Triumph Over Travel Concerns - How to travel even if you have limited mobility
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1
Are You Asking The
Triumph Right Questions?
Questions to ask when
Over Travel your doctor prescribes
a new medicine
Concerns
How to travel
even if you have Neutralizing
limited mobility Nature
Emergency preparedness
tips for seniors
April 2019
A Special Supplement to
3 Feel your best, starting 8 Questions to ask when
with your stomach your doctor prescribes a
4 Learn how to sleep like new medicine
a child again 9 Emergency preparedness
5 Geriatric psychiatry provides tips for seniors
support through aging 10 Coping with age-related
6 How to travel even if you hair loss
have limited mobility 11 Exercise and aging: How
7 Safe senior dating to work out safely after 50
Happier, Healthier
Assisted Living
“hereI’mthan
living life again. I’m happier
I’ve been in 10 years!
”
Donna , Willow Brook at Delaware Run
Donna Held and her daughter Kathryn
are excited about the assisted living
program at Willow Brook at Delaware
Run.
A retired teacher, Donna moved in with
her daughter after a fall, but her health
Living 50 Plus
declined. After visiting many assisted living
centers, the two found everything Donna
wanted at Willow Brook at Delaware Run.
“I’m living life again,” says Donna. “It’s a
warm, cozy feeling. I’m happier here than
I’ve been in 10 years.”
Not-for-profit / Serving Ohio since 1972
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2 April 2019
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Feel your best, Yogurt is a dietary
source of probiotics,
healthy bacteria
and yeasts that may
improve overall
starting with your stomach
health.
Did you know that they key to bad bugs can proliferate, causing problems. most benefits.
personal health may begin in It is essential to keep an abundance of The downside is it’s impossible to
the core of the body? Doctors and probiotics available to stay healthy and measure just how many probiotics can be
researchers are learning more and more maintain the “good vs. bad” balance in acquired from foods. That is what makes
about how the immune system and other the gut. supplementation so handy. Capsules and
functions of the body are tied to microscopic Getting probiotics tablets are loaded with a variety of different
players housed in the stomach and intestines. While the body can be healthy without the active bacteria and yeast cultures to aid the
Improving this digestive environment can addition of probiotics, having more can be digestive system in measurable ratios. Some
benefit the body in various ways.
Living 50 Plus
beneficial. The Cleveland Clinic says that tout anywhere from one to 30 billion active
food and supplements containing probiotics colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving.
assist the good bacteria already present in
Understanding probiotics
your gut. When a course of antibiotics wipes
Bodily bacteria outnumber body cells by Side effects
out both good and bad bacteria, for example,
10 to one, offers the health and wellness
probiotic-rich foods and supplements can Probiotics are generally healthy for people to
resource Healthline. Most of the bacteria in
more readily replace what’s lost. consume in amounts found in foods, advises
the body are harmless, and many of them in
the gut actually are linked to numerous health Dietary sources of probiotics include the Mayo Clinic. Most healthy adults can
benefits, such as weight loss, enhanced some yogurts, cheeses, kefir, sauerkraut, safely add foods or dietary supplements that
immune function, reduced risk of disease, miso, kimchi, pickles, and beverages contain probiotics to their diets. Introducing
like kombucha, a fermented tea. Getting probiotics may cause temporary and mild
April 2019 3
and improved digestion. Unfortunately,
bad bacteria also vie for space in the gut. probiotics from foods is the most natural flatulence, discomfort and bloating.
If the good bacteria and yeasts, or probiotics, way to supplement good gut bacteria, as the Probiotics can be yet another tool to improve
are not in abundance to push out the bad foods meld with the probiotics in ways that overall health at any age, but especially for
bacteria, like salmonella and E. coli, those doctors may never understand to deliver the adults looking to minimize illness risk.
Did you know?
Learn how
Those poised
to begin
to sleep like a
a health
regimen
that includes
child again
probiotics would
be wise to also educate Adults can learn strategies to get more
themselves about the closely named, yet vastly
different, “prebiotics” that are also beneficial to restorative and lengthy sleep.
health. Prebiotics are to probiotics what fertilizer is
to a vegetable garden. Prebiotics are essentially
a special type of soluble fiber that is used by the
beneficial bacteria as fuel, advises the prebiotic Many adults lament that Kheirandish-Gozal, director of
supplement company Prebiotin. Examples of good even if they were solid clinical sleep research at the
sources of prebiotics include bananas, onions, sleepers in their younger University of Chicago, says that,
garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, apple skins, beans, years, by the age of 50, over time, insufficient sleep
and chicory root. The prebiotic fiber moves through their quality of sleep has can impact metabolism, mood,
the small intestine undigested and fermented until unraveled. Some cling to the memory, and heart function.
it reaches the large intestine. Once there, beneficial wisdom that people simply do Various strategies can help
bacteria break it down and use it as food. Thusly, not need as much sleep as they people get more sleep and
the prebiotics can then multiply readily and get older. Even though that is enjoy better sleep quality.
improve the balance of good and bad bacteria partly true, sufficient sleep is still
in the gut. Eating prebiotic foods can fuel the Create a luxury bed
a vital component of a healthy
process, but many probiotic supplements environment. Splurge on the
life.
now have a combination formula that largest mattress you can afford
The National Sleep Foundation and one that is comfortable for
includes prebiotics in the recipe.
recently updated its sleep both parties (if married/coupled).
recommendations per age A roomy bed routinely invites
group to include categories sleep. If you have a restless
“may be appropriate” and “not partner, try two separate beds
Examples of good sources recommended.” This includes pushed against each other.
of prebiotics include a range of hours that may be
Consider white noise. The
bananas, onions, garlic, adequate for certain adults.
sounds of the house or outdoors
Jerusalem artichokes, Adults between the ages of
may be keeping you up. Many
apple skins, beans, 26 and 65 are advised to get
people find that the gentle
seven to nine hours of sleep
and chicory root. per evening. However, six
hum of a fan or a white-noise
machine with a calming sound
hours or 10 hours also may
effect makes it easier for them
be acceptable. People over
to dose off than complete quiet.
the age of 65 need roughly It can also block out extraneous
seven to eight hours of sleep noises.
Living 50 Plus
each night, though between
five and six hours also may Keep electronics out of the
be fine. Generally speaking, bedroom. It can be challenging
anything under five hours is not to disconnect from electronics,
recommended based on data but it is essential to falling
reviewed by sleep experts. asleep. Even a back-lit text
coming through in the wee hours
Many older adults do not get can be enough illumination to
enough sleep due to insomnia, disrupt sleep.
states Jack Gardner, MD, a
neurologist certified in sleep See your doctor. If medications
medicine. They’re concerned or illnesses are keeping you
4 April 2019
about health issues, may have up, a change in regimen may
sleep apnea, can experience provide the relief you need.
pain or frequent urination, Older adults can learn the steps
OH-70113488
or may be taking medication to sleeping more soundly and
that impedes sleep. Dr. Leila easily.
Geriatric psychiatry
provides support through aging
Many positive changes come with older adults. These disorders diagnosis, and treatment of mental
aging. Financial independence, may include, but are not limited to, and emotional disorders in the
freedom to pursue hobbies and more dementia, depression, anxiety, elderly, says the American Psychiatric
time to spend with loved ones are late life addiction disorders, and Association, an advocate for
some such benefits. schizophrenia. Although geriatric improvement of psychiatric care for
psychiatrists can treat these and elderly patients. Geriatric psychiatrists
But as men and women age, they
more, they also may help adults understand how medication dosage
also must give consideration to
navigate emotional, physical and and therapy treatments may need to
those changes few consider until
social needs that come with getting be customized as one ages. These
they’re happening. Retirement, loss
older. psychiatrics also can consult with
of a spouse, distance from family, experts in neurology and primary
downsizing, and fears of illness must The AAGP estimates that the rate care physicians when there are
be given their due attention so aging of mental illness among older adults symptoms across various fields,
adults can get the assistance they will double over the next 10 years which may be the case when patients
need when they need it. Geriatric from what it was in 2000. Many of the are experiencing memory impairment,
psychiatrists can fill the gaps where people treated will need assistance anxiety and depression.
others cannot. with symptoms of dementia. The
Geriatric psychiatrists suggest
The American Association for organization Alzheimer’s Disease
speaking with mental health
Geriatric Psychiatry defines International indicates there are
professionals early on if symptoms
the profession as a Doctor more than 9.9 million new cases of
of low mood, restlessness, insomnia,
of Medicine or Doctor of dementia each year worldwide.
and other hallmarks of potential
Osteopathy with special Geriatric psychiatrists can provide mental dysfunction are present in
training in the diagnosis specialized care to this unique elderly patients. This way doctors
and treatment of mental demographic. Geriatric psychiatrists can step in early and improve their
disorders that may occur in often focus on prevention, evaluation, quality of life.
Living 50 Plus
April 2019 5
How to travel
even if you have limited mobility Contact airlines or other transportation
companies if you require special
accommodations. The U.S. Department of
Transportation notes that passengers are generally
not required to provide advanced notice for disability-
related accommodations. However, it makes sense
to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and
women with limited mobility can ensure they will have
Many people dream of traveling the adequate assistance during their trips. When made
world in retirement. Such dreams come aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other
true every day. But many more retirees travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be
or people nearing retirement fear that available at the gates or train platforms so passengers
their dreams of seeing the world won’t can easily make connecting flights and trains. In
be possible due to mobility issues addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to
beyond their control. Thankfully, such provide seating accommodations that can make for a
fears are largely unwarranted. more enjoyable trip.
Various conditions can affect men and
women’s mobility. Many such issues
tend to arise after age 50, prompting
many people to believe their post-
retirement travel plans will never
come to fruition. Conditions such as Contact security agencies. Security is part
rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive of modern travel, so travelers, especially those
pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart
traveling by air, should expect to go through
disease may make it hard for people to
travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean security checkpoints during their trips. Travelers
aging men and women should resign with limited mobility should contact the security
themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. agencies in their home country as well as those
Though they might require a little extra in any country they plan to visit to get an idea of
effort before boarding a plane for parts
what they can expect. Knowing these guidelines
unknown, the following are a handful of
ways that aging men and women with in advance can help people with limited mobility
limited mobility can reap the rewards of determine if they should arrive extra early so they
traveling. can make it through security checkpoints in time
to make their flights or trains.
Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own
laws regarding how to accommodate people with
physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t
leave things to chance. Before booking a hotel
room abroad, travelers with limited mobility should
contact the hotel directly to confirm that it can
Living 50 Plus
accommodate their needs.
Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy
the wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra
effort before embarking on their trips.
6 April 2019
Safe senior
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For seniors, being alone
can escalate feelings
of isolation. As men and
women age, their social circles The health resource
may begin to shrink. The health Aging Care says
43%
resource Aging Care says
43 percent of seniors have a
persistent sense of loneliness.
For many, dating is helping them
find renewed companionship,
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self-confidence and vigor. of seniors have operated skilled nursing and assisted living facility.
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Living 50 Plus
key considerations is disease
prevention. Statistics from the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention show that, between community because they’re
2000 and 2008, there was a 45 simply not expected. Education
percent increase in reported can help keep seniors safe.
sexually transmitted diseases in Doctors can inquire about sexual
Americans over the age of 40. activity as they would with other
Online dating may make seniors age groups. Seniors themselves
vulnerable to STDs. Furthermore, should always practice protected
many STDs go unrecognized intimacy and get refresher
April 2019 7
and thusly untreated in the senior courses on “safe sex” education.
OH-70113475
Questions to ask
when your doctor
prescribes a new medicine
Though few people may want to take medicine
Qs
each day, prescription drugs prolong lives and • What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it?
help people manage conditions that might • Which medical condition does this medicine treat?
otherwise make it difficult to live life to the fullest. • How many times a day should I take the medicine,
A 2017 survey from Consumer Reports found and at what times should I take it?
that 55 percent of people living in the United • If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken
States take a prescription medicine. The survey “four times a day,” does that mean four times in 24 hours
also found that those who take prescription drugs
or four times during the daytime?
use an average of four such medications. That
figure might alarm some people, especially aging • How much medicine should I take?
men and women whose bodies might be more • Should I take the medicine on its own or with food?
susceptible to conditions that are often treated • Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking
with medication. this medicine?
There’s no denying that prescription drugs can • How long will it take this medicine to work?
save lives. But men and women have a right to • Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking
explore their options when doctors prescribe them other medicines?
medications, and asking the right questions when • Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking
doctors suggest medication can help men and this medication?
women decide if prescription medicine is their • What does “as needed” mean?
best option.
• When should I stop taking the medicine?
To help men and women make the best decisions • What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?
regarding their healthcare, the National Institute on
• Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I
Aging advises people to ask their physicians these
Living 50 Plus
questions when being prescribed a new medicine.
have a problem?
• Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that?
When discussing and supplements they are taking.
medications with a physician, Sharing such information can prevent
55% it’s imperative that men and potentially serious complications from
women be forthcoming about arising.
any other medicines they Medicine saves lives every day.
8 April 2019
might be taking under the Smart patients can help medicine
of people living in the guidance of other doctors. do its job by learning about their
In addition, men and women should medications and discussing them
United States take a tell their physicians about any over- openly and honestly with their
prescription medicine the-counter medicines or vitamins physicians.
Community
Community Center.
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tips for seniors
Natural disasters can strike at limits confusion in the sometimes
any time, and when they do, the hectic hours and days after
damage is often considerable. disaster strikes.
According to the United Exchange keys. Make sure
Nations Office for Disaster Risk everyone in the support network
Reduction, between 2005 and has keys to seniors’ homes.
2014 natural disasters caused In so doing, support networks
Find Your Center.
$1.4 trillion in damage across the are increasing the chances that
globe, affecting 1.7 billion people someone will be able to reach
along the way. potentially vulnerable seniors
Various preventive measures can if the primary contacts are
incapable of doing so.
Community Center. Fitness Center.
protect people and their homes
from the potentially devastating Let others know where Social Center. Learning Center.
impact of natural disasters. emergency supplies are
For example, oceanfront kept. Everyone should have
communities may be able to emergency supplies in their
decrease property damage by homes. Seniors should not
exacting certain measures, such take it for granted that such
as building homes on stilts. supplies can be easily found
Another way to prevent tragedy
related to natural disasters
if they become incapacitated
during a storm. Make sure
If Ifyou’re
you’relooking
looking for
forsomething,
something,
is to develop an emergency such information can be easily chancesare
chances areyou’ll
you’ll find
find ititat
atSourcePoint.
SourcePoint.
preparedness plan before accessed during a storm by
If you’re looking for something,
the next storm strikes. That’s emailing it to your support
network and/or posting the ComeIf you’re
Come meetlooking
meet people.for
people. Take
Take something,
an
anartartclass.
class.
chances are you’ll find it at SourcePoint.
important for everyone, but
especially so for seniors, many
of whom live with mobility issues
information in a convenient
location in your home, such as
TryIf you’re
chances
Try yoga.
yoga. Go
are looking
hiking.
Go you’ll
hiking. forit something,
Learn
find
Learn to play guitar.
attoSourcePoint.
play guitar.
that can compromise their ability on the refrigerator.
Volunteer. Travel.
to escape the eye of oncoming
storms.
Share your evacuation plans.
ComeIf you’re
chances are
meet looking
people. forit
Take something,
Volunteer. Travel.
you’ll find atanSourcePoint.
art class.
Come us meet
at 800people. Take attoan art class.
In the wake of recent disasters,
Find us at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware.
Find Cheshire
itRoad, Delaware.
many communities that did not
chances
Try yoga. are
Go you’ll
hiking. find
Learn SourcePoint.
play guitar.
In recognition of the potential
problems seniors face when previously feel vulnerable to
natural disasters strike, the natural disasters have devised
Come meet people.
Try yoga. GoVolunteer.
hiking. LearnTake an art class.
to play guitar.
American Red Cross
offers the following tips to
evacuation plans for residents.
Seniors should share these plans Travel.
seniors and their families
so aging men and women
with their support networks.
Doing so makes it easier for TryCome
yoga. meet
If you’re
people.
GoVolunteer.
hiking. Take
lookingLearn
Travel.
for toanplay
art class.
something, guitar.
740-363-6677
can make it through such relatives to find you if you must
Findchances
Try us atGo
yoga. 800 Cheshire
arehiking. itRoad,
Learn to Delaware.
play guitar.
740-363-6677
situations safe and sound. evacuate your home before help
arrives. Volunteer.
you’ll find
Travel.
atMySourcePoint.org
SourcePoint.
MySourcePoint.org
FindCome
us atmeet
800 Cheshire Road,
an artDelaware.
Living 50 Plus
Make arrangements to
people. Take class.
contact loved ones. Prior to Share important medical
information. Seniors should Volunteer. Travel.
FindTryusyoga.
at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware.
an emergency, seniors and
their support network should share medical information, such Go hiking. Learn to play guitar.
as healthcare providers and a
make arrangements to make Volunteer. Travel.
FindFindususatat800 Cheshire Road, Delaware.
immediate contact once a list of the medications they’re
disaster strikes. Determine who taking. This can make things
easier for emergency responders 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware.
will make initial contact and how
that contact will be made (i.e., to successfully treat people who
become incapacitated during
740-363-6677
via phone, text message, social
media, etc.), as well as who will storms. MySourcePoint.org
April 2019 9
be responsible for providing
assistance if necessary. Such
Emergency preparedness
strategies save lives. More 740-363-6677
740-363-6677
MySourcePoint.org
740-363-6677
a plan lets everyone within the information about how seniors
OH-70113481
support network know their can prepare for emergencies is MySourcePoint.org
precise responsibilities, which available at www.redcross.org.
MySourcePoint.org
740-363-6677
Coping with
age-related
hair loss
A
ttitude goes a long way in regard to
self-esteem. With a positive spin,
it’s possible to get through difficult
situations and even have a favorable
outlook on getting older. But even the most
optimistic among us may at times worry
about the physical signs of aging and
wonder what can be done to make them feel
and look their best.
Wrinkles and a little extra weight around the to Headcovers Unlimited, a company Treat hair gently. Avoid harsh chemical
middle certainly garner attention, but hair loss that produces wigs, scarves and other processes and constant heat styling. Protect
is another age-related concern. As people headwraps. But nearly everyone will fragile hair from damage by pampering it.
age, their hair changes in several ways. experience some sort of age-related hair Look for thickening formulas. Many
Graying through loss of melanin pigment is loss. Hormonal changes during menopause shampoos, serums and conditioners tout
Living 50 Plus
the most apparent. MedlinePlus, the health can cause noticeable thinning and scalp volumizing or thickening properties. These
information resource from the U.S. National exposure that may be mistaken for actual hair can help plump up hair and make thinning
Library of Medicine, says that strands of hair loss. less apparent.
also can become less dense and smaller There are many ways to mitigate hair loss. Talk to your doctor. Hair loss may be a
through the years. Many follicles also may Here are some handy tips. result of medication, a skin condition or
stop producing new hairs. Regardless of age, aging. Doctors may suggest products, such
Try a new cut. Work with your stylist to
it is customary for a person to lose about 100 as Minoxidil and Lipogaine formulas, that can
determine a haircut that can suggest the
hairs a day. If those hairs are not replaced be used on the scalp to reduce hair loss and
appearance of thickness and camouflage
as readily as they once were, patches of help follicles produce new hair strands.
the loss of density or bare spots. Graduated
thinning and balding hair may appear. layers kept close to the face can help, as can Hair thinning and hair loss can be a symptom
10 April 2019
The rate at which hair falls out is largely pixie cuts. Men can choose to go entirely bald of getting older. Knowledge is key to improve
determined by genetics, according and bold. hair’s appearance at any age.Exercise and aging:
How to work out
safely after 50
In an ideal world, people young notes that even people with
and old exercise each day. But chronic conditions such as heart
as men and women age, finding disease, diabetes or arthritis can
time to work out is not so easy. be physically active. However,
Commitments to work and anyone with such a condition and
family often take precedence even those who don’t fall into
over daily exercise. As a result, those categories should consult
many people 50 and over might with their physicians and receive
not have exercised regularly a full physical before exercising.
or at all in many years. But as Such a consultation and checkup
children grow up or even move can shed light on any unknown
out, people facing down their issues, and physicians can offer
golden years are often compelled advice on how to safely manage every other day so your body and offer help if you suffer an
to get back in the gym. That’s a any problems that may arise. has ample time to recover injury or have an accident.
wise decision that can increase Begin with low-intensity between workouts. Boardwalks, public parks and
a person’s chances of being exercises. Even if you feel great outdoor gyms are safer places
healthy and happy in retirement. Choose the right places to
and have maintained a healthy exercise outdoors. Exercising to work out than wooded areas
But before beginning a new weight, don’t push yourself too or other places well off the
exercise regimen, men and outside provides the best of
hard at the start. Your body both worlds for many people, beaten path.
women over 50 should take needs time to adjust to physical providing a chance to get Stay hydrated. The NIA notes
heed of the following safety tips activity, so choose low-intensity healthy all while enjoying that many people lose their
to ensure their efforts are not exercises like walking and the great outdoors. When sense of thirst as they age.
derailed by accident or injury. light strength training so your exercising outdoors, choose But just because you aren’t
Speak with your physician. muscles, tendons and ligaments areas that are not remote and thirsty does not mean you
The National Institute on Aging can adjust. Initially, exercise where others can see you don’t need water, especially
while exercising. Water
regulates body temperature and
lubricates the joints, thereby
decreasing your risk of injury
during exercise.
Exercising after 50 can help
people live healthy well into
retirement. But caution must be
exercised when aging men and
women return to exercise after
a long break.
Living 50 Plus
April 2019 1112 April 2019 Living 50 Plus OH-70117816
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