Six Simple Strategies for Seniors to Combat Social Isolation This Fall

In the month of December, our attention turns to a widespread health concern affecting millions globallyChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Bringing awareness to COPD prompts a collective effort to deepen our understanding of this progressive lung disease. This blog emphasizes the critical importance of understanding this disease and its characteristics. What is COPD?COPD is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the obstruction of airflow in the lungs, making it challenging to breathe. This umbrella term encompasses three main conditions: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Understanding these disease differentials and processes is vital in taking proactive steps towards prevention.Emphysema, unlike chronic bronchitis and asthma, is characterized as the deconstruction of the alveolar walls, often leading to permanent damage to the airways. Loss of elasticity in the alveolar walls leads to impaired expiration and barrel chest characteristics. Individuals with emphysema often display a slight cough with little sputum production.    Chronic Bronchitis and asthma are both characterized as inflammation of the bronchi, which are the major air passages in the lungs. Inflammation of these passages leads to increased mucus production and obstruction. People who have one of these diseases often present with a consistent cough and large amounts of sputum production.     Although chronic bronchitis and asthma may exhibit similar symptoms, there are significant differences in their disease characteristics. Paying attention to sputum, also known as the mucus that is coughed up, is crucial. Chronic bronchitis often presents with a large amount of discolored sputum, while asthma results in the production of thick, constant, and tenacious mucus. Monitoring sputum is essential for overall lung and bronchial health. Individuals who notice a change in their sputum production should notify their healthcare provider.   Environment and COPD:There are several factors that can exacerbate the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Air pollutants play a vital role in bronchial health. Any significant exposure to dust, fungal spores (molds), harsh chemicals, and cigarette smoke can contribute to the development of COPD. While genetic factors are also a contributing player in the diagnosis of COPD diseases, most cases are found in populations of people who are cigarette smokers. If you are a cigarette smoker, you are at a much higher risk of COPD. According to the CDC, smoking accounts for as many as 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. However, for nonsmokers, the risk of death due to COPD-related diagnoses is significantly lower. How COPD and its Severity are identified:The severity of COPD is often classified based on the degree of airflow limitation and the impact of symptoms on an individual's daily life. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) provides a widely used classification system. Healthcare providers use this classification stage system, as well as take account of the patients FEV1 and FCV levels to help identify the severity of the disease/diseases. The FEV1 measures how much air you can exhale in one second; the FVC measures the total amount of air you can exhale forcefully in one breath.GOLD Stage 1 (Mild): Characterized by mild airflow limitation, with a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of 80% or more of the predicted value. Symptoms may include chronic cough and sputum production.GOLD Stage 2 (Moderate): Moderate airflow limitation, with an FEV1 between 50% and 79% of the predicted value. Individuals at this stage often experience increased shortness of breath, cough, and sputum production.GOLD Stage 3 (Severe): Severe airflow limitation, with an FEV1 between 30% and 49% of the predicted value. Symptoms are significantly worsened, and exacerbations become more frequent.GOLD Stage 4 (Very Severe): Very severe or end-stage COPD, with an FEV1 less than 30% of the predicted value or FEV1 less than 50% with chronic respiratory failure. Quality of life is severely impacted, and exacerbations can be life-threatening.Management of COPD not only involves addressing the respiratory symptoms but also managing the associated conditions. Comprehensive care often includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and coordination with other healthcare professionals to address the various aspects of the disease and its impact on overall health. Regular medical check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are crucial for effective COPD management, especially when comorbidities are present.Why Awareness Matters:Raising awareness concerning COPD is essential for several reasons. Firstly, early detection can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD. Secondly, increased awareness prompts individuals to adopt preventive measures, such as smoking cessation, paying attention to active symptoms, and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants. Lastly, a well-informed community is better equipped to support those affected by COPD. Having a community involved can help embrace and advocate for policies that promote respiratory health. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-727-1141.

A simple accident, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a patch of ice, can change your life. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 years or older experience a fall contributing to over three million emergency department visits across the country.1 In 2023, Good Samaritan Hospital treated 787 trauma patients due to fall-related injuries, making falls the number one trauma injury seen in Good Samaritans Emergency Department. Simply stated, the risk of falling and fall-related problems increases as we age.Why do falls happen?Falls can result from a range of personal and environmental factors. Hazards like dimly lit rooms, steep stairs, and hard-to-reach shelves or storage areas present tripping risks. Additionally, as we age, changes in our vision, hearing, and overall health can raise the risk of falls.How to prevent fallsFall prevention is about identifying and mitigating as many risk factors for falling as possible. Take some time to do an inventory of your home and your physical health to see if there are any risks present. Once youve identified potential risk factors, you can take steps to address them. Remove home hazards. Remove clutter and items on the floor and in areas where you walk. Secure electrical cords so they dont block walkways, and secure or remove any area rugs that bunch or slip. Make home modifications. Install grab bars near the toilet and in your shower, install handrails along your stairs, have lightbulbs replaced or install new lights in dark hallways and rooms, and use non-slip mats in your shower or bathtub. Stay active. Regular physical activity and exercise keeps your muscles strong, prevents bone loss, and can improve your balance. Walking, water workouts, or Tai Chi are great activities that improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. Taking care of your overall health and acknowledging your risk factors for falling is extremely important as we age. If youre not sure where to start, schedule time with your primary care physician to discuss a plan for you or your loved one to keep you healthy, happy, and safe in your home and community. 1 About STEADI. (2024, April 22). Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/about/index.html  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lindsay Reinert, PMP, Marketing Specialist with Intermountain Health. She may be reached by email at lindsay.reinert@imail.org.

Isolation and loneliness are not new concepts to those who work in the field of aging. And, as a result of the COVID pandemic, almost everyone, regardless of age, experienced some form of isolation and loneliness. Many of us were separated from family, friends, and coworkers for so long that the isolation left a nearly permanent mark. As a senior service provider, Cultivate has seen, firsthand, the negative effects isolation has had on our senior clients. We have also seen the power of healing that the volunteers provide when they take time to build connections with our clients. According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation in adults can lead to serious health conditions beyond the effect it has on mental health. The senior population has been disproportionately affected by isolation for years, and it is only in the aftermath of the pandemic that much of the population can begin to understand. Society saw a surge in volunteerism during the beginning of the pandemic because many people were struggling with the loneliness of quarantine while becoming very aware of the fact their neighbors needed help. However, that surge ended, and non-profits are finding a significant reduction in the number of new volunteers. Many forget that just because most of the population is no longer quarantined, this does not mean that the issues of isolation have disappeared. There are different ways that the community can get involved to help reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors. This work can start by reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors. You never know how much of an impact your time and words can have on someone. Volunteerism is also a good way to reach people who need the most help. Often the volunteers get as much out of their experience as those they are helping do. Whatever you choose, remember that we all know what it feels like to be lonely, and we all have the power to relieve the loneliness of others. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Carly Marquis. Carly is the Director of Volunteers with Cultivate and may be reached at 303-443-1933 or by email at cmarquis@cultivate.ngo.