For many San Diego seniors, their income from pensions, SSI, Social Security and other forms of government assistance are not enough to provide for their costs of daily living and medical expenses that are either ongoing or unexpected, and things are only getting worse. After the state tried to decrease their budget gap last month by reducing SSI by $37 for seniors and disabled citizens last month, this month, payments have been reduced by an additional $20.

For seniors who have already been struggling to make ends meet, this can make or break their accessibility to health care and senior care services. While some seniors might be able to cut back on other expenses in order to make up for a loss of supplemental income, there are many San Diego seniors that rely on the funds to survive; and now that they’re no longer being distributed, seniors might have to choose between eating that week, picking up their required prescriptions, receiving in-home senior care services, or even going to the hospital or doctor when they believe they need treatment or medical attention.

As the country suffers as a result of the economic downturn, it’s those who need the assistance most that are finding themselves at a disadvantage; without other sources of income to support themselves, a reduction in supplemental assistance can make the difference between a healthy, happy life and an early trip to the grave.

Sources:

1. 10 News

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

What would we do without email? It’s a quick and direct way to deliver a quick message, send photos, and generally keep in touch. But, when older family members who are separated from you by distance don’t use email, it can create a challenge. With this in mind, a new company called Sunnygram makes it possible to communicate with your elderly mom or dad in San Diego or your grandparents who have yet to find themselves online.

For a monthly subscription fee, Sunnygram allows families to send emails to their elderly loved ones, and on a weekly basis the company prints out a newsletter with email messages, photos and other details sent by the family or friends. It’s an affordable service which gives family members the convenience of technology-based communication, while allowing their elderly loved ones to read and respond in the methods that they’re most comfortable with. A service like this ensures that there is no loss in communication between family members just because some have embraced modern methods in communication, while others remain technologically disinclined.

Sources:

1. CNN

2. Inventor Spot

Image Source: sunnygram.com

Q - My mother has been suffering with dementia for a number of years; it’s affected her ability to sleep and also her general mood and disposition. Her San Diego doctor has prescribed her medications to deal with these symptoms, but I would really like to see these medications reduced because I feel like she’s constantly being drugged. Are there any natural ways to help improve these symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia in seniors?

A – Actually, your question couldn’t come at a better time, because a recent study conducted in New Zealand shows that a very simple change in a senior’s residence can make a world of difference. By increasing the amount of light in a senior’s home during the day, they can establish a better circadian rhythm which sets up sleeping patterns and helps seniors to sleep through the night. Melatonin supplements can also have a similar result if taken on a regular basis. Not only can both of these methods help improve sleeping patterns, which is a common issue amongst San Diego  seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s; it can also improve their overall mood, both through the changes in sleep and helping out with general feelings of well-being. Try out the light techniques on your mother, all you need to do is purchase some brighter light bulbs or increase the number of light sources in the main rooms of her home, or make sure that the blinds are open wide so natural light can come into her home during the day.

Sources:

1. New York Times

2. Web MD

3. The Journal of American Medical Association

Image Source: scientificamerican.com

There are tons of events happening in San Diego this summer, but it can be a challenge for seniors in San Diego to find those that are geared to them. Now, these individuals need to look no further than the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Senior Services. Their website maintains a list of all of the hot events and other things happening in the region that are geared towards seniors. Listed are volunteer opportunities, information about free legal assistance, trips, dances and other special events that are taking place year-round, and information about the Senior Lounge in Balboa Park.

This is one main resource that helps connect San Diego seniors that allow them to socialize and enjoy activities that are happening throughout the summer and year-round, where they can socialize, connect with their peers, and have a chance to get out themselves and take advantage of everything the beautiful city they live in has to offer.

Sources:
1. The City of San Diego

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

It’s an amazing thing that seniors are living longer; later into their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond, and more are making it to those milestones than ever before. The availability of senior care services, health care, and knowledge about aging are all helping seniors to live longer, healthier and happier lives. This should be a reason to celebrate, so why isn’t society breaking out the champagne in honor of us living longer than ever? Because as the senior population of over 65’s is continuing to grow in San Diego and across the United States with some 506 million seniors, the senior care industry and other social services just aren’t sure how they’ll be able to keep up. In the next 30 years, the population of over 65’s is expected to double to approximately 1.8 billion and it might just not be possible for the health care system or pension programs to keep up with the needs of so many older adults.

While most state governments, including San Diego’s are aware of the need for a resolution, they just aren’t sure how to compensate with the prospective increase that’s resulting from longer life spans. So as we can look forward to living longer lives and having lengthy retirement; we also can’t help but wonder if that’s going to be a positive thing for the quality of life that we’d like to expect.

Sources:

1. Reuters

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

As we age, our bodies begin to process vitamins and minerals less efficiently, which can result in deficiencies of necessary vitamins in seniors. Taking vitamin supplements to increase intake of calcium, vitamins B & D, iron, etc. seems to be many seniors’ answer for the lack nutrients they’re getting, but the benefits are still up for debate. According to a study released by the Archives of Internal Medicine, vitamin supplements may not do anything when it comes to improving senior health.

Studies have proven that vitamins, minerals and nutrients derived from fruits, vegetables and whole grains do promote healthy aging, however, when these vitamins are extracted and taken as vitamin supplements, they don’t have the same affects upon preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases as they do in their natural forms. While the belief is that there are no adverse affects from taking vitamin supplements, there is little medical data that supports there is a benefit to regular use.

Seniors looking to improve their overall health and prevent the onset of potentially fatal diseases and illnesses should not rely on vitamin supplements alone; in order to receive the 15 minerals and 13 vitamins required for healthy living, the elderly should focus on proper nutrition and receive their vitamins directly from the source.

Source:

1. forbes.com

Image: pro.corbis.com

Seniors looking to get fit in San Diego don’t need to go to any great expense, or exercise in an environment that surrounds them with people of different fitness levels due to age. Exercise is important, but San Diego seniors shouldn’t be uncomfortable about the fitness program that they choose for any reason. Vista Adult School in San Diego has fitness programs designed specifically for seniors, and understands that for older adults looking to get fit this summer, it’s not about preparing their bikini body to hit the beach, it’s about improving their overall health and hopefully prolonging their life.

The physical fitness programs offered by Vista Adult School give seniors an all around fitness experience that incorporates the following classes:

• Strong and Flexible Fitness for Beginners – a class that teaches seniors coordination, flexibility and proper form. This seniors fitness class runs for 12 weeks, at an affordable fee of $30

• Stretch and Strengthen – designed for seniors who want to improve their strength, stretch their bodies and burn extra calories. This class is 6 weeks in length and costs $29 for seniors

• Healthy and Fit Class – an intermediate class that’s popular among seniors because it focuses upon mat work. This class is 12 weeks in length and costs $45

Any San Diego Seniors who have been looking for a way to get started on a physical fitness program, but have been too intimated to exercise with people of other demographics, or have been concerned about the costs don’t need to make excuses any longer, because Vista Adult School has fitness programs designed with them in mind!

Sources:

1. Associated Content

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Many seniors with Alzheimer’s encounter something called Sundowning; a restlessness and inability to sleep at night. This is a concern for many San Diego families who have seniors that suffer from this disease, because at night, when they should be asleep, is the time when they are most likely to be at home alone, and when unsupervised, some sometimes incognizant of their actions, this can be a serious safety concern. Home caregivers hired to help with San Diego seniors most often work during the day, unless they live in the senior’s home; and since this can be a more costly alternative for many families, it’s hard  to know what to do with seniors with Alzheimer’s to keep them occupied and safe during the nighttime hours.

Elderserve at Night is a one of a kind Alzheimer’s program to help families and seniors living with this disease cope during the nighttime hours when they can become the most restless and likely to injure themselves with no one available to help. With this nighttime program for seniors with Alzheimer’s, seniors are picked up from their homes and kept busy between 7am and 7pm every evening and well into the night. Seniors are given the opportunity to socialize, the engage in guided activities like painting, music, potting plants, and they are provided methods to just relax away from home where they constantly face the worries that come around when the sun sets.

With this program, seniors even receive meals, the opportunity to shower, and the chance to rest if the mood strikes them; but the top benefit is that seniors and their families know that their loved ones aren’t going to become victims of the night.

Sources:

1. NYTimes

Q – After my San Diego mother recovered from breaking her hip when she was in her 80s, she was recommended to use a walker to help her regain her strength and stability, and hopefully prevent another fall. She has been following this advice, but recently I heard that walkers can be a cause of accidents, is there any truth in this?

A – Walkers can cause injury, and in fact, for about 47,000 Americans who end up in the hospital every year, walkers can be a direct cause. But, for most of these seniors, the accidents and injuries do occur as a result of improper use. When a walker is used incorrectly, it can actually put seniors at greater risk than trying to move around without one. When seniors have walkers adjusted to the wrong height, it can cause aches and pains, and by stooping they are compromising their stability. Improper adjustment of a walker can also occur if seniors use a walker that is not their own, so this should be avoided. Often, seniors who use walkers have never received training; hopefully if your mom’s doctor recommended she use a walker, proper usage was also outlined. When seniors use a walker, they need to make sure they don’t move it too far ahead of them, so they can walk comfortably with stability, and they should put it in front of them when sitting so it can be used to pull themselves up.

Walkers may account for some accidents and injuries, but when used properly, they provide support, safety and allow seniors to maintain some independence.

Sources:

1. The New York Times

2. About

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

One of the most common complaints of San Diego seniors is that they just can’t sleep through the night; some lie awake for hours unable to fall asleep, others are tired in the early evening but awake again in the middle of the night, and some have to get up multiple times to go to the bathroom or because of other issues like aches and pains. While some of these seniors may have some of these struggles, such as insomnia, throughout the bulk of their lives, most do not. So why is it that seniors just can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep?

Researchers have some answers to those questions – but they don’t necessarily have them all. For some seniors, illnesses and other issues that come with aging play a major role in lack of sleep; certain medications can cause insomnia and diseases, breathing issues and mental illnesses can all result in interrupted sleep. And of course, those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and coping with grief are going to find they experience physical and emotional changes that can last for various periods of time.

Those who can’t sleep are desperate for solutions, so in order to try and reduce sleeping issues; here are a few things that Los Angeles seniors can try:

• Exercise in the late afternoon rather than the morning, but at least 3 hours before bed

• Eat the largest meal in the midday rather than the evening

• Stop reading or watching TV in bed. Your bedroom should be an atmosphere for sleeping alone

Sources:

1. Time Goes By

Image Source: pro.corbis.com