4 Lessons for Older Adults From Hurricane Ian

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Secure Aging

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Posted on

Jul 18, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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The devastation from Hurricane Ian continues to shock those of us in Southwest Florida as well as those around the U.S. who have seen news images of its damage. Although the Bradenton/Sarasota area was not the main area of impact, there were initial weather reports that our area could have been the target. Watching our neighbors in Nort Port, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers Beach, and other impacted areas has been heartbreaking.

Here are a few surprising facts about Hurricane Ian:

  • It was the fifth-largest storm to make landfall in the U.S. 
  • The storm caused 3.4 million power outages, not jut in Florida but other affected states. In Cuba, power was knocked out for everyone on the island.
  • Anticipated losses from Hurricane Ian are projected to reach more than $60 billion.
  • There were more than 119 deaths from Ian, many of them older adults who drowned.

Older adults in particular can take some lessons from Ian’s damage for future hurricanes. Here are some lessons learned for seniors when it comes to other hurricanes:

  1. Don’t rely on previous storm experiences for future storms. Due to climate change, the storms happening now and in the future will likely be more catastrophic, as witnessed by Ian. They will include more intense rainfall and greater storm surge. Even if your senior loved one is a long-time Floridian who’s survived many hurricanes, remind them that the storms going forward will cause more damage. 
  2. Evacuate if told to do so. We’ve all seen videos or read stories about people who didn’t leave their homes despite evacuation orders. While some people made out just fine, depending on where they live, others weathered horrible flooding and wind. (Just read this story about a Fort Myers grandmother who helped her husband with Parkinson’s disease and their dog literally ride out the storm in several feet of storm water in and around their home.) Those who didn’t survive often drowned due to storm surges. Bottom line: Listen to the evacuation orders, even if it means just going a couple of miles away to a safer place. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  3. Find special-needs shelters if necessary. A special-needs shelter will help those who have disabilities or health concerns that often cannot be handled by a general shelter. For instance, this would be the right shelter to go to if your senior loved one is on oxygen or needs electricity for medical devices. Check with your local county or city to find out which shelters can accommodate special needs. You can also register here for a special-needs shelter in Florida. 
  4. Don’t forget the pets. With more and more of us living with four-legged loved ones, consider what their needs are in a hurricane. This article from the Florida Department of Emergency Management details what to consider when evacuating with a pet. Here’s a video that will give you more details on keeping pets safe during hurricanes. There also are always shelters in our area that are pet-friendly. The time to do the research on pet preparation is before you need it.

For more hurricane prep tips geared toward older adults, check out the following advice from the Red Cross.

Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Financial Management

At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

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Biological Aging Speeds Up in Your 40s and 60s

Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates. 

A Vegan Diet Can Help Reduce Biological Age

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This means we would not only extend our quantity of life by adding years but also our quality of life as these years would be healthier ones.Medical professionals can assess biological age in different ways. One way is through DNA methylation, involving molecular changes over time that flip genes on and off. Sometimes changes age the body faster and others may slow the aging process down. For this study, shifts in DNA were monitored in 21 pairs of adult identical twins. In each pair, one twin switched to a vegan diet and the other followed a healthy diet that included meats and animal products. Often confused with vegetarianism, a vegan diet is stricter and prohibits eating not only meats and fish but all animal byproducts as well. This means vegans must forgo eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, and other foods that vegetarians consume.Study Reveals Vegan Diet Reduces Biological AgeThe study found a reduction in biological age markers for the twins who went vegan. But for the twins who continued eating meat and animal products, these same markers remained the same. Specifically, the study linked going vegan to reductions in biological age markers of the heart and liver as well as for the endocrine, immune, and metabolic systems. However, scientists cant be sure how much of the observed changes were solely due to the vegan diet and how much could be attributed to calorie reduction and weight loss. And since the study is small and not extensive, which means a broad conclusion cant be drawn about whether everyone should reduce biological age by going vegan. Furthermore, researchers cant be sure which aspect of the vegan diet is so beneficiallike eating less meat or eating more vegetables.How a Vegan Diet May Improve Molecular AgeOf all the modifiable factors, experts believe diet has the most impact on biological age. Plant-based diets have enormous anti-inflammatory benefits and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber which go a long way toward slowing biological aging. Vegan diets are also extremely low in saturated fats, a major contributor to chronic conditions like high cholesterol and heart disease. But before you jump on the vegan train, consider your approach. Its best to do your research and be sure a vegan diet is sustainable over time, even if youre not a strict vegan. Its better to be mostly vegan or largely vegan than to be strict for the short term. The benefits accumulate over time, which means a vegan diet must be a long-term commitment to have any lasting impact upon your health.Different Types of VeganismAs with any diet or eating plan, the health benefits depend on the specifics of what youre eating. Even a vegan can eat bad or unhealthy plant-based foods. Here are a few common types of vegan diets:Dietary vegans:Also called plant-based eaters, this is the most strict type of vegan. Adherents to this brand of veganism avoid consuming all animal products but still use non-vegan products in other forms such as clothing and cosmetics. Whole-food vegans:These veganites eat only vegan-whole foods, omitting any processed vegan products. The focus of this diet is vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Junk-food vegans:These are the opposite of whole-food vegans. A large part of their diet contains processed vegan foods like fries, frozen dinners, vegan meats, and desserts like vegan cookies and non-dairy ice cream.Raw-food vegans:Although safer than meat-eating raw food fans, those who follow a vegan raw-food diet eat only foods that are either completely raw or cooked at temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).Low fat raw-food vegans:This type of vegan diet avoids high fat vegan foods like avocados, nuts, and coconuts. They eat a lot of fruit in addition to raw vegetables. Because they dont eat nuts or processed soy, it can be difficult for this type of vegan to get the proper amount of protein or healthy fats.Of the many types of vegan diets, a whole-food vegan diet offers the most health benefits, allowing you to eat the most variety and gain the most nutritional benefit. 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When you cut out the calories found in higher fat meats, highly processed foods, dairy, and other animal-based foods, its much easier to maintain a calorie deficit or the right amount of calories for a stable weight.However, you may be surprised to find that going vegan, though beneficial for reducing biological age, might also leave you short in certain nutrients. As a vegan, you must be mindful of consuming the proper amount of protein, healthy fats, iron, B12, calcium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. These nutrients are specifically found in animal products and little to none exist in plant-based foods. A vegan diet can be perfectly healthy as you are aware of some of the deficiencies and intentionally plan for them, whether by intentionally incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or taking supplements to account for them.Common Vegan Foods for Healthy AgingHere are some of the plant-based replacements vegans use to replace animal products.Tofu, tempeh, and seitanThese foods offer a protein-rich alternative to meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can use them in recipes or prepare them as you would a meaty main dish.LegumesThese include beans, lentils, and peas, which are excellent sources of nutrients and can be prepared in many ways or added to a variety of recipes. Lentils are also an important source of vegan protein while also containing complex carbs.Nuts and nut butterIf you eat these unblanched and unroasted, youll get a larger dose of fiber, iron magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.SeedsHemp, chia, and flaxseeds provide a healthy amount of protein and those necessary healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.Calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurtVegans get some of the necessary calcium, B12, and vitamin D from fortified vegan dairy products.AlgaeThis is an excellent source of complete plant protein, specifically if you buy spirulina and chlorella varieties. Nutritional yeastThis is another way for vegans to get more protein. Its often in a flaky form and can be shaken onto or into vegan dishes. It has a mild cheesy flavor. You can usually buy brands fortified with B12.Whole grains, cereals, and pseudocerealsThese are excellent sources of complex carbs, fiver, B vitamins, iron, and minerals. Some high-protein examples include teff, spelt, amaranth, and quinoa. You could also include steel-cut oats and even the more processed oat varieties.Sprouted and fermented plant foodsVegans regularly eat tempeh, miso, natto, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha which contain probiotics and vitamin K2. You can also improve mineral absorption by eating sprouted and fermented foods.Fruits and vegetablesA foundational element of a vegan diet is fruits and vegetables. Both are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, watercress, bok choy, and mustard greens boosts iron and calcium. Is Going Vegan Worth It?A growing body of research suggests there are real and impactful health benefits linked to a vegan diet. So if its overall health and nutrition youre concerned about, a vegan diet may be worth the inevitable sacrifices. This is especially true if youre interested in slowing the biological aging process. Just keep it in mind that you dont have to adopt a vegan diet in the strictest sense to see health benefits. Drastically reducing the consumption of saturated fats or animal products will have a positive impact and reduce health risk.

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Secure Aging

Certified Patient Advocate 4750 State Road 64 E., Bradenton, Florida, 34208

Improving the quality of life for older adultsSecure Aging helps seniors remain independent and navigate lifes changes by managing their bill pay, finances, and daily care. Our advocates track and monitor daily income sources; review credit card bills and bank statements for fraud, ensure income has been received and deposited; provide assistance with benefits applications; reconcile bank accounts; assist with debt negotiations; pay and track bills, and more. We offer a free initial consultation where we can review which service plan is best for the individual and their family.Click on the titles below for more information about our three convenient senior assistance plans available.

Secure Aging

Care Management 4750 State Road 64 E., Bradenton, Florida, 34208

Improving the quality of life for older adultsSecure Aging helps seniors remain independent and navigate lifes changes by managing their bill pay, finances, and daily care. Our advocates track and monitor daily income sources; review credit card bills and bank statements for fraud, ensure income has been received and deposited; provide assistance with benefits applications; reconcile bank accounts; assist with debt negotiations; pay and track bills, and more. We offer a free initial consultation where we can review which service plan is best for the individual and their family.Click on the titles below for more information about our three convenient senior assistance plans available.

Secure Aging

Advanced Care Planning 4750 State Road 64 E., Bradenton, Florida, 34208

We protect and preserve each clients independence and dignity. We handle financial, health care, and life management carefully and thoughtfully to allow our clients to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.We transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned loved ones. Secure Agings care services help seniors to remain independent and maintain financial peace of mind.Our amazing team includes a Certified Public Accountant, Licensed Registered Nurses, and Certified Senior Advisors with the experience and depth of knowledge to provide support and guidance for individuals and families as they navigate the aging process.Contact us for a Free Consultation.WE ADVOCATE FOR SENIORS IN THIS STAGE OF LIFEWhen Secure Aging Can HelpClient has little to no support from family members, or chooses not to impose.Client memory is failing, forgets medications or is losing weightClient wants to remain in own home as long as possibleClient / family has need for small trust administrationClient / family needs information about community servicesClient / family needs unbiased informationCaregiver feels overwhelmedClient needs oversight existing careClient has bills that are piling up / or are unpaidWhen there is abuse, neglect, or exploitationClient needs a Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate or Successor Trustee