The days of technophobic older adults who steer clear of the internet and have no idea what Facebook is when younger generations mention it are long gone. Today San Diego seniors are as active online as teenagers and young adults; in fact, according to Facebook, in the last year, the number of female members aged 55 and older has grown by 175% in the last year. So what are the major reasons seniors aren’t just leaving the technology of social networking to those who are doing it because it’s trendy?

1. To stay in touch – with all generations of family online on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and more, seniors can stay connected to their loved ones through written communication, photo sharing and the other features that these sites offer

2. Bridging the generational gap – connecting online with grandchildren and younger generations of the family can bring seniors closer to their loved ones of shared interests. It doesn’t even have to be through traditional social networking sites, but through games using video game platforms like the Nintendo Wii that allow players from different locations to play together

3. An easy way to meet people – especially later in life, seniors might have a harder time making new friends or seeking support to deal with their aging issues. But, social networks make for a risk-free meeting place

4. Communication without limitations – as seniors get older, they might deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone, or other issues that inhibit their ability to communicate. By getting online, there are methods of communication that work for almost everyone

5. Networking for jobs – for older seniors who have yet to retire or are looking for volunteer opportunities after retirement, simply networking can help to open doors, especially when using social networks like Linked In

Via: AARP Bulletin Today

Image: www.jupiterimages.com

Summer might be approaching its end, but seniors in San Diego still need to be sure that they protect themselves from the effects of the heat where they live year-round. While San Diego might be perceived as a more temperature climate than Arizona or even Los Angeles in the same state, that’s a misconception that could result in some serious health complications or even death for seniors. Despite the perception that San Diego doesn’t receive major hot spells, the lack of preparation is what can be potentially fatal for seniors. More seniors are living alone and are left vulnerable to the heat because of lack of air conditioning, and others refuse to turn it on even when available because of the cost.

As San Diego is one of the more vulnerable locations for heat waves, seniors need to be aware of the potential repercussions of heat upon their health, and take advantage of the cooling stations that have been setup around the city to keep seniors cool, hydrated and healthy even during a heat wave. More than 140 public buildings and private businesses have joined in the San Diego Cool Zone program to help protect seniors and other families vulnerable to the effects of heat, that way they remain less vulnerable and don’t have to worry about whether they can afford to protect their health, even when the heat hits.

Via: Sign on San Diego

Image: jupiterimages.com

Getting older can make it a challenge to do many things, and getting dressed can be one thing that San Diego seniors struggle with, often having to rely upon family members or caregivers to assist them in getting dressed, which can feel like a major blow to their independence. Fortunately, Silvert’s Adaptive Clothing and Footwear makes it easier for seniors suffering with arthritis to get dressed by themselves, or simpler for caregivers trying to help them. Here are a few interesting and useful assisted clothing products offered by the company:

1. The Arthritic Front Closing Eezee Bra - this bra has finger loops to help with dressing, and large hooks in the front that make it easy for even women with limited hand dexterity to dress without assistance

2. Wheelchair Pants these pants make it possible for a caregiver to help a senior get dressed without having to move them from their wheelchair. There is also a back flap that makes it easier for seniors to use the bathroom, or for caregivers to help change them.

3. Extra Wide Slippers because it’s not uncommon for older men and women to have problems with swelling in their feet and ankles, Silvert carries these slippers which open up wide enough to be easily slipped on and can be adjusted to size. With a Velcro closure, it’s easy for any senior to secure.

4. Hospital Gowns for Men and Women - hospital gowns provided at any San Diego hospital just don’t have the comfortable feel of the nightwear seniors are used to, but the usual stuff that they wear just isn’t great for the hospital. These gowns are backless but more comfortable and attractive than what seniors will receive at the hospital

It’s not uncommon for San Diego seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia to demonstrate combative or agitated behavior. It can occur due to any number of reasons, and caregivers need to help narrow it down to help them learn how to manage the behaviors. Dealing with an aggressive senior is never easy, but caregivers can get through it by following these tips:

1. Try to narrow down the cause of the behavior – ask “who, what, where, when, why?” and try to find commonalities in the situations when the behavior occurs. This will help caregivers to determine if the changes in behavior could be caused by physical discomfort, over-stimulation, confusing surroundings, complicated tasks, or frustrating situations with communication problems

2. Be prepared to soothe and distract – have a memory box, photo and other familiar items ready to soothe or distract the combative and upset senior

3. Watch for signs – be aware of physical signs that they’re becoming agitated; most will be non-verbal and you might be able to defuse the situation before the senior becomes too upset

4. Move it – move to a different environment or a quieter spot if the senior is over-stimulated

5. Slow down your actions – as the senior becomes more upset, he/she is likely to speed up communication and actions in the agitation. Slow down, talk slowly, and you can have a soothing effect

6. Remove dangerous objects – keep sharp, pointy and other dangerous objects in a safe and secure place. If the senior becomes agitated, he/she might accidentally harm themselves or someone else

Via: Wellington Parc

Image: istockphotos.com

Whether you are a senior preparing yourself and your own home for a potential earthquake devastating the San Diego area where you live, or a caregiver helping an important older adult in your life remain safe during and after a natural disaster, you can benefit from these 6 ways to stay safe in an earthquake!

1. Identify hazards in the home and fix them! Hire a professional contractor for potential issues with the home itself, and secure objects around the home and put them in safe places to minimize damage and injury

2. Create a disaster preparedness plan. Know how you’ll get out of the house in the case of the earthquake and where you’ll go. Share this information with family and friends.

3. Create disaster kits – include non-perishable food, water, and other necessities like flashlights to ensure you can survive for a few days at a time if necessary after an earth quake hits

4. Protect yourself – know how to protect yourself during earthquake safety. Ensure you sit down in a safe spot in your home where objects can’t fall on you to prevent you from losing your balance or getting injured

5. Check things out after a quake – after a quake, check yourself for injuries and observe the state of your home

6. Follow your disaster plan – after the quake has stopped, if safe, implement your disaster plan

Via: KPSP Local

Image: pro.corbis.com

There are some things that we take for granted in our lives, and one of those things is having access to healthy foods, and a fridge that is full of options. With the state of the economy today, those of us who are fortunate to have these things, truly are lucky; because there are many, especially seniors, who don’t have access to the foods that will help them to maintain their health. However, with programs like the Elderly Nutrition Program, seniors don’t need to go without.

The Elderly Nutrition Programs ensures that all seniors can have their meals, at no cost, so there is no financial implication, how and where they need them. Congregate meal programs are available around San Diego in churches, schools and community centers, giving seniors the opportunity to socialize over a hot meal. Meal Delivery Programs like Meals on Wheels has one meal a day delivered to seniors in their San Diego homes, so regardless of their level of mobility, they still have the option to have a nice nutritious meal.

Sources:

1. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

2. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

Image: firstbaptistburlington.com

If you’re a caregiver in San Diego at some point in your career, you’ve probably encountered resistance from an elderly caregiver during one or more meals, because they just didn’t want to eat. This is not uncommon, since food tends to taste differently to seniors, and mealtimes can often have negative associations. But to avoid poor nutrition, caregivers need to try and combat these issues to improve senior habits, and they can do it by implementing the following 6 methods:

1) Add flavor – instead of sticking with traditional bland spices like salt and pepper, experiment with stronger flavors in spices to enhance the taste of a meal. This will help seniors with a limited sense of taste enjoy their meal!

2) Enhance the look – as senior’s vision declines, meals might appear less appealing. Use lots of color in the preparation of meals and really focus on its presentation so it looks even tastier!

3) Ask about medications – medications might influence a senior’s sense of taste. If your senior no longer enjoys eating, ask their doctor if a medication could be responsible and if it’s possible to substitute it for something else

4) Prevent constipation – constipation cause by prescriptions might prevent seniors from feeling hungry; encourage them to drink a lot of water, ensure they’re getting adequate fiber, and talk to a doctor about options if constipation is a regular problem

5) Make chewing easier – avoid foods that are particularly hard or sticky in your senior has trouble chewing. Also bringing them to have their dentures adjusted could benefit if they rub or make chewing challenging

6) Make mealtime fun – seniors may feel lonely dining alone after years of meals surrounded by family. Regularly encourage family members to get together, and when possible dine with your senior and make it a memorable event so they establish positive associations with eating

Sources:

a. Aging Care

b. Caregiver

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

You’re never too old to remain active San Diego seniors, and to motivate yourself, all you need to do is attend the Senior Games Opening Ceremonies taking place on August 30th. The Torch Run kicks off the event beginning at the USS Midway, where it will run an approximately 5 hour course until it reaches the Handlery Hotel. Only 150 attendees can observe the opening ceremonies for one of San Diego’s most exciting events for seniors, so it’s time to make your requests to attend now.

The San Diego Senior Games showcases the top senior athletes across the United States, proving that no physical task is too daunting for seniors regardless of their age or background. Following the Opening Ceremonies, there are a number of tournaments and events taking place around San Diego during the month of September, so you can check out your favorite sports like Soccer, Billiards, Golf, Track & Field and more and be empowered by watching people of your demographic conquer some of the greatest physical challenges!

Sources:

1. San Diego Senior Olympics

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

As a caregiver or family member of a senior who has recently received a devastating diagnosis from a San Diego doctor that has brought them face-to-face with their mortality, you’re likely coping with your own emotions as well as trying to provide emotional support to the sick senior. You walk a fine line when trying to improve a senior’s emotional well-being, it doesn’t take much to upset them more even when you’re trying to help. So, when providing support to your San Diego loved one who is ill, follow these 12 tips for coping with a chronic diagnosis:

1) Accept your loved ones negative emotions and lend a supportive ear, but don’t agree with the things they’re saying

2) Ask your senior how he/she is feeling on a regular basis and encourage conversation

3) Be honest; don’t give them false hope, but don’t sugar coat things either. They should be able to rely on you for straight answers

4) Focus on the positive and encourage your senior to do the same

5) Don’t give pity, but do give empathy

6) Don’t allow your loved one to become isolated, keep them in the loop about other friends and family members

7) Understand that everyone deals with emotions differently

8) Seniors might repeat the same stories, but listen and provide support every time

9) Make sure your support is physically available – visit often, call or send emails/letters

10) Understand that sometimes your loved one will need privacy, physically and emotionally

11) Know that a critical illness can effect the mind and soul as well as the body

12) Don’t underestimate the power of physical touch

Sources:

a. Caregivers Library

As a caregiver, a big part of my job is to prepare meals and help my care recipient with meal preparation and errand running, since he no longer has a car and finds it too physically straining to cook his own meals. I was hired because his family said that without assistance, he would forgo healthy meal options, and they became very concerned about the impact it was having on his health. I know, however, that not all seniors can afford to have a home caregiver provide for their every need, despite the growing affordability; so seniors like my caregiver might find themselves stuck for options with a lack of availability to healthy meals when they can’t get themselves there.

One option is to hire a caregiver even once a week to take them to the grocery store, choose healthy options, and to have meals prepared and frozen that can be heated up easily later in the week by the senior. Or, like in San Diego there are transportation services designed specifically to take seniors to their local grocery stores, so they don’t need to worry about finding transportation, or risking injury by trying to walk there and carry their weekly groceries home. Even with a caregiver available, some seniors might choose to use a shopping service like this because it allows them to maintain a sense of independence, and can even be a great way to socialize with other seniors who they go shopping with on a regular basis.

I’ll admit I’m an advocate for in-home senior care, as a caregiver myself, but I know that seniors and there families like to have options, so I think it’s important to let them know what’s available!

Sources:

1. Warwick Beacon

2. The Township of Edison New Jersey

Image Source: pro.corbis.com