RetirementHomes.com - older persons

Attending Your Senior Loved Ones Doctor Appointments

aadmin — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:47:05 +0000

If you have a family member who is getting older, you know they’d rather stay as independent as they can. One way of staying independent may be going to doctor’s appointments alone—regardless of how much you want to accompany him or her.

So you have to do a little convincing before your elderly loved allows you to accompany him or her to doctor’s appointments. What’s the best strategy? It depends on the person you are talking to. You know everyone is different. However, there are some basic strategies you can use:

Offer a trial period. If you know your family member is a negotiator, make a deal. Just say that you’d like to accompany him or her for a short time. This gives your family member time to try the idea out before totally committing. The fact is, the idea is acceptable when he or she feels in control of the situation.

Show the worry. Maybe your loved one is a people pleaser. You want to tug at his or her heart strings. Many older individuals will refuse to let anyone accompany them regardless of the reason. For instance, your mother may be stubborn, but as soon as you talk about how worried you are about her health, she concedes.

Let your loved one prove you wrong. Your relative may be someone who loves to be right. In fact, he or she may be boasting about being healthy (even though that’s not the case). So let your relative “prove” to you that he or she is healthy by letting you go with them to the doctor’s visits.

Make a pact with him or her. This is for the negotiator in the family. Why not let him or her accompany you to your doctor’s visit? Of course, it must be a fair exchange. You must be allowed to go to his or her doctor’s appointments. You may want to explain the benefits like having a second set of ears to hear all the facts, another mouth to ask questions you may not have thought to ask, plus an additional outing afterwards of course!

Make a day of it. You may want to convince your family member to make it an eventful day. Doctor’s appointments are often dreadful experiences because it’s all about tests, procedures, personal questions and possible lectures from doctors. If you are allowed to their doctor’s visits, you’ll plan a fun day afterwards. For instance, going to a movie, lunch or a shopping trip.

You know your family member. He or she is deeply independent. So no amount of lecturing will convince him or her to let you go to doctor’s appointments. That’s why you have to get a little creative. Your approach depends on your loved one. However, using any one of the above tips might help.

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Caregiving

Family and Personal Care

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Sundowner's Syndrome

aadmin — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:52:53 +0000

When patients experience periods of extreme agitation and confusion between the late afternoon hours and into the evening it is often referred to as 'sundowning' or Sundowners Syndrome. The patient affected will appear confused and agitated, restless. Irritability is often directed towards caregivers or nursing staff. Your patient may also have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. Scientists are not entirely sure what causes the flare up of symptoms in the evening hours, but since it follows such a predictable pattern, caregivers can take steps to alleviate some of the stress and aggravation connected with this syndrome.

Triggers for Sundowners Episodes

Patients most commonly affected by Sundowners Syndrome are those afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia, though the symptoms can also appear with other conditions such as degenerative eye conditions. Some medical experts believe Sundowners is closely linked to the natural day and night cycle of the human body and the changing lighting conditions of later afternoon and early evening are often cited as a trigger. Staff shift changes at the nursing home or even simply dinner time can become triggers for an episode during these hours of heightened agitation.

It can be heartbreaking to see your patient suddenly feel the urge to get up and wander, or engage in erratic behavior such as removing all of their clothes in public. Often it is difficult to persuade them from following their course of action. This is when the patient tends to get irritated and at times even violent. Shouting and even lashing out physically is not uncommon in patients afflicted with sundowning. Confusion and memory loss only increase stress on the patient and those that care for them. It is important to remember that unfortunately they seem to have no control over their actions at these times.

Possible Solutions for Sundowners Syndrome

While there is no known cure for Sundowners Syndrome, treating the illness that causes it can go a long way towards alleviating the symptoms. You can observe the patient and find out what will most likely trigger an episode, then work on a solution. If it’s a change in lighting, for example, perhaps an additional lamp will help. If a lot of commotion at certain times of the day, which may occur during a shift change, try to keep it as far from the patient as possible. Since the disorder is linked to sleep disorders as well, a mild sedative may be prescribed to help the patient through these challenging hours. Changes in diet and routine to keep stimulus such as exercise and caffeine intake restricted to the morning hours only can also make a difference.

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Mental Health

Bridging the Generation Gap for Jewish Seniors

aadmin — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:22:31 +0000

Isolation is a key problem for frail, older adults and can reduce their lives into enduring in lonely apartments. Mobility issues or economic problems force millions indoors.

DOROT, a Hebrew word for "generations" is a microcosm of volunteers determined to close the gap. The non-profit organization reaches upwards of 7,000 seniors in Manhattan’s Upper West Side and bordering Westchester County.

It's teleconference service, University Without Walls, enrolls seniors into an exploration of visual arts, music, literature, health, support groups, Judaic studies, and games.

Memories are shared, new skills are practiced, and health is enhanced from the comfort of one’s home. Because the service is available country-wide, University Without Walls, is global. Classes are limited to 15 people for heightened learning purposes.

Volunteer Force Relieves Isolation

Judith Turner – Director of Volunteer Services of DOROT – said that the organization’s mission is to relieve isolation of seniors. Because its services are highly individualized, DOROT maintains a 6,000-strong volunteer force.

Although most of the seniors, volunteers and staff are Jewish, DOROT is open to all denominations. Every senior receives a home session by a staff social worker who develops a personal portfolio. In-home needs and interests are defined for proper response from volunteers.

According to Turner, “the heart and soul of DOROT is our friendly visiting program.” Many volunteers pay weekly visits to older adults for up to a year and most volunteer-senior relationships last for 2.5 years on average. “We’re really about bringing relationships into the home.”

Computer Learning Reduces Isolation

A DOROT specialty is familiarizing isolated adults with computers. Volunteers commit to up to four continuous visits to help with the basic needs of the elderly, including accessing the Internet, setting up Skype, and playing computer chess.

Older adults are assisted with writing memoirs and organizing computer files. “Photography and organizing photo albums are very important to older adults,” said Turner, “and communicating through e-mail.”

Volunteers help seniors get started with audio books, iPod shuffles and iPads. “We even had a 107-year-old man buy his first iPad and get assistance,” Turner giggled.

DOROT was founded in 1976 by Columbia University Graduate students and alumni who sought to help out home bound seniors isolated in their apartments in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

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Learning and Technology

Online Learning

How to Deal with the Dangers of Senior Gambling

aadmin — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:36:07 +0000

If I lose today, I can look forward to winning tomorrow, and if I win today, I can expect to lose tomorrow. A sure thing is no fun. Chico Marx

Seniors are at equal risk as other adults for gambling problems, but possess vulnerabilities that cannot be overlooked. Dr. Sandra Rasmussen, a family therapist at the Williamsville Wellness Treatment Center in Hanover, VA, said that bingo and casino gambling are marketed to seniors as social outlets.

Though most play responsibly, the entertainment value can be alluring. Local churches, American Legion chapters or senior centers can act as authentic gaming outlets. “It’s for a good cause,” Rasmussen acknowledged, “but I’ve treated many seniors who will live on tea and toast to play bingo or take trips to casinos.”

Rasmussen has seen the major signs of seniors with gambling problems. Concerned children call on behalf of their parents. The refrigerator is bare. There’s weight loss. Certain behaviors are suspicious – coming home late – lack of contact with children.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Christine Reilly, the Research Director at the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), highlighted that retired people should be aware of many mental health issues, including addictions. Retirement is a transitional period which can include loss of friends, death of a spouse, and lack of work structure, leading to depression and anxiety.

According to Reilly, seniors exhibit the same signs of gambling addiction as the general population, including: spending inordinate amounts of time playing games of chance; withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back – like with drugs and alcohol; gambling for high stakes to achieve the desired mood; lying to family and friends.

“They experience difficulty admitting or even knowing they’re addicted,” said Reilly. “It creeps up on people. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

Reilly encourages prevention strategies:

Have a budget
Keep it fun
Gambling is not a way to make money or escape from problems
The odds are always with the house
Evaluate views of superstition and luck
Gamble with friends, not in isolation

Holly Wetzel, the Vice President of Communications for the American Gaming Association (AGA), attributes education as a key to assisting seniors with gambling problems. Her organization partners with the treatment community to direct people in need of support. "Gamble within your limits for losses," she said. “Don’t borrow money to gamble, and understand how the games work and their odds."

Rasmussen, a treatment specialist, has seen that addiction can defy accepted logic. “Seniors need to identify high-risk situations,” she said. “Like check days. What’s the plan when the social security check or pension check arrives?”

If there’s an identifiable addiction problem, seniors can work with wellness centers and their children to pinpoint urges or cravings. “They need alternatives to gambling. A phone list of recovering seniors to call is critical.” She recommended that adult children pay bills directly rather than giving money to parents with gambling problems.

“Gambling is meeting a need for addicted seniors,” said Rasmussen. “Identify the need – boredom – loneliness. Maybe the family isn’t visiting enough.”

The Need for Accountability

She pinpointed the need for accountability. Seniors with gambling problems need to be shown the consequences of their actions, the dangers to their savings. “We try to show them that they’re responsible for their problem – their loss of money – but they’re also responsible for their recovery.” The shift is away from negativity especially when depression is involved. She agrees with Reilly, from NCRG. Overall health concerns need to be addressed.

Reilly stressed the requirement to deal with the mental health issues underlying gambling disorders. She emphasized the cues to problem gambling – avoiding casinos or lottery vendors – finding replacement activities that provide enjoyment.

All sources agreed that gambling can provide a responsible social outlet with proper monitoring.

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Family and Personal Care

Boomer Fitness - Fountain of Youth or River of Denial?

aadmin — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 05:51:02 +0000

The summer sun beckons. Baby Boomers yearn to look healthy and vibrant, to slim down and tone up.

Overzealous at the gym, or on an adventure trip, many discover too late that they've overdone it, and have ended up injured.

The Frontrunner of Boomeritis

Dr. Nicholas A. DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon from Haverford, PA coined the term ‘Boomeritis’ to draw attention to an aging generation prone to sports and exercise injuries.

The co-specialist in sport medicine began warning his 55 Plus cohorts about musculoskeletal injuries – tendinitis, bursitis, and arthritis – when active members of his generation presented their ailments to him, during personal fitness routines and in private practice.

Bending the Curve of the Aging Process

“The Baby Boomers are the first generation to realize that they possessed a degree of control over the aging process,” said DiNubile. “Certain lifestyles can bend the curve and slow down the aging process.” In response, Baby Boomers hit the fitness/exercise trend in droves.

DiNubile noted the physical and psychological benefits of staying active, but warned of Boomers’ tendency to overdo it. “Eighty percent of the adult population needs some modification to their fitness routines to stay out of trouble.” DiNubile recommended that Boomers focus on core work.

Boomers need to do a lot of research to locate capable personal trainers, because many employ exercise routines that aggravate existing conditions. “Personal trainers tend to be younger than Boomer clients and need to consider that they’re dealing with aging bodies. One-size-fits-all programs are dangerous,” warned DiNubile.

The Fountain of Youth

Despite set-backs to the Boomer fitness movement, the orthopedic/sports medicine specialist deeply believes in its virtues. “Always find a reason to exercise. It’s the closest thing to the fountain of youth.”

The key outcomes are a longer, healthier and more vibrant life. “You’re adding life to your years more so than years to your life,” said DiNubile. “Exercise and a healthy lifestyle enables you to reach your genetic potential and maybe beyond.”

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The Miles Nadal JCC Fitness Centre in downtown Toronto is a year-round hub of activity for health and exercise. Colin Blayney, Active 55 Plus Coordinator, has developed many programs for middle-aged and older adults.

The River of Denial

Blayney believes Baby Boomers’ lack of acceptance of aging is a form of denial.

“I call it self-ageism,” said the medical-exercise specialist, “when aging people are unable to admit they have become older.” Blayney believes it’s more than an exercise problem. “It’s a life problem.”

Blayney is a 43-years-old Gen Xer. His maturity has led him to an understanding of 55+ clients. Aware of his own personal limits, he’s learned to stay within them. A post rehab professional, Blayney helps clients make the transition into appropriate exercise for better daily functioning.

“All people should exercise, but specifically this age group,” said Blayney.

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Boomers stand on the precipice of anti-aging and Boomeritis. There’s an art and a science to finding the middle path.

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Science versus the Environment in Aging Hearing Loss

aadmin — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 10:12:45 +0000

Nearly two-thirds of the population over the age 70 experience some degree of hearing loss.

Robert Gardner, Au.D, an audiologist at The Hearing Clinic in Denver, CO, is representative of the scientific view of age related hearing loss.

Over time, the nerve endings of the inner ear deteriorate leading to hearing deficiencies. According to Gardner, “The most common neural hearing loss is due to prolonged damage to nerve endings in the inner ear.”

Gardner, who also manages retirement villages clinics in the Denver area, outlined the area in the inner ear that is commonly damaged in hearing loss in the elderly - the cochlea.

It is lined with approximately 20,000 tiny hairs – cilia – that act as nerve endings for the hearing nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve).

Cilia deteriorate due to aging, disease, noise exposure and a combination of these factors. Hearing loss cannot be regenerated and can only be replaced or repaired by medical science. “The only way to treat this type of hearing impairment is with hearing aids,” said Gardner.

Cochlear Implants for Extensive Hearing Loss

Ninety percent of people with nerve hearing loss are successfully treated with hearing aids. Severe deafness, due to extensive deterioration of the cilia, requires a cochlear implant.

Cochlear implants feed electrical signals to the hearing nerve but only possess a maximum of 32 electrodes as opposed to 20,000 nerve endings of the normal ear, said Gardner. Sound discrimination, such as higher pitches remains extremely poor, enough to understand speech, but not notes in a melody.

“A cochlear implant is a superb solution for the profoundly hard of hearing, allowing them to carry on telephone conversations and other practical behaviors.”

A Different Approach to Hearing Loss

Gail Gudmundsen, Au.D. and Managing Director, of the audiology division of Etymotic Research, in Elk Grove Village, IL, advocates an environmental approach to hearing loss in the aging community.

She points to new research designating the major cause of deafness to be the cumulative effect of lifetime noise exposure. Cilia deteriorate, but early prevention can ward off many problems in the elderly.

“Early exposure to noise sets up hearing loss in later life,” said Gudmundsen. “Age-related hearing loss can be traced back to prolonged noise exposure.”

Gudmundsen pointed to key culprits – including recreational ones – riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, car races, parades, and the subway. “It all adds up,” she noted.

A Growing Alternative to Hearing Aids

According to Gudmundsen, and other hearing specialists, many older people are unwilling to seek out hearing help and procrastinate. To bridge the gap, a new hearing category – PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Product) – is on the rise.

PSAPs are accessible and affordable and serve as a starter device for sufferers of mild hearing loss, said Gudmundsen. PSAPs are non-medical devices and are not regulated by the FDA. They don’t correct hearing loss and are not intended for that purpose.

“They are often called reading glasses for the ears,” said Gudmundsen.

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Science or the Environment? Older people need to be aware of hearing loss alternatives, do their research, and be open to diverse avenues.

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The Harsh Fashion Realities of Aging Women

aadmin — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 17:47:32 +0000

Style consultant Sherrie Mathieson is on a mission to modernize aging women’s fashion. Working with older clients into their 80's, she aims to develop a wardrobe based on simplicity.

She believes older women need to forgo competition with their younger counterparts and opt for classic restraint and clean lines.

“I see women committing the most egregious mistakes,” says Mathieson who is the author of “Forever Cool: How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style” and “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets.”

The Fashion Mistakes of Older Women

Their apparel can be unflattering and outdated. Below is a list of Mathieson's concerns:

• Roomy or bulky clothes that attempt to hide a woman's weight and figure
• Clothing that is too tight and too revealing
• High heels. Difficult for walking, especially for older women
• An overload of accessories – diamonds, rhinestones, gold and lamé
• Animal prints such as leopard prints
• Leather or fake leather, especially black
• Short skirts, revealing cleavage, to imitate younger women
• Makeup. If makeup is worn it needs to have a natural tone
• Black outfits which are too harsh against older womens' skin
• Dressing down. Older women who gain weight may resort to bulky t-shirts and jeans
• Pastel colors like pink, light blue, pale yellow and mint green – typical of Sun City
• T-shirts that say: "My Grandchild Loves Me"

How Older Women Can Dress and Remain Vibrant

Mathieson’s classic fashion approach for senior women counters the plethora of senior style faux pas. Apparel should include:

• Clothing with clean lines and modern fabrics
• Ensembles that fit correctly on the figure
• Simple white shirts or denim shirts
• Polo shirts - the collar frames the neck, diverting attention away from wrinkles
• Athletic wear designed for casual comfort
• Sporty sneakers, flats and rubber-soled shoes for walking ease
• A durable bag that complements an outfit
• Clothes that pack effortlessly without requiring excessive care for travel purposes
• For the pool, a one-piece bathing suit in a solid color, not overly revealing

The classic wardrobe favored by Mathieson originates in the preppy look of New England and the Southern states. Its simplicity evokes a modernity that preserves a younger look for older adults.

After women achieve an easier, streamlined approach, they can layer; add a shawl or a bracelet if chosen wisely.

Before becoming a fashion consultant, Mathieson worked extensively in high fashion. She has spent years as a consume designer in film, TV, MTV, and has dressed rock bands.

Now, she feels prepared her to advocate for an aging population, an overlooked demographic in her consideration.

“They’re basically ignored and improperly handled by the media,” she insists. “People who are easily dismissed.”

Clothing is an intimate form of self-expression for older adults and can be elevated beyond the harsh realities.

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The Secrets of Gardening for Older Adults

aadmin — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:26:48 +0000

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece” – Claude Monet

Sydney Eddison, an 81-year-old gardener extraordinaire from Newtown, CT, embodies the outlook of the beloved French impressionist.

Eddison began her adventures in gardening over 50 years ago in 1961. Her path has led to seven books, including Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older, published by Timber Press.

Eddison's journey into the joys of gardening has been well-documented. She has been profiled as a die-hard horticultural perfectionist who has returned to simplicity. "Being realistic has been hard. I was not graceful about it.”

The green-thumbed octogenarian has created a 5-point guide to help aging gardeners pursue their pastime.

Five Steps to an Easier Garden:

1. Simplify Perennial Borders as the First Step to an Easier Garden.

Remove or limit the number of perennials that are too enthusiastic and either spread too much or too fast. Eliminate or limit the number that demand frequent division and those that need constant grooming—staking, deadheading, cutting back, etc.

2. Substitute Shrubs for Some of the Perennials.

Shrubs are usually much less demanding than perennials and often offer season-long beauty.

3. Develop a New Attitude Toward the Lawn.

Perfect lawns in our climate demand more water than nature provides, toxic chemicals to kill grubs and weeds, fertilizers to push new growth, and frequent mowing to reduce the height of that growth. Learn to live with longer grass and to tolerate a few weeds. Reduce lawn area with mass plantings of ground covers, shrubs, or ornamental grasses.

4. If You Have Shade, Learn to Love It. It Ensures Easier Gardening.

Shade-tolerant plants tend to be easier to grow. As many are foliage plants, and pretty foliage looks attractive all season, they also require less care. They need no obsessive deadheading. And they don’t lean toward the light because they don’t need that much in the first place. Therefore, they rarely have to be staked.

5. Discover Container Gardening.

A container garden is fun and relatively little work. Tall plants in containers form moveable walls that can be used to enclose a patio and vines can be planted in pots on either side of an archway as an entrance. Container gardening can be a wonderful, creative outlet for gardeners with limited time, space, or energy - Sydney Eddison

After her husband death, Eddison needed to downsize. A hip replacement created mobility issues, another wake-up call. The call of simplification beckoned.

The fun of perennial gardening was manipulating the blooming rotation, to always have waves of blossomed plants. She opted for a back-to-basics approach. Her mindset changed. “Nothing is perfect but a lot of it is beautiful,” she says.

Gardening has earned Eddison a philosophy degree in life and aging. “With old age, it’s not the things around you that need changing. It’s changing your point of view.”

Sydney Eddison lectures widely and is a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening magazine and other publications.

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April Raises Awareness of Parkinson's Disease

aadmin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:57:20 +0000

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The month focuses on educating the public about a disease that strikes 1 in every 100 North Americans, commonly people over the age of 50.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease linked to a deficiency of brain cells that generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter. The lack of dopamine leads to the tremors, movement difficulties, and other problems associated with Parkinson’s.

There are early signs that can tip off a person with Parkinson’s and slow down its progressive nature.

Linda Pituch, Patient Services Manager of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, offers a comprehensive list of prominent symptoms.

Non-motor symptoms

Initial symptoms that usually go undiagnosed:

. loss of sense of smell
. depression
. constipation
. sleep disturbance

Motor symptoms

Progressive symptoms where a person and their physician will become concerned:

. Tremor in a finger
. Slow movement (Bradykinesia)
. Problems with falling
. Loss of balance

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s can pose problems. Heather Gray, the Scientific and Medical Affairs Assistant of the American Parkinson Disease Association, said that it can be confused with other conditions, like Parkinsonism, also called Parkinson’s syndrome, which can strike young people. She also mentioned that Multiple Sclerosis can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s.

Gray said that Parkinson’s can be mistaken for a mild stroke because a stroke controls the area of the brain that controls movement – Substantia nigra – the sector affecting Parkinson’s.

"An MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging – will differentiate between a stroke and Parkinson's," said Gray. "That determination is a long road, and not easy on the patient, but is necessary." Gray added: “It's very complex. There are a lot of factors in this disease."

Margaret Stern, the Chair and CEO of the Michael Stern Parkinson's Research Foundation agreed. “The warning signs vary enormously from person to person.” A valuable tip from Stern is that between five to ten per cent of Parkinson’s cases are genetic. “If they know about it, they must tell their physician."

Pituch said that some medical doctors don’t know enough about Parkinson’s to make a diagnosis. “The patient needs to bring up the problem by highlighting the symptoms,” she said, “then request a session with a movement disorder specialist, a neurological specialist focusing on Parkinson’s.”

As the disease progresses, the Parkinson’s patient will need to rely more on a caregiver or care partner to maintain the schedule with the movement disorder specialist. The care person should attend the patient’s appointments to hear the doctor’s recommendations. Caregivers will need to encourage physical activity and obtain advice on specific types of therapy for their dependant.

Medication plays a big part in keeping Parkinson’s in check. Heather Gray provided three medication classifications:

. Dopamine replacements
. Dopamine preservers
. Dopamine mimics

Is there hope for a cure? Gray feels the big breakthrough may be preventative-based, finding the earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s before it progresses.

Spirits are high in April as everyone in the Parkinson’s community pulls together to spread awareness.

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5 Helping Tips for Caregivers

aadmin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:54:45 +0000

According to a recent article in The Huffington Post, between 80 to 90 % of elderly people choose to live in their homes instead of opting for residential retirement care.

Here are five key points to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone:

1. Home Delivery

Healthy eating is a key ingredient to safeguard overall fitness. Caretakers can take advantage of online grocery shopping to lessen the strain of waiting at stores. Daily drop-offs from a free food delivery service like Meals on Wheels are also available.

2. Safeguard the Home

The kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are high-risk home areas. Bathroom railings help with support. Lower kitchen shelves and wardrobe areas create greater accessibility. Add more lighting and remove floor hazards. For safety, tablets or smartphones can provide video footage of key areas in near real-time.

3. Maintain Health Care

Caretakers can stay in contact with doctors, pharmacists and nurses of a elderly parent. Assist in implementing a low-intensity exercise program.

4. Have Emergency Care in Place

Personal emergency response systems (PERS), permit users to call for help with the push of a button. PERS can help relieve worries should a parent fall or come into trouble. PERS can provide a GPS capability, which could help locate an elderly parent in the event of an accident.

5. Take Care of Social Needs

Isolation affects the elderly and increases the risk of premature death. Social contact plays a big role in creating happiness for aging parents. Technology can bridge the gap. Seventy percent of seniors own chat enabled mobile phones that help adult children and other people keep in touch.

Visits to local community centers can provide seniors with computer or aerobics classes. Fitness is a key area to senior health.

Many of these principles hold true for Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences.

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