The onset of cognitive decline begins at age 45…an article from the Department of Society, Human Development and Health – Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA However, clinical studies demonstrate a correlation between the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain and the severity of cognitive decline. It would seem that these amyloid plaques are found in the brains of young adults. Few assessments of the effect of age on cognitive decline use data that spans over several years. This was the specific objective of the study led by researchers from Inserm and the University College London. As part of the Whitehall II cohort study, medical data was extracted for 5,198 men and 2,192 women, aged between 45 and 70 at the beginning of the study, monitored over a 10-year period. The cognitive functions of the participants were evaluated three times over this time. Individual tests were used to assess memory, vocabulary, reasoning and verbal fluency. The results show that cognitive performance (apart from the vocabulary tests) declines with age and more rapidly so as the individual's age increases. The decline is significant in each age group. For example, during the period studied, reasoning scores decreased by 3.6 % for men aged between 45 and 49, and 9.6 % for those aged between 65 and 70. The corresponding figures for women stood at 3.6% and 7.4% respectively. The authors underline that evidence pointing to cognitive decline before the age of 60 has significant consequences. "Determining the age at which cognitive decline begins is important since behavioural or pharmacological interventions designed to change cognitive aging trajectories are likely to be more effective if they are applied from the onset of decline." underlines Archana Singh-Manoux. "As life expectancy continues to increase, understanding the correlation between cognitive decline and age is one of the challenges of the 21st Century" she adds. This research is part of the Whitehall II cohort study and focused on more than 7,000 people over a ten-year period. |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
The onset of cognitive decline begins at age 45
Health & Nutrition…Chow Down on These 5 Foods
Eating well is important at all stages in life, but healthy eating for seniors is especially important in maintaining strength and giving the body the vitamins and nutrients it needs. A healthy diet for an older adult may not include as many calories as a diet for a younger person, but it’s still important for seniors to eat plenty of nutritious foods packed with essential minerals. Medical knowledge about healthy eating for seniors has come a long way recently, and nutritionists are now able to recommend specific foods that will help keep older adults strong and healthy for many years to come. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, throw a few of these items in your cart: 1. Milk Milk is perhaps the easiest way to get calcium, a mineral that’s vital for strong bones and healthy bone growth. It’s especially important for older women to get enough calcium, so don’t skip the milk. If you’re looking for a low-fat option in your diet, go with skim milk or 1% milk rather than whole. Use milk in your cereal, in recipes, and in baking, or simply enjoy a couple of plain tall glasses every day. 2. Salmon Salmon is prized as a food in healthy eating for seniors because it’s high in protein, vitamin D, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Some research has also shown that eating salmon several times per week could be beneficial for older adults with arthritis, as salmon can help reduce joint inflammation. If you don’t live in an area where fresh salmon is readily available, try sardines for a similar anti-inflammatory effect. 3. Blueberries Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which fight damage to cells in the body and may even fight diseases such as cancer. Specifically, blueberries can help keep your vision sharp and pump up your daily dose of dietary fiber. As part of a diet of healthy eating for seniors, sprinkle fresh blueberries on cereal or use them in a yogurt parfait for a blast of protein and vitamin C. They can also be used in smoothies or just eaten raw as a snack. 4. Oatmeal Whole grains are important for seniors who want to stay healthy—many food guides recommend 5-12 servings of whole grains per day for elderly adults. Oatmeal is a powerful food that can keep the heart strong and help reduce cholesterol. It also slows digestion and is high in fiber, so if you’re trying to lose weight, it will cause you to feel fuller for longer. 5. Kale (or other leafy greens) Don’t pass by that produce aisle in the supermarket! Leafy greens are a great choice for healthy seniors, and the more color they have, the more nutrition they provide. Most seniors don’t get enough servings of fruits and vegetables every day and don’t have the variety of these foods that they need in their diets. Along with salmon,kale can help reduce inflammation,and its high calcium and beta carotene content also make it a wholr food for building bone strength and keeping vision sharp. |
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wills and Powers of Attorney
Everyone should have a properly drawn Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney for Personal Care and a Power of Attorney for Property. These should be reviewed at least every 5 years and especially when you retire, they should be reviewed and updated as necessary every year.
Can you explain what these documents are and what they should contain?
Let us start with the Will. The first thing is to make sure that it is properly drawn, preferably by a lawyer who specializes in wills and estates. You must name the executor(s) for the Will.
They are the people who will do whatever is set down by you, your final wishes and your bequests to individuals or gifts to charities. The executors take physical possession of all your assets, bank accounts, investment accounts and even safety deposit box keys. The executors are obliged to follow your instructions and it is their responsibility to also pay any outstanding debts that you have owing at the time of your demise.
You can name anyone as your executor and my preference is to name three with your spouse or significant other being one of them. They vote with majority ruling but you should make sure that your spouse or significant other is part of the majority; but if your marriage is shaky or it is a 2nd or 3rd marriage, I would seek legal counsel before going forward.
They are the people who will do whatever is set down by you, your final wishes and your bequests to individuals or gifts to charities. The executors take physical possession of all your assets, bank accounts, investment accounts and even safety deposit box keys. The executors are obliged to follow your instructions and it is their responsibility to also pay any outstanding debts that you have owing at the time of your demise.
You can name anyone as your executor and my preference is to name three with your spouse or significant other being one of them. They vote with majority ruling but you should make sure that your spouse or significant other is part of the majority; but if your marriage is shaky or it is a 2nd or 3rd marriage, I would seek legal counsel before going forward.
Your executors together with the estate lawyer then draw up the application for probate, pay the necessary probate fees and file the forms. All beneficiaries are notified of their entitlement and then the FUN BEGINS. There too often seems to be greedy or resentful relatives who have nasty lawyers to contest the Will.
One way that this may be overcome is to insert a clause in the will that states that anyone who commences an action with respect to the will is automatically cut out of their share of the estate. As I say, it sometimes works but you had best check with an estate lawyer.
Executors are entitled to be paid fees for their services and the amount of these fees is set down by regulation. The usual amount in Ontario is 5% of the total asset value of the estate. There are also fees based upon the work done administering those assets while under the custody and control of the executors.
The Power of Attorney for Personal Care must have a trustee to act on your behalf. This person can be same person whom you named as the executor of your will. suggest that you appoint a person who is intimately connected with you and knows your health and personal concerns. I suggest that you appoint a person who is intimately connected with you and knows your health and personal concerns..
You may wish to appoint a substitute decision maker to carry out your wishes contained in this document in the event the first party is unable or unwilling to act. Your wife or significant other may be your substitute. YOU CANNOT APPOINT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN.
This Power of Attorney for Personal Care comes into force when you are declared incapable of looking after your own health care needs.
In the document – or it can be on tape or through verbal communication -You should state your wishes clearly for example, if your condition is critical or terminal, outline whether you wish to be resuscitated or not; or if you wish hospice care. , DO NOT USE ‘No heroics to be done by doctors or nurses. These words are too vague to be helpful.
You can go so far as to name those you do not wish to visit you in hospital or home, even those you do not wish to attend your funeral.
Either in this document or in your will, you can set out your wishes for a funeral and all its attendant matters.
The Power of Attorney for Property comes into force when you and your chosen POA sign the document or when you become unable to look after your financial affairs yourself. You may appoint one or more trustees; you need have only one, a second person can be named as an alternative. Your POA will have signing authority on all documents because that person is acting as if they are you in every capacity. They have complete control over those of your assets you designate once this document comes into force. So be very careful as to whom you appoint. The wrong person could bankrupt you.
As in the other two documents previously mentioned these trustees are entitled to be paid but that decision is up to you.
additional health care costs
The government covers basic costs but you should buy Supplemental Coverage, which will pay for many other costs including medical care prescriptions and eye care over and above the government basic plan. Just two short notes here, eye care is the second most prevalent problem affecting seniors with hearing loss being number one.
If you intend to travel as part of your retirement plans or even now prior to retirement, I strongly suggest that you purchase Travel Insurance. Make certain that you answer all questions fully and accurately because the insurance company will check on your medical history for a period of three years prior to the date of your claim. They pay a claim only if you have been honest about all your medical history.
BE HONEST,do not try to save a few dollars by answering the questions incompletely.
Don't Waste Your Holiday Being Sick
Vacation time is here and many of us are thinking about booking flights, arranging accommodation, renewing passports and picking out wardrobes for travel this summer.
However, if you're like the majority of travellers caught up in the excitement of taking a long-awaited trip, you may not be thinking about one very important step – protecting your health while you're away.
There are ways to protect yourself from these illnesses and by following a few simple tips, you can ensure a healthy and happy trip:
• Plan ahead. At least four to six weeks before travelling, make an appointment to visit your doctor or a travel health clinic for an assessment to determine necessary vaccinations and regional health risks. Keep in mind that most vaccinations need at least two weeks to take full effect.
• Take preventative measures. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself against food and waterborne diseases. Dukoral is the only oral vaccine available to help prevent against Travellers' Diarrhea and for prevention against both Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever, Vivaxim offers dual protection with a single shot.
• Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it. Avoid eating foods from street vendors. Unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or uncooked food, especially seafood, can cause an unwanted illness. Drink only commercially prepared bottled water and carbonated beverages. Avoid ice and use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
• Practise good sanitation. Good sanitation is important wherever you are. Always make sure to wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking.
Source: www.seniorsgotravel.com
However, if you're like the majority of travellers caught up in the excitement of taking a long-awaited trip, you may not be thinking about one very important step – protecting your health while you're away.
There are ways to protect yourself from these illnesses and by following a few simple tips, you can ensure a healthy and happy trip:
• Plan ahead. At least four to six weeks before travelling, make an appointment to visit your doctor or a travel health clinic for an assessment to determine necessary vaccinations and regional health risks. Keep in mind that most vaccinations need at least two weeks to take full effect.
• Take preventative measures. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself against food and waterborne diseases. Dukoral is the only oral vaccine available to help prevent against Travellers' Diarrhea and for prevention against both Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever, Vivaxim offers dual protection with a single shot.
• Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it. Avoid eating foods from street vendors. Unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or uncooked food, especially seafood, can cause an unwanted illness. Drink only commercially prepared bottled water and carbonated beverages. Avoid ice and use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
• Practise good sanitation. Good sanitation is important wherever you are. Always make sure to wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking.
Source: www.seniorsgotravel.com
Mythbuster - Vitamins Part 1
Myth: Organic vitamins are better than synthetic ones.
Fact: Despite common speculation, your body actually can't tell the difference between synthetic and organic foods. Organic food does, however, provide other nutrients such as fiber which synthetics lack.
Myth: The more vitamins you take, the better for you.
Fact: In a perfect world, this would be the case but alas, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Overdosing on vitamins can actually harm your body, creating the opposite effect that you intended. Always read the WARNING and DIRECTIONS section on the label!
Myth: By taking vitamins regularly, we don't need to exercise.
Fact: Wrong. Doing any type of exercise for half an hour a day will work more magic than any supplement can do for you including decreasing blood pressure and loosing weight.
Myth: If vitamins and supplements are taken, then you can eat whatever you want.
Fact: Nothing can replace eating healthy and pills do not give you everything your body needs for substance.
Always be sure to contact a health professional before taking any health product, including vitamins or supplement, as it may be harmful to your health or conflict with previously prescribed treatments. We will have Part 2 of Mythbuster: Vitamins in our next issue of Maturity Matters in May 2012.
Source: By Steffany Gundling All information was provided and is directly sourced from: VitaFaq at http://www.vitafaq.com/facts-and-myths.
Fact: Despite common speculation, your body actually can't tell the difference between synthetic and organic foods. Organic food does, however, provide other nutrients such as fiber which synthetics lack.
Myth: The more vitamins you take, the better for you.
Fact: In a perfect world, this would be the case but alas, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Overdosing on vitamins can actually harm your body, creating the opposite effect that you intended. Always read the WARNING and DIRECTIONS section on the label!
Myth: By taking vitamins regularly, we don't need to exercise.
Fact: Wrong. Doing any type of exercise for half an hour a day will work more magic than any supplement can do for you including decreasing blood pressure and loosing weight.
Myth: If vitamins and supplements are taken, then you can eat whatever you want.
Fact: Nothing can replace eating healthy and pills do not give you everything your body needs for substance.
Always be sure to contact a health professional before taking any health product, including vitamins or supplement, as it may be harmful to your health or conflict with previously prescribed treatments. We will have Part 2 of Mythbuster: Vitamins in our next issue of Maturity Matters in May 2012.
Source: By Steffany Gundling All information was provided and is directly sourced from: VitaFaq at http://www.vitafaq.com/facts-and-myths.
"Our lives improve only when we take chances ... and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves."
Walter Anderson
"Adventure can be an end in itself. Self-discovery is the secret ingredient that fuels daring."
Grace Lichtenstein
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."
Agnes Repplier
Walter Anderson
"Adventure can be an end in itself. Self-discovery is the secret ingredient that fuels daring."
Grace Lichtenstein
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."
Agnes Repplier
Communicating Effectively With Healthcare Providers
Family caregivers play a major role in ensuring that their loved ones receive the healthcare that they need. This role may include initiating care, accompanying them to appointments, asking necessary questions or coordinating the many healthcare practitioners involved.
As the primary caregiver, your experience and knowledge is invaluable to healthcare practitioners, many of who will not know the person and his or her needs as well as you do. Therefore, it is important to know how to communicate effectively with the healthcare team. Below are some tips to help you in this role:
* Ensure you are familiar with each member of the healthcare team involved in your family member's care, and their responsibilities.
* Be sure they understand your role. If the care recipient is not willing or able to take instruction, ensure they give permission for you to be kept informed.
* Before an office visit or telephone call or prior to the home support worker arriving, prepare a list of questions to ask or information you want to give them. You will save time and you won't be distracted trying to remember what you want to ask. Be concise and focus on the issues.
* If you need information or have questions, don't wait for the healthcare provider to contact you. Be proactive and give them a call, then follow-up if you don't hear back from them. Keep in mind that although the person you are caring for may be your number 1 priority, the case manager, doctor or home support worker has many other clients.
* Clarify instructions. If you are not sure you understand or don't know the meaning of technical terms, ask again until you are satisfied.
* Some doctors have specific hours when they take calls. Find out when this is and call during those times or leave a message with the secretary in the morning for the doctor to return your call.
* When communicating with healthcare providers, being clear and direct is important. Hinting or hoping they read your mind does not make good use of anybody's time.
* Appoint one family member as the main contact with healthcare professionals when possible. The appointed person can clearly communicate with the rest of the family.
* Keep records of your loved one's behaviours, such as sleeping, eating, emotions, symptoms, medication habits, etc. The more detailed information you have, the easier it is for your doctor or home support worker to give your family member the best treatment.
* Separate your anger and sense of frustration about your inability to help your family member from your feelings about the healthcare practitioners. Remember, you are on the same side.
Article By Barbara Small - Family Caregivers' Network Society
As the primary caregiver, your experience and knowledge is invaluable to healthcare practitioners, many of who will not know the person and his or her needs as well as you do. Therefore, it is important to know how to communicate effectively with the healthcare team. Below are some tips to help you in this role:
* Ensure you are familiar with each member of the healthcare team involved in your family member's care, and their responsibilities.
* Be sure they understand your role. If the care recipient is not willing or able to take instruction, ensure they give permission for you to be kept informed.
* Before an office visit or telephone call or prior to the home support worker arriving, prepare a list of questions to ask or information you want to give them. You will save time and you won't be distracted trying to remember what you want to ask. Be concise and focus on the issues.
* If you need information or have questions, don't wait for the healthcare provider to contact you. Be proactive and give them a call, then follow-up if you don't hear back from them. Keep in mind that although the person you are caring for may be your number 1 priority, the case manager, doctor or home support worker has many other clients.
* Clarify instructions. If you are not sure you understand or don't know the meaning of technical terms, ask again until you are satisfied.
* Some doctors have specific hours when they take calls. Find out when this is and call during those times or leave a message with the secretary in the morning for the doctor to return your call.
* When communicating with healthcare providers, being clear and direct is important. Hinting or hoping they read your mind does not make good use of anybody's time.
* Appoint one family member as the main contact with healthcare professionals when possible. The appointed person can clearly communicate with the rest of the family.
* Keep records of your loved one's behaviours, such as sleeping, eating, emotions, symptoms, medication habits, etc. The more detailed information you have, the easier it is for your doctor or home support worker to give your family member the best treatment.
* Separate your anger and sense of frustration about your inability to help your family member from your feelings about the healthcare practitioners. Remember, you are on the same side.
Article By Barbara Small - Family Caregivers' Network Society
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)