High heat causes mental health concerns for senior citizens
KETV - As extreme heat events become more frequent, doctors are studying how the human body reacts to high temperatures. "The body has a really hard time adjusting to certain and also extreme temperature changes in general," said UNMC psychologist Dr. Cecilia Poon, who works with geriatric patients. The physical symptoms provoked by the heat can trigger panic attacks or increased anxiety.
In extreme temperatures, combating isolation is as important as ever.
"We believe this socialization is important for everyone, but especially for seniors," said Padilla.
What’s the buzz? Beekeeping, brewing take senior living community by swarm
McKnight’s - Vi at Highlands Ranch in Colorado, one of 10 continuing care retirement communities operated by Vi Living, has a new, one-of-a-kind microbrewery in its own back yard.
Starting with an interest in activities such as beekeeping, gardening, food pairing, and wine and beer tasting, residents became particularly excited about using local and Colorado-sourced ingredients and embraced the challenge of brewing head-on, according to community executives.
Observation - my kind of community. Just the kind to embrace Sage Stream.
Lifestyle During Adulthood Affects Dementia Development More Than Aging Factors: New Study
Nature World News - Dementia risk is affected more by unhealthy or reversible lifestyle behavior rather than aging factors alone, according to a new study by scientists from Toronto, Canada.
The risk of having a dementia has been found to be dependent on what an individual consumes or does during his or her adulthood.
The new study is likely the first of its kind to lay out the specific risk factors for the propagation of the memory-killing illnesses.
Observation - I have learned from older adults that this is so true. They are the people they are today because of how they lived their life yesterday. My platform of Educated Aging calls for preparing for aging sooner in life in three areas - physical health, emotional health and financial health. And my keynote, The Meaning of Life, goes into actual stories, studies (and yes song) to illustrate this way of living.
Study finds caregivers are underdiagnosing anxiety, depression
McKnight’s - A new study finds family caregivers may not be adequately assessing patients’ psychological symptoms related to depression and anxiety.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine said caregivers and patients often agreed on the severity of physical pain, but were frequently in disagreement over the level of psychological pain patients may be enduring.
Observation - I would say “ditto” goes for the actual caregiver themselves - family or paid.
Age discrimination may be taking toll on health of older adults across U.S.
Medical Economics - Age discrimination is widespread in the United States – and it may be taking a toll on the health of older adults.
A new study found 93% of adults aged 50 to 80 years regularly experienced at least one of 10 forms of ageism, related to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination related to old age, aging processes and older adults. Those who encountered it more often were more likely to report their physical health or mental health were fair or poor, they had more chronic health conditions, and they had symptoms of depression.
Observation - I cover this in my keynotes but have experienced it firsthand even as a gigging musician. My message - persevere.
Best smartphone assistive apps for seniors with low vision
Seniors Matter - Assistive apps for smartphones could help seniors with low vision regain some of their independence and relieve caregiver burden at the same time. But there’s a problem: Many older Americans who could benefit from apps designed for those with visual impairment do not use them. In fact, while 15.2% of people over the age of 75 reported having vision loss that could not be corrected through prescription lenses, only 6% of older smartphone users take advantage of these types of apps.
Initial findings from a study cited in the Review of Optometry listed two reasons for this. First, most people who could benefit from the apps didn’t even know that they existed. Second, those who did know about the apps were unclear on how to use them and needed assistance to learn.
Social Interactions Tied to Sense of Purpose for Older Adults
Neuroscience News - Having positive social interactions is associated with older adults’ sense of purposefulness, which can fluctuate from day to day, according to research from the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.
And although these findings, published in the July 2022 issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, apply to both working and retired adults, the research found that for better and for worse these interactions are more strongly correlated to purposefulness in people who are retired.
Thousands of nursing homes face lower Five-Star ratings with changes to staffing stars
McKnight’s - New Five-Star scoring metrics could penalize an estimated 10% to 16% of providers who have relied on staffing strengths to drive their overall ratings.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Thursday published new guidance for calculating staffing stars in the public-facing rating system. It incorporates total nurse staffing on weekends; annual RN and total nurse turnover; and administrator turnover.
Studying the Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease
Neuroscience News - Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a common type of bacteria that proliferates in periodontal disease. It affects the gums and jawbone, and if untreated results in unstable teeth and tooth loss. In recent years, F. nucleatum has been linked to conditions ranging from colorectal cancer to premature delivery of babies.
Now new research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience by Tufts University scientists and colleagues suggests a link between F. nucleatum and Alzheimer’s disease.
Observation - I have uncovered many articles over the years that associate disease with poor dental health. Get those twice a year check-ups people.
Greater risk of Alzheimer's may be linked to gut disorders, cholesterol, study says
UPI - People with some gut disorders may be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study that scientists said confirms the genetic link between the two. They found "a positive significant genetic overlap and correlation" between Alzheimer's disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis-duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis -- but not inflammatory bowel disease.
Abnormal levels of cholesterol were shown to be a risk for both Alzheimer's disease and gut disorders, the study said.
Observation - oh I’m thrilled as I am on a daily cholesterol medication and have had reflux in past.
Tech Savvy or Tech Addicted? Older Adults Are Stuck on Screens, Too
WSJ - As families gather this summer, kids and their parents might be surprised to find how tech-obsessed the grandparents have become.
A recent report from AARP found that the tech habits older people developed during the pandemic are enduring. Americans ages 65 and up are using smartphones and tablets more often for reading news and playing games. They’re also broadening their social-media use and doing more banking and shopping.
Observation - bodes well for Sage Stream.
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