Need practical and sensitive advice from someone other than Dear Abby? Visit elderwisdomcircle.org for time-tested anwers to personal dilemmas; every email request is read and receives a thoughtful and confidential response by the Elder Wisdom Circle volunteers, ranging in ages from 60 to 105. Originally begun in 2001 as a Cyber-Grandparent program for teens and young adults, the popularity of EWC has soared, with advice columns now in many newspapers, plus a website that has attracted attention across the globe. Now they are putting their wisdom in book form, "The Elder Wisdom Circle Guide for a Meaningful Life." Available in late October, Amazon.com is now accepting pre-orders (at a discount!).
This inspirational book revels in the luxury of its expanded format to offer greater in-depth advice, expanding from its typical one-answer format to many. This broader dialogue creates wonderfully interesting and relevant “tell it like it is” guidance to the reader. Popular advice topics in the book, as on the website, include relationship dilemmas of every kind, career, aging, and self-improvement.
Sharing with younger generations the wisdom gleaned from their lives and the lessons they have learned along the way, EWC provides a valuable and often-absent voice of empathy and knowledge to those seeking answers to life's questions. Bravo, EWC, and thank you!
Be well.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Computer Maneuvers
As we age, we may find ourselves squinting a little harder at the computer monitor, straining a bit to hear audio, or just plain growing frustrated keeping up with all the virus protections, passwords, new software, and expanding technology. It's no easy thing to stay current with all the changes happening everyday on our computers, and working with outdated equipment makes it that much harder. Here's how to work with what you have and recommendations to get what you need:
1) LCD monitors: these liquid crystal displays can't be beat for clarity and brightness, and luckily, prices continue to drop on these space-saving, flat screen monitors. Sony, H-P, and ViewSonic all offer nice-quality 19-inch screens for around $200.
2) Increasing font size: If you're using a PC, click on Start, select All Programs > Accessories > Accessibility > Magnifier. If you're on a Mac, hold down Option, Apple, and the plus sign simultaneously until you reach the desired font size.
3) Also available to Windows users is the "Accessibility Wizard", found in the same spot as the Magnifier mentioned above. You go through a brief assessment to determine what specific settings wil make your time on the computer more productive and enjoyable. Testing includes vision, hearing, and keyboard/mouse abilities, etc. For Mac users, from your Apple pull-down menu, select System Preferences > Universal Access.
A few recommended websites for more help:
* www.makoa.org/computers.htm
* www.seniornet.org/jsnet/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid=36
(includes video clips & how-tos for common computer activities: i.e. adjusting time & date, copying text, displaying file dates, etc.)
* http://www.aarp.org/learntech/computers/howto/tips_on_purchasing_a_new_computer.html
* http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/technobuddy/index.html
(Mr. Husted is a refreshingly easy-to-understand techie, and his columns are full of sound, practical advice. Thanks to him for the inspiration for today's post!)
1) LCD monitors: these liquid crystal displays can't be beat for clarity and brightness, and luckily, prices continue to drop on these space-saving, flat screen monitors. Sony, H-P, and ViewSonic all offer nice-quality 19-inch screens for around $200.
2) Increasing font size: If you're using a PC, click on Start, select All Programs > Accessories > Accessibility > Magnifier. If you're on a Mac, hold down Option, Apple, and the plus sign simultaneously until you reach the desired font size.
3) Also available to Windows users is the "Accessibility Wizard", found in the same spot as the Magnifier mentioned above. You go through a brief assessment to determine what specific settings wil make your time on the computer more productive and enjoyable. Testing includes vision, hearing, and keyboard/mouse abilities, etc. For Mac users, from your Apple pull-down menu, select System Preferences > Universal Access.
A few recommended websites for more help:
* www.makoa.org/computers.htm
* www.seniornet.org/jsnet/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid=36
(includes video clips & how-tos for common computer activities: i.e. adjusting time & date, copying text, displaying file dates, etc.)
* http://www.aarp.org/learntech/computers/howto/tips_on_purchasing_a_new_computer.html
* http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/technobuddy/index.html
(Mr. Husted is a refreshingly easy-to-understand techie, and his columns are full of sound, practical advice. Thanks to him for the inspiration for today's post!)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Tomorrow Will Be Better
"Where there's life, there's hope." – Terence, Roman author
"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." – Lin Yutang, Chinese author
"Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another." – Elie Wiesel, American author
Be well.
"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." – Lin Yutang, Chinese author
"Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another." – Elie Wiesel, American author
Be well.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
It's Not Funny Money, Honey
Why all the buzz about a beekeeper from Kansas? It seems that Waldo McBurney is America's oldest worker, at age 104. He has lots of company: according to the U.S. Department of Labor, over one million Americans over the age of 75 are still in the workforce – some by choice, others by necessity. About 318,000 working Americans are age 80 and above. These numbers are only expected to increase as Americans live longer, and in some cases, outlive their 401(k)s, savings, and Social Security benefits.
As available and qualified labor pools shrink, more companies are looking to experienced older workers to fill in the gaps. When the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act was initiated in 2000, allowing workers ages 60-69 to earn unlimited income without losing Social Security benefits, more older workers rejoined the workforce. The gradual phasing out of traditional company pensions and health benefits has also, out of necessity, required some retirees to return to work. For some adults, going to a job beats staying at home, and they point to the tremendous personal satisfaction received from their contributions on the job.
Still wondering about Mr. McBurney? He took up long-distance running at age 65 and believes in hard work. Says Mr. McBurney, "I'm not a strong believer in retirement. I don't think retirement is in the Bible. Maybe it's there, but I haven't found it." To learn more about him and his secrets to a long, happy life, you can read his book, "My First 100 Years: A Look Back From the Finish Line", now available from www.amazon.com.
As available and qualified labor pools shrink, more companies are looking to experienced older workers to fill in the gaps. When the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act was initiated in 2000, allowing workers ages 60-69 to earn unlimited income without losing Social Security benefits, more older workers rejoined the workforce. The gradual phasing out of traditional company pensions and health benefits has also, out of necessity, required some retirees to return to work. For some adults, going to a job beats staying at home, and they point to the tremendous personal satisfaction received from their contributions on the job.
Still wondering about Mr. McBurney? He took up long-distance running at age 65 and believes in hard work. Says Mr. McBurney, "I'm not a strong believer in retirement. I don't think retirement is in the Bible. Maybe it's there, but I haven't found it." To learn more about him and his secrets to a long, happy life, you can read his book, "My First 100 Years: A Look Back From the Finish Line", now available from www.amazon.com.
Monday, August 13, 2007
When Caring Hurts
Currently, one in every four American families care for a family member over age 50, with the number of senior adults in America expected to double to more than 71 million by 2030. You may be asked to care for a family member at some point in the future; how will you respond to this?
The very real and often relentless stress experienced by caregivers is being given serious attention by the American Academy of Geriatric Psychologists, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and a host of other groups. Current debate includes assigning a formal definition of "caregiver syndrome", adding legitimacy and urgency to this syndrome, thus encouraging doctors to develop better screening and treatment options. Those opposed to the definition believe the label would stigmatize and further isolate the very people who need outside support. As coined by neuropsychiatrist Dr. J. Posner, caregiver syndrome is defined as "a debilitating condition brought on by unrelieved, constant caring for a person with a chronic illness or dementia."
Traditionally, family caregivers spend the majority of their time caring for their older family member who requires their attention. Particularly, in the initial stages of care, there is a high level of grief associated with the grim reality that your loved one's health is declining. It's not uncommon to suffer a period of shock, followed by acclimation to the new daily schedule. In some cases, the elevated stress hormone levels of a caregiver are quite similar to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Making their family members their top priority, caregivers often neglect their own health and emotional well-being. Depression, anxiety, guilt, resentment and anger are all classic symptoms associated with caregiver syndrome, most often leading to high blood pressure, diabetes and a compromised immune system. In drastic cases, caregivers can take on the symptoms of the person for whom they are caring. More commonly, though, personal roles between the caregiver and older adult change, where spouses are no longer partners, but evolve into nurse-patient. In the case of adult children caregivers, the roles are reversed, where the child is required to be the adult in the relationship.
If caregiving syndrome is considered to be a real condition causing serious health problems, how do we then encourage caregivers to make a doctor's appointment or join a support group, when their schedule is consumed by caring their aging/ill family member? The American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that all caregivers be screened for stress and depression. Caregivers who show signs of hostility, anxiety and a loss of interest in favorite activities are urged to talk to their physician. Widening the caregiver support system, finding additional resources to help caregivers, and increasing education about the realities of caregiving can all significantly decrease the occurrence of this syndrome.
Long-term caregiving does not have to dissolve from being an honor to a duty, or worse, a burden. If you know a caregiver, they are most likely to busy to ask for help, so call them, and offer to run errands or stay at home with the patient, while they get out for a few hours. If you are a caregiver, reach out for help. We all need each other.
Be well.
The very real and often relentless stress experienced by caregivers is being given serious attention by the American Academy of Geriatric Psychologists, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and a host of other groups. Current debate includes assigning a formal definition of "caregiver syndrome", adding legitimacy and urgency to this syndrome, thus encouraging doctors to develop better screening and treatment options. Those opposed to the definition believe the label would stigmatize and further isolate the very people who need outside support. As coined by neuropsychiatrist Dr. J. Posner, caregiver syndrome is defined as "a debilitating condition brought on by unrelieved, constant caring for a person with a chronic illness or dementia."
Traditionally, family caregivers spend the majority of their time caring for their older family member who requires their attention. Particularly, in the initial stages of care, there is a high level of grief associated with the grim reality that your loved one's health is declining. It's not uncommon to suffer a period of shock, followed by acclimation to the new daily schedule. In some cases, the elevated stress hormone levels of a caregiver are quite similar to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Making their family members their top priority, caregivers often neglect their own health and emotional well-being. Depression, anxiety, guilt, resentment and anger are all classic symptoms associated with caregiver syndrome, most often leading to high blood pressure, diabetes and a compromised immune system. In drastic cases, caregivers can take on the symptoms of the person for whom they are caring. More commonly, though, personal roles between the caregiver and older adult change, where spouses are no longer partners, but evolve into nurse-patient. In the case of adult children caregivers, the roles are reversed, where the child is required to be the adult in the relationship.
If caregiving syndrome is considered to be a real condition causing serious health problems, how do we then encourage caregivers to make a doctor's appointment or join a support group, when their schedule is consumed by caring their aging/ill family member? The American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that all caregivers be screened for stress and depression. Caregivers who show signs of hostility, anxiety and a loss of interest in favorite activities are urged to talk to their physician. Widening the caregiver support system, finding additional resources to help caregivers, and increasing education about the realities of caregiving can all significantly decrease the occurrence of this syndrome.
Long-term caregiving does not have to dissolve from being an honor to a duty, or worse, a burden. If you know a caregiver, they are most likely to busy to ask for help, so call them, and offer to run errands or stay at home with the patient, while they get out for a few hours. If you are a caregiver, reach out for help. We all need each other.
Be well.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Must-See TV starts 9/23
Gifted filmmaker Ken Burns, well-known for his thoroughly researched and thoughtful documentaries, is back again: this time, producing a seven-part series devoted to telling the honest, courageous stories of World War II, as seen through the eyes of those who lived through it, both here and on foreign soil. Four towns are highlighted, featuring a cross-section of America: Waterbury, CT, Sacramento, CA, Mobile, AL, and Luverne, MN.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over 1,000 World War II veterans die every day, driving an increased sense of urgency for Burns, whose own father was among those who served. For over six years, Burns and his team labored to bring the stories in this series to life: researching, meeting, and interviewing men and women all across the country, who lived through the war and contributed to the victory. Two years were spent deep in archive material, from attics and libraries, to historical societies and footage from newspapers and film. As one producer noted, "This is the richest archival event in history.”
The series premieres on PBS on September 23; check your local listings. For a helpful viewer's guide with background information for each episode, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/thewar/
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over 1,000 World War II veterans die every day, driving an increased sense of urgency for Burns, whose own father was among those who served. For over six years, Burns and his team labored to bring the stories in this series to life: researching, meeting, and interviewing men and women all across the country, who lived through the war and contributed to the victory. Two years were spent deep in archive material, from attics and libraries, to historical societies and footage from newspapers and film. As one producer noted, "This is the richest archival event in history.”
The series premieres on PBS on September 23; check your local listings. For a helpful viewer's guide with background information for each episode, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/thewar/
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
India Blue
With the current crisis in U.S. healthcare, many adults are exploring alternatives to traditional longterm care, when staying at home or going to a nursing facility is out of the question. S. Herzfeld is a perfect example: an MBA grad management expert returned home in 2004 to care for his aging parents, who suffer from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. After three years, the strain and expense of providing 24-hour care for both parents was overwhelming. Exploring nearby nursing homes was discouraging, as the monthly cost would quickly bankrupt his parents.
Mr. Herzfeld continued his research and in a turn of serendipitous events, he and his parents decided to move to India, ironically where Mr. Herzfeld once studied and later taught MBA classes. Why India? India reveres older persons, and the cost of living is significantly less than in the West. His parents are now cared for in the town of Pondicherry by a personal six-person staff, who provides them with daily massages, physical therapy, round-the-clock mobility assistance, customized healthy meals, and medicines that cost 20% less than in the States – all of this for approx. $15 per day. His parents are now able to save $1,000 from their monthly SS check, banking it for emergency events or plane tickets.
A former French colony, Pondicherry, India is a foreigner-friendly old town on the ocean, surrounded by bright orange blossom and coconut trees. Its weather is much like Florida, which is familiar to the Herzfeld family. For more info on this town, visit http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/intro.html
Mr. Herzfeld continued his research and in a turn of serendipitous events, he and his parents decided to move to India, ironically where Mr. Herzfeld once studied and later taught MBA classes. Why India? India reveres older persons, and the cost of living is significantly less than in the West. His parents are now cared for in the town of Pondicherry by a personal six-person staff, who provides them with daily massages, physical therapy, round-the-clock mobility assistance, customized healthy meals, and medicines that cost 20% less than in the States – all of this for approx. $15 per day. His parents are now able to save $1,000 from their monthly SS check, banking it for emergency events or plane tickets.
A former French colony, Pondicherry, India is a foreigner-friendly old town on the ocean, surrounded by bright orange blossom and coconut trees. Its weather is much like Florida, which is familiar to the Herzfeld family. For more info on this town, visit http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/intro.html
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pursuit of Activeness
Grab those weights, pedal that bike, and swim those laps: good advice for all ages, but particularly wise for older adults looking to improve or maintain their health. Gyms all over the country are gaining new members, especially those over the age of 50. Interestingly, 90% of all active adult communities currently under construction include a fitness center, the average size being 20,000 to 40,000 square feet. (The rocking chairs of previous generations conspicuously absent at these communities!)
Inside or outside a fitness center, it's recommended that senior adults follow this simple formula for healthiest results: ESBS – Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Stretch. By being mindful of one's current limitations, due to ailments such as arthritis or back pain, a senior adult can still gain the life-affirming benefits of movement without damaging their bodies. Exercising smarter, not harder, seems to be the rule.
Why the focus on exercise and activity for senior adults? The U.S. National Institute on Aging promotes regular activity as a proven way for seniors to maintain their strength, be more independent, increase energy and improve balance. Exercise is a terrific antidote to depression, and a strong opponent in the fight against heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses.
No matter what your age, everyone benefits from daily exercise, says the International Council on Active Aging, so get moving!
Inside or outside a fitness center, it's recommended that senior adults follow this simple formula for healthiest results: ESBS – Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Stretch. By being mindful of one's current limitations, due to ailments such as arthritis or back pain, a senior adult can still gain the life-affirming benefits of movement without damaging their bodies. Exercising smarter, not harder, seems to be the rule.
Why the focus on exercise and activity for senior adults? The U.S. National Institute on Aging promotes regular activity as a proven way for seniors to maintain their strength, be more independent, increase energy and improve balance. Exercise is a terrific antidote to depression, and a strong opponent in the fight against heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses.
No matter what your age, everyone benefits from daily exercise, says the International Council on Active Aging, so get moving!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Notable Quotables
"Life is short and it's up to you to make it sweet." – S. Delany
"To feel loved, to belong, to have a place, and to hear one's dignity and worth often affirmed – these are to the soul what food is to the body." – A. Ortlund
"There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you." – C. Matthau
Be well.
"To feel loved, to belong, to have a place, and to hear one's dignity and worth often affirmed – these are to the soul what food is to the body." – A. Ortlund
"There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you." – C. Matthau
Be well.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Tapping the Maple for Homecare
Nearly two years after Vermont began its innovative Choices for Care program, success is already evident. The number of Vermont's elderly poor and disabled residents sent to nursing homes has declined, while their quality of life has improved, allowing them to stay in their homes and maintain their independence. This is the first Medicaid-choice waiver program in the U.S., allowing eligible residents to elect their own care. Previously, nursing home care was the only option available to Medicaid-eligible citizens.
How does the state program work? Seniors who need help with daily living activities and/or housekeeping and meal prep can elect to receive care provided by a family member or friend, who then gets paid by the state, on average of $10/hour. These dollars are via a combination of federal and state money, as approved by Medicaid budget limits for Vermont.
How much is Vermont saving by channeling these dollars into various community-based initiatives, including assisted-living facilities, privately run boarding homes for seniors and elder day-care centers? As cited by the Associated Press, it costs approximately $122/day for Medicaid-covered seniors living in nursing homes, versus $80/day for seniors receiving care at home. The goal is to reinvest these savings into the program, thus reaching even more eligible residents.
Choices for Care has its critics, especially from the nursing home industry. They argue that subsidized home care is not as high quality or as consistent as what a typical nursing home can provide. They also cite a high burnout rate from untrained in-home caregivers, who fail to understand how exhausting and draining the work can be.
For more info on the Choices for Care, visit www.dad.state.vt.us/1115waiver/1115default.htm
How does the state program work? Seniors who need help with daily living activities and/or housekeeping and meal prep can elect to receive care provided by a family member or friend, who then gets paid by the state, on average of $10/hour. These dollars are via a combination of federal and state money, as approved by Medicaid budget limits for Vermont.
How much is Vermont saving by channeling these dollars into various community-based initiatives, including assisted-living facilities, privately run boarding homes for seniors and elder day-care centers? As cited by the Associated Press, it costs approximately $122/day for Medicaid-covered seniors living in nursing homes, versus $80/day for seniors receiving care at home. The goal is to reinvest these savings into the program, thus reaching even more eligible residents.
Choices for Care has its critics, especially from the nursing home industry. They argue that subsidized home care is not as high quality or as consistent as what a typical nursing home can provide. They also cite a high burnout rate from untrained in-home caregivers, who fail to understand how exhausting and draining the work can be.
For more info on the Choices for Care, visit www.dad.state.vt.us/1115waiver/1115default.htm
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