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100 Year Old Women Teach About Beauty

Date: June 24, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
100 Year Old Women Teach About Beauty

Arianna Clément started a project where she wanted to talk about elderly women’s conditions in general. She had no idea it would turn into a series where 100 year old women teach about beauty and what it means to them.

100 Year Old Women Teach About Beauty

 

One thing that kept occurring while Clément was interviewing these women was that they all wanted to make sure they looked good before any pictures were taken. Clément became interested in the effort these women put into looking beautiful.

So she decided to ask them about youth, aging, charm, appearance, and love. She also documented their beauty rituals.

Laure Saucier—101, passed away in 2016

100 Year Old Women Teach About Beauty

This women really connected to Clément. When Clément found her, she was very sick and weak. But, she was also peaceful and serene. She didn’t have energy to move or talk, though she used to be a very stylish woman. Clément guessed that she didn’t care about how she looked anymore.

But her daughter, Lise Provost, always made sure her mom looked good. Her nails and hair were done, she had jewelry and lipstick on. Provost knew that this used to be very important to her mother and wanted to honor her.

Since Saucier couldn’t talk, these rituals were their way to stay close together.

“She was very stylish and competitive. She was in love with my father and I think she worried about not being good enough. She always wore lipstick, blush, high heels, earrings, perfume, and curled her hair.” Lise Provost

Marie Berth Paquette—105

This woman loves to be the center of attention. She’s willing to do just about anything to make the people around her laugh. Every time Clément visited her, Paquette told her funny stories, she sang, and she danced.

“I personally find myself beautiful, and when I don’t, I do my best anyways! I like to have my hair neatly styled and wear dresses, jewelry, and other accessories. I’ve always paid attention to my appearance.”

Jeannette Ballard—100

“I definitely find myself as ugly. Beauty fades as we get older. Our noses and ears get bigger, our gait changes, we get hunched backs. Some are worse off than me, but I’m not beautiful at all. Still, I enjoy life and I look forward to the future, even if it’s a short one when you’re 100 years old.”

Marie-Berth Paquette—102

100 Year Old Women Teach About Beauty

“My father was a painter and craftsman and he shared his love of art with me. I believe that everything that is artistic is beautiful: theater, picture frames, poems, paintings, flowers, songs. In a person, it’s the character, the silhouette, the smile and the eyes that count. That said, my biggest regret is not getting an education. Doors open for you when you’re educated. Otherwise you feel shame. Regardless of the situation, I would advise young women to educate themselves.”

Anne-Marie Pronovost—100, passed in 2017

“When I was young I had long hair, nice legs and curves. Young ladies today all strive to be skinny, but I think that real beauty is natural beauty. We are who we are, and that’s all that matters.”

Isabelle Gagn—103

“Of course I’d rather be good-looking rather than ugly! But back when I was young, I couldn’t be bothered with beauty. It was vanity. It was a sin. What really mattered was the family, putting food on the table and making sure that the children were bathed and clothed. I am blessed because my daughter is the one taking care of me. She welcomed me in her home 20 years ago and I am still there. Family is all that really matters.”

Read more from these amazing women here.

8 Things to Check After a Senior Falls

Date: June 24, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
How Ageism Hurts Seniors' Health

Falling is a common problem among seniors. It’s notorious for sending them to the hospital. We shouldn’t ignore this fact and start taking control. Here are 8 things to check after a senior falls.

8 Things to Check After a Senior Falls

Why Do Falls Happen?

 

Falls can happen due to a number of factors. One, is that it could be a sign of a new medical problem that needs to be addressed. Examples are dehydration or urinary tract infection.

Older who have fallen before, have increased risk to do so again. You should be proactive about finding fall risk factors.

Doctors may not pay attention enough to a senior, unless you speak up and ask questions. It’s been shown that seniors don’t get the recommended care that they deserve. You can make sure they are not overlooked.

8 Things to Check After a Senior Falls

 

1. Signs of a New Illness

As mentioned before, seniors can be overlooked or symptoms can brushed off as general weakness or delirium. Make sure to bring up any changes that you’ve noticed.

Some health problems that can cause falling are urinary tract infection, dehydration, anemia (which can be caused by bleeding in the bowel or other causes), Pneumonia, heart problems, and strokes.

2. Blood Pressure and Pulse Reading When Sitting and Standing

This is important if your loved gets light headed or faints often. If they take blood pressure medication, make sure the doctor confirms they aren’t experiencing a drop in blood pressure while standing.

Checking blood pressure is one the most useful tests when a senior comes into the emergency room after fainting. Sadly, it’s only done by doctors a 3rd of a time.

3. Blood Tests

It’s always good to check a senior’s blood after a fall. Falls can happen more often by problems with blood count or blood sodium getting too high or low.

A complete blood cell count and a check of electrolytes and kidney function is a good way to start.

4. Medications

Side effects of medication are another reason that falls happen. These medications can often be reduced or even eliminated.

Any sedatives, tranquilizers, or any sleeping medications, like Ambien or Ativan, are places to look. Antipsychotic medications for restless dementia behavior can also increase falls.

There’s also blood pressure and diabetes medications. As mentioned before, it’s not unusual for seniors to be over treated for these conditions.

Medications that are in the anticholinergic are taken by seniors. They have no idea that it worsens their balance and thinking. These medications can include allergies medication, overactive bladder, vertigo, nausea, and certain types of antidepressants for nerve pain.

Finally, opiate pain medications, especially if they are new to taking them.

5. Gait and Balance

Doctors should preform a gait assessment. This means that the doctor looks at how an older person is walking. If they are off balance, see if there is any pain to address or if a physical therapist is needed.

6. Vitamin D Levels

Studies suggest that treating low vitamin D levels may help reduce falls. Low levels can cause fragile bones.

If your loved one stays inside a lot, they can take a vitamin D supplement. It will eventually raise and even out their levels.

7. Check for Underlying Heart or Neurological Conditions

These conditions are different from the “acute” types of illnesses that we usually look for after a fall. It’s possible for seniors to develop a new neurological condition like Parkinson’s disease.

8. Vision, Podiatry, and Home Safety

See if your loved one needs a vision test, podiatry care, or a home safety evaluation. Any of these services will help prevent future falls.

Read more here.

What Causes Old People Smell

Date: June 24, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
What Causes Old Person Smell

We all know the joke about that specific smell that reminds us of older people. We know it when we smell it, but have you ever wondered what causes old people smell in the first place.

What Causes Old People Smell

What Causes Old People Smell

 

Sometimes it’s musty. Sometimes it smells medical. It’s oddly uncomfortable to smell. Why is that?

There are ten reasons experts say cause that specific smell.

1. Close Quarters

If you’ve spent time with a senior, their homes are a bit stuffy. Some homes will have the heat on, windows shut tight, shades are drawn, and curtains over the shades.

There is no fresh air.

Older people tend to be cold all the time, that’s why they shut everything up. Or it could be because they are scared. They feel defenseless, and that’s why they shut everything up.

2. The Cleaning Conundrum

Seniors have a hard time keeping their homes clean. This can be because their bodies are weak, or they are often dizzy.

Dust, mold, mildew, and dander build up and cause the air to smell stale. Rotten food, accidents (both pet and human) that haven’t been cleaned up also add to the smell.

3. Laundry Limitations

You probably think doing a load of laundry is nothing, but it’s different for seniors. They don’t wash their clothes so much because it takes too much effort.

If your senior’s house smells and you can’t tell where it’s coming from, check the closet.

4. Sensory Decline

One explanation for that older person’s smell is simple. An elder’s sense of smell declines as they get older. It’s been said that by the time you are in your 70s, you’ve lost 75% of your sense of smell.

So they literally don’t notice the smell.

This means that if they don’t keep up with their hygiene or if there are food stains on their clothes, they don’t notice because they can’t smell it.

5. Dental Dilemma

As you age, you make less saliva, which is why dry mouth is so common among older people.

Saliva is your best defense against bad breath. It washes the food particles and bacteria out of your mouth.

Also, overall, mouth hygiene becomes less of a priority as you age, causing more bad breath. Dentures and bridgework, which are made of acrylic, can retain germs and odors if not replaced after around a decade.

6. Not as Thirsty

Dehydration is common among older people. This can cause a certain smell in a few ways.

When you don’t drink enough water, everything becomes more concentrated, and odors come out through the pores. Dry skin sheds skin cells, which can have a musty odor.

Any odors from food, like garlic or onion, become stronger. Urine is more concentrated, so just a drop or two can create a strong smell.

7. Bathing Issues

With not wanting to take baths as often later in life, some smells can accumulate. This aversion is because showers seem to take so much work, and seniors feel like there’s no point. They aren’t going out or seeing anyone around.

Fear is another factor. Many are afraid of falling.

8. That Medicinal Smell

Seniors take a lot of medications, which can cause a subtle chemical odor that we link with aging. Any sulfur drug has a strong smell that can escape through the pores. There’s also the smells of the ointments and creams that they use.

9. Cleaning Without Really Cleaning

You think of a chemical antiseptic smell when you think of older people. This comes from ammonia and other antiseptic cleaners and air fresheners that facilities use to clean accidents.

The problem is that there isn’t a deep enough clean, so really it just masks the smell.

10. Surrounded by Stuff

Old stuff gives off the musty odor of age, and seniors tend to be surrounded by stuff. All those old books and papers, linens and clothes, they all collect dust and dampness. This gives off that musty smell.

Read more here.

18 Questions to Ask Any Senior Care Possibility

Date: June 17, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Seniors Could Show Unusual Covid-19 Symptoms

Finding the right care for your aging loved one is hard. You want to make sure they are well cared for and happy. Whether it’s in a nursing home or getting home care like Seniors Helping Seniors NH. Here are 18 questions to ask any senior care possibility when making your decision.

18 Questions to Ask Any Senior Care Possibility

18 Questions to Ask Any Senior Care Possibility

 

You can find the answers that you should look for here.

1. How is your nursing home involved in culture change?

2. How will you get to know my family member?

3. Do the care partners take care of the same group of individuals each time they work, or do you rotate the assignments after a period of time?

4. Will my loved one be awakened at a set time in the morning or will she have a choice?

5. What is your policy regarding food choices and alternatives?

6. Can my loved one be given a shower/bath when he or she chooses?

7. What type of recreational activities are offered here?

8. How do you build a sense of community, and give those who live here a voice in the decisions about how things are done?

9. How do you meet the special needs of people who have some type of dementia?

10. What is the role of family members? Do you have a family council?

11. Do you have a rehabilitation team and access to therapists such as speech pathologists, physical therapists, and other occupational therapists?

12. Do you measure the turnover of your staff (defined as the average percentage of staff who stop working at the home each year)? If so, what is the turnover rate for your direct care workers?

13. Do you measure the turnover rate of your licensed nursing staff? If so, what is your turnover rate of licensed nurses?

14. Do you measure staff satisfaction? If yes, what do you do with the satisfaction survey results?

15. Do you also measure resident satisfaction each year?

16. Do you measure family satisfaction?

17. What is your organization’s policy regarding the use of agency nurses and agency nursing assistants (people who are brought in from the outside who are not your regular staff)?

18. What is your mission statement? Is staff able to share the mission in their own words and indicate that it is meaningful to their work?

The Independent Elderly Backpacker

Date: June 17, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
The Independent Elderly Backpacker

An elderly backpacker is becoming a symbol for independent elderly Chinese women. She has won millions of fans on Chinese social media with her journey.

The Independent Elderly Backpacker

Who is This Elderly Backpacker?

 

Ms. Qi who is a 73-year-old retired teacher decided that she would rather travel than move in with her children. It’s a traditional Chinese idea that elderly people should move in with their children and spend the rest of their lives taking care of grandchildren.

Ms. Qi is having none of that.

“Why do elderly Chinese people have to do housework, and look after their children and grandchildren? We should have our own lives.”

She has been traveling her her whole life, visiting countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. She travels with students and shares journeying costs to save money. She also stays in dormitories to save money and spend time with younger people.

She is someone to admire.

Read more about her here.

Government is Warning About a Drug Being Pushed on the Elderly

Date: June 17, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Government are Warning About a Drug Being Pushed on the Elderly

The government is warning insurance companies to be on the lookout for suspicious prescriptions being used in nursing homes across the US. The medication called Nuedexta, is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat a rare condition. It’s shown through uncontrollable laughing and crying called pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Be wary of this drug being pushed on the elderly though, even if they don’t need it.

Government are Warning About a Drug Being Pushed on the Elderly

Drug Being Pushed on the Elderly

 

The maker of this drug, Avanir Pharmaceutical, says that many dementia patients suffer from PBA. Regulators disagree. They are concerned that Medicare may be paying for the drug for unapproved and potentially fraudulent uses.

While prescribing for unapproved uses isn’t illegal, diagnosing a patient with a condition in order to secure Medicare coverage is considered fraud.

A CNN investigation published in October found that Nuedexta’s maker had been aggressively targeting frail and elderly nursing home residents. These residents didn’t need the drug and could possibly be put into danger taking it.

The investigation found many examples in which doctors had inappropriately prescribed the drug to dementia patients. Using a PBA diagnosis when really it was prescribe to tame unruly behavior.

In one specific case, an Ohio physician who was a top prescriber of the drug was accused of accepting kickbacks in exchange for patients with PBA to secure Medicare coverage. The physician denied these accusations. An investigation is currently happening.

History of the Drug

 

Nuedexta came on the market in 2011. Avanir has made millions in annual sales from prescriptions of the drug in nursing homes.

The federal government has been paying a large portion of that bill in the form of Medicare Part D. This is prescription drug funding is for people 65 and older and anyone who is disabled.

CNN found that red flags have been raised to federal authorities about this drug for years. Complaints filed to the FDA specifically related to marketing and advertising date back to 2012. This is when the agency received a strongly worded letter from BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona.

More complaints talked about how the marketing was intense and one person said they heard a salesperson suggesting the drug for unapproved uses—which is illegal.

Of course, the company denies these accusations.

What’s Happening Now

 

In March, CMS issued a memo specifically asking Medicare insurance providers to monitor prescriptions of the drug to make sure it’s being given correctly to patients.

The memo is meant to let plan providers know about the increase in prescribing this medication and that it could relate to fraud. The memo reminds plan sponsors that Nuedexta is only approved to treat PBA and states that Part D insurers are legally required to ensure the drug is only being covered when it’s for the correct use.

One way to try to protect seniors is requiring a prior authorization before the prescription can be filled. One the outside, Avanir says that is a great idea. But on the inside, there are emails among Avanir employees, that show the sales team coaching doctors and facility employees on how to fight for Medicare coverage of the drug if it’s refused at first. Also representatives cheered when prior authorizations were lifted by specific insurance companies.

Read more about this here.

9 Ways to Volunteer and Feel Good While Doing It

Date: June 10, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Why You Should Never Retire According to a Neuroscientist

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to fill your time after retiring. It’s not good for anyone to just sit around and do nothing for too long. There’s a solution that will keep you healthy and make you feel like you are making a difference: volunteering. Here are 9 ways to volunteer that will let you meet and help new people.

9 Ways to Volunteer and Feel Good While Doing It

9 Ways to Volunteer

 

Make sure you choose something within your means. If you have some health problems, heavy physical activity volunteer opportunities wouldn’t be good for you. The goal here is to feel good and do good.

1. Working Charitable Walks or Runs

These activities always need volunteers. They need volunteers to register people, hand out water, and cheerlead. This a great opportunity for someone with a bubbly personality and is good with people. You can make someone else smile while they are giving their all with running.

2. Building Homes

Maybe one of the most famous charities is Habitats for Humanity. They are always looking for help, and you don’t even need the skills to start with. They can either teach you how to build or there are other programs to help with. They have gardening programs that plant community gardens and stores where they raise funds.

Maybe their most famous volunteer is former President Jimmy Carter.

3. Packing Backpacks

According to Feeding America, more than 22 million children receive free or reduced priced meals through the National School Lunch Program. That’s a lot of kids that need help.

These children, while fed at school, may not have enough to eat on the weekends. Feeding America provides food in backpacks for kids to eat during the weekends and school breaks.

There are other programs that also give out school supplies in backpacks as well. This a good job for someone who has a hard time moving around. You can take a seat and stuff backpacks full of food, picturing kids’ smiling faces.

4. Packing Boxes at Food Banks

Even though food banks get a lot of attention during the holidays, homeless and low income families need meals throughout the year. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 people in the US face hunger each year. Food banks could use more people to pack food.

Some have retail stores where you can sort goods and assist customers to raise funds. If you are super fit and love to exercise, they could also use some help unpacking donations from trucks.

5. Volunteering at Hospitals or Long-Term Care Centers

These two places are always looking for fresh faces to do a variety of activities. You can visit patients, make their day with a smile and a conversation. You could pass out reading material to them to help pass the time. You could even brainstorm activities that you can teach patients to change up their schedules.

6. Building or Assisting with a Community Garden

Gardening is a pleasant hobby for many people and it has the power to do a lot of good. Growing fresh produce could help low income families get access to healthy food and get kids outside. If you love to garden, you should see if there is a community garden that you can help. If not, make your own!

7. Help at the Local Animal Shelter

We have talked a lot about how great pets are for your health, now you can give back to them. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, around 6.5 million pets enter shelters every year.

To help prevent kennel fatigue while they wait for a home, many shelters need volunteers to walk the dogs. If you love dogs or walking, this would be a great way to help animals that can’t help themselves, and maybe get a few cuddles and licks in.

If you aren’t a dog person, shelters also need people to play with cats. This can help them get used to and trust humans again, which will increase their chances of being adopted.

8. Volunteering at Your Local Arboretum

If you have a background in horticulture or want to learn more, check out your local arboretum. They usually have a lot of volunteer opportunities like working with horticulturists and specialists in gardening or helping with educational opportunities.

9. Volunteer at Summer Camps

This is a great way to kill a few weeks in the summer. You can get plenty of exercise and fresh air while spending time with kids. You can be a counselor, help with arts and crafts, or become a coach. If you love to move around and love kids’ energy, then this is the opportunity for you.

Read more here.

The Power of the Bacteria in Your Stomach

Date: June 10, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
The Power of the Bacteria in Your Stomach

The digestive system is one of the most underrated parts of our bodies. Many people may not realize it, but it’s the key to keeping you healthy and free of inflammation. You might not know the ways the bacteria in your stomach are actually keeping you healthy.

The Power of the Bacteria in Your Stomach

The Bacteria in Your Stomach

 

Think of your intestines as a giant ecosystem. There are both good and bad bacteria—in fact, there are between 3.3 to 4.4 pounds of it in the average adult. That equates to around 100 trillion of them.

Most of your immune system is actually in your gut. It’s a collaboration between the two to keep you healthy. To fight inflammation, the good bacteria have to hook onto the immune cell receptors in the intestines. If the bad bacteria do this, you will get inflamed and have less resistance to infection.

Exploring Your Stomach

 

Even though your stomach is so important, it’s still technically uncharted territory. For many doctors and scientists, it remains a mystery.

Though recently, research has shot up for intestinal flora and the stomach. Studies have shown that bacteria in the colon affects a long list of illnesses and other conditions like diabetes, allergies, asthmas, multiple sclerosis, autism, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers.

The bacteria in your stomach even talks to your brain. It can drive our body weight, personality, and behavior. Some call our digestive system, “our second brain.”

The Power of the Bacteria

 

Some studies have shown that too little gut flora (bacteria) can cause weight gain. Other studies have gone as far as to suggest that it can influence our feelings of hunger and have us crave certain foods.

You are also more likely to be diagnosed with depression if you suffer from chronic inflammation. It’s been known that low serotonin is a cause of depression. But there is only 5 or 10 percent of it in the brain.

Where is the rest? In the gastrointestinal tract!

Read more here.

Increasing Rates of Suicide in Older Adults

Date: June 10, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
"Rational" Suicide is on the Rise Among Seniors

Recently Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain passed due to suicide. This is a good opportunity to talk about the increasing rates of suicide in older adults. Doctors and families are trying to figure out how to help prevent this.

Increasing Rates of Suicide in Older Adults

Increasing Rates of Suicide in Older Adults

 

While suicide is often connected to younger people, like troubled teens, midlife and older adults have the highest suicide rate in the US. In fact, there were more than 232,000 suicides in the age group of 45 to 64 in 2016. This is according to the US Centers for Disease Control.

This can be because they feel that they have nothing left to contribute to the world or they feel their work here is done. Some people may be in physical pain and decide they’ve lived long enough. Others may just be so incredibly lonely that they want to join their loved ones that moved on.

Suicide attempts are more likely to be fatal among older people as well. Their frailty often makes them less likely to survive. The isolation they experience makes them less likely to be recused too.

What To Look For

 

Not all hope is lost, there are things we can do for our loved ones. Look for these signs:

  • Depression

 

  • Prior suicide attempts

 

  • Presence of other medical conditions

 

  • Physical pain

 

  • Social dependency or isolation

 

  • Family discord or loss

 

  • Inflexible or rigid personality

 

  • Access to lethal means

 

As always, make sure you senior isn’t left alone for too long. Social connection, sense of purpose or meaning, and other positive aspects can help make them feel like they have more to give in this world. Try to be by their side during tough transitions so that they can stay resilient. Finally, don’t be afraid to show how much they mean to you.

If you or someone you know is in danger of taking their life, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.

Read more here.

5 Life Lessons from the Oldest Seniors Around

Date: June 3, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
How to Care for Seniors During Covid-19

People think that the elderly don’t have any lessons to give, but they’re wrong. Author, John Leland interviewed seniors in his book Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons From a Year Among the Oldest Old. Here are 5 life lessons from the book that the oldest seniors around gave.

5 Life Lessons from the Oldest Seniors Around

5 Life Lessons From the Oldest Seniors

 

Here are a few simple things you can do to enhance your life as you get older.

1. Don’t Let Age Define You

The seniors in this book defy cliches and expectations. These people ranging from 87 to 92, are full fledge people with their own personalities.

They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, wives, and husbands. Age doesn’t change them. It’s not a problem to be fixed. It’s a stage of life like anything else.

2. Still Set Personal Goals

Just because you get older doesn’t mean that you have to stop being ambitious. Whether it’s personal or for something more professional, setting goals will keep you strong.

It can even be as small as finding something that makes you happy everyday.

3. Focus on What You Can Do

It’s easy to get stuck in a downward spiral of all the things you’ve lost. Leland found that in this age group, people who do things that interest them have the most satisfaction.

They focus on what they can do instead of what they can’t.

4.  Be Adaptable

Don’t let a change of circumstance limit your life. Just because one thing changes, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.

For example, someone who has a hard time moving around, may decide to use a wheelchair. While some may think this is restrictive, it opens up their world. They can go more places and be comfortable.

5. Embrace the Changes in Your Life

Change is hard, and as much as we want to pretend we have control, we don’t. For some people who are older, their roles will change. They might be getting help from their kids, instead of the other way around.

This isn’t a bad thing though. You can still be emotionally supportive of those who are helping you physically.

Read more about these lessons here.