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.”
Today guest blogger Jolene Bell Makowesky (sister of Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan) weighs in on what you should know about changes in nutrition labels that are on every-day food items.
On January 24th the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) released their Nutrition Keys program in response to Michelle Obama’s request to develop a front-of-pack labeling system that could be widely adopted on food packages in a way that consumers can quickly select more nutritional items when shopping. This replaces another initiative from two years ago named Smart Choices that the FDA labeled as misleading. Let’s face it, the job of food companies are the same as politicians and the media—they need to spin what they are doing or saying to make it “appear” beneficial, safe or in this case healthy.
I have been reading food labels for more than 10 years in an effort to consume a whole foods diet. In essence, focus on cooking fresh or frozen meat, vegetables, and grains; not eating processed foods that have preservatives, colorings, any kind of hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, enriched or bleached flours, and monosodium glutamate as ingredients. Accomplishing this requires a lot of label reading. As I began reading food labels, I discovered two things: 1) there is always a trade-off for purity, and 2) natural does not equate to healthy.
A trade-off for purity directly correlates to “fat free” or “reduced-fat” products. An example is the difference between regular and reduced fat cheddar cheese. Yes, reduced fat cheddar is lower in total fat by three grams and 20 calories per serving. However, it is only one gram lower in saturated fat—that is the bad fat for our body, as well as it is higher in carbohydrates and sugar per serving. Our bodies turn carbohydrates into sugar. So, is saving only one gram of saturated fat worth increasing carbohydrate and sugar intake, when saturated fat and too many carbohydrates are significant contributors to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes?
If fat free or reduced-fat foods are not healthy choices, then logic says products labeled “natural” should be. Not necessarily. Once again reading the label is of utmost importance. Another example, companies will add various cane juices, honey, and maple syrup in order to enhance the flavor of natural grains. Yes, these products are natural and healthier than processed sugars, but too much of a good thing can make these foods items just as unhealthy as processed products.
The moral of the story is that when a senior, or any one, chooses “fat free”, “reduced-fat”, or “all natural” products, compare labels. Just choose products that do not include hydrogenated oils, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and enriched or bleached flours as one of the first five ingredients.
In this podcast, Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan talks with Kevyn Burger about support groups. Support groups are made of people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. The purpose is to address what each person is dealing with in his or her own life, provide support, and often discuss techniques that can help one another cope with their problems. Sometimes the group is needed by someone who is dealing with issues, and sometimes it is needed by the loved one of a person that has issues. Deborah shares her advice on what to look for in a support group, as well as what they can do for you.
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson believes that Tony Hughes of Reputable Rare Coins and others associated with the company are “misrepresenting the value of the rare metals they sell.” The lawsuit against the company involves four separate clients who vary in age from 71 to 91. The combined loses between all four clients exceeds $84,300.
Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan has had experience with the issue of tricking seniors – she has seen a client deal with it first-hand. “One of my clients who was affected with dementia spent $10 to $500 monthly on ‘rare coins,’ ‘recently minted coins,’ or some other descriptor designed to draw her attention,” said Deborah. “Before I met her, she had given her name to a telephone solicitor of these coins, and he called frequently to inquire as to her health and to tell her of the next great deal. He played to her disease perfectly speaking to her by name in a tone of caring and compassion. I had the opportunity to hear a portion of a conversation. Fortunately, my client moved from her home and her phone was disconnected, but I’m sure her caller simply turned his charm toward another unassuming elderly client.”
Deborah also knows that this type of situation happens more often than many people realize. “From my perspective, these sales people are predators preying on the elderly. They have no idea – therefore I assume they do not care – if the elder person has plenty of money or if he is taking their last dime. There is nothing more deplorable than building a relationship built on false promises in an effort to deceive a vulnerable person. Needless to say, I feel very strongly about this situation.”
Work, life, balance – companies need to realize that they need to address helping their employees with personal issues and caregiving. Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging and Kevyn Burger, host of the show, discuss employee assistance programs and the need to increase support in the workplace for senior care, caregiving and elder care issues.
When Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan first began organizing Senior Life Transitions, she thought that she would be very busy with clients near the holidays. She quickly found out that her busiest time is actually right after the holidays in January. Why then? It’s because so many people see their elderly parents and family members over the holidays and notice changes in them due to the aging process.
“Spending more time with family members right before the new year can bring their physical and mental cognitive changes to your attention,” said Deborah. “Staying informed on these changes is extremely important as a caregiver.”
Deborah feels that the biggest changes to look for in seniors are:
Physical
Weight changes either loss or increase
Sleeping pattern changes
Body odors
Bathing habits
Gross misplacement of familiar items
Emotional
Placid
Easily angered
Inappropriate response toward others
Environmental
Rotting food in refrigerator or cupboards
Dirty surroundings
Maintenance items left undone; i.e., burned out lights
If you have concerns about any of these behaviors or signs that you see in an elderly loved one, contact a doctor or professional immediately for safety purposes.
Contraindicate: Do Medication Benefits Outweigh the Risks for Seniors? [10:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (58)
What happens if your loved one has been taking his or her medication for weeks, months, or years and suddenly it no longer has the same effects as it once had? Deborah Dolan, Advocate on Aging, and Kevyn Burger, host of the show, discuss the effects of medication changes as seniors age and tips for keeping those changes under control. Analysis of risk verses benefit is a top priority in determining seniors’ medications. Elder persons and their loved ones must be their own advocates or engage the assistance of a geriatric care manager to ensure that the individual’s best interest is maintained. Each person has a right to question every aspect of his or her own care to ensure knowing why each medication is being prescribed. The number one tip for being your own advocate is “ask, ask, ask.”
Here’s some news that will make you get up and out of your seat. According to a recent study that was reported by AbcNews.com, the faster an elderly person can walk, the longer he or she can expect to live.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh compiled data from several studies and determined that the walking speed of adults 65 years of age and older accurately predicts expected longevity for those individuals. Those involved in the studies were observed over the course of 21 years, and individuals who use walkers or canes were included. The results of this study allow doctors and scientists to use a person’s walking speed as a reflection of his or her underlying health overall.
Advocate on Aging Deborah Dolan is well aware of the benefits of walking regularly. “My sister is a health educator and a sweet-hearted nagger encouraging me to get active,” said Deborah. “While she has worked up a sweat doing many different types of exercise, she has most recently found the joys of daily walking. Being the educator and nagger that she is, she has persuaded me to walk as well – she walks outside; I walk on my treadmill in front of the television. I must confess that I am starting to look better in my clothing and feel better overall. My feet, my knees and my lungs have all adapted nicely to a brisk 35-minute walk four to five mornings a week. Will I live longer? I’m not sure, but I know the quality of my life will be better because of exercising. As you read the article on ABC News, take time to listen to Jack and Elaine LaLanne on video. My personal take away from their message is that with exercise your circulation improves, and with improved circulation you will see improvement in everything from your hair, skin, and sex life to your cognition and elimination. As a gerontologist, I can attest that the last two – declining cognition and elimination – are high on the list of irritations of growing older. So walk! Improve your being – or I’ll have my sister call you!”
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