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- Caring From A Distance
Distance may make the heart grow fonder but it can also make it more difficult for adult children to look out for their aging parents or relatives. Fortunately, there is a way to manage the situation.
The first step in arranging care is to assess the circumstances. One home health-care provider, Interim HomeStyle Services, offers a free online assessment that allows you to evaluate if your loved one can live safely and independently in the comfort of his or her home. - Medicare Drug Coverage Is Saving Seniors Money
For a 72-year-old man, Dick Miller, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is in incredible health, only having to endure minor bouts of arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. His wife Lillian, however, is not as fortunate. She suffers from Sjogren's syndrome, a disorder that causes heart arrhythmias, ulcers and stricture of the esophagus, among other complications. She also suffers from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, dry eye syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and dental problems caused by a dry mouth.
With her illnesses, the Millers paid a grand total of $11,500 for their prescription drugs in 2005. So when Medicare announced it would start offering prescription drug insurance in 2006, Dick Miller took notice. Shortly after the announcement of Medicare's new drug plan, he started gathering information from every source he and his wife could find. - Seniors Can Benefit From Medicare's Preventive Services
As a former Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS), I am particularly interested in the recent changes to Medicare. I've been reading a lot about the new prescription drug coverage, also known as Part D. It's great to see the impact of the new program-now more than 38.2 million, or 90 percent, of those eligible for Medicare have help paying for their drugs.
What many people do not realize is that the law that brought about Part D included more than just prescription drugs. The law, known as the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), contained other measures to improve Medicare. One very important change was the coverage of additional, preventive health services. - You Are Not Alone
If you're caring for a loved one, you want to do your best. You want to help with all the day-to-day activities that he or she can't manage alone. But did you know that trying your hardest and doing your best may be two different things?
While trying to do it all, family caregivers can become overwhelmed, putting their own emotional and physical health at risk. As this happens, the level of care for their loved one may also suffer. - Baby Boomer Healthy Aging Survival Kit
"Living longer and living better, that's what my baby boomer patients are looking for," says Dr. Steven Lamm, New York City internist and author of "Younger at Last."
While aging is a fact of life, there are many ways to stay active, healthy and energized. The problem is that there is often too much information available. Seventy-five percent of boomers say they are confused-what to take, what not to take-and every day a conflicting report only adds to their confusion. - Specialized Real Estate Agents Assist Aging Population
Despite their unwillingness to grow old, the famous baby boomer generation is turning 60 this year. And if you're like a lot of these boomers, your children have just left home, and you're faced with the decision about selling the well-lived-in house where you raised your family.
Maybe you're excited about moving to Florida, or Arizona, to begin your long-awaited retirement. For years, you've been anticipating all the "fun in the sun" activities such a move would provide. - Health And Cost Benefits For Older Americans
By the year 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be between 65 and 75 years old. Two recent studies now show that the right health maintenance behavior among the elderly could help avoid or delay a loss of independence or major medical problem.
The typical American diet does not always provide a sufficient level of nutrients. The studies, conducted by The Lewin Group, whose reports are often cited as the gold standard among government policy makers, indicate that with the use of certain dietary supplements, senior citizens can empower themselves while possibly reducing health care costs. With the cost of health care for Americans over age 65 estimated to increase to nearly $16 trillion per year by the year 2030, billions of dollars in potential savings could be realized. - Everyday Products Help Seniors Maintain Independence
From phones with larger, easy-to-read buttons to chairs that literally lift consumers to a standing position, companies are developing an array of products that meet the changing lifestyle needs of America's aging population. The new twists on everyday products are helping many older consumers-still young at heart-continue their daily routines with little or no help from family or caregivers.
"With the increasing number of Americans reaching their golden years, it's only natural that companies would develop products that make everyday life easier for this age group," said Erin Sanchez, director of marketing for Eureka. With the wide array of offerings geared toward older consumers, it is important to do thorough research to find the best products to fit their personal and ever-changing lifestyle needs. Products that can help make life's everyday tasks easier for seniors include: - Caring For A Loved One
If you're caring for a loved one, you want to do your best. You want to help with all the day-to-day activities that he or she can't manage alone.
While trying to do it all, family caregivers can become overwhelmed and put their own emotional and physical health at risk. As this happens, the level of care for their loved one may also suffer. - The Caregiver Trifecta-boomers Need To Include Time For Themselves When Caring For Others
Baby boomers are a generation known for taking on the issues of the world and making them their own-from civil rights and political activism to the environment. Many face the task of caring for both their children and their aging parents. But as more people depend on them for daily support and boomers find themselves increasingly sandwiched between the needs of aging parents and their own children, the need to care for themselves has never been greater.
According to a recent Pew survey, 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older-about 70 million Americans-by 2030. For caregivers of this generation and the next who are balancing so many responsibilities, "enabling" technologies will become increasingly important as the population continues to turn gray. - Caring For A Loved One With Involuntary Emotions
Rebecca and her family were in a terrible car accident during their family vacation more than 10 years ago, and Rebecca suffered a traumatic brain injury. Although she has made significant steps toward recovery, Rebecca experiences episodes of involuntary emotion as a result of her injury. Often in public settings, Rebecca loudly laughs or cries, displaying emotions that are inappropriate to the situation.
Rebecca is an example of more than 1 million Americans who suffer from involuntary emotional expression disorder (IEED). IEED is also known by other names such as pseudobulbar affect, emotional lability, pathological laughing and crying, and emotional incontinence. - Seniors Serving Other Seniors As Caregivers
As the first of the 77 million baby boomers have begun turning 60, retirement has started taking on a whole new meaning: Namely, today's seniors want to stay active, involved-and working. Whether it be due to financial need, a desire to make a difference, or simple boredom, an increasing number of retirees are returning to the labor force; the U.S. Department of Labor reports a 37.7 percent increase in the number of workers age 65 and over in the past decade.
And many are choosing a new profession: caregiving. According to Paul Hogan, founder and CEO of Home Instead Senior Care, caregiving is an employment option that's ideally suited to the mature worker. In fact, about two-thirds of the company's own CAREGivers are 45 years or older. - Tips On Becoming An Effective Advocate For Care
For people presently caring for loved ones, or who may soon be in such a position, it is important to know where to turn for information and assistance. If you must act on behalf of a family member with physicians and other health care professionals, insurance companies, hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies, there are many resources and guidelines that can help you advocate for him or her and alleviate an often stressful situation.
Medical Advances and Longer Lives - Why And How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Aging Issues
The U.S. senior population is growing and expected to double over the next 25 years. Currently, over 12 percent of Americans are senior citizens and, by the year 2011, the first wave of the baby boomer generation will begin turning 65. As America ages, increasing numbers of seniors and their adult children will face critical decisions about life, health and aging.
A new nationwide survey, commissioned by WellPoint and conducted by the Roper Public Affairs and Media Group, found a notable disconnect between seniors and their adult children on critical health and aging issues such as losing independence, long-term care options and being alone. The survey found that: - Seniors And Insomnia
When it comes to a good night's sleep, no one is in greater need than America's seniors. Lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of debilitating falls, diabetes and deadly heart attacks.
Sleeplessness may also be a symptom or early warning sign of disease. In their need for healthy sleep, millions of seniors are turning to safe, effective, doctor-prescribed sleep aids. - Giving Seniors The Gift Of Independence
Those looking for something unique for the seniors on their holiday gift list may consider giving the gifts of independence and peace of mind.
Medical experts agree that getting help quickly can make surviving an emergency more likely. Knowing that help can be summoned promptly in a medical emergency can make it easier for seniors who live alone to live with confidence. - Understanding Medicare And Medicare Supplement: Simple Steps To Help You Consider Your Options
Retirement knocking on your door? Before you open it, make sure you have the proper plans in place, especially when it comes to health care.
If you're approaching retirement, health care is sure to be one of your top concerns. With medical costs skyrocketing, it's essential for most people to have some sort of health care coverage--and for millions of Americans age 65 and older, Medicare will provide that coverage. However, even with Medicare, there's a potential for high out-of-pocket costs. That's why many Medicare enrollees will also choose a Medicare supplement insurance policy. - Ten Keys To Healthy Aging
What is longevity without health? Adults today are looking not only to extend their lives, but to enjoy their extra years. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Healthy Aging simplified the barrage of health messages aimed at older adults to create the 10 Keys to Healthy Aging. The Center is promoting these sensible strategies for a long, healthy life among residents of Pittsburgh, and they hope to share them across the country. Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania has one of the highest concentrations of adults aged 65 years and older, second only to Dade County, Florida.
Years of research yielded these keys: - Seniors Save In Medicare Drug Plans
Q: I have several chronic conditions that all require medication. Is Medicare Part D too expensive for someone such as me?
A: You are not alone. According to the National Health Council (NHC), 86 percent of the Medicare population suffers from at least one chronic condition. - Baby Boomers With High Blood Pressure Report They Ignore Cold And Flu Medication Warnings
The baby boomer generation turned 60 this year. And while they remain young in outlook and attitude, a national survey of 1,000 hypertensive Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) reveals that Boomers face challenges in managing health issues that come with age.
The American Heart Association issued a reminder that people with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Most over-the-counter cold and flu products contain decongestants, commonly pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. - Baby Boomers And Seniors Focus On Avoiding Vision Loss
In 2006, the first baby boomers celebrated their 60th birthdays-and as the largest segment of the U.S. population continues to age, concerns about vision loss are escalating. According to the Natural Marketing Institute, 75 percent of the U.S. population worries about preventing vision problems, and 15 percent of adults ages 45 to 64 already have some sort of vision impairment. Today, eye doctors often recommend specific nutritional ingredients, such as zea-xanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan'-thin) and lutein, to help patients protect against common afflictions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
AMD Affects Many, - Baby Boomers And Retirement Planning
As baby boomers head into middle age, many are beginning to focus on planning for retirement. It's never too early to start, especially since increasing life expectancies could mean spending more than 25 years post-employment.
What can boomers do to determine if their assets will adequately fund their retirement years? According to Rich Linsday, CLU, ChFC, AEP, president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, boomers can start to get a handle on their retirement funding by estimating the following: - Legal Matters: What You And Your Loved Ones Should Know
Many of us take for granted that we will be able to take care of our personal and financial affairs "tomorrow." However, if you are a family caregiver, particularly for an older adult, you know that you cannot always count on tomorrow.
Health and finances are two areas that may require caregivers to have the input and the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another person. The issue may be as simple as signing a check for a loved one or as complex as deciding if he or she would want a feeding tube after becoming bedridden and nonresponsive. - Cold Weather Safety Tips For Seniors
For the 36 million seniors in America, cold weather can pose many dangers. Seniors, however, can take steps to avoid accidents and illnesses during this time.
"Winter-related accidents and illnesses account for a large number of all senior health-related insurance claims during winter," said Scott Perry, president, Bankers Life and Casualty Company, an insurance company specializing in seniors. "But that doesn't mean that seniors have to sit the season out. By taking a few precautions, seniors can enjoy winter safely and securely." - Medical Monitoring System Saves Woman's Life
A gift from a friend-in this case, a new medical monitoring system-actually saved 74-year-old Maxine Ringle's life.
Ringle was in her backyard, watering plants, then decided to clean the nearby area where workers were installing an elevator, next to her patio. As she began to sweep the area, a large dust cloud emerged from the ground, quickly engulfing her. She thought nothing of it and quickly finished before heading inside. Once she went indoors, however, her hands began to itch. Within seconds, the irritation had spread across her entire body. - Overconfident "superheroes" May Face Retirement Kryptonite
Can overconfidence be a superhero's downfall? As baby boomers approach retirement, planning for their golden years is a top priority. Fortunately, many boomers feel well prepared to face the challenges of retirement. In fact, according to the third annual Lincoln Long Life Survey conducted by the Lincoln Retirement Institute, the majority of affluent baby boomers, an impressive 60 percent, elevate themselves to "superhero status" when it comes to their retirement-planning abilities. When asked to equate their retirement-planning status to recent blockbuster movies, 33 percent of affluent boomers said "Superman Returns" best describes their retirement skills, indicating they are in great shape for retirement. Additionally, 27 percent of affluent boomers said they relate most to "X-Men: The Last Stand," relying on a team of experts to help them plan for retirement.
Despite the group's optimism, there is some disparity between how affluent baby boomers feel about their retirement readiness and the realities they may face. - Making Housing Decisions
Where do I want to live now that I'm all alone? Where can I live when I can no longer climb the steps in my home? These are the types of questions many older adults face-not just once, but perhaps several times throughout their lives. When addressing an immediate housing need or trying to anticipate a future one, it helps to have reliable information about the options that are available.
The range of options includes owning or renting a home to living in a group setting such as an assisted living facility or a retirement community. And each option has benefits and challenges based on personal and legal considerations. - First, Do No Harm: Help For Caregivers
According to government statistics collected by the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million people in the U.S. care for an elderly, disabled or chronically ill family member or friend.
Pressure ulcers, better known as bedsores, and diabetic ulcers on the lower legs and feet can be tremendous challenges for caregivers and put a loved one at risk for further disability or illness. - Seniors: Prevent Falls By Fixing Painful Feet
Older adults shouldn't live with foot pain, especially when it can increase their risk for dangerous falls. That's why the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is urging Americans aged 65 and older to seek treatment for painful foot conditions that can put them at risk for falling.
Government health officials recently announced that falls have become the leading cause of injury deaths for senior citizens. When your feet hurt, it becomes more difficult to maintain your balance, more difficult to walk and easier to fall.
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