Posted on October 29th, 2010
Although it is under-diagnosed, depression can be a crippling and sometimes deadly condition. The signs of depression can be very hard to recognize, especially when it comes to the elderly. That’s why it is very important to watch for early signs of the disease so that the patient can be treated as quickly and effectively as possible. Keep in mind — it is a treatable condition.
“According to a well-known Twin Cities’ geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. William B. Orr, one of the most under diagnosed diseases among the elderly is depression,” says Deborah Dolan, an Advocate on Aging. “Since learning this fact, I often ask concerned loved ones about signs or symptoms that could be related to depression as well as dementia. At certain stages of either illness, they can mirror one another. Of course, the only way to know for sure is to be tested by a qualified physician.”
One way to check yourself or someone you care about for depression is to do a screening to test for symptoms. One online site that offers anonymous screening is www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. If you have serious concerns about depression symptoms in yourself or someone you know, consult a doctor immediately.
Tags: depression in the elderly, depression is most under diagnosed disease, depression symptoms, elderly, elderly depression, helpyourselfhelpothers, helpyourselfhelpothers.org, screening for depression symptoms, seniors, signs of depression, under diagnosed disease among elderly
Posted on October 27th, 2010
According to the Senior Living blog on About.com, seniors are expected to be at the mid-term election polls in significantly greater numbers than younger adults are predicted to be this November. The blog sites a poll conducted by AARP showing that 80 percent of people age 50 and over plan to vote in the mid-term congressional elections next month compared to only 54 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 49.
Why are so many seniors planning to go to the polls on November 2nd? “This group represents the aging Baby Boomer population more than ever. These mature citizens will not stand by and have decisions made for them,” said Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging. “The Boomers want to have a voice, and they will do whatever it takes to be heard. With so many changes occurring in government and the economy that will directly affect their lives, they will choose to vote to make their wishes known and to give power to the candidates who will support their cause.”
No matter what age you are, make sure you register to vote and get to the polls on November 2nd! Want to help some seniors do the same? If you know someone who is unable to leave home to vote, help him or her apply for an absentee ballot. In Minnesota, more information and applications for absentee ballots are available on the Secretary of State’s website. If you are a caregiver, live near an assisted living center, or have older relatives or friends, consider giving them a ride so that their voices can also be heard.
Tags: aging baby boomer, aging baby boomer population, aging baby boomers, baby boomers, elders voting, November elections, seniors, seniors voting, seniors voting in election, seniors voting in November, unable to leave home to vote, vote in November, Voting
Posted on October 25th, 2010
Click on the play button below to hear this episode of the Advocate on Aging.
October is Crime Prevention Month and many times the elderly are the main targets. Scams and crimes against the senior population are discussed between Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging and Kevyn Burger, host of the show.
Posted on October 22nd, 2010
 Seeing extra pink lately? That’s because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is meant to educate others about the disease and encourage support for the fight against it. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States last year.
While breast cancer is an issue that has truly pushed women to band together, there are other concerns that require our full attention. With November right around the corner, why not join together for another women’s issue; exercising your hard-earned right to vote. Only 90 years ago in 1920 women were not allowed to vote, and today there are so many who already take that hard-earned right for granted. Various reports from the 2008 election list voter turn-out at roughly 61 percent, which was said to be at much higher levels than usual. As a country, are we satisfied with these numbers?
“With all of the changes happening right now in health care for seniors, women need to make their voices heard loud and clear now more than ever,” said Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging. “Decisions made today will affect us in more ways than we know now. They will affect generations to follow, so make your choice known and your vote count.”
Numerous lives have been sacrificed to protect our freedom so that we can have the privileges we do today, so why are so many people wasting them? If you’re thinking that your one vote doesn’t make a difference, think about what would happen if everyone felt that way and no one voted. Or talk to candidates who have won elections by only a handful of votes. Stop and think about your grandmothers, great grandmothers and ancestors before them who didn’t even have the option to have their voices be heard. On November 2nd, do not take your right to vote for granted.
If your female ancestors were alive today, what do you think they would say to you about exercising your right to vote?
Tags: breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, elderly voting, elderly women, elderly women and breast cancer, exercising your right to vote, health care for seniors, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, right to vote, voting for elderly
Posted on October 20th, 2010
With tightened airport security in the past several years, many rules have changed for airline passengers. Some of these changes can be quite an inconvenience, especially for elderly passengers. What about a passenger that needs to be on oxygen at all times? If not correctly prepared for traveling, airport changes could be dangerous to oxygen-dependent travelers.
If you or someone you know is planning to fly while on oxygen, here are a few tips courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website to keep in mind for a smoother travel experience:
- Discuss all plans for air travel with your doctor prior to booking your flight.
- Make arrangements for taking oxygen on board the plane before arriving at the airport. Notify the carrier when you make your reservation that you will need to use supplemental oxygen aboard the aircraft(s).
- Arrangements must be made for both departure and return flights separately.
- Note that not every airline offers supplemental oxygen service, or may not offer it aboard all types of aircrafts. Inquire whether: 1) the airline provides oxygen service, 2) it is available on the flights you wish to take, and 3) you must provide a doctor’s letter or permit them to contact your doctor directly to verify your medical need.
- Your oxygen equipment will need to be cleared by security. Ask your doctor if you can safely disconnect yourself from your oxygen in order to have it inspected. If your doctor says that you cannot disconnect, inform security of this and ask for an alternate inspection process.
- Check the airline’s website or call the company directly if you have any other questions or concerns. Different airlines can have different procedures or rules for those flying with oxygen.
For more information, visit TSA’s website and you can also download the “Airline Travel With Oxygen” brochure for more answers.
Tags: advocate on aging, alternate inspection process for elderly, alternate inspection process for seniors, arrangements for taking oxygen on board the plane, elderly passengers, fly while on oxygen, flying with oxygen, oxygen-dependent travelers, senior passengers, supplemental oxygen service, tightened airport security
Posted on October 17th, 2010
Click on the play button below to hear this episode of the Advocate on Aging.
“The lowest form of life are those who would choose to prey on the vulnerable.” Deborah Dolan and Kevyn Burger discuss scams and crimes against the elderly during October’s Crime Prevention Month. Take precautions to prevent crime and theft. Theft doesn’t just happen with money it happens quite often with medications as well. What can you do to prevent these types of horrendous acts? Tune in to the Advocate on Aging!
Tags: crime prevention, crime prevention month, elderly, elderly scams, october is crime prevention month, praying on the vulnerable, scam artist, scam artists, scam on elderly, seniors, solicitation scams
Tags: advocate, advocate for elderly, advocate on aging, advocating for elderly in their lives, advocating for elders, aging, deborah dolan, elder care, eldercare, geriatric care manager, geriatrics, human resources, kevyn burger, organizational development, senior care, senior life transitions, seniorcare
Posted on October 6th, 2010
Now that fall is officially here, take advantage of the beautiful colors and cooler temperatures before winter by spending time outdoors walking, biking, or even taking a trip to the local orchard.
As the days continue to shorten, make sure to help your body adjust to the change in sunlight. Adequate sunlight is an essential part of the chemical process that helps our bodies produce vitamin D. Lack of sunlight can cause Seasonal-Affective Disorder (SAD), which usually appears during the colder months of fall and winter when there is less exposure to sunlight during the day. Symptoms can include fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, craving foods high in carbohydrates, social withdrawal and weight gain. Depression symptoms are usually mild to moderate, but they can become severe.
How can you protect yourself against SAD? Try to spend time outside whenever possible to expose yourself to natural sunlight. If it’s too cold to be outdoors, try arranging your home or office so that you are exposed to a window during the day. However, if you feel the depression is becoming severe, consult a doctor immediately. With the right course of treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
For more information on SAD and available resources, take a look at the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Posted on October 4th, 2010
As we fully swing into fall this October, be sure to keep in mind that October is National Crime Prevention Month. Wondering what that means and how you can celebrate? According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), “Crime prevention means reducing the chances for criminals to victimize you, your family, and neighbors. It means protecting property and teaching kids and adults to be alert and aware. It means doing things that build communities up, and stopping things that tear communities down.”
When it comes to senior care, take this month to remind seniors, caregivers and loved ones to stay alert and protect themselves from becoming a victim. Here are a few tips to keep you safe:
- Whenever possible, go out in public with another person or in a group.
- If you are leaving a mall or store alone and need to walk to your car in the dark (or if you just feel uncomfortable going by yourself), ask someone to walk you to your vehicle, such as a mall security guard or an employee of the store.
- Keep your wallet/purse as close as possible when in public. Make sure purses are zipped up and that wallets do not have any money hanging out.
- Only give your personal passwords, pins and financial information to a select few loved ones whom you trust.
- Be alert in your local area/neighborhood for suspicious crime activity. If you see something questionable, contact your local authorities immediately.
- Talk to local neighbors about creating a neighborhood watch program. For more information or tips on creating a watch group for your neighborhood, visit http://www.USAonWatch.org.
- When going out of town, try to make your absence known to as few people as possible. Alerting everyone that your home will be empty makes it a great target for burglary. Consider a house sitter or someone who can check in on your home while you are away.
- Known scams that are being conducting in your area and especially scams focused on seniors.
Visit NCPC’s website for more information, resources and to download your own Crime Prevention Month Kit for free at http://www.ncpc.org/programs/crime-prevention-month/crime-prevention-month-kits
Most importantly, stay safe!
Tags: be alert and aware, crime prevention, crime prevention for seniors, national crime prevention, National Crime Prevention Council, national crime prevention month, NCPC, October, October is National Crime Prevention Month, scams focused on seniors, senior scams, tips for preventing scams, tips for prevention crime, tips for staying safe, USAonWatch.org USA on Watch
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