For more information about the author, click to view their website: Healthcare Network
Working
adults and retirees may be far removed from school and the stresses that come
with high-stakes testing.
No matter
our age, though, we’re not done taking tests. Unlike the pop quiz in English
literature, algebra or world history, the tests we take as older adults are
some of the most important exams in our lives.
Colorectal
cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second-most common cause of
cancer death in the U.S. and worldwide. The
American Cancer Society estimates that two-thirds of colorectal cancer deaths
occur in patients over 65. However, if caught early, cancer of the colon is
highly treatable and often curable.
In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended
testing age for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45 due to an increase in its
incidence among younger individuals.
Gen Xers,
Baby Boomers and older generations who are up to date on their testing likely have
already completed a colonoscopy, the gold standard of testing for this
dangerous cancer. This screening test is highly important because colorectal
cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in the initial stages.
The
screening uses a scope to look for polyps, a small clump of cells that forms on
the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless, but some can become
cancerous. When cancer forms in a polyp, it grows into the wall of the colon
and eventually can spread to distant parts of the body. During a colonoscopy,
the doctor can remove colorectal polyps to help prevent cancer.
While the
test itself is done under general anesthesia, the preparation for a colonoscopy
is often what people dislike. To make sure doctors can see polyps, the colon must
be clean and empty before the procedure. That means everything in your bowel
must go, which is accomplished by drinking large volumes of water mixed with a
laxative the day before, and sometimes the morning before, the procedure. The liquid
results in diarrhea and considerable time in the bathroom as your colon is
cleared. You will also be on a clear-liquid diet the day of the procedure.
The
preparation can be unpleasant. Perhaps that is why four in 10 Americans aged 45
and older are not up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings, according
to the American Cancer Society.
But there is
good news. People who don’t have other risk factors generally
only need to have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Also, a lot has changed in
recent years. Today, the preparation liquid (often a gallon) does not need to
be consumed in one sitting and may be taken the night before and the next
morning, making it more tolerable. The solutions are also better-tasting than
they once were.
Also, there
are some alternatives, including lower-volume solutions and a pill prep
involving 12 tablets taken twice with large amounts
of water. In addition, the FDA has approved three
types of stool tests to screen for colorectal cancer at home. They should be
completed every one to three years. If a stool test is positive, which doesn’t
always mean cancer is present, a follow up colonoscopy is necessary.
There are
things we can do to prepare for a colonoscopy to make the preparation less
unpleasant:
·
The
less you have in your stomach before colonoscopy preparation, the easier it
will be. Start eating smaller portions and reducing fiber five to seven days in
advance.
·
The
week before a colonoscopy, avoid nuts and seeds, popcorn, red meat, raw
vegetables, corn, peas, broccoli, cabbage, dried beans, whole grain bread and pasta,
brown or wild rice, fruit with skins, fried foods and cereals like oatmeal, shredded
wheat and granola.
·
Chill
any liquid preparation, as it is often easier to drink when it’s cold.
·
Use
a straw to bypass the tastebuds in your mouth as you drink the preparation.
·
Suck
on lemon slices or sugar-free menthol candy while you drink or after each sip
to help with the taste.
·
Mix
in sugar-free water flavorings that are clear, not red, blue
or purple.
·
If
nausea was an issue during a previous preparation, ask your doctor for anti-nausea
medicine in advance.
While age is
a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer, increasing physical activity, maintaining
a healthy weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol can
reduce the risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. Even if you were
inactive in your younger years, becoming active when you are older can lower
your risk.
Your primary
care doctor can help you keep track of preventive services, like screening
tests and vaccines, as well as help make lifestyle recommendations such as diet
and exercise to help reduce risk for illness.
About the
Author
Jaimenee “Jaime” Khemraj is chief medical officer for Healthcare Network, which has practices throughout Collier County offering family care, dental care and pharmacy as well as behavioral health counseling. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
As we age, simple tasks like cooking can become more challenging. However, with the advancements in technology and the availability of kitchen gadgets designed specifically for seniors, cooking can continue to be enjoyable and hassle-free. Cooking at home allows seniors to control the ingredients and portion sizes, which can positively impact their health and nutrition. Additionally, seniors often have specific dietary requirements or restrictions, and preparing meals at home allows them to choose healthier options, control the amount of salt, sugar, and fat in their meals, and incorporate various nutritious ingredients.In this article, we explore a range of innovative kitchen gadgets that can make cooking easier, safer, and more accessible for seniors, empowering them to continue preparing their favorite meals at home with joy and confidence.Ergonomic UtensilsFor seniors with arthritis or reduced dexterity, traditional kitchen utensils can become difficult to handle. Ergonomic utensils are designed with user-friendly features such as comfortable grips, larger handles, and lightweight materials, making them easier to hold and maneuver. These utensils can include knives, peelers, spatulas, and ladles, all tailored to minimize strain on the hands and joints. Ergonomic utensils are practical and help reduce the risk of accidents in one of our favorite rooms in the home, the kitchen. Automatic Can Openers Opening cans can be challenging at any age, especially for seniors with weakened grip strength or limited hand mobility. Automatic can openers are simple to operate and require minimal effort. These devices can safely and efficiently open cans, eliminating manual twisting or gripping. Some models even feature hands-free operation, where the can opener attaches to the lid and does all the work with the push of a button. Automatic can openers are easy to find and valuable to any senior's kitchen, providing convenience and helping senior loved ones stay independent. Easy-to-Read Digital ScalesAccurate measuring is crucial in cooking and specialty baking, but reading small print on traditional measuring scales can be challenging for seniors. Easy-to-read digital scales feature large, high contrast displays with clear numerical values, making it easier for seniors to measure ingredients accurately. These scales often come with additional features such as tare function (resetting to zero after placing a container), unit conversion, and weight-locking capabilities. With digital scales, seniors can follow recipes with precision and achieve consistent results in their culinary endeavors. Best of all, Grandma's favorite cookies will continue to be the delicious treat we all remember! Safety Induction CooktopsTraditional stovetops can pose safety risks for seniors, including burns and accidental fires. Safety induction cooktops offer a solution by utilizing electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware rather than on the surface. These cooktops remain cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, they have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off timers, temperature controls, and pan detection, ensuring that the cooktop turns off when the cookware is removed. Safety induction cooktops provide seniors a safer cooking alternative without compromising performance or versatility. Incorporating kitchen gadgets tailored for seniors can significantly enhance their cooking experience, making it safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. From ergonomic utensils to automatic can openers, easy-to-read digital scales, and safety induction cooktops, these gadgets are designed to address seniors' specific challenges in the kitchen. By embracing these innovative tools, our senior loved ones can maintain their independence and bring joy to each day, continuing to prepare delicious meals with ease. Comfort Keepers Can Help Our caregivers, who we call Comfort Keepers, can help seniors prepare meals, stick to an exercise plan, and provide transportation to preventive care and other doctors visits. Friendly, consistent support can help seniors make healthy changes in their livesand make it fun at the same time. Our Comfort Keepers give seniors the encouragement they need to remain healthy, happy, and engaged in activities they love every day.
This comprehensive checklist helps families prepare for their parents' senior years, covering health, safety, legal, financial, and social aspects. Creating a senior life plan for aging parents is crucial for their wellbeing and peace of mind. It starts with early communication to discuss a seniors needs and preferences, considering a caregiving plan, health and medical care planning, safety and living arrangements that include developing an emergency plan. Financial discussions, managing finances without infringing on a seniors privacy. Legal documentation and insurance reviews ensure all legal matters are in order and insurance policies are adequate and current.Contact an Office in Your AreaWere so used to our parents living independently that we dont always notice when they begin to struggle with handling daily activities. Changes can begin gradually as they start to slow down, or they can happen quickly, when a parent has an unexpected diagnosis or accident. No matter if you live across town or across the country, proactively creating a senior life plan for your parents will give you peace of mind and allow them to continue to live their lives to the fullest. Communication Approaching aging parents about planning their senior years can be a touchy subject for everyone involved. As a general rule, it is recommended to start having these conversations by the time youre in your forties, or theyre in their seventies (known as the 40-70 rule). Of course, you know your parents' habits and personalities best, so you are the best judge of their physical and mental health. Here are some factors that can determine the appropriate time to initiate this conversation:Start the conversation early, using the 40-70 rule, so you have time to make or change plans based on your parents' needsCreate a comfortable and open environment for the conversationPlan more than one conversation so you can cover all possible issuesTake notes so you remember what was discussed and can keep track of next stepsKeep a list of all their passwords for accounts such as computer, email, phone, and cable Create a Caregiving Plan A caregiving plan will ensure everyone is on the same page about the care needed and how it will be handled as your parents age. If they require additional care, consider how you can support their needs. This might involve coordinating with local caregivers, hiring professionals to assist with certain tasks, or, if you dont live nearby, planning regular visits to spend time with them.Have a caregiving plan ready in case your loved ones need in-home careDiscuss changes to your parents healthcare needs with their doctors Research different caregiving optionsFind out if your loved one has any specific needs to maintain their health and happiness Health and Medical CareA senior life plan starts with understanding your parents health statuses and medical needs. When they are in excellent health, its essential that their care and treatment preferences are detailed in a living will or advanced directive and discussed with family members. Have this conversation now, during the planning stage, rather than during a medical emergency.Designate a healthcare proxy who can speak with doctors on your loved ones behalf and make healthcare decisions, especially if they are hospitalizedKeep a list of their medications up to date, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitaminsKeep a list of your parent's doctors and specialists, including their contact information Ensure they are following their doctors advice and taking medications as prescribedMake a note of the closest urgent care facility and hospitalGet to know their primary care physicians Discuss your parents latest check-ups and help schedule upcoming appointments Encourage your parent to write a living will or advanced directive and keep a copy on file Safety and Living ArrangementsMost seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, connected to family, friends, and community. If your parents are able to continue living at home, consider home remodeling options to help them safely age in place. In addition, develop an emergency plan with your parents and make sure they know what to do in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.Evaluate the safety of their home and make modifications if necessaryReview any mortgage or financial concerns about the homeCheck in regularly, either in person, or by phone or video chatConsider long-term care insurance in case long-term care is ever requiredDevelop an emergency plan and list of emergency contacts Social and Support NetworkA strong social support network helps keep seniors healthy and active and gives them a sense of connection, belonging, and purpose. This support can include neighbors, friends, or other family members who can assist your loved one if needed. If possible, foster connections with their support network to have reliable contacts in case of emergencies.Encourage your parents to stay socially engaged and participate in activities that bring them joyCheck if your parents have a support network in their local communityKeep the name and number of a neighbor who can regularly check on your loved onesCreate a schedule of friends and family who call or regularly video chatEnsure your parents have access to reliable transportation when needed, especially if they dont drive Review FinancesDiscussing finances can be tricky. Seniors sometimes want to keep their financial information private, even from family members. Reassure them that they can keep exact dollar amounts confidential, but make sure you have access to the information if you need it. Have them assign a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) to someone who can make financial decisions on their behalf. When going over how your parents would like their finances handled, topics to discuss include outstanding debts, homeownership, savings, and retirement funds.Find out what financial accounts are open and where they are held Make a list of advisors contact information Ensure they are making informed decisions about retirement, investments, and insuranceStay up to date on Social Security benefits Check that beneficiary designations are currentMake sure your loved ones have a POA representativeStreamline bill paying by setting up automatic payments Ensure they know how to avoid scams Gather Legal Documents Discussing and taking care of legal issues while your parents enjoy good health can ensure everything is planned and understood. Make sure you know where your parents keep their personal information and important documents in case you need them. Go over everything together and meet with their estate planner so you can ask questions about their wishes and how to ensure they are carried out.Discuss important documents and where they are storedFind out if your parents have a will and a living will, and where they are locatedMake sure their POA for finances and healthcare proxies are in orderRead through their estate plan/will to make sure beneficiaries and responsibilities are correct and up to date Review Insurance PlansRegularly review your parents insurance policies. Its essential to know if their policies are adequate, up to date, and where the accounts are located. This information can help avoid undue financial burdens during medical emergencies or accidents. Make a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term care, etc.Review homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and up to dateReview health insurance coverage for any policy changes that need to be made based on current or future needs Aging Parents Checklist Although caring for an aging parent often means taking on financial, legal, and other responsibilities, it can also be a time to reflect on happy memories and plan for a future that includes more joyful moments. The aging parent checklist below can help you ensure youve got all the bases covered when it comes to life planning and the next steps for your aging loved ones. CommunicationHave the conversation early so you have time to make or change plans based on your parents' needsCreate a comfortable and open environment for the conversationTake notes so you remember what was discussed and keep track of your next stepsKeep a list of all their passwords for accounts such as computer, email, phone, and cableHealth and Medical Care Designate a healthcare proxy who can speak with your loved ones doctors and make decisionsKeep an up-to-date list of all their medications, including over-the-counter, supplements, and vitaminsKeep a list of their doctors and specialists, including their contact information Ensure they are taking medications as prescribedMake a note of the closest urgent care facility and hospitalGet to know their primary care physicians Help schedule upcoming appointments Encourage your parent to write a living will and keep a copy on fileEnsure Safe Living ArrangementsEvaluate the safety of their home and make modifications if necessaryReview any mortgage or financial concerns about the homeCheck in regularly, either in person, or by phone or video chatConsider buying long-term care insuranceDevelop an emergency plan and list of emergency contacts in case of a natural disaster or other emergencyCreate a Caregiving PlanHave a caregiving plan ready in case your loved ones need in-home careDiscuss changes to your parents healthcare needs with their doctors Research different caregiving optionsFind out if your loved ones have any specific needs to maintain their health and happiness Social and Support Network Encourage your parents to stay socially engaged and participate in activities that bring them joyCheck if your parents have a support network in their local communityKeep the name and number of a neighbor who can regularly check on your loved onesCreate a schedule of friends and family who call or regularly video chatEnsure your parents have access to reliable transportation when needed, especially if they dont driveReview FinancesFind out what financial accounts are open and where they are held Make a list of advisors contact information Ensure they are making informed decisions about retirement, investments, and insuranceStay up to date on Social Security benefits Check that beneficiary designations are currentMake sure your loved ones have a POA representativeStreamline bill paying by setting up automatic payments Ensure they know how to avoid scamsGather Legal Documents Discuss important documents and where they are storedFind out if your parents have a will and living will, and where they are locatedMake sure their POA for finances and healthcare proxies are in orderRead through their estate plan/will to make sure beneficiaries and responsibilities are correct and up to dateReview Insurance PlansMake a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term care, etc. Review homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and up to dateReview health insurance coverage regularly for any policy changes that need to be made as needs change