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 Frederick County to learn how a CAREGiver could help him: www.homeinstead.com/627
For more about this study, log on to the podcast at http://www.cochrane.org/podcasts/review_summaries/2009issue4/issue4_2009_elderly.html.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 9, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 2, 2009
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:
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.
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