Our eyes change as we age, but knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care are important steps in safeguarding our vision. The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly comprehensive eye exam for everyone over the age of 60.Individuals who have difficulty leaving home often do not receive the eye care they require. The good news is that there are options available. Optometrists are doctors trained to detect and treat eye disorders and vision problems, and some of them examine patients on site at nursing facilities, assisted and independent living communities, and private residences. By using portable equipment they can provide most of the testing that is offered in the typical optometry office. Seniors need to be aware of the increasing risk of vision loss that occurs as they age. Optometrists can test for the full range of eye problems, including:Cataracts This is a clouding of the lens of the eye, causing vision to be blurry or foggy. Once cataracts begin obscuring normal vision, they need to be removed by an eye surgeon. Cataracts are replaced by synthetic lenses, and vision typically improves significantly with this procedure.Glaucoma This is a disease of the optic nerve that causes a gradual loss of side vision. Symptoms typically do not occur until the later stages of this condition, so it is important for seniors to be tested regularly.Macular degeneration This is a condition characterized by damage to the retina, the light sensitive tissue that lines the insides of our eyes. Central vision is lost slowly. Advanced macular degeneration leads to blindness.Diabetic retinopathy This is an eye disorder caused by diabetes. It is characterized by bleeding and swelling inside the eye. In severe cases, new blood vessels grow and then break in the eye, and this can lead to retinal detachment and glaucoma. Blindness can also result.If it has been a year or more since your last eye exam, its time to contact your optometrist. Ask if an on-site eye exam would be an option for you.Adapted from an article on the American Optometric Associations website at http://www.aoa.org/x9454.xmlEditors note: This article was submitted by Keith J. Castleton, OD. Dr. Castleton is an optometrist with On-Site Eye Care and may be reached at 801-768-9316 or by email at info@drcastleton.com.

50 million people worldwide live with dementia, a condition marked by an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with everyday activities1. Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. Anthology Senior Living communities offer residents exclusive access to an evidence-based cognitive stimulation program called Fit Minds.Anthology Senior Living and Fit Minds offer these six tips to help anyone commit to brain H.E.A.L.T.H. in the New Year.Brain health begins with commitment, and New Years Resolutions are borne out of commitment, says Janet Knupp, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fit Minds, We encourage you to make a New Years commitment to your brain health alongside Anthology Senior Living and Fit Minds.H- Healthy DietAccording to Knupp, one of the top reasons seniors are admitted to hospitals is for dehydration. When you have dementia you often forget to drink, says Knupp. As we age, the amount of fluid in our bodies begins to decrease, resulting in fewer available water resources available in our bodies. Knupp advises making drinking water part of the daily routine, particularly for seniors. Not only is drinking water an important part of supporting brain health, Knupp adds, when a person has a diagnosis of dementia, structure and routine are essential.Healthy eating may help protect your body and your brain. Harvard researchers recommend limiting sugar and saturated fats while increasing your intake of healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fatty fish, berries, plant oils, nuts and coffee (limited to two cups a day) contain omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants that boost brain health. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimers.E-Exercise Your BodyExercising for as little as 30 minutes a day can benefit brain health. Specifically, regular physical exercise may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by diseased blood vessels that reduce blood supply to the brain. Exercise increases the heart rate, which increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain. A medically-approved exercise program such as the group classes offered at Anthology Senior Living communities are designed to safely improve cardiovascular fitness while also benefiting brain health.A- Attitude of Mutual RespectCreating an environment of mutual respect is important for the brain health of the caregiver as well as the senior, according to Knupp. Take time for your own self-care as a caregiver. Self-care matters because our seniors need us to be in our best state, Knupp said. It is important to treat a person with dementia with kindness and dignity. Theyre not children. Knock before you enter their room and ask, May I please come in? At the end of each session, Fit Minds professionals are trained to empower participants. Knupp advises finding small ways to grant individuals with dementia decision making power and ability to exert control, such as deciding which activity to participate in on a Monday morning. According to Knupp, People with dementia know who is treating them with respect.L- Learn Every DayExposure to new ideas is one of the cornerstones of the Fit Minds program. This includes engaging with novel and complex content beyond crossword puzzles, trivia and bingo. While people like trivia and crossword puzzles, they pull from your long-term memory, says Knupp. Its even more important to help develop and strengthen connections. Learn new material versus looking backward, Knupp adds.Christine Baker implements the Fit Minds program in her role as Director of Elements at Anthology of Clayton View. Im a huge believer in learning as you age and continuing to engage in educational activities, Baker said. Baker pairs the FIT Minds program with an editorial club in which residents read an article sometimes a controversial article over the weekend and engage in discussion the following Monday. I like to use a white board with markers to make it interactive. We also use the iN2L, a giant, immersive touch screen, or we stream visual content from an iPad to our movie theatre, Baker said. Baker earned her undergraduate degree in art therapy and enjoys infusing art and creativity into cognitive stimulation programming.Learning a new language or the history behind a piece of classical music are other ideas for introducing novel content.T- Train Your BrainEven if you dont have access to a program such as Fit Minds, Knupp recommends finding diverse ways to exercise the brain based on the five dimensions of the program: language and music; visual and spatial orientation; memory; critical thinking; and computation. Some activities will resonate more than others, so its important to employ variety. Jigsaw puzzles and maps are popular tools to explore; these activities activate visual and spatial orientation located in the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobes. At Anthology Senior Living communities, team members vary activities to suit the needs and interests of residents. A typical session of FIT Minds focuses on building cognitive resilience through question-answer sessions, worksheets, and manipulatives that have been adapted for safe engagement during COVID-19.H- Higher PurposeA sense of purpose in life believing what you do matters may also help to protect the brain against the damage of Alzheimers according to a study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where researchers studied more than 1,500 seniors since 1997. A sense of purpose matters a lot, both for the caregiver and the person with diagnosis, says Knupp. She points to the benefits of exploring personal purpose, passion and spirituality.Weve stayed on our toes during COVID to encourage cognitive therapy, according to Mallory Disbrow who serves as Director of Elements at Anthology of Louisville. Disbrow, who earned her undergraduate degree in sociology and philosophy, says Fit Minds allows her to utilize her academic background for the benefit of residents. Having that scholarly background really pays off because I never know who will move into our community. Disbrow says she enjoys tailoring cognitive therapy programming to inspire and engage individual residents.Christine Baker of Anthology of Anthology of Clayton View adds, Our cognitive stimulation program gives residents a sense of purpose, in helping themselves. Baker and Disbrow say residents families enjoy hearing of their loved ones success in the program. The Fit Minds program and so many programs Anthology offers help our residents keep their brains sharp, Baker said.Described as a personal trainer for the mind, the Fit Minds program is designed to activate the brain in five key areas. Residents at Anthology Senior Living assisted living and memory care communities nationwide experience twice-weekly Fit Minds activities designed to maintain their cognitive resilience, defined as the ability of the brain to recover from disease trauma.At Anthology Senior Living, Fit Minds provides an opportunity to connect with community and engage the brain, a clear benefit during a time of social isolation due to COVID-19.To learn more about Fit Minds, visitFitMinds.netCommit to your brain health and schedule a tour to learn more about cognitive stimulation therapy at your local Anthology Senior Living community.

Healthcare Directives are valuable to people in all walks of life. As you read this article, consider obtaining one for yourself.A Healthcare Directive is a tool to designate a health care agent, or someone to make health care decisions on your behalf. It goes into effect upon your inability to make or communicate health care decisions. If you fail to appoint someone to fill this role, the court will appoint a guardian, which may create a costly legal process. If you have Healthcare Directive, you are able to choose the person who will determine what treatments and health care you will receive, including end-of-life or palliative care decisions. Your health care agent makes surrogate decisions, which means that they step in your shoes and make the decisions that you would make on your own if you were able to do so.Ideally, surrogate decisions should be based on your input and the specific preferences you communicated before any loss of decision-making capacity. It should be based on a prior understanding your health care preferences and what you would want under the circumstances. Healthcare Directives are intensely personal documents. When thinking about creating your own, consider:Your values and how they may be reflected in your health care;Your priorities;What life means to you personally; andHow important quality of life is to you.Are there certain conditions that are worse than death to you? Would you undergo a risky procedure if it had a low chance of survival? What if that same procedure had a high chance of survival but would permanently lower your quality of life? How long would you like to be on life support? Its never fun to think about these things, but by selecting a health care agent and informing them of your preferences, you are preparing for the worst-case scenario and ensuring that your wishes will be followed. Clearly, the consequences of having or not having a Healthcare Directive can be huge, which is why we so strongly advocate that everyone, regardless of age or health, have one in their estate plan. Please dont leave your relatives to fumble in the dark if the unthinkable happens and you are unable to make your own health care decisions. Again, while an Healthcare Directive will be helpful to you in the future, you might have an elderly relative who is in need of one right now. So, whether you need one for yourself or for a loved one, contact us today at (385)334-4030 or send an email to info@skvlegal.com to set up your free consultation to determine your specific needs.

Low Impact Exercise for Older Adults and the Transformative Power of E-BikesBy Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS In a world increasingly embracing greener and more sustainable transportation options, electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, have emerged as a game-changing solution for mobility across all age groups. Among these, e-bikes offer incredible opportunities for older adults to maintain an active lifestyle, reclaim independence, and stay engaged with the world around them. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of e-bikes for seniors and highlight their transformative impact on the lives of older adults worldwide. As individuals age, regular physical activity becomes vital to maintaining health and quality of life. However, high-impact exercise can be challenging and even harmful for elderly adults. Hence, low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming are ideal for seniors who wish to stay active while minimizing the risk of injury. Reclaiming Independence For seniors, preserving independence is paramount to leading a fulfilling life. Many older adults face mobility issues or reside in areas with limited public transportation options, which restrict their ability to move freely. Here, e-bikes present a practical solution, providing electric assistance to complement the rider's effort. This feature empowers seniors to conquer hills, cover longer distances, and navigate through city streets with ease, fostering a renewed sense of freedom and self-reliance. Physical Health and Well-being Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and well-being, especially for seniors. While traditional biking might be demanding for some older adults, e-bikes bridge the gap by allowing riders to adjust the level of electric assistance to match their fitness level and energy levels. This adaptability encourages seniors to engage in low-impact exercise, leading to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced muscle strength, and a boost in overall mood and mental well-being. Social Connectivity Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent issues among the elderly population. E-bikes offer seniors an opportunity to connect with others through group rides, community events, and cycling clubs. These opportunities not only foster social interactions but also help alleviate feelings of isolation, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals who share similar interests and experiences. Exploring Nature and New Horizons For many seniors, rediscovering the joys of nature and exploration is a cherished aspiration. E-bikes empower older adults to embark on scenic adventures, visit parks, explore picturesque trails, and discover new places that may have been challenging to access otherwise. This rejuvenates their sense of wonder and rekindles their passion for the outdoors, enriching their lives with exciting experiences. Safe and Comfortable Riding Experience E-bikes are thoughtfully designed to prioritize safety and comfort, catering to the specific needs of seniors. With features like wider seats, step-through frames for easy mounting and dismounting, ergonomic handlebars, and built-in lights for enhanced visibility, e-bikes ensure a smooth and secure ride for older cyclists. Cost-Effectiveness and Environmentally Friendly In comparison to owning and maintaining a car, e-bikes are remarkably cost-effective. They require minimal upkeep and have significantly lower operational costs, making them a budget-friendly transportation option for seniors on fixed incomes. Moreover, by choosing e-bikes over traditional vehicles, seniors contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner environment. Transformative Impact of E-Bikes for Seniors Studies have shown that e-bikes can play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of seniors. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity revealed that older adults who used e-bikes for exercise had significantly higher levels of physical activity compared to those who used traditional bikes or did not cycle at all. This finding underscores the value of e-bikes in encouraging seniors to maintain an active lifestyle. Moreover, the health benefits of e-bikes extend beyond physical well-being. The improved cardiovascular health resulting from regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in older adults. Additionally, physical activity, such as e-biking, has been associated with enhanced mood and cognitive function, contributing to better mental health and overall well-being for seniors. A trusted source of information and quality e-bike visit EXIT OUTDOORS. Safety Considerations and Precautions Although e-bikes offer numerous advantages, seniors should approach their use with caution and follow safety guidelines. E-bikes can achieve higher speeds than traditional bicycles, making appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and reflective clothing, essential for riders. Seniors who are new to cycling or have limited experience should start with shorter rides and gradually increase the duration and intensity of their cycling as they build strength and endurance. Participating in group rides or riding with a partner can enhance safety and make the experience more enjoyable. Before embarking on any new exercise program, seniors should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that e-biking is a suitable and safe activity for them. Other Low-Impact Exercise Options In addition to e-biking, seniors can explore various low-impact exercise options to stay active and maintain their health. Walking is an excellent and accessible low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere and at any time. Seniors can start with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Swimming offers a full-body, low-impact workout that is gentle on joints. It is particularly suitable for seniors with joint pain or limited mobility. Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise involving slow, flowing movements that can improve balance, flexibility, and reduce the risk of falls. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that improves flexibility, balance, and strength. Seniors can participate in modified yoga classes that cater to their abilities. Conclusion E-bikes have undoubtedly revolutionized the way seniors perceive transportation and physical activity. With the perfect blend of electric assistance and human power, e-bikes cater to the unique needs of older adults, promoting independence, health, and a sense of community. As society continues to recognize the value of inclusivity and accessibility, e-bikes are emerging as a remarkable tool that empowers seniors to lead more active, engaged, and fulfilling lives. The transformative impact of e-bikes for seniors extends beyond physical health, offering opportunities for social interactions, exploration of nature, and enhanced well-being. However, seniors should approach e-bike use with caution and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, exploring other low-impact exercise options can provide seniors with a diverse range of activities to maintain an active lifestyle. As older adults embrace e-bikes and low-impact exercises, they embark on a journey of renewed freedom and adventure, enhancing their golden years to the fullest. The world continues to witness the positive impact of e-bikes on older adults, fostering inclusivity and accessibility in transportation and promoting the pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling life. By embracing the innovative possibilities of e-bikes, seniors can lead active, engaged, and meaningful lives, setting an inspiring example for generations to come. References: 1.     "E-bikes can help older adults get the exercise they need." Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2018.2.     "Effects of Electrically Assisted Cycling on Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults." Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2019.3.     "Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors." National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.4.     "Benefits of Yoga for Seniors." American Senior Communities.5.     Exit Outdoors Website (https://exitoutdoors.com/)