LGBT Issues for Seniors

Categories: Active Senior Living, Aging Advocacy, GLBT, Helping Seniors, Resources, Uncategorized

Philly.com recently released an article that discussed an equality forum that was held to address problems of lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans-gender (LGBT) seniors. Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan weighs in on the issues:

“On November 16, 2010,  Advocate On Aging posted a podcast about aging issues of LGBT seniors.  The issues are enormous as noted in this article and often create fear and uncertainty at a time we are losing much of ourselves anyway – our jobs, our friends, our way of life.  For LGBT seniors, they must face the added uncertainty of “coming out” again if they are forced to move into a retirement or continuum of care community.  For transgendered seniors, health issues may require they see doctors other than their primary care providers.  They will be required again to explain their outward presentation of one gender while coping with the illnesses associated with the other gender.  Few people – heterosexual or LGBT — have the long-term, supportive relationship that Joel and Bob (the subjects of this article) have created.  Given time I believe acceptance will occur.  Until then, may we work harder to open our minds, talk, teach and provide non-judgmental support to all who do not fit into some predetermined set of ‘normal’ lifestyle choices.”

Granting Independence to Seniors

Categories: Active Senior Living, Aging Advocacy, Caring For Elderly, Grandparents, Helping Seniors, In-Home Care, Planning, Prevention, Resources

When it comes to elder care, independence can be a difficult issue to address. While seniors might need assistance with their daily tasks, it is necessary as a care giver to allow each elderly person to keep his or her dignity as much as possible. According to Rye.Patch.com, the organization SPRYE, a New York-based non-profit that aims to assist elderly Sound Shore Medical Center residents in remaining independent as they age, has received a state grant to pay for its start-up costs. SPRYE credits State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer with assistance in obtaining the $10,000 grant.

“My hat is off to Sound Shores, Senator Suzi Oppenheimer and the State of New York for understanding the needs of their elder population and finding the funds to begin to take care of those needs,” said Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging.  “The only problem I see is that $10,000 is a drop in the bucket for this huge issue.  Not that I’d turn down $10,000 to help the elderly in any way, but there is a bushel basket of fast-growing needs to fill in order for seniors to remain in their homes and as independent as possible.  I love volunteers and volunteerism; I hope some of our healthiest seniors who understand the needs of their peers will volunteer to help.”

Learn more about preserving dignity for seniors.

Should other states follow New York's example to help seniors live independently?

SSA adds Alzheimer’s to Compassionate Allowance Initiative

Categories: Aging Advocacy, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Health Care Reform, Helping Seniors, Medical, Podcasts, Resources, social security

 SSA adds Alzheimer's to Compassionate Allowance Initiative [10:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (102)

Deborah Dolan, the Advocate on Aging, and Kevyn Burger, host of the show,  discuss the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) decision to add early-onset Alzheimer’s disease to Compassionate Allowance Initiative. Under this initiative, the SSA finds individuals with certain diseases/conditions eligible for Social Security disability.

Links:

Regional Alzheimer’s Association Conference podcast

Alzheimer’s Association – SSA qualification information

Deborah Discusses “Over 90 and Loving It”

Categories: Active Senior Living, Aging Advocacy, Caring For Elderly, Grandparents, Helping Seniors, Planning, Podcasts, Resources, Retirement, Uncategorized, depression

 Over 90 and Loving It [10:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (64)

Deborah Dolan, the Advocate on Aging, and Kevyn Burger, host of the show,  discuss the new film “Over 90 and Loving It.” The two also discuss what it means to have a positive attitude about your current stage in life. As Deborah points out, getting older doesn’t mean that you have to become sedentary! Life after retirement should still be a great part of your life.

Intimacy and Sexuality in Dementia

Categories: Aging Advocacy, Alzheimer's, Caring For Elderly, Dementia, Helping Seniors, Medical, Podcasts, Resources

 Intimacy and Sexuality in Dementia [15:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (58)

Deborah Dolan, the Advocate on Aging, and Kevyn Burger, host of the show, further discuss The Meeting of the Minds: Dementia Conference. The Alzheimers Association partnering with the Mayor Clinic puts on a one-day conference, held at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota, that is designed to inform, equip and support persons with dementia, family caregivers and professionals. In this podcast, Deborah & Kevyn discuss the topic of intimacy and sexuality in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Jan’s Story is a book written by Barry Peterson about redefining our family and romantic directives. Intimacy, Sexuality and Alzheimers Disease” was the topic of the breakout sessions with Glenn Smith, Ph.D., L.P., Professor of Psychology for the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.

Is there such thing as a romantic directive?

Five New Genes Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

Categories: Aging Advocacy, Alzheimer's, Caring For Elderly, Dementia, Helping Seniors, Medical, Resources

Bloomberg.com recently reported that five new genes have been definitively linked to Alzheimer’s disease, which doubles the total number confirmed by scientists.  This found information creates new areas for research into an illness that affects 35 million people globally.

“Hope grows with every small step taken toward identifying how to immunize against, treat or stop altogether this difficult disease called Alzheimer’s,” said Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging. “Here’s a little more hope and inspiration to add to what we know.”

Read the story.

Deborah Dolan’s Top 5 Reasons for Seniors to Become Comfortable with a Computer

Categories: Active Senior Living, Caring For Elderly, Elderly Drivers, Grandparents, Helping Seniors, Resources, Uncategorized

Just because you didn’t grow up learning how to use a computer, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to try it now! Need a few reasons why? How about for communication purposes, to read research and reviews on doctors/medications, to find updated news, to order products/items online instead of having to drive or get a ride to the store – and there are many more reasons! Here are Advocate on Aging Debora Dolan’s top 5 reasons to become comfortable with a computer:

1. The rest of the world depends on the computer for information and communication – time to join in!
2. Your grandkids will say that they know more than you if you don’t become computer literate! Why not become computer savvy to be able to communicate with your family in a different way?
3. It helps you connect with those places you no longer are able to travel to – from the grocery store to the Turkish flea market!
4. The internet gives you the tools to care for yourself. For example, you can keep your medication list on file and current, research the reasons why you have been prescribed a certain medication, or view your medical records.
5. Using a computer gives you reason to think, which means it allows your brain to organize information and solve problems. All of these activities promote mental acuity to help you stay mentally young.

How “Senior-Friendly” is Your Favorite Restaurant?

Categories: Active Senior Living, Caring For Elderly, Helping Seniors

Some restaurant experiences can be all about the ambiance – the soft lighting, beautiful music and creatively designed menus. As you take your seat and begin to enjoy yourself with others at your table, you notice that it can be difficult to hold a conversation with loudness of the mood-setting music. Once you take a glance at the menu you notice that between the low-lighting small type, it can be hard to read the list of options.

As the baby boomer population ages, will more restaurants need to cater to the needs of seniors?

“Fast forward 20 years, and we baby boomers will have yet another perspective to offer on many aspects of life!” said Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan.  “Seriously, our citizens over 70 are frequent customers to various restaurants around town.  It would be an excellent business practice to increase the size of the menu font to 14 instead of 12 or smaller, and be sure the font type is simple – straight lines and no curly-ques.”

As for using “cheaters,” or reading glasses, Deborah agrees that they can be very helpful. “Readers in a basket is a good idea. How about those flashlight with magnifying glass in a basket as well to help so the ambiance created by the low-lighting remains intact? Don’t forget the comfort foods on the menu!  I rather like the idea of ‘prune brulee’!  A little creative thinking increases the pleasure for everyone!”