Helping Older Adults Stay Cool in the Heat

Summer is one of the most enjoyable times of year for many of us, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Temperatures can rise very high, and climate change is pushing summers to be longer and hotter than they have been in the past. Extremely high temperatures can lead to conditions such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke. These conditions, particularly heat stroke, can become very dangerous and can cause illness and death. Those who are especially at risk for heat-related illnesses are people who spend a lot of time outside (such as construction workers or athletes), people in poor health, babies and young children, and older adults. Of the approximately 12,000 people who die of heat-related illnesses each year, about 80% are over the age of 60.

Older adults are more at-risk for heat-related illness due to factors that are common in aging. These include being more likely to have medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease or diabetes; taking medications that may make it harder for the body to cool itself (such as diuretics, sedatives, or blood pressure medications); having a physical or cognitive impairment that can make it hard to tell if they are overheated or dehydrated; and changes in their skin that make it harder to cool off. Those who are on fixed incomes or who are low income may not have easy access to air conditioning or fans.

If you work with older adults, some common signs of heat stroke to be aware of include:

·         High body temperature (103F or higher)

·         Hot, red, dry, or damp skin

·         A fast heart rate

·         Headache, dizziness, nausea, and/or confusion

·         Losing consciousness

If someone experiences these symptoms, move them to a cooler place and call 911 immediately. You can attempt to bring down their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until help arrives. To help prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses in older adults you work with, you can remind them to drink plenty of water and to wear light, loose clothing; help them stay on the lowest level of their house where it is coolest; and if they do not have air conditioning, finding a place where they can go to stay cool on hot days, such as a library, senior center, or a coffee shop or restaurant.

Special Issue November COAPS Newsletter

Learn about Visual Art Therapy in this month’s COAPS Newsletter!

'Your Brain Is In Tune': This Austin Chorus Is Made Up Of People With Memory Loss And Caregivers

Listening to music often brings to mind memories of special events or a specific period of time in a person’s life. For people with memory loss, music provides many additional benefits. Listening to music has been shown to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Music can also be a way for caregivers to connect with their loved ones experiencing memory loss, even when they may have difficulty communicating in other ways.

The Love Notes Chorus in Austin, Texas, is a special musical ensemble made up of people with mild memory loss, as well as caregivers and other volunteers. This group provides an outlet for those with memory loss to enjoy music, connect with others and their community, and to stimulate areas of their brain associated with musical memories. The chorus even puts on performances for the public!

To listen to members of the Love Notes Chorus share their stories and to listen to them sing, you can visit this link to the NPR website.

National Grandparents Day and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Do you have any special memories of your grandparents or great-grandparents from when you were young? Many people have fond memories of spending time with their grandparents as they grew up, and many grandparents are now making very similar memories with their own grandchildren!

September 8th, 2019, was National Grandparents Day in the United States. On National Grandparents Day, we celebrate grandparents and the special role that they play in the lives of their grandchildren and in the lives of other who they love.

One role that many grandparents in the United States have taken on is raising their grandchildren. Over 3% of the 74 million children in the U.S. live away from their parents, and two-thirds of these children (almost 1.5 million children) are being raised by their grandparents. Grandparents raise grandchildren for many different reasons if the children’s parents are unable to care for them, including military deployment, relationship breakup, incarceration, homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse. In 2018, it was estimated that 2.6 million grandparents were raising their grandchildren, and 39% of these grandparents had cared for their grandchildren for five years or more. About 2% of grandparents who raise their grandchildren are between the ages of 30-39, and 34%, the highest percentage, are aged 50-59.

Raising grandchildren can have a significant effect on grandparents. Older adults who raise their grandchildren are more likely to be poor and to have physical and mental health problems than those who did not raise grandchildren. Many children being raised by their grandparents have experienced trauma and other challenging situations, and these children experience their own adverse effects, including anger, anxiety, and other behavioral problems.

Despite these challenges, raising grandchildren also has positive benefits for both grandparents and grandchildren. Grandparent-grandchild families can help the family unit stay somewhat intact in the face of stress and trauma, and can help to build a close relationship between children and their grandparents. Raising grandchildren can provide grandparents with the satisfaction of nurturing their child and providing a safe place for them, as well as helping them maintain meaningful ties with their grandchildren.

Grandparents play an important role in our lives and our society! On National Grandparents Day, and every day, we celebrate grandparents and express our thanks for all that they do.

Sources:

Allen, K. (2018). Grandparents Report Success in Raising Grandchildren. AARP. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2018/grandparents-raising-kids.html

Henig, R.M. (2018). The Age of Grandparents Is Made of Many Tragedies. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/this-is-the-age-of-grandparents/561527/

Lockhart, B. (2013). Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren. Connecticut Youth Services Association. Retrieved from https://www.ctyouthservices.org/CYSABlog/BlogView.asp?BlogId=4096811&title=Grandparents+Parenting+Grandchildren

Muthiah, N., Adesman, A., & Keim, S.A. (2019). Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Are They Up to the Job? Pediatrics, 144(2).

United States Census Bureau (2014). CHILD POPULATION: NUMBER OF CHILDREN (IN MILLIONS) AGES 0–17 IN THE UNITED STATES BY AGE, 1950–2017 AND PROJECTED 2018–2050. Suitland, MD: United States Census Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/tables/pop1.asp

One in 10 older adults binge drinks, increasing health risks

By: Erika Edwards

Binge drinking is drinking five or more drinks at one time for men, and four or more drinks at once for women. Many people think that binge drinking is a problem faced mostly by young people, but as many as 1 in 10 older adults binge drinks.

Binge drinking can be a problem for older adults because alcohol affects their bodies differently than it did when they were younger. As you age, your body becomes more sensitive to alcohol. People who are 65 and older, are healthy, and do not take medications should limit themselves to no more than 3 drinks per day and no more than 7 drinks per week. Binge drinking can make some conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, worse. If you take blood thinners, drinking regularly could increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach.

Binge drinking can also lead to other issues. You may forget to take your medications, or take the wrong dose of your medicine, which can be dangerous. Binge drinking may also lead to falls, which can be very dangerous for older adults.

To read the full article, please visit NBC News website.

Self-Neglect in Older Adults

When you hear about elder neglect, you may think of someone else (such as a spouse, adult child, in-home care provider or other caregiver) neglecting an older adult’s daily needs. Elder neglect by others is a very serious problem for older adults, but many people do not know that self-neglect is also a major problem that can have very serious consequences.

Self-neglect happens when a person can’t meet their daily essential needs, such as eating, taking medication, bathing, or cleaning up after themselves. Self-neglect can be caused by an underlying mental or cognitive problem, such as dementia or depression, or by common physical problems that people face as they get older. People who have a history of substance abuse or are isolated may be especially at risk for self-neglect. If the underlying problems that are causing the older adult to self-neglect aren’t addressed, the behaviors could get worse over time and put the older adult at risk for illness, injury, and even death.

Many older adults experience self-neglect, but it often isn’t noticed by their caregivers or loved ones. In a survey of care managers who work with older adults, 92% said that self-neglect was a significant problem in their community, and 94% said that it was a problem that is usually hidden and mostly goes unreported.

Many older adults or caregivers may not be aware of what self-neglect looks like. Early warning signs of self-neglect may be difficult to spot. Some signs that a person may be neglecting their daily physical needs include looking dirty or disheveled; smelling bad; having visible wounds; gaining or losing weight from not eating enough or eating a poor diet; not addressing medical issues; and refusing to use necessary medical devices like hearing aids or glasses. Other signs of self-neglect include bills that are not being paid; mail piling up outside the home; their home not being cleaned or pets that are not being cared for; and hoarding.

Older adults experiencing self-neglect can get help. If you suspect that someone you know or care for is experiencing self-neglect, you can report it to your local adult protective services or elder abuse hotline. The National Adult Abuse Hotline is (800) 222-8000, and reports can be made anonymously. You can call 1-800-677-1116 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM Eastern to find local agencies that may be able to help your loved one.

Sources: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

American Society on Aging

US Department of Health and Human Services

Advocacy alert: Call your legislators by March 31 to extend spousal impoverishment protection

Nursing home care can be very expensive. Some nursing homes may cost up to $8,000 a month! For older adults who are living on a fixed income, this cost can quickly start eating into savings. Many spouses who are still living in the community may experience “spousal impoverishment” due to the strain of paying for care for their spouse and having little or no income or other resources. In 1988, Congress put protections into place through Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) for community-dwelling spouses of nursing home residents. These laws protected a certain amount of the couple’s shared resources for the community-dwelling spouse to ensure that their basic needs are met.

On March 31, 2019, Medicaid HCBS spousal impoverishment protections will expire unless Congress acts to extend them. These protections are very important in helping many older adults have a modest income and meet their basic needs. The Justice in Aging organization is urging people to call their legislators to tell them how important these protections are and to urge them to extend these protections.

Justice in Aging includes a sample message that you could use when contacting your representatives:

“I am asking the Senator to support legislation to extend the HCBS spousal impoverishment protections before they expire in two weeks on March 31st. Allowing the protections to expire would harm older adults and persons with disabilities who could lose their Medicaid eligibility or be forced to enter a nursing home against their wishes. It would also cause immediate disruption and confusion, and create administrative burden for states who would have to take time to adjust financial eligibility criteria, redetermine eligibility for married HCBS enrollees, and issue notices to affected enrollees. Congress should pass legislation extending the HCBS spousal impoverishment protections before March 31st. “

Sources:

To find out who your legislators are, visit: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

For more information about Justice in Aging’s advocacy plan, visit: https://justiceinaging.salsalabs.org/senatorstoomeyandcaseyneedtohearfromyou?wvpId=e7de096e-fa6b-4f11-a6a4-fa264bbf9b87&utm_source=PCA+News+Bulletin&utm_campaign=7c09a2336a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_04_03_09_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1ae1e09dde-7c09a2336a-58105829

For more information about the Medicaid HCBS spousal impoverishment protections, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/spousal-impoverishment/index.html

Dating as an Older Adult

Are you an older adult who is single and would like to jump back into the world of dating? If so, you’re not alone! Many older adults are interested in dating and forming connections with others, but many are also unsure about how to go about dating as an older person. Some may think that dating is just for young people, and fear that they will have difficulty keeping up with new trends in the dating scene. Others may be divorced or widowed, and may find themselves alone after many years in a relationship or want to meet a romantic partner after some time alone. Some may be looking for different aspects of a relationship as an older adult than they did when they were younger. Dating can seem overwhelming, but there are many resources and tips that can help make dating as an older adult a fun and fulfilling process.

1.       Relationship Networking. Many older adults meet romantic partners by “relationship networking,” and letting friends, family members, and others know that they are interested in dating. Friends and family members may be able to help connect you to other single older adults who they think that you may enjoy getting to know. You may also be able to meet people through neighborhood organizations, volunteering, or through shared interests, such as a book club or a hiking group.

2.       Online Dating. Dating websites and apps like Tinder and eHarmony have become popular parts of 21st Century American society, but they aren’t just for young people! Many older adults are utilizing dating websites and apps to meet others. Fourteen percent of all eHarmony users are over the age of 55. The dating websites OurTime and Stitch were created specifically for people over the age of 50 to meet many different types of companions, from romantic partners to travel companions to friends and interest groups. Online dating can be a convenient way for older adults to connect with romantic partners and other companions. Some apps, such as Tinder and Stitch, are free, while others, such as eHarmony, cost a fee to use. The AARP has a free online resource to help older adults who are interested in dating, with helpful tips about how to meet people, navigating the world of online dating, and planning a first date.

As in all forms of dating, safety is very important when online dating. Do not feel like you need to meet someone in person after only having short conversations with them. It is wise to meet in a public place on a first date, such as a restaurant or a coffee shop. You should let a friend or family member know when and where you are going and the name of the person you are meeting, and if you have a cell phone, have it turned on and with you during your date. Older adults should also be aware of warning signs that someone may be trying to take advantage of them, such as asking inappropriate questions about money, or making statements that make the person feel uncomfortable.

3.       Marriage isn’t always the goal. Many older adults may not consider marriage to be the end goal of a relationship. They may simply be seeking love and companionship. A growing phenomenon among older adults called “living alone together” involves both partners maintaining their own homes, social circles, finances, and other activities while still being in a loving and committed relationship. There are many different ways to love others and to be together as you age, and marriage may or may not be the best fit for every older adult who is looking to date.

Sources

AARP (n.d.). Ready to Date. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/home-family/dating/ready-to-date/?intcmp=AE-HF-DATG-TERTNAV-READD

Friedman, S. (2019). Dating for seniors: Not like dating decades ago. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Retrieved from http://www.pcacares.org/blog/dating-for-seniors-romance-is-beneficial-for-healthy-aging/?utm_source=Milestones+e-news+from+PCA&utm_campaign=6228591a82-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_11_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8fa93d938e-6228591a82-58277125

OurTime (n.d.). Tips for Meeting Offline. Retrieved from https://www.ourtime.com/

 Ray, M. (2015). Getting Flirty After 50: A Guide to Dating as an Older Adult. Sunrise Senior Living. Retrieved from https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/blog/february-2015/getting-flirty-after-50-a-guide-to-dating-as-an-older-adult.aspx

Resources and Support for Caregivers

If you are a caregiver for an older adult, you are not alone. In 2015, over 34 million Americans served as unpaid caregivers for people aged 50 and older (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2015). Acting as a caregiver can be very challenging physically, emotionally, and financially. Over 20% of caregivers of older adults feel that caregiving has made their health worse (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2015). Over half of caregivers of older adults report that caregiving was moderately or severely stressful (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2015). Over one in three caregivers of older adults reports a moderate or high amount of financial strain due to their caregiving activities, and almost 60% of caregivers say that their work has been impacted by caregiving duties (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2015).

Caring for an older adult loved one can be overwhelming. Many cities and states provide resources and support programs for caregivers that can help make the caregiving process less stressful. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a resource list that helps connect caregivers to different resources in their state. To find caregiving resources near you, visit https://www.hhs.gov/aging/state-resources/index.html or contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s (PDA) Caregiver Support Program provides many different resources for caregivers that can help reduce the stress of caregiving.  Some of these services include respite care that can give caregivers a break from caregiving duties; reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving; counseling; and education. Caregivers are assigned a care manager. The care manager comes to the home of the person receiving care and completes an assessment of the needs of the caregiver. The care manager can provide support for the caregiver and work with the caregiver to develop a person-centered care plan. You may be eligible for the Caregiver Support Program if you are an adult aged 18 or older caring for an individual with functional deficits, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease; someone aged 55 or older caring for a dependent child under the age of 18; or someone aged 55 or older caring for an individual aged 18-59 with a disability that is not dementia-related. To learn more about the PA Caregiver Support Program, visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/caregiver-support/Pages/default.aspx or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to apply for the program. The PDA is also launching a statewide campaign to promote the Caregiver Support Program. This campaign includes a series of 15-second videos featuring caregivers from a variety of different caregiving situations. Visit the PDA’s YouTube page to watch the videos and to share them on social media!

"Feeling Your Age" from WHYY's The Pulse

They call it the golden years, but there’s a reason many of us dread old age — it can mean losing our health, our independence, our memories, and loved ones.

But getting old doesn’t mean what it used to. Thanks to advancements in tech and medicine, seniors have more options than ever when it comes to maintaining their health and quality of life. On this episode — how we want to age, and what gets in the way.

Also heard on this week’s episode:

• Reporter Esther Honig documents her father’s cognitive decline.

• Geriatric nurse practitioner Barbara Resnick from the University of Maryland explains why aging bodies are like old cars — parts break down, but a little TLC can keep them running for the long haul.

• Endocrinologist Farah Khan on why it’s important to pay attention to bone health before it’s too late.

• Sharon Wade from St. Louis talks about caring for her mother, who has dementia.

• We hear about sex and intimacy at an assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Listen to the full 48 minute show at https://whyy.org/episodes/feeling-your-age/

Stay warm this winter! Protect yourself from cold stress.

Winter is coming! Winter often brings holiday festivities, beautiful snowy weather, and cold temperatures. While the snow and cold can help the season feel special, they can also be very dangerous. People who aren’t protected from the cold, especially older adults, might be at risk for a condition called hypothermia, or cold stress. Cold stress is caused when someone is exposed to cold temperatures for too long and loses too much of their body heat. This causes their body temperature to drop dangerously. Signs of cold stress include:

·         Shivering or stiffness in the arms and legs

·         Sleepiness or confusion

·         Poor control over body movements

·         Slowed or slurred speech

·         Slow reactions

·         Weak pulse

You might think that cold stress only affects those who stay outside for too long, but it can also affect people who are inside in temperatures that are too cold. Cold stress can even begin to affect you at temperatures as mild as 65 degrees inside! You’re also at risk for cold stress if you don’t dress warmly enough; don’t have shelter from weather elements like cold temperatures, snow, rain, or wind; live in a house or room that is cold; eat poorly; or take certain prescription medications or over-the-counter medications for the cold or flu.

Older adults are at a higher risk for cold stress than younger adults because their bodies respond differently to cold temperatures than they did when they were younger. Your body’s response to cold weakens as you age. Many older adults also have chronic conditions or use medications that can make them more vulnerable to cold temperatures. If you take medications for high blood pressure, depression, nervousness, poor circulation, and sleeplessness, you may be at a higher risk for cold stress.

There are some ways that you can prevent cold stress. These include:

·         Staying warm and dry both inside and outside

·         Avoiding exposure to snow, wind, rain, and water/dampness

·         Dressing warmly- wearing loose layers of wool clothing, covering your head and neck, changing out of damp clothing, and wearing warm shoes and socks

·         Eating nutritious, hot meals on a regular basis

·         Drinking plenty of fluids

If you think that you or a loved one may be experiencing cold stress, call 911 immediately. Until help arrives, you should:

·         Cover your head and neck

·         Take off wet or damp clothing and put on warm, dry clothing

·         Wrap yourself or your loved one in blankets, towels, extra clothes, or newspaper

·         Warm yourself or your loved one gradually

In an emergency, DO NOT:

·         Give hot drinks or hot food

·         Give alcohol or medications

·         Bathe or shower

·         Rub or massage arms and legs

For more information about cold stress, please visit the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s blog post about the topic or the National Institute on Aging.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning This Winter!

Carbon monoxide has been called “the Silent Killer.” It is a gas that forms when an appliance that burns wood or fuel malfunctions or has poor venting. It is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and can’t be heard. At least 15,000 people go to the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United States, and in 2015, there were 393 deaths from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Winter months are particularly deadly, because many people use gas and oil-burning furnaces to heat their homes. 36% of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning deaths occurred in December, January, and February in 2015. 

It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint carbon monoxide poisoning, because early symptoms often resemble the flu. These symptoms include:

·         Headache

·         Nausea

·         Sleepiness

·         Dizziness

·         Confusion

If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you’re using a furnace or a generator, or multiple family members show the same symptoms at the same time, go outside immediately and call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-(800) 222-1222.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. You can protect yourself and your household from carbon monoxide poisoning by:

·         Installing carbon monoxide monitors and making sure they have working batteries. You should check your carbon monoxide detector once a month and replace low batteries as needed.

·         Having your furnace inspected every year to make sure that it is working properly.

·         Only using gas-powered generators outside and away from vents or windows during a power outage. They should also be more than 20 feet from your home.

·         Don’t use gas ovens to heat your home during the winter.

·         Don’t use barbecue grills or gas-powered equipment indoors.

·         Don’t warm up your car in the garage or another enclosed area during the winter.

·         Don’t sit in a car with the engine running if there is deep snow, mud, or another substance blocking the exhaust pipe.

October is National Residents' Rights Month!

October is National Residents’ Rights Month. Residents of assisted living, nursing facilities, personal care homes, and other care facilities have rights that are guaranteed to them by the law. These rights include:

• The Right to a Dignified Existence- being treated with consideration, respect, and dignity

• The Right to Self-Determination- choice about activities, schedules, health care, and providers

• The Right to be Fully Informed of care, risks, and changes to care plan or medical/health status

• The Right to Raise Grievances- file complaints without fear of discrimination or acts of revenge

• The Right of Access to services, community members, medical records, activities, and other services inside and out of the facility

• The Right to Financial Affairs- managing financial affairs and information about services and charges for services

• The Right to Privacy

• Rights during Discharge/Transfer- right to appeal transfers or discharge without being discharged during a pending appeal; a 30-day notice of discharge or transfer including the reason, date, and location where the transfer will be

The theme for National Residents’ Rights Month in 2018 is “Speak Up: Know Your Rights and How to Use Them.” This theme reflects how important it is for residents of care facilities to know their rights so that they can confidently speak up for themselves and be more engaged in their care and achieving a quality of life.

In Pennsylvania, the Ombudsman program is responsible for advocating for residents. Ombudsman work with residents, families, and facility staff to provide information about resident rights. They also respond to complaints or concerns raised by residents or family members, and they visit long-term care facilities to make sure that the quality of care meets a high standard. Ombudsman can address a variety of issues, including concerns about finances, quality of life, professional care, resident rights, and information and education.

To learn more about the rights of residents in care facilities, please see this bulletin from The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: http://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/long-term-care-recipient/CV_NHrights_factsheet_final.pdf

Flu Season is here! Flu shots are important.

Fall and winter months are well known for cooler weather, colorful leaves, and festivities in the holiday season. But fall and winter are also well known for influenza (flu) outbreaks. Flu season lasts from October to May, and each year, millions of people in the United States get the flu.

The flu is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Common flu symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Cough

• Fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with flu will have a fever)

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Body aches

• Tiredness or weakness

Flu symptoms can be mild or moderate and may improve in a few days, but they can also be very severe and even deadly. The flu is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and people who have weakened immune systems. Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu each year, and thousands die annually from flu complications. 

You can help protect yourself from the flu by getting a seasonal flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older. Flu vaccines can protect you from getting sick, but it can also help prevent you from passing on the virus to anyone who is especially at risk for flu complications. You can get a flu vaccine at your healthcare provider’s office, at a pharmacy that gives shots, or a community flu clinic or health center.

To find clinics near you that offer flu vaccines, you can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Flu Vaccine Finder or call your health provider or pharmacy.

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

If a disaster were to strike your community, would you be prepared? September is National Preparedness Month. It’s an opportunity to remind people that disasters can come at any time, and that it’s important to be prepared for them.

During a disaster event, you may not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. Preparing an emergency kit can help keep you and your family healthy for several days during a disaster or until help arrives. Put enough supplies in your kit to last yourself and your family for 3 days. Some important items to include in your kit are:

• Medications

• Non-perishable food and water

• Supplies for babies and children

• Pet supplies

• Cell phone and charger

• Flashlight and whistle

• Cash

• Copies of important papers, like a passport or social security card

• First-aid kit

• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries

Another key way to stay prepared in case of an emergency or a disaster is to plan ahead. When making a disaster plan for yourself or your household, you should

• Determine what types of disasters might affect the area where you live.

• Make a plan about how best to communicate with loved ones during an emergency situation. If a disaster strikes, everyone in your household may not be together.

• Consider the age, mobility level, medical needs, and dietary needs of yourself or members of your household, and what you might need in the case of an emergency.

• Create a support network of family, friends, or others who can help you during an emergency, and share your disaster plans with them.

• Find a local disaster shelter. You can find open shelters near you on the American Red Cross website or by calling your local American Red Cross chapter. You can find your local chapter by visiting the Red Cross website.

• Find out the emergency plans of your healthcare provider, particularly if you receive routine treatments at a clinic or hospital. Work with them to find backup providers if necessary.

• Find out if your local emergency shelter accepts pets. Not all shelters accept pets, so you may need to find an alternative plan to keep your pets safe during a disaster event.

For more tips about how older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others can plan ahead for a disaster situation, please visit Ready.gov. You can also find more information by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Overuse of dementia medications

Dementia is the loss of mental ability and/or behavioral abilities that is severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Some functions that can be affected include memory, problem solving, and the ability to pay attention. Dementia is not a specific disease, but describes a variety of symptoms that can be associated with a loss of memory or thinking skills.

Dementia is more common as people grow older. As many as 50% of all people who are 85 years old or older may have some form of dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. As many as 60% to 80% of all dementia cases are Alzheimer’s. There are many different symptoms of dementia, but some common symptoms include the following.

• Problems with short-term memory or thinking skills

• Trouble keeping track of things, such as a wallet or household items

• Trouble remembering appointments

• Difficulty planning and preparing meals

Dementia symptoms may be mild at first and get worse over time. There are many different causes of memory loss, so if you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of memory loss or dementia, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause. To learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Some medications may provide a brief delay in mental impairment for 3 to 12 months for certain adults with dementia. However, these medications (chEI and memantine) may not benefit all patients. There is also evidence that these drugs may not be beneficial beyond short-term use. These drugs also don’t treat the underlying causes of dementia. However, many people might take these medications for as long as 10 years or more. An AARP study found that some patients who used dementia drugs for 10 years paid nearly $20,000 for these drugs. 90% of this cost was experienced after the treatment wasn’t supported by evidence. In addition to the high cost of being on these medications, people who use these medications long-term may be increasing their risk for experiencing negative health outcomes.

August is National Immunization Month!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Organizations and communities across the United States raise awareness every August about the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Vaccines play an important role in protecting against many diseases like polio, measles, or the seasonal flu. These diseases once harmed or even caused the deaths of millions of people, but because of vaccines, they are much less common and deadly than they once were. Vaccines help protect the person who got the vaccine from getting sick. They can also help prevent the spread of these diseases to people who are more at risk for complications, such as infants and young children, older adults, and those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.

It is especially important for older adults to get vaccines. As you age, your immune system may not be as strong as it was when you were younger. This can make it easier for you to get sick and to have a harder time fighting off infections. Older adults are also more likely than younger people to have complications from illness, such as longer-term illness, hospitalization, and even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults get the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine every year. The CDC also recommends that older adults get the Td or Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. In addition to these vaccines, the CDC also recommends that older adults get shingles and pneumococcal vaccines.

If you have ever had chicken pox, you may be at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. This virus can stay inactive in your body for years after you’ve recovered from chicken pox, but it can suddenly become active again. 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime, and over 1 million Americans are affected by shingles every year. Shingles usually lasts 2-4 weeks. Symptoms of shingles include

• a painful, blistering rash that develops on one side of the face or body

• a tingling, burning, or itching sensation that appears 1-5 days before the rash develops

• fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach

Older adults are more susceptible to complications caused by shingles. The CDC recommends that people who are 50 or older get 2 doses of the Shingrix shingles vaccine 2 to 6 months apart every year. For more information about shingles and the shingles vaccine, please visit the CDC website.

Pneumococcal vaccines can help protect against pneumococcal disease, or infections that are caused by a type of bacteria. Pneumococcal disease can be spread by person-to-person contact with saliva or mucus. There are many different types of pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type. Symptoms include

• fever and chills

• cough

• rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

• chest pain

Older adults are at higher risk for getting pneumococcal disease due to weaker immune systems. They are also more at risk for developing complications from pneumococcal disease, like sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include

• confusion or disorientation

• shortness or breath

• high heart rate

• fever, shivering, or feeling very cold

For more information about pneumococcal disease or the pneumococcal vaccine, please visit the CDC website.

Consumer Alert Text Messages to Help Avoid Scams

Many people across the United States become victims to scams and frauds every year. Older adults are especially at risk of being scammed. Scams often happen over the phone. Common scams include:

·         A caller saying that they are from the IRS and that you owe back taxes

·         A caller saying that you have won a sweepstakes or the lottery

·         A caller claiming to be your grandchild or someone else close to you who has been in an accident and needs money

Scammers usually ask for money. They may ask you to pay them through gift cards or a wire transfer. Many older adults have lost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to scammers.

The AARP has 3 quick tips for helping older adults spot potential scams or frauds.

1.       You’re contacted out of the blue with an offer for free money or fast cash.

2.       You’re pressured to act quickly, or told that the offer is available for a “limited time only.”

3.       If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

In Pennsylvania, the Office of the Attorney General wants to help protect older adults and other consumers from scams. A new text message alert system can help raise awareness about scams and frauds. These text message alerts will go out at least twice a month. They will give tips about how to spot and scams. They will also warn about new scams and provide updates on consumer protection issues. There is no fee for signing up for this service, but charges from your mobile carrier may apply. You can also decide to opt out of the text service at any time. To sign up for this service, please click here!

Being Good to Yourself as an Older Adult

Many older adults may feel lonely, sad, and stressed. This can be because of the loss of loved ones, health problems, trouble with money, or many other reasons. If you are feeling low, you may not feel like doing anything, you may not eat enough, or you may overeat. Being good to yourself can help you feel better and improve your eating habits and health. Ways to “be good to yourself” include

·         Getting enough sleep.

·         Staying in touch with family and friends.

·         Joining a social group.

·         Surrounding yourself with people you enjoy.

Lifespan Tip Sheet for Older Adults

·         Eat breakfast every day.

·         Select high-fiber foods like whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

·         Have three servings of vitamin D-fortified low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, or cheese every day to help keep your bones strong as you age.

·         Drink plenty of water or water-based fluids.

·         Ask your health care provider about ways you can safely increase your physical activity.

·         Fit physical activity into your everyday life. Take short walks throughout your day

·         Stay connected with family, friends, and your community

Please visit the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for more Health Tips for Older Adults and other information about healthy living and health conditions.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

Physical activity is good for your health at every age. If you have never been active, starting regular physical activity now may improve your endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Being active may help you live on your own for a longer time and keep you healthy.

Being active can be hard if you have limited mobility or if you have serious health problems. You can still find activities to meet your needs. Slowly raising your arms or legs, for example, may help you when done on a regular, repeated basis.

Healthy older adults should do four types of activities regularly: aerobic (or endurance) exercise and activities to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and increase flexibility.

When doing aerobic activity, you should be able to speak several words in a row but not be able to have a long conversation. You should aim to do 150 minutes of medium intensity aerobic activity every week. To add more aerobic activity to your life, you can

• Go for a brisk walk.
• Do heavy housework or gardening.
• Take part in a group activity, like a water aerobics or tennis class for seniors. Your local community center or senior center may offer free or discounted classes.

Activities that strengthen your muscles make you push or pull against something. You can use hand-held weights, exercise bands, or even soup cans. Strength training can help increase your strength, independence, and balance. It may even reduce your need for a cane! You should try to do strength exercises at least 2 days a week. Strength training exercises include

• Raising and lowering your arms for a certain number of counts. You can do this when you’re seated.
•  Climbing stairs in your house or a mall if you can do it safely. You can use a cane if needed.
•  Digging in the garden, raking, or pushing a lawn mower.

Activities to improve your balance can help you stay steady on your feet and reduce the risk of a fall or injury. You should try to do these exercises at least 3 days a week. Balance improving exercises include

• Walking heel to toe in a straight line.
• Standing on one foot if you are able.
• Standing up from a chair and sitting down again without using your hands.

Activities that increase flexibility can help you keep the full range of motion in your muscles and joints and prevent stiffness. You should try to do flexibility exercises at least 3 days a week. Flexibility exercises include

• Stretching all muscle groups.
• Taking a yoga class or practicing yoga with a video.

If you are just starting any new physical activity, start slowly and work up to your goal. To track your progress and stay motivated, keep a daily diary of what you do and how long you do it.

How to Become More Physically Active

• Pick an activity you enjoy and start with small, specific goals, such as "I will take three 10-minute walks this week." Slowly increase the total amount of time and number of days you are active.
• If you live in an assisted living or retirement facility, ask if the fitness center offers a free health checkup and fitness program.
• Start a walking group with one or more friends where you live or through your place of worship.

Safety is very important as you become physically active! Safety tips for older adults include

• Asking your health care provider about ways you can safely increase the amount of physical activity you do now. If you have an illness or other health issue, you should ask your health care provider if there are any limits to the types of exercises you can do. They can help suggest a type and amount of exercise that’s right for you.
• Taking time to warm up and cool down.
• Starting slowly and build up to more intense activity.
• Wearing a sturdy pair of shoes.
• Stopping if you have pain, become dizzy, or feel short of breath.
• Drinking water.

You can start slowly and increase your goals as you build your strength over time. For example, you can do many arm and leg exercises without weights to get started. As you progress, you can add hand-held weights, like soup cans, to improve your strength.

For more ways to add exercise and physical activity into your lifestyle, see these Health Tips for Older Adults from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.