Hurricane Relief for Seniors
Hurricane Sandy reaped havoc on the east coast leaving over 7 million Americans without electricity. Senior citizens were among many of those left without power, with limited supplies and fearful of their safety during this tragic storm. Watch at Hurricane Relief for Seniors.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Sage-ing: from Being Elderly to Becoming an Elder in Life
http://www.csa.us/email/spirit/ssarticles/1112Lifestyle.html
A new movement called conscious aging, or sage-ing, aims to encourage seniors to view this time of life as one of profound insights that can be used to review one’s life, take steps to get rid of old grudges and negative attitudes and determine what should be done with the remaining years. Click here to view article.
When Gary Carlston retired at age 56, after a 30-year career as a scientist, he knew he wanted to explore other facets of life. For one, he wanted to take up pottery and do more volunteer work. But he also wanted to discover the “role conscious aging might play in my coming elder years.”
Conscious aging, or “sage-ing,” is a new movement that aims to encourage seniors to appreciate their own wisdom and to think of the aging process as a time to turn inward and consider their life and what they want to do with their remaining years.
In Gary’s case, he went from being a ”full-time scientist working for a large corporation one day to a full-time self-employed studio potter the next. . . . It was challenging and exhilarating to learn new skills and start a new business, and I found I loved the challenge and the change of identity that being a potter represented.”
He also became more involved in his “inner work,” while spending more time in nature, especially watching birds, and began to feel a “stronger connection with all of the animals and plants that I share this earth with.” He began meditating and practicing tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art. He volunteered at the local nature center and with hospice.
Sage-ing Guild
Eventually, he worked with others to create the Sage-ing Guild, whose focus “is to change our society’s current belief system from aging to sage-ing—that is, from simply becoming old to aging consciously.” Gary serves as an example of “conscious aging,” a time of looking inward as well as giving back to the community. He describes his years of growing into elderhood as “the best time of my life without a doubt, and I expect the joys of living and growing to continue as I enter my eighth decade” (Gary Carlson, “The Heart’s Path” Conscious Aging Network of New Mexico).
The sage-ing/conscious aging movement became well known when Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi wrote a book called From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older (with Ronald S. Miller, Grand Central Publishing, 1997). In the book, the author, one of the major founders of the Jewish Renewal movement, discusses society’s narrow view of death, as well as the role of ceremonies and the power of forgiveness. He recommends meditation, exercise and spiritual healing to help in the aging process.
In a youth-oriented culture that worships what’s new, the elderly are often pushed aside. As a consequence, many seniors feel they need to work hard to keep up with young people by trying to stay as youthful as they can. In contrast, proponents of conscious aging want to encourage “elders”—their preferred term for elderly—to value their wisdom and accept this time of life as one of profound insights.
Categories of Conscious Aging
While different concepts have been emphasized by different groups, the components of conscious aging basically fall into these categories:
Awareness. This is a period in life when we have the luxury of time to ask ourselves the deepest questions and reflect on our lives. This awareness is the first step in the process of conscious aging. When we look at past experiences that are painful, we become aware of how we’ve held onto old hurts, grudges and pains. Part of awareness is letting go of the negative emotions that don’t serve us anymore and slow us down for this next stage of life. Tools that enhance awareness include meditation, prayer, journal writing, nature walks, gardening and slow exercises such as tai chi or yoga. Writing, especially, is one way to help clarify values and better understand the meaning and purpose of our lives.
New habits. After becoming more aware of our actions, attitudes and behaviors, we can start to change what doesn’t work anymore. In our early years, we may have adopted coping behaviors, perhaps for work or raising family, that are no longer necessary. This opens the doors to new attitudes that can help us in this stage of life. Viewing our past, especially what was painful or difficult, and seeing what we’ve learned and what we can use in our elder years helps us grow. Like learning new physical skills, such as tennis or golf, we can learn new ways of thinking. Recent findings in neuroscience show that the brain can adapt to traumatic events such as strokes and find new neural pathways.
Guidance and support. We don’t have to do it alone. We can look to others, including our spiritual connection, whether it’s God or a higher power, to find support for our journey. The idea is to connect to something bigger than ourselves. This can involve meditation, contemplation, prayer, journaling, reading inspirational works, reading or writing poetry or engaging in silence. Books, classes and support groups with other seniors or individuals who are on the same spiritual path are also helpful.
A larger vision. This means thinking about our hopes for the world. What would make it a better place? What can we do to contribute to that vision? We’re not talking about a financial legacy, although it can take that form. A vision larger than our own daily concerns shifts our thinking from worrying about ourselves to considering other people. We may feel moved to be more active in the world and volunteer, like Gary did with hospice or the nature center, spend more time with family or just offer a friendly word to someone who needs it.
Accepting death. We live in a culture that wants to push all ideas of death away, seeing it as something to be controlled with medicine or surgery or hidden away in nursing homes. But conscious aging advocates urge us to accept death rather than deny it. Once we accept that we will die, we can enjoy life’s simple pleasures. We have a renewed sense of appreciation for our lives and others.
Everyone’s heard the expression, “growing old gracefully,” but what does it really mean? “This requires a true transformation in how we view life as well as, perhaps most importantly, how we hold on to what is pleasant and familiar. . . . The aging process can be an opportunity for such a transformation. . . . This involves letting go of expectations and past beliefs or experiences that may mask or block what is true in the moment. This letting go allows a deep and natural joy, a joy that lies beyond pleasure and pain, to emerge” (from Aging With Awareness).
Sources
Aging With Awareness by Ron Valle and Mary Mohs in Consciousness and Healing: An Anthology of Integral Approaches to Mind/Body Medicine, edited by In M. Schlitz, T. Amorok and M. Micozzi (Elseveir, 2004).
Awakening: A Center for Exploring Living and Dying. Conscious Aging Institute. A Curriculum for Conscious Aging by Marilyn Schlitz, Cassandra Vieten and Kathleen Erickson-Freeman, Institute of Noetic Sciences. “The Inner Work of Conscious Eldering,” by Ron Pevny, Sage-ing Guild. Gary Carlson, “The Heart’s Path,” Conscious Aging Network of New Mexico. Sage-ing Guild.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Investing 101: Even the Mattress Has Risks
http://www.csa.us/email/spirit/ssarticles/1112Money.html
Investing has inherent risk, even for places that seem safe, like putting your money under the mattress or in bonds. You can do several things to protect yourself, including finding a reputable financial planner and spreading out your investments. Click here to view article.
When you hear the word “investing,” what comes to mind? The stock market, Bernie Madoff or do you simply get beads of sweat on your forehead? Every investment, whether it’s burying cash in the backyard or investing in your friend’s latest “get rich” scheme, has an element of risk, no matter what anyone tells you to the contrary. The first rule of investing should be, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” So walk away or, at a minimum, get a second opinion.
Finding a Financial Planner
When you consider seeking investment advice, you will want to find a competent and ethical financial planner. The Financial Planning Association and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. both have search engines to help you find a financial planner in your area. Both websites also have information regarding the questions you should ask any financial planner from whom you seek help. After getting a name, check with your state insurance and securities regulator for any disciplinary problems.
When you meet with a financial planner, ask for a free one-hour consultation, which allows you to meet the planner, ask questions and share your personal situation. No reputable financial planner will offer a solution at that initial meeting nor try to sell you any product. If he or she does, walk away and never return. Prior to discussing solutions, the financial planner needs to determine your goals, tolerance for risk, cash flow needs and your various sources of income. He or she needs to fully understand your personal situation. Be sure to ask for references.
Safest Place Isn’t Under the Mattress
Some people believe that putting cash under the mattress has no risk, but it comes with its own unique set of risks. Due to inflation, each year the money under the mattress buys fewer goods and services. Although by historical standards inflation has been low the last few years, some predict that as the economy improves, this will no longer be the case. A 3 percent rate of inflation doubles the cost of living every 24 years. So, the first risk you need to consider is inflation risk. Putting money into CDs isn’t much better today than putting it under a mattress, but you have taxes to consider, which is another form of risk.
Over the past several years many investors have sought the safety of U.S. government bonds. During that time, interest rates have fallen dramatically. As interest rates decrease, the price of bonds increases. If you bought a 10-year bond with a 3.5 percent rate of interest several years ago and now interest rates are 1.7 percent, your bond is likely worth more than face value if you sell it. Conversely, when interest rates go up, the price of bonds goes down.
Bond holders may be disappointed as the economy improves and interest rates rise. Their so-called “guaranteed” investment will decline in value. If you own an individual government bond and hold it until maturity you will get full value, but if you want or need to sell the bond prior to maturity, you may have a problem. Thus, when investing in bonds, you must seriously consider interest rate risk, which is very high today. In today’s environment, you probably want to buy short-term bonds, which won’t yield very much but will protect your principal.
Risk of Volatility
The next risk to consider is volatility—most commonly associated with the stock market. Clearly, over the past five years the stock market has had significant instability. This unpredictability has not been limited to the U.S., but to stocks all around the world, as many economies have had to deal with banking and fiscal issues since 2007. On a long-term basis, stocks, including dividends, have generally produced a return better than any other asset class, but with that higher return comes greater volatility.
We have all heard the expression, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This is certainly true when it comes to investing. Based on your comfort zone, risk tolerance and need for cash flow in retirement, you will want to work with your financial planner to set up an asset allocation plan that works best for your unique situation. In other words, you will want to have cash, bonds (domestic, foreign, corporate and government) and stocks (big, medium, small and both foreign and domestic), sprinkled with some real estate and perhaps some broad commodity exposure. Investing money to make money is not so much about how much you can earn in the good times, but rather about how little you lose during the tough times. Yes, there will be times any portfolio will likely lose money, but, generally speaking, different assets don’t all go up at the same time nor do they all go down at the same time. There are exceptions, and we saw one of those exceptions during late 2008 and early 2009.
Stick to the Plan
Once you have your asset allocation set and have an investment plan, the most important thing to do is to follow the plan. Unfortunately, some people’s tendency is to panic and get out of investments at exactly the wrong time and unfortunately either not get back in at all or, as is usually the case, jump back in when prices are higher than when they sold. It takes discipline and patience, but with the allocation and investment plan, you should be able to achieve a reasonable degree of success.
Finally, it is important to monitor the investment plan and visit with your financial planner at least once each year to make sure nothing has changed in your financial picture that might warrant a change in your investment approach.
In our next article we will look at different types of investments for different types of investors.
Checklist for Interviewing a Financial Planner
Adapted from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board)
http://www.csa.us/email/spirit/ssarticles/1112Money.html
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Stretch Your Arthritis Pain Away
http://www.csa.us/email/spirit/ssarticles/1112MedNews.html
Contrary to past wisdom, researchers are finding that exercise can ease the pain of arthritis. Recommended are flexibility exercises, endurance or aerobic, and strengthening. Not only can these activities help physical symptoms, but they can improve general well-being and mood. Click here to view article.
It may seem counterintuitive that exercise can ease the pain of arthritis, which is most painful when moving, but a whole host of experts are jumping on the exercise bandwagon, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In fact, exercise may be the most effective form of pain control outside of drugs. While encompassing different forms, arthritis is basically inflammation of a joint. With osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, the cartilage around the joint wears out and causes the bones in the joint to rub against each other, creating inflammation and pain.
According to the CDC, 50 percent of adults age 65 or older reported receiving an arthritis diagnosis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and aching. Not just striking seniors, arthritis is a serious chronic condition affecting 50 million adults in the U.S. and is the nation’s most common cause of disability (CDC publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [MMWR Weekly] May 1, 2009).
Other Treatment Options
While no treatment can cure osteoarthritis, a wide array of treatment options may offer some relief: topical pain relievers, taping and bracing the affected areas, oral medication and surgery in extreme cases. Alternative care includes acupuncture and glucosamine, although both regimens have not proved as effective as once hoped. Vitamin D is another option, but the vote is still out on whether this vitamin can lessen the symptoms or the progression of the disease (About.com Guide).
Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while low in meats and milk products, can help reduce inflammation and pain in your joints. Other recommended treatments are reducing stress and losing weight. In fact, a recent article in Arthritis Today states excess body weight is a risk factor for the both the development and progression of osteoarthritis. “For every pound of body weight you gain, your knees gain three pounds of added stress; for hips, each pound translates into six times the pressure on the joints. After many years of carrying extra pounds, the cartilage that cushions the joints tends to break down more quickly than usual.”
Focusing on Exercise
In the past, healthcare providers told arthritis sufferers to rest rather than exercise. But today, researchers are finding that movement can actually improve physical functioning in arthritis patients, while alleviating depression and contributing to weight loss. Basically, three kinds of exercises have been found helpful for people with arthritis: range of motion, also called flexibility exercises; endurance or aerobic; and strengthening. Each one plays a role in maintaining and improving your ability to move and function (Arthritis Today):
Range of motion/flexibility: This is the ability to move your joints through the full motion they were designed for and thus relieve the stiffness that leads to pain. With osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness make it difficult to move certain joints outside of a small range, which can make even simple tasks challenging.
Range-of-motion exercises include gentle stretching and movements that take joints through their full span. Doing these exercises regularly—ideally every day—can help maintain and even improve joint flexibility.
Aerobic/endurance: Aerobic doesn’t mean jogging 10 miles but is any exercise that strengthens your heart and makes your lungs more efficient. This conditioning can also give you more stamina throughout the day and help control your weight by increasing the amount of calories your body uses. Water aerobics, cycling and walking are all suitable cardiovascular exercises you can do over age 60. Do aerobic activities at least three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes.
Strengthening: These exercises help maintain and improve your muscle strength. Not only does arthritis take a toll on muscles, but aging also depletes muscle mass. As a result, strength training is needed to build and maintain muscle. In particular, resistance training can help reverse aging, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Use exercise bands, in place of weights, for your resistance training. Other strengthening exercises to include in your routine include dumbbells or weight machines. You can use your own body weight in exercises such as wall squats and push-ups against a wall.
Before starting any exercise regimen, it is important to check with your primary care provider to make sure that you are otherwise healthy enough to engage in the type of exercise you are planning. It may also be beneficial to talk with a professional trainer at your local gym or health club to learn the safest way to use any exercise equipment.
Utilizing Ancient Wisdom
One new exercise that is proving to help arthritis sufferers is an ancient Chinese martial art. In 2009, researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine determined that patients over 65 with knee osteoarthritis who engaged in regular tai chi exercise improved physical function and experienced less pain (Science Daily, Nov. 1, 2009).
Tai chi (Chuan) features slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental relaxation and enhance balance, strength, flexibility and self-efficacy. Physical components of tai chi, described as a mind-body approach, are consistent with current exercise recommendations for osteoarthritis. Researchers believe the mental aspects of tai chi promote psychological well being, emotional satisfaction and perceptions of health that counteract the effects of negative pain. Watch this introductory video.
In the meantime, science is studying other options for treating arthritis, including early detection and diagnosis, as well as genetic factors; and material that promotes the growth of new cartilage. But until new treatments come along, it’s good to know that there are things you can do on your own to alleviate the symptoms.
Programs That Help Arthritis Sufferers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list several programs that have been tested to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
November – Recognize National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month
During November, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month, the Alzheimer’s Association focuses on spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia while offering support to the more than 15 million individuals who care for their loved ones living with the disease. The Association has several new tools to assist caregivers, including Alzheimer’s Navigator™, the Dementia and Driving Resource Center, and ALZ Connected™, offered free of charge through our website. View a full list of these tools at our online Care Center.
Often, an Alzheimer’s caregiver can feel overwhelmed and may not have the ability to recognize that they need help. To assist your employees who may be in this situation, please share this article, which includes helpful resources for individuals caring for their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease. We also have an infographic that you can distribute which includes quick tips and suggestions for all caregivers.
December – Watch for signs of Alzheimer’s during the holidays
December is a busy month, filled with holidays and parties where people reunite with relatives whom they haven’t seen in months. The passage of time often makes it easier to notice changes in family and friends that might otherwise go unchecked. Please share the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, so your employees can recognize these signs in themselves and others. Anyone who exhibits these signs should see their physician.
January – Family members can get trained and get certified. It’s essentiALZ™
The Alzheimer’s Association essentiALZ™ training program is a convenient way for individuals to be prepared, demonstrate knowledge and feel confident as a caregiver. The essentiALZ™ program combines HealthCare Interactive CARES® online dementia care training with an Alzheimer’s Association certification exam for anyone who has contact with people who have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A new year can bring new perspectives and potential new goals for a caregiver. Whether someone is seeking a certification or recognition of their knowledge of quality dementia care practices, the Alzheimer’s Association can help. Please share this educational resource with your employees who may be caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php