Happiness Is Growing Old at Home

PolyU-developed “KineLabs” Adds Fun to Stroke Rehabilitation and Elderly Exercise

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:55:57 +0000

KineLabs is free software that provides various “games” that are designed to help people who are recovering from a stroke or for elders who simply need to improve their coordination. All that is needed to use the free software is a TV and Kinect. Patients are more likely to comply with their rehab and elderly are more likely to exercise if they are having fun. Learn more here.

Finally a humane approach to caring for loved one with dementia

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:31:41 +0000

A new apartment complex has been developed in the Netherlands that provides a non-residential environment and empowers those with dementia to help each other and live as normal a life as possible. It is also quite cost-effective. Learn how the developers came up with creative ways to come up with the necessary funding so that people with dementia can live with dignity.

Frail seniors are accepting the idea of in-home monitoring devices

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:34:57 +0000

Your parent is frail, but wants to remain in his or her home. Installing an in-home monitoring device which records their every movement for some seems invasive but for others is a godsend. Did dad use the toilet, go to the refrigerator, turn on the stove? More and more technology is being developed for our aging population. Learn more about how these devices may help your parent remain at home longer.

Elderly Get Another Option to Stay Out of Nursing Homes

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:00:01 +0000

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive long term services and supports to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. An interdisciplinary team of health professionals provides individuals with coordinated care. For most frail elderly, the comprehensive service package enables them to receive care at home rather than be placed in a nursing home. Medicaid and Medicare pay PACE providers to deliver all the services seniors need, from medical care to wheelchair ramps to transportation. Currently, nearly 500 seniors in NJ are served by the program.For a list of PACE programs in your state go to: http://www.npaonline.org/website/download.asp?id=1741/ Learn more about this great program.

2.9 Million 55+ Year Olds Are Doing Yoga

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:38:55 +0000

Yoga helps strengthen muscles and improve balance and can be modified to suit one’s needs. If you can’t get on the floor, or perhaps can’t get up off the floor, chair yoga can also be extremely helpful. A study done at Indiana University showed An that older adults averaging 78 years of age improved muscle strength in the lower extremities and reduced their fear of falling after participating in twice-weekly hatha yoga classes during a 12-week period. Learn more about the benefits of yoga.

New Playground for Seniors in Springfield, Ohio

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:45:49 +0000

The implementation of the concept of having a place where seniors can congregate, enjoy each other’s company and exercise outside has finally arrived. Playgrounds for seniors are becoming more popular and are popping up here and abroad. Read more about this wonderful playground.

Eating Greens and Fruits Can Mitigate Heart Disease

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:59:05 +0000

Researchers at McMaster and McGill universities have discovered the gene that is the strongest marker for heart disease can actually be modified by generous amounts of fruits and raw vegetables. The results of their study are published in the current issue of the journal PLoS Medicine. Although this study is not geared towards seniors, we know from previous studies that there are heart benefits from eating a plant-based diet. This study actually looks at how the gene that is associated with heart disease is positively affected from a plant-based diet. Learn more about this amazing breakthrough.

Are Older Drivers Safe Drivers?

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:26:35 +0000

Older drivers are generally considered safe drivers in contrast to drivers who have specific medical impairments. When comparing all age groups, older drivers have the lowest rate of crashes per year. However, they have an increased crash rate per miles driven, which approaches that of the teenaged driver. Learn how to help an older driver drive safely and when it might be time to take away their car keys.

The Importance of Vit B 12

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:09:41 +0000

A recent study showed a decline in brain size and cognitive decline in elders who had markers indicating a vitamin B deficiency. Everyone who is vegan or vegetarian, regardless of age, could probably benefit from vitamin B 12 supplementation. Learn more about the importance of vitamin B 12.

Benefits of Yoga in Elders Who Have Suffered a Stroke

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:06 +0000

Nineteen men and one woman, with an average age of 66 years met for a one-hour yoga class. After eight weeks, study subjects experienced improvement in various parameters of the balance, as measured by the Berg Balance Scale and the Scale FAB. The improvement was 17 and 34 percent respectively. Participants also showed an increase in confidence. Learn more on how yoga can help post stroke.