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Combining Volunteering and Traveling

Date: February 25, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Why You Should Never Retire According to a Neuroscientist

As you get more time on your hands, you may not be sure what to do with it. Maybe you want to see the world and are planning some trips. Maybe you feel the need to give back and want to help the less fortunate. Since time is precious it can feel like you have to pick and choose. But a new trend is happening that’s combining volunteering and traveling, it’s called “voluntourism.”

Combining Volunteering and Traveling

Volunteering and Traveling

 

The idea is that while traveling you can contact local charities and offer to help. There are plenty of ways to do this: you can volunteer at shelters, teach English in non-English speaking countries, rebuild homes or schools, maybe even participating in an archaeological dig.

Visit sites like Charity Watch, Guide Star or Charity Navigator to find places and get ideas. Some hotel chains like The Ritz Carlton offer volunteer opportunities for guests and Booking.com has a list of top safaris and activities for those who want to help wildlife. Just make sure that you pick the right opportunity for you.

For example, if you are not physically able to help build homes than maybe you shouldn’t do that. Think about what skills you have that would be the most useful, where you want to travel, and how much time you want to commit.

Read more here.

Could Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Blood Stream?

Date: February 25, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Could Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Blood Stream?

With the population of 65 and older gaining in numbers steadily, researchers are looking into how to keep seniors healthy and happy. One thing that has been a struggle has to do with blood. For example, anyone who is battling cancer will have to deal with the side effects. How can science make that easier? New research from Weill Cornell Medical College is asking, could stem cells rejuvenate the blood stream?

Could Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Blood Stream?

Could Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Blood Stream?

 

The blood system is responsible for producing blood cells throughout a person’s life. With age, its function declines. Blood cells provide all sorts of different cells that we need, including different immune cells.

As we age the cells’ functions also decline, leaving seniors more vulnerable to diseases. It’s been shown that there’s an increase in blood cancer among those over 65.

This is even more difficult because older patients are frequently not good candidates for bone marrow transplants, the cure for many blood disorders. This is due of a higher degree of complications after the transplant.

The research shows that transplanting younger blood within mice rejuvenated the aging stem cells. This could potentially mean that this process could assist in recovering from cancer treatment side effects.

This study shows that it’s possible to not only help sustain aging blood cells but also help heal as well. This could mean protection of organs like gut, skin, spleen and liver, that are affected by radiation. This also means a shorter recovery time, less susceptibility to infections, and a lower number of blood stem cells needed to achieve a successful transplant.

Read more here.

8 Regrets You Don’t Want as You Age

Date: February 25, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
8 Regrets You Don't Want as You Age

As we get older we realize that time is precious and want to make the most of it. While a lot of articles focus on the grand adventures you can have, there are also small steps you can take to make your life fulfilling. From personal growth to your relationships, there are plenty of things you can do to make the remainder of your life the best it can be. Here are 8 regrets you don’t want as you age.

8 Regrets You Don't Want as You Age

8 Regrets You Don’t Want as You Age

 

1. Don’t hold onto grudges.

It can be easy when someone upsets you to stew in your anger, but it can be detrimental to your health. Researchers at Hope College discovered when participants thought of their enemies, stress signs like sweating and rapid heartbeat increased. So it’s best to let go of that resentment.

2. Postponing your estate plan.

It’s not the most fun thing in the world to do, but it’s the most selfless. Without a plan, heirs will have to figure out what your wishes are, which could lead to fights. It will give everyone peace of mind.

3. Thinking it’s too late to make friends.

You are never too old to make friends! Cutting yourself off from the opportunity will leave you lonely. Try talking to people with the same interests as you, such as someone in your bookclub  tennis lessons, etc., and offer a coffee date.

4. Ignoring medical tests.

This should be obvious, but make sure to keep up with screenings and tests that are needed as you age. Talk to your doctor about what should be done and how often. Take control and make sure you are healthy for a long time.

5. Being afraid to do what you want.

This is pretty self explanatory, but don’t let fear control your life. It can be easy to do so, but push through and do the things you want to do.

6. Not telling people they matter.

Maybe you are not an emotional person, and you feel awkward voicing your affections for others. Not only would it make others feel good, but it will make you feel closer to your loved ones.

7. Not taking the possibility of falls seriously.

We talk a lot about falls, but that’s because it’s so important to discuss. Falls are one of the top injuries of seniors and cause a lot of damage. Check to make sure none of your medications make you less stable, make your home safer with grab bars and railings, and add balancing to your exercise regimen.

8. Let yourself be open to this new chapter of your life.

We live with the same beliefs from growing up, the same fears, insecurities, and other negative thoughts. Throw those thoughts away and start thinking happier thoughts about yourself. You can be kinder to others, think about what makes you great, and live by what makes you feel good.

Read more here.

Robot Caregivers in Japan

Date: February 18, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
How Robotics Are Helping Chinese Seniors with Rehab

Like the US, Japan is facing a dilemma of making sure there is enough care for all of its seniors. With Japan’s aging society facing a predicted shortfall of 370,000 caregivers by 2025, the Japanese government is getting creative. They are laying groundwork for seniors to be taken care of by robots. Yes, that’s right, robot caregivers in Japan is going to be a thing.

Robot Caregivers in Japan

Robot Caregivers in Japan

 

The robots are simple in the sense that they are focused on lifting frail seniors to help them out of their bed and into a wheelchair. They can also help ease seniors into bathtubs to reduce falls.

Developers are hoping to create robots that can predict when someone needs to use the bathroom, so they can assist them with that as well.

The goal for these robots is to assist nursing staff and be able to keep people home longer. The lifting robots have been deployed in around 8% percent of nursing homes in Japan. The small percentage is partly due to the cost and partly to how people react to the robots.

Many feel that only other humans can care for humans in such a vulnerable state. For the sake of cost, these robots do not look like humans or talk yet.

The next research ideas include wearable mobility aid devices that can help go up and down hills using smart technology. According to Japan’s robot strategy, the government hopes that four in five care recipients accept having some support provided by robots by 2020.

Read more here.

10 Ways to Make Exercise a Part of Your Everyday Life

Date: February 18, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Stretching Improves Muscles in Seniors

It’s hard to get the motivation to exercise. There seems to be so many reasons not to. You’re tired, your body hurts, you have no time, or maybe you just plain don’t want to. We understand, so here are ten ways to make exercise a part of your everyday life.

10 Ways to Make Exercise a Part of Your Everyday Life

10 Ways to Make Exercise a Part of Your Everyday Life

 

1. Choose the Right Activity for You

Like everything else in life, you need to find a way to exercise that works for you. This means it doesn’t have to be heavy weight lifting or long-distance running. Try different workouts and see what works best with your body.

2. Pick a Time That Works for You.

If you’re a morning person, it doesn’t make sense to try to drag yourself to the gym at night, right?

3. Goals

Make goals for yourself of all different sizes. This can help motivate you because you want to hit them.

4. Pick the Right Speed of Workout.

Similar to finding the right exercise activity, you need to find a pace that you feel comfortable with. Don’t do slow walking if you find that boring, for example.

5. The Right Shoes

Comfort will make or break a session of exercise. Making sure you have proper shoes will ensure that your feet won’t hurt, allowing you to go full speed.

6. Make It Fun

The more you enjoy something, the more you want to do it, right? The same applies to exercise. Something that might make it more enjoyable for you is having a friend come too.

7. Make It Easy

Doing small things to make exercising easier can significantly impact how often you do it. Try leaving comfy shoes and clothes in your car. Also, exercise does not equate to going to the gym. Walking counts, just move around.

8. Routine is Key

Once we get into a routine, it’s easier to stick with. A new habit takes at least three weeks to establish.

9. Keep a Record

Research shows that keeping track of yourself is key to a healthy weight. You can use a pedometer or the time of the activity to keep you on track.

10. Reward Yourself

Nothing helps to keep you going like a reward. Use them to celebrate every milestone you hit.

New Gadget May be Able to Diagnose Alzheimer’s

Date: February 18, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips

There is so much effort going into the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s, now there’s a new device that may be able to help. Sophomores at the University of Maryland, won first prize in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) competition for their prototype of portable EEG device. This new gadget may be able to diagnose Alzheimer’s.

New Gadget may be able to Diagnose Alzheimer's

New Gadget may be able to Diagnose Alzheimer’s

 

What started as a focus on detecting concussions turned into Alzheimer’s detection because members of the team had relatives who had died of Alzheimer’s. The students were thinking of using an electroencephalogram (EEG), a test that records the electrical activity of the brain.

An EEG used in a doctor’s office or a research lab has as many as 256 electrodes and is the size of a desk. The team wanted to shrink that down to 8  or 16 electrodes.

This new design is easier to use and more affordable. The new EEG, called the Ultracortex, is a open source headset that you can connect to a laptop. The headset costs less than $2,000, while most EEG machines cost hundreds of thousands.

The machine is able to diagnose Alzheimer’s with an 83% accuracy. It’s not perfect but it’s a start. The students plan on doing more research and getting the device to the point of a 98 or 99% accuracy.

Read more here.

New Dental Technology for Seniors

Date: February 11, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
New Dental Technology for Seniors

There are few things more valuable than our teeth, but as we get older we may need dentures. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but losing dentures is a rampant problem among seniors. They may be misplaced or accidentally thrown away. Stephen Shuman is collaborating with actual aerospace engineers to make new dental technology for seniors.

New Dental Technology for Seniors

New Dental Technology for Seniors

 

Shuman and the aerospace research company, ASTER Labs, are working together to create a denture location system and automated tooth brushing system. Shuman noticed that dentures seemed to disappear often in assisted living or long term care communities, especially among those who have cognitive impairments.

This can be so frustrating to lose something as essential as dentures because on average, a set of dentures can cost $3,000 or more. The team at ASTER is working on a small GPS antenna to place within dentures that wouldn’t disturb the wearer.

The GPS system can be used through a phone app and family, caregivers, or nurses can use it to locate the missing dentures. They are hoping to work more on this project to get it small enough to place on hearing aids, which is another common, expensive essential for many seniors.

The automated tooth brushing system would help assist those who struggle with dental hygiene whether through physical limitations or cognitive limitations. The system would consist of an insertable mouthpiece with automated bristles for cleaning the teeth. It’s still in development, but a prototype is in the works.

Read more here.

6 Ways For Seniors to Stay Safe in Winter

Date: February 11, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
6 Ways For Seniors to Stay Safe in Winter

Winter can seem like it lasts forever. It’s cold, icy, and all we want to do is curl up in a blanket and hibernate until spring. It can be especially treacherous for seniors, who may be alone for these cold couple of months. But we have tips to stay safe, here are six ways for seniors to stay safe in winter.

6 Ways For Seniors to Stay Safe in Winter

6 Ways For Seniors to Stay Safe in Winter

 

1. Avoid slipping on ice.

It can cause serious damage to seniors like fractures and cuts. It could even cause death if the fall is bad enough. Wearing shoes with good traction and non-skid soles is the best way to prevent falls. To avoid falling in your home, take off your shoes as soon as you return home because the snow and ice on to the soles will melt, causing slips.

2. Dress for warmth.

Cold temps can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. According to the CDC, more than half of hypothermia-related deaths are of people over the age of 65. Seniors should dress in layers, wear thick socks, a heavy coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Use your scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs from the frigid air.

3. Be aware of winter depression.

Winter can be tough on the emotions, it’s cold and the days are short. There’s not a lot of sunshine. Seniors have even less contact with others during the cold months, and this can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loved ones should try to check in as often as possible. Even a phone call can make seniors less lonely.

4. Car Safety.

Driving the winter is intimidating for anyone, but especially seniors. Their reflexes may not be as quick as they were before. If possible, seniors should get their car serviced before winter comes. Checking things like oil, tires, battery, and wipers will make the vehicle safer, and the senior feel better.

5. Prepare for power outages.

Storms lead to power outages, and with the storms we’ve had lately, it feels more likely to happen. Seniors should make sure they have easy access to flashlights spread throughout the house. They also should have lots of warm blankets to fend off the cold. Non-perishable foods will come in handy if your food in the fridge spoils.

6. Preventing Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

If you use a fireplace or a gas heater, it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure all the batteries in your detectors are fresh.

Read more here.

The Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren

Date: February 11, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
The Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren

The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is precious. Not only do grandparents spoil and play with their grandchildren, but they may also be influencing them in ways no one thought of. A study shows that kids who spend time with their grandparents are less likely to have ageist views towards the elderly.

The Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren

 

The Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren

 

The study, done in Belgium, asked 1,151 young people ranging in age from 7 to 16-years-old about their time with their grandparents. Then the researchers asked about the kids’ views on aging and the elderly. The researchers found that kids who visited with their grandparents weekly, described their time with their grandparents as pleasant and had less ageist views.

Previous research showed that it was quality, not quantity, of visits was what affected the participants’ views. Though that test was done with university students instead of children.

The children were very open about their relationship with their grandparents and were surprised about the ageism that appeared in the questionaries. The study found that the amount of prejudice changed with the kids’ ages. 7-9-year-olds had the most negative view, while 10-12-year-olds were the most tolerant.

Teenagers also had prejudices, but still not as much as the youngest children. Of course, the grandparent’s health might have influenced the children’s views. Kids who were exposed to their grandparents having poor health, had more stereotypes of the elderly, than kids who had healthy grandparents.

Overall, the study found that both quality and quantity of the visits influence kids and their views on aging. Being exposed to other older people make the idea of aging less strange. Plus, kids can bring positive energy to the grandparents and get them up and moving.

Read more about the study here.

Artist Turned Elders into Beautiful Works of Art

Date: February 4, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
Artist Turned Elders into Beautiful Works of Art

What do you get when you cross an artist, seniors, and folklore? An amazing collection of photos, that’s what! Finnish artist Riitta Ikonen was working on an idea relating to Nordic Folktales. While pondering this idea, she realized that the people who would be closest to this tradition would be the elders around her. So starting a long journey, this artist turned elders into beautiful works of art.

Artist Turned Elders into Beautiful Works of Art

Artist Turned Elders into Beautiful Works of Art

 

Ikonen started to do research and came across Karoline Hjorth, a photographer whose book of portraits, Mormormonologene, is a celebration of Norwegian grandmothers. Together, they collaborated on the project called “Eyes as Big as Plates” for seven years.

Photos spanning the world include both men and women becoming one with nature. Whether they are mythical gods or creatures of the earth, these models are stunning against the backdrop of nature. There are 60 photos total, and each photo has a small paragraph describing the model.

They find their models by interacting with people who have “moxie.” Ikonen says:

“We might be in Paris, and you might be at an opera soiree evening and there might be an old lady dancing, the last person on the dance floor, and you just think: Who is this fascinating person I have to meet? You approach them and ask them, ‘Who are you and what are you doing tomorrow?’”

For example, one model named Agnes (pictured above) is personifying the North Wind. She is chosen for this figure because she is the oldest Norwegian woman to have ever completed a parachute jump. Actually, she did this twice, at the age of 85 and then again, at 90. She is pictured standing on a stark black rock face at the edge of the sea; she wears an armature on her head made of twisted, tendril-like twigs, dramatically swept to one side.

Read more here.