Brain Aging 101: Here is what you need to know.

Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.

In a world increasingly defined by digital interaction, the image of older adults eagerly embracing technology might seem like a recent development. Yet, as we delve deeper into this digital age, it becomes increasingly apparent that seniors are not only adapting to technology but are finding profound ways to leverage it for their social and emotional well-being. Email, text messaging, video conferencing, social mediathese are not just tools of the younger generation. They are lifelines that connect older adults to the people and communities they cherish. While the idea of navigating these digital channels may seem daunting to some seniors, the rewards of staying connected through technology far outweigh the initial fears. One of the most accessible and widely used forms of digital communication for seniors is email. With its simplicity and ubiquity, email has become a staple for staying in touch with loved ones near and far. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 86% of seniors aged 65 and older use email regularly, with many citing it as their preferred method of communication for keeping in touch with family and friends. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the adaptability and eagerness of seniors to embrace the digital age. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using email is set to increase by 15% over the next decade, the trend towards digital communication among seniors shows no signs of slowing down. Text messaging, with its brevity and immediacy, has also emerged as a favored mode of communication among seniors. While some may initially balk at the idea of typing on a small screen, the convenience and intimacy of text messaging quickly win them over. According to the same Pew study, 67% of seniors now use text messaging on a regular basis, with usage steadily increasing over the past decade. These figures are not just remarkable; they represent a seismic shift in how seniors are embracing technology to stay connected with their loved ones. And with projections indicating that text messaging among older adults is expected to grow by 20% over the next 10 years, it's clear that seniors are not just catching up with technologythey're leading the way. Video conferencing takes digital communication to a whole new level, offering seniors the opportunity to see and hear their loved ones in real-time. Whether it's a weekly family gathering or a virtual birthday celebration, video calls bring people together in ways that were once unimaginable. A report by AARP found that 42% of adults aged 50 and older use video calling platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to stay connected with family and friends, with usage spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the transformative power of technology in bridging the gap between generations. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using video conferencing is set to double over the next 20 years, it's clear that virtual communication is here to stay. And then there's social media, the virtual town square where people of all ages come together to share stories, memories, and moments. While some seniors may initially approach social media with skepticism, many quickly discover its potential to reconnect with old friends, discover new interests, and stay informed about the lives of their loved ones. According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of adults aged 65 and older use social media regularly, with Facebook being the most popular platform among this demographic. These figures are not just notable; they represent a paradigm shift in how seniors are engaging with technology to stay connected with the world around them. And with projections indicating that social media usage among older adults is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade, it's clear that seniors are embracing digital communication with open arms. Of course, it's natural for seniors to have concerns about using technology, especially when it comes to online safety and privacy. Just as in the physical world, there are risks and precautions to consider in the digital realm. Seniors must be vigilant about protecting their personal information, avoiding scams, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of online security. But with proper guidance and support, these concerns can be addressed, allowing seniors to reap the benefits of technology without undue worry. Educational resources, community programs, tech-savvy family members, and companies that specifically help older adults and seniors understand and use technology can all play a role in empowering seniors to navigate the digital world with confidence and competence. Ultimately, the benefits of staying connected through technology far outweigh the risks. For seniors, the ability to maintain meaningful relationships, stay informed, and engage with the world around them is worth the effort of learning new skills and adapting to new technologies. Whether it's sending an email, sharing a text message, or joining a video call, every digital interaction is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, foster connection, and enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones. In an age where technology often dominates the conversation, it's heartening to see older adults not only embracing digital communication but thriving in it. With each virtual hug and digital dialogue, seniors are rewriting the narrative of aging, proving that connection knows no age limits and that the bonds of love and friendship are as strong as ever in the digital age. And with the continued growth and adoption of technology among older adults, the future of senior connectivity has never looked brighter.

Falling temperatures mean illnesses such as the common cold, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are starting to spread. Combined with the still-present COVID-19 virus, these illnesses can lead to hospitalization for older adults, especially in those already diagnosed with heart and lung conditions or who are otherwise immunocompromised. This means its time to think about how these people will protect their health this winter. Getting the flu shot is one of the best ways to do so.It is important for vulnerable seniors to receive their flu shot as soon as possible.Ive seen patients for more than 20 years and have heard a variety of concerns about the flu vaccine. The most common worry Ive encountered is that the shot will give you the flu. While there can be mild side effects from the flu shot such as fever, aches or fatigue, the vaccine itself will not give you the flu. In fact, adults who get the flu shot are much less likely to get the flu.Although no vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time, if you are vaccinated and still get the flu, you are much more likely to have a mild case of the illness. Last years data showed that the flu vaccination significantly reduced flu-related hospitalization among adults.Of course, you should talk with your personal primary care doctor about how the vaccine fits into your care plan. If you are over 60 years old and on Medicare, ArchWell Health providers are available to answer questions about the flu shot and other health concerns specific to older adults.If you are a senior with a respiratory or heart condition such as COPD, asthma or a heart condition, or are actively receiving cancer treatments that make you immunocompromised, your doctor may also suggest you receive the RSV vaccine. For the first time, the RSV vaccine is available to older adults to protect them against this viral illness that can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization.Many local pharmacies make it easy and affordable to get your yearly vaccines and may offer the latest COVID-19 booster.Keeping our communities healthy this winter is a communal effort. Getting the annual flu shot and other important vaccines is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones.