Regarding Your Parents

Pets and the Elderly

Pet ownership for the elderly has many benefits. Studies have shown that pets improve the health of most seniors. Pet companionship can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and make our senior citizens feel happier and safer.  A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that independently living seniors who own pets tend to be more physically fit and have better mental well-being over those who don’t.

Aside from the physical benefits of pet ownership for seniors there are less tangible ones.  Companionship is a huge benefit for a senior who doesn't have any family or friends that live nearby.  Isolation is also a problem for a lot of senior citizens, having a pet will get them out of the house and mingling with other pet owners. Having a pet to care for makes the senior feel needed which gives them a purpose in life.

 If you think you know a senior who would benefit from having a pet, sit down and talk to them about it.  Make sure that they can care for one and that their housing will allow a pet.  The right pet for the right senior can be a very rewarding experience for all.

Hypothermia and Fall Prevention Tips

This time of year hypothermia and falls are more prevalent among the elderly.  Between the cold weather, ice and slippery surfaces the elderly are at a greater risk of injury. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hypothermia causes about 600 deaths every year in the Unites States. About half of those deaths occur in people age 65 and older. There are ways to prevent and reduce these risks.  The elderly get colder faster, here are some tips to insure they stay warm and safe this winter.

• Make sure the thermostats are set correctly
• If they have oil heat, make sure the tank has plenty of oil in it
• Make sure that they are dressed appropriately
• Run errands for them keeping them inside
• If they have space heaters check the placement of them and their electrical cords
• If they heat by wood/pellet stove make sure they have plenty of supplies.
• If they lose power don’t let them stay in their home, either get them to a shelter or someplace where they will remain warm.

 An article in US News states;  One out of three people age 65 and older fall each year, and the odds rise to 70 percent and even higher for the oldest age groups, according to research findings distributed by the American Geriatrics Society.  Falls are a common cause to losing one’s functional independence.  Many falls can be easily prevented with a little work and knowledge

• Make sure walkways and stairs are free of snow and ice
• Take off shoes before going into house, wet floors are very dangerous
• Check for electrical cords and make sure they are not where one can trip over them
• Often time’s medications can sometimes make the elderly off balance. Check with your physician to see if any of you medications have side effects that will affect your stability.
• Shift positions slowly, often times the elderly will become dizzy if they move to fast
• Check an vision concerns
• Wear non-skid comfortable shoes
• Staying fit also is effective in reducing falls

A little prevention goes a long way!

Baby Boomers and Apps / Are you ready?

It’s been 20 plus years since the internet took off in the early 1990's. Now the newest electronics are here, i.e. the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Droid, Nook, Kindle, and the Garminfone, and all their Apps (short for applications software).  You have to ask yourself is it just a marketing ploy for these companies to make money or can these devices benefit us? 

An article in AdAge reveals that boomers are spending more money than any other demographic on electronics.    The boomers represent 25% of the population, but they consume 40% [in total dollars spent] of it.”  The world is moving towards smartphone use and that is where new consumer marketing campaigns will be pitched.

This past October 2010 even AARP introduced their new app. The app allows users to keep up with the latest news relevant to the 50+ community; share their favorite content from AARP.org via Facebook, Twitter or email; watch AARP video clips; and keep on top of the latest benefits and services available to AARP members. Additionally, users can now renew their membership and even carry a digital version of their AARP membership card for easy access to member activities and programs and to receive discounts on products and services from benefit providers.

Boomers, as a broad segment (born 1946-1964), have been slower than younger people to embrace and adopt new technologies. A recent study, however, shows that boomers don’t have an aversion to technology.  Already, the majority of Boomers consider their mobile phone a necessity.

As Boomers work beyond retirement age, the business aspect of the smartphone will make them a valuable and critical link to business and health — just as text messaging continues to be essential for teens. According to the Wall Street Journal, as we continue to take care of our parents software developers are creating more apps aimed at providing for seniors.

Smartphones and iPad’s have made internet access so mobile; in fact, you carry it around with you.  This technology can be quite a useful tool.  I'm still getting used to my cell phone; it is going to take me a while to move forward.   How about you?

What has the library done for you lately?

Instead of using your credit card use your library card.

Oh, the places the library can take you!  I would say its a hidden jewel in every town.  Its such a wonderful place.  I find myself there when I'm searching for information or direction and sometimes even inspiration.  It brings up memories of my mom,  she always got involved at our library and took advantage of its offerings.

• Reading local newspapers and magazine subscriptions
• Borrow Movies
• Music CD's
• Books on audio, large print, paperbacks and hardcovers
• Take a trip/adventure to another place, via books, dvd's,  and the internet
• Play games on the computer
• Volunteer and help out, libraries offer many programs such as literacy programs
• Free classes from internet learning, arts & crafts, math homework, the list goes on .......

Visit the Old Colony Library Network website from your home to learn more about what's available to you. Don't miss out! 

If your unable to get out, the library will come to you through their outreach program.  Check with your local library for further details.