Monday, September 29, 2014

Ways to Help your Senior Avoid Loneliness and Isolation



As seniors age, there are many factors that can affect their socialization. They may have more trouble getting around, friends may have passed away, or they may suffer from conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. All of these changes can impact mental health and lead to feelings of loneliness or depression. There are many ways in which family members and friends can help a senior to stay connected and involved:

  • Plan frequent visits: Coordinate with siblings or other family members to arrange frequent visits with your loved one. It could be for a long weekend, a day, or even just an evening. Taking turns can ensure that everyone gets to spend time with your loved one and no one feels as though they are the only one providing care.
  • Connect via video chat programs: Programs such as Skype or ooVoo can also you to see and talk to your senior via the Internet. When traveling to see them is not an option, this can let them know you care and give them an opportunity to socialize and talk about their day or any concerns they may have.
  • Hire an in-home caregiver: There are many wonderful caregivers who can provide your senior with companionship as well as help with activities of daily living. This can give you the peace of mind of knowing that someone is there to check in on them and provide assistance as needed. Your loved one can look forward to the visits as well.
  • Get a pet: A dog or cat can be a wonderful companion for your senior and help them to stay active. Caring for a pet can give them a sense of purpose and also boost their mood. Just make sure that they are capable of providing adequate care.
  • Get involved with a senior or community group: Find a local senior center or community group that has activities and events for your loved one to get involved in. This can help them to socialize and make friends with similar interests. They can have fun doing things that they enjoy and being in the company of others.
  • Provide transportation: One thing that can prevent your senior from being as social as they would like can be transportation. If they are no longer able to drive, they may not be able to get to various activities or to see their friends. Make arrangements for transportation so that they are able to get out and about.

Providing your loved one with opportunities to spend time with family or friends and get involved in activities that they enjoy can do wonders for their mental health and wellbeing. Recognize the signs of depression as well as hearing and vision loss and remain proactive to ensure that your loved one does not isolate themselves or feel withdrawn from others. There are many ways to help them overcome these challenges and stay active and upbeat.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Common Vision Problems for Seniors



There are many factors that can affect one’s vision. As people age, they may develop more serious eye diseases that can impact not only their vision but in turn, their quality of life. Seniors may not realize that their vision is decreasing until the condition has become more noticeable. Many of these diseases progress gradually. However, early detection is essential in prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of fluid and pressure in the eye. This can cause damage to the optic nerve. Loss of peripheral vision may be noticed first, but without proper care, it can lead to more extensive vision loss or even blindness. Treatment is available to help slow the progression and support existing vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts form when protein builds up on the lens of the eye. This is a very common occurrence in the elderly and can cause blurry and reduced visions as well as make colors appear less vibrant. Usually the condition becomes more evident as vision continues to decrease. Medicated eye drops can help slow the progression and surgery can be used to remove cataracts and replace lenses to restore vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This condition impacts central vision, which is essential for proper eyesight. Without clear central vision, driving, reading, watching television, and other activities become increasingly difficult. Seniors develop more difficulty seeing details in objects and could have problems recognizing faces because of the impaired central vision. However, it will not cause complete blindness because it does not affect peripheral vision. While there currently is no cure, treatment can help to slow the progression and maximize remaining vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

For those aging with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can be a serious concern. When blood sugar is uncontrolled, it can lead to damage of the blood vessels in the eye. This can in turn lead to impaired vision. Vision can become cloudy or distorted and there is risk of detaching the retina. It is essential that those with diabetes learn how to properly monitor and manage their blood sugar for better overall health and to reduce their risk of developing this condition.

Since many of these conditions may not be readily noticeable, regular eye exams can help to identify problems early on. This can lead to more effective treatment or preventive measures. Other conditions they may experience include dry eye, the appearance of floaters, corneal diseases, and eyelid problems. These can all impact quality of life and vision. Seniors can remain proactive about their vision and help to protect it for as long as possible by having regular exams and maintaining good health practices.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Causes and Effects of Hearing Loss in Seniors



Hearing is an important part of daily activities. It helps people to know what is going on around them, engage in conversation with others, and receive important information. As people age, however, their hearing can begin to deteriorate. This can make some activities more difficult or frustrating. There are also medical and environmental causes of hearing loss.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss:

  • Aging: Presbycusis is the term often used to describe hearing loss that occurs as a result of aging. Over time, hearing begins to decline but the extent varies from person to person. It can be affected by damage to the ear, loud noises, infections, disease, and more.
  • Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises or environments can impact hearing loss. Those who have worked in factories, construction, or other types of settings may have unknowingly damaged their hearing.
  •  Infection: Both viral and bacterial infections can impact hearing. Build up of fluid and earwax can as well. Treating infections promptly can help to preserve hearing.
  • Tinnitus: This isn’t exactly hearing loss, but rather a ringing in the ears. It can impact seniors’ ability to hear correctly and make sense of conversation.

Effects of Hearing Loss:

  • Decreased safety: If seniors cannot hear adequately, they may miss cues that indicate danger. They could miss warning alerts or simply the sound of something coming toward them. Not being able to hear the phone or having to turn devices up loudly can be problematic.
  • Decreased socialization: Because they have difficulty hearing conversations, programs, or surrounding noises, seniors may shy away from social activities. It could be a frustrating situation, or perhaps they do not want to admit that their hearing is deteriorating. With decreased hearing, it can become more challenging to engage in back and forth dialogue or pay attention to television shows, movies, or other activities.
  • Misunderstanding: Not being able to understand what someone is saying can lead to misunderstandings. Seniors may not understand how to properly take medication or use appliances. They may misinterpret instructions or directions. This can lead to more serious issues.

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss and undergoing regular screenings can help to identify problems before they become more serious. Treatment can help to clear up infections or resolve certain damage to the ear. Hearing aids can help to amplify and direct sound to make hearing easier. There are also modifications that can be made around the home to help mitigate the effects of hearing loss and increase safety. These could include lights that flash when the phone rings, smoke alarm goes off, or doorbell is rung. This combines the auditory signal with a visual signal. If you or a loved one is having difficulty hearing or notice you have to turn things up more loudly, consider having your hearing checked to detect potential problems.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Dental Concerns for Seniors



Oral health can be a concern at any age, but in the elderly, dental problems can increase risk of poor diet and developing more serious problems. Making sure that teeth and gums stay strong and healthy can help ward off disease and make eating easier and more enjoyable. Seniors can develop a wide range of issues with their oral health:

  • Sensitivity: They may discover that their teeth are more sensitive to heat and cold than they previously were. This could be the result of receding gums or wearing away of the protective enamel covering the teeth. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can ease discomfort.
  • Receding Gums: Over time the gums can begin to pull away from teeth and expose the tooth’s root. This can be caused by genetics, periodontal disease, alignment issues, grinding of the teeth and more. The dentist will usually provide a thorough cleaning of the area to remove any built up plaque or bacteria and promote healing. They may recommend other treatment as well.
  • Cavities: Seniors are still at risk for developing cavities. The enamel on their teeth may have worn down over the years, or they may not have gotten enough fluoride growing up, which can increase risk. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep teeth healthy.
  • Poorly Fitting Dentures: When dentures are not fitted correctly, they can move around in the mouth and exert uneven pressure or rubbing. This can lead to a variety of issues and impair eating and speaking ability. It is important to have regular checkups to assess fit and make any necessary adjustments.


There are also medications that can increase risk of developing dental problems or lead to dry mouth and other conditions. Scheduling regular dental exams can help to identify and resolve problems before they become more serious. The dentist can also recommend steps to take if medication or dentures are impacting dental health or diet. 

As seniors age, memory loss, arthritis, and other conditions can make it more difficult to take proper care of their teeth and gums. Checking in to make sure they are brushing, assisting with these processes, and making sure they get to checkups can help to ensure better dental health throughout their life. Making adaptations in the bathroom and providing customized equipment or special toothpastes designed for seniors can also make caring for their teeth easier. Periodically check in on your loved one to assess their abilities as they age and take the proper actions to keep them safe while also allowing them to be as independent as possible.