Binge Drinking a Problem for Some Seniors

Q. My 76-year-old widowed father has always enjoyed socializing and that means parties where alcohol is served. It seems that he is drinking more and I am concerned. I’m worried about his drinking, especially this holiday season when there will be more opportunities. Should I be?

As a matter of fact, older adults who have alcohol dependence problems drink significantly more than do younger adults who have similar problems, a new study from Ohio State University has revealed. Those over age 60 drink more alcohol per drinking session and have more binge episodes than younger Americans.

Researchers found that adults over age 60 who have alcohol dependence drink more than 40 alcoholic drinks a week on average, compared with between 25 and 35 drinks a week on average for those in younger age groups with similar problems.

In addition, older people with alcohol dependence have more binge drinking episodes per month than do their younger counterparts.

The findings suggest that older problem drinkers may have developed a tolerance for alcohol and need to drink even more than younger abusers to achieve the effects they seek.

“A combination of high levels of drinking and the physiological effects of aging are particularly problematic for older adults,” said Linda Ginzer, co-author of the study and a doctoral student in social work at Ohio State.

Research has shown that Americans generally tend to drink less alcohol as they age. But these findings suggest that for certain groups of older adults – those with alcohol problems – alcohol use actually increases, Ginzer said.

Why not talk with your father about your concerns. You could start the conversation with, “Dad, I think it’s great that you have a social life, but I’ve noticed that you’ve gradually been drinking more, especially during the holidays. I’m concerned about your health and safety, and that of others. Can we talk about ways that we can ensure that you are O.K.?”

Home Instead Senior Care has a program called The 40-70 Rule, which provides help for talking with your adult parent about sensitive subjects. For more information, log on to www.4070talk.com.

To learn more information about Home Instead Senior Care, visit www.homeinstead.com/627.1
For more information about the study, log on to http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/3923/1/Older-Problem-Drinkers-Down-More-Alcohol-More-Often-than-Younger-Counterparts/Page1.html.

Holiday 911 for Family Caregivers

Q. My 85-year-old mother has always prepared the holiday meal, but she had a heart episode last month and will not be able to do that. It’s up to me this year. Do you have any tips on preparing dinner? I’m a little stressed out trying to care for her as well as plan a meal.

We’re no cooking experts, but we know who can help. Karen Blakeslee, a Kansas State University Research and Extension food scientist, answers about 1,500 food and food safety questions annually, shares frequently-asked questions and her answers about preparing a turkey dinner:

Q: How much turkey should I buy?

A: The general rule in buying a bone-in turkey is to allow one pound per person. If additional white meat is preferred, consider buying a larger turkey or an additional turkey breast.

Q: Is there a fast way to thaw a frozen turkey?

A: Consumers who may have forgotten to put the turkey in the refrigerator to thaw can use a cold-water method. Submerge the turkey (in its store wrap) in cold water in a clean, large sink or bathtub. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound. Drain and replace cold water every 30 minutes during the thawing process.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to thaw a smaller frozen turkey or turkey breast in a microwave oven. Thawing meat and poultry products in a microwave oven begins the cooking process, which will need to be continued immediately.

Q: What is the recommended roasting time and temperature? And, is it necessary to preheat the oven?

A: Set the oven at 325 degrees F and allow 20 minutes per pound. Add 45 minutes for a stuffed turkey and about 15-20 minutes for a turkey to set up after it has tested done (165 degrees F) to make carving easier. Keep the turkey covered during holding time. Roasting is a slow process, so it’s not necessary to preheat the oven.

You might need other help preparing your holiday feast as well. Why not consider hiring a Home Instead CAREGiver? The company’s CAREGivers can assist your senior loved one with meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping while you’re getting dinner ready.

For more food preparation tips from Kansas State University, log on to http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/turkey_dinner111809.aspx.

For more information abotu Home Instead Senior Care, call 443-918-3100 or visit www.homeinstead.com/627.1

Seniors May Need Help Overcoming the Holiday Blues

While the holiday season is a time for parties and celebrations, it also can trigger the blues, especially for seniors who may think about lost loved ones or struggle with health or financial problems.

To help seniors cope with the melancholy that may accompany the holidays, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging offers these tips:

• Get out and socialize or invite family and friends over. Ask family and friends for help traveling to parties and events.
• Volunteer to help others, as this is a great mood lifter. Contact your local United Way or call local schools or religious organizations to ask about opportunities.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol, as it can lower your spirits.
• Accept the fact that there’s nothing wrong with not feeling jolly. Many people get the blues during the holidays.
• Talk to someone about your feelings. It can help you understand why you feel the way you do.
• Recognize the warning signs of depression. Holiday blues are usually temporary and mild, but depression is more serious and can linger unless you get help.

If an older loved one experiences sadness during the holidays, you can help:

• Invite them out and to get-togethers. Take into consideration any transportation needs or special diets.
• Lend a hand by offering to help with shopping or preparing for get-togethers in their home.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings.
• Suggest they talk with a healthcare provider if you suspect depression.

For more information, see “Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues.”

CAREGivers should pay special attention their clients during the holiday season and offer help as needed to help them overcome the blues.

Treatment for Hypertension Extends Lives of Seniors

Q. The last time my 80-year-old father was at his doctor’s office his blood pressure was elevated. The doctor wants to put him on medication, but he doesn’t want any part of that. He just doesn’t seem as interested about his health since mom died. How can I convince him?

You can tell your dad about a recent review of nearly 15 studies over the past nearly 40 years. Those studies show that older people – those 60 and older – seeking treatment for hypertension will live longer, healthier lives.

The review comprised more than 24,000 participants in which the oldest person was 105 years old and the average age was 74. Studies took place between 1970 and 2008.

“Before the first definitive clinical-trial evidence supporting blood-pressure lowering treatment was produced in the mid-1980s, systolic hypertension was regarded as a natural feature of aging and some feared excessive harm from blood-pressure lowering in this age group,” said lead review author Dr. Vijaya Musini from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Systolic hypertension – in which the “upper” blood pressure measurement is 140 or higher – is more likely to occur in older people and experts now consider it a better predictor of heart attack and strokes than diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements for the study patients averaged 172/81.

“Older people also accumulate higher rates of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity, a sedentary life style and diabetes,” Musini said.

The review, which appeared in the latest issue of The Cochran Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, concluded that treatment for hypertension reduced the overall number of fatalities whether or not they were associated with cardiovascular disease. Treating hypertension can also reduce the risk of stroke and disability, risk factors that are independent of those for heart disease.

The review also found that slightly different treatment works best for the “oldest old,” people over 80. That’s why it’s so important for your father to listen to his doctor. Perhaps your dad could also benefit from a little companionship at home. Contact Home Instead Senior Care of Carroll County to learn how a CAREGiver could help him: www.homeinstead.com/627.1

For more about this study, log on to the podcast at http://www.cochrane.org/podcasts/review_summaries/2009issue4/issue4_2009_elderly.html.

Part-Time Work Good for Seniors’ Health

Q. I am a healthy 68-year-old man who wants to keep working, at least part-time. My family thinks I’m crazy. Am I?

Those seniors who work temporary or part-time jobs have fewer major diseases and will enjoy better day-to-day function than their contemporaries who choose to stop working altogether, according to a new national study.

The study’s authors refer to this transition between career and complete retirement as “bridge employment,” which can be a part-time job, self-employment or a temporary job. The findings are reported in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association.

“Given the economic recession, we will probably see more people considering post-retirement employment,” said co-author Mo Wang, Ph.D., of the University of Maryland. “These findings highlight bridge employment’s potential benefits.”

Over the course of the study, the researchers considered only physician-diagnosed health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke and psychiatric problems. They controlled not only for baseline physical and mental health but also for age, sex, education level and total financial wealth. The results showed the retirees who continued to work in a bridge job experienced fewer major diseases and fewer functional limitations than those who fully retired.

“Choosing a suitable type of bridge employment will help retirees transition better into full retirement and in good physical and mental health,” said co-author Kenneth Shultz, Ph.D., adding that employers who are concerned about a labor shortage due to numerous Baby Boomers retiring might consider bridge employment options for their retirees.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor projections, the 55+ population will account for nearly 93 percent of the net increase in the labor force between 2006 and 2016.

One popular part-time job option for older adults is senior caregiving. Seniors make great caregiver companions for other older adults who need a little extra help around the house or just a friend with whom to spend time and enjoy activities. For more information, contact Home Instead Senior Care of Carroll County.

Internet Connection Helps Reduce Senior Depression

Q. My 78-year-old widowed mother spends her days on the computer and I’m worried about her lack of companionship. Should I be?

Here’s an interesting study: Spending time online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens, the Phoenix Center reports in a new Policy Paper released recently. In addition to the quality of life benefits, reducing the cases of depression through widespread Internet use among older Americans could trim the nation’s health care bill.

“Maintaining relationships with friends and family at a time in life when mobility becomes increasingly limited is challenging for the elderly,” says Phoenix Center visiting scholar and study co-author Dr. Sherry G. Ford, an associate professor of Communications Studies at University of Montevallo in Alabama. “Increased Internet access and use by senior citizens enables them to connect with sources of social support when face-to-face interaction becomes more difficult.”

The Policy Paper, Internet Use and Depression Among the Elderly, examines survey responses of 7,000 retired Americans 55 years or older.

The implications of the findings are significant because depression affects millions of Americans age 55 or older and costs the United States about $100 million annually in direct medical costs, suicide and mortality, and workplace costs.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project estimates that only about 42 percent of Americans aged 65 or more use the Internet, far below the adoption rate of other age groups. Given the relatively low adoption rates by seniors, the study concludes that the opportunity for better health outcomes from expanded Internet adoption is substantial.

Further, with billions spent annually on depression-related health care costs, the potential economic savings also are impressive.

But you’re right about your mother’s need for human contact as well. While the Internet can help her keep in touch with family and friends living elsewhere, companions and friends whom she sees in person are vital for that personal touch. Consider suggesting a caregiving companion to your mother. Home Instead Senior Care hires seniors, many of whom are older adults, to be companions and home helpers for other seniors. Efforts are made to match CAREGivers with similar interests to those of seniors. What’s more, Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured.

Safeguards Can Help Protect Seniors From H1N1

Q. I’ve read so much about the H1N1 “swine flu” that makes me as a senior with a variety of health problems very concerned. What is the latest about how this is impacting older adults and how can I protect myself?

According to most experts, it has not yet been determined if the swine flu is having a greater impact on seniors than the general population with some even suggesting that the elderly may have additional immunity. Regardless, the swine flu already is hitting many communities hard.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that most people with H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.
However, people over the age of 65 are among those more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season, according to the CDC.

Those who could be at risk of complications include people who have cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, and weakened immune systems.

The CDC reports the following warning signs for those who have the flu. Get medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Antiviral drugs may be prescribed for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1, according to the CDC. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications. Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness.

Remember to wash your hands regularly and get plenty of rest. Also, if you are recovering from an illness or surgery and need help with light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands and shopping, contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

More Evidence Physical Activity is a Plus for Seniors

Q. My adult daughter is constantly after me to exercise more, but at age 85 I just don’t see the point. It’s all I can do just to keep up care of my home. Do you think it’s a good idea?

Yes, but don’t take our word for it. Here’s more evidence that physical activity may delay the spiral of decline that begins with inability to perform daily activities and continues through illness and death.

And the research, which appeared in a recent Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, shows that seniors who start exercising even at age 85 can live longer and healthier lives.

Researchers at Hebrew University Medical Center and Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, studied 1,861 individuals born in 1920 and 1921. Participants underwent assessments in their homes at ages 70, 78 and 85 years, during which they were asked about their physical activity levels.

Those who performed less than four hours per week of physical activity were considered sedentary, while those who exercised about four hours weekly, performed vigorous activities such as jogging or swimming at least twice weekly or who engaged in regular physical activity (for example, walking at least an hour daily) were considered physically active.

When compared with those who were sedentary, individuals who were physically active were:
12 percent less likely to die between ages 70 and 78,
15 percent less likely to die between ages 78 and 85 and
17 percent less likely to die between ages 85 and 88.

These active seniors also were more likely to remain independent and experience fewer declines in their ability to perform daily tasks, report less loneliness and were less likely to have poor self-rated health.

The benefits associated with physical activity were observed not only in those who maintained an existing level of physical activity, but also in those who began exercising between ages 70 and 85, according to the research.

By enlisting the help of a family member or agency such as Home Instead Senior Care to assist around your home, you would likely have more time and energy for exercise. Call today for more information.

For more about this study, log on to http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2009a/0914.dtl#2.

What's Going on with Mom? Call the Hairdresser

Q. I’m worried about my 80-year-old mother’s health, but I can never get any information out of her. Any ideas?

Why not call her hairdresser? Hair stylists may have a unique opportunity to help steer their elderly clients to needed health services, according to a small, exploratory study. More than 80 percent of 40 Columbus, Ohio, area stylists surveyed said that older clients often or always shared their problems during appointments.

“Hair stylists are in a great position to notice when their older clients are starting to suffer from depression, dementia or self-neglect,” said Keith Anderson, assistant professor of social work at Ohio State University and co-author of the study that appeared in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Study participants reported that, on average, about one-third of their clients were 60 years old or older. Anderson said the results suggest that most stylists do develop close long-term relationships with their older clients.

About 85 percent of stylists described their relationships with older clients as “close” or “very close.” About 72 percent said their role was like one of “family” to some of their older customers.

Health and family problems are the issues most often brought up by elderly customers – more than three-quarters of stylists have heard such complaints, the survey revealed. And more than a third of stylists said clients have discussed problems with depression or anxiety. The vast majority of stylists said their response to hearing their clients’ problems is to offer sympathy and support, and to try to cheer them up. But fewer than half said they have given advice, and only about one-quarter have tried to get the client to speak to someone who can help them.

That’s not because they are unwilling to help, Anderson said. About two-thirds said they are willing to refer an older client to appropriate services. But the problem, Anderson said, is that more than half – 52 percent – said they were unfamiliar with community services that may be helpful to older adults.

One of those resources is Home Instead Senior Care, a company with franchises in more than 600 U.S. communities whose CAREGivers help keep seniors independent. Log on to www.homeinstead.com/627 or call 301-846-9922 for more information about the many services our company provides to seniors in Frederick County.

For more information about the study, log on to http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/salontherapy.htm.