Get Canes and How Much They Should Cost

You can get canes at drug stores, medical supply stores, and online at places like Amazon. They usually cost around $10 to $50. Medicare cover canes with a written prescription.

Read more here.

9 Signs that You Should Fire Your Doctor

Date: July 15, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Could House Calls Be Making a Comeback?

Doctors are such an important aspect of your care. They help with your health, pain management, and your medications. If you feel like your doctor isn’t the right fit for you, you may be right. Here are 9 signs that you should fire your doctor.

9 Signs that You Should Fire Your Doctor

9 Signs that You Should Fire Your Doctor

 

It can be hard to stand up to a doctor. They can be intimidating. But, if they aren’t helping you, then you need to find someone else ASAP.

1. You Don’t Feel Heard

Your doctor should always listen to your concerns. If there seems to be a communication problem, that may not be fixable.

You will know when it’s a problem. For example, if you wait a long time to see your doctor and they only offer a few minutes of their time, that’s a problem. If they are ignoring your concerns, that’s a problem.

You deserve someone who values yourself and your time.

2. You Have a Serious Personality Conflict

Sometimes, you just don’t like your doctor. That’s not something to be ashamed of. We can’t get along with everyone.

If you don’t like them, then you can’t trust them. You need to trust them to care for you, make proper decisions, and possibly operate on you.

3. Your Doctor is Too Stretched Out

Your doctor may be the best in the world, but if you can’g get an appointment with them within decent time, what’s the point? You need someone who sees you as more of a priority.

4. Your Doctor’s Approach Isn’t Helping You

It never hurts to have a second opinion if a treatment doesn’t seem to be working. You should try going outside of your doctor’s practice to get an unbiased opinion.

You do this just to make sure you are going in the right direction.

5. Your Doctor Doesn’t Educate You

Even though information is just an internet search away, it doesn’t always work with medical info. You can get bad sources or sources that don’t tell the truth.

Your doctor should be a good source of info, so you don’t have to find more elsewhere. You need to know everything when it comes to your health.

6. You Can’t Be Honest With Your Doctor

Your doctor needs all the info you can give them, so they can make a proper decision when it comes to your care.

If you can’t be honest with them, then you will probably not keep your appointments. Trust is key when it comes to your relationship with your doctor.

7. Your Doctor is Too Aggressive

You should be wary of how quickly your doctor jumps to extreme treatment options. You should look for a doctor who is both conservative and a little aggressive.

If you go to your doctor for back pain, and they want to do surgery, that’s a red flag.

8. Your Doctor Won’t Work With Other Specialists

Care coordination is of the utmost importance, especially with your primary care physician (PCP). All your doctors should be communicating at some sort of level.

Usually your PCP acts as the “hub” of information, especially in tough cases.

If your doctor won’t talk to your other doctors, it’s time to find a new one.

9. You Feel Bullied

If your doctor is pressuring you to undergo a treatment or take a medication you’re not comfortable with and is not open to second opinions, that’s not a good sign.

There are usually more options and your doctor should be open to it.

Read more here.

Food Safety for Seniors

Date: July 15, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Food Safety for Seniors

As we age, our bodies don’t work as well as they used to. The changes in our organs and body systems make us more vulnerable to foodborne illness and food poisoning. So, it’s important to take food safety for seniors seriously.

Food Safety for Seniors

Food Safety for Seniors

 

Our stomach and intestinal tract can hold onto foods for longer time than it should. The liver and kidneys can’t get rid of toxins as easy as it used to.

By 65, many people have been diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions. This can include diabetes, arthritis, cancer, or cardiovascular disease.

They also will be at taking at least one medication. The side effects of some medications can weaken the immune system, which can increase the chance to get food poisoning.

How to Avoid Food Poisoning

 

You need to be careful with the preparation, cooking, and eating of food.

When you cook at home be aware of some foods that can contain bad bacteria. Food like uncooked fresh fruits and vegetables are one example.

Another is animal products. This can include raw milk, soft cheeses made with raw milk, raw or undercooked eggs, raw meat, raw poultry, raw fish, raw shellfish and their juices, lunch meat, and deli type salads.

When you prep food, it can look fine, but be filled with things that are bad for you. Make sure to never taste food to see if it’s safe to eat.

Make sure to clean, separate, cook, and chill the food to make sure it’s safe.

Eating out doesn’t allow you as much control as prepping food at home can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how your food was prepped if you are unsure of it’s safety.

You can also let them know you don’t want any food that has raw meat, poultry, seafood, sprouts, or eggs.

You can read more specific information here.