Age Wave Study

I was recently reading an article about Dr. Ken Dychtwald, who has a 35 year history as a visionary and original thinker regarding lifestyle, marketing, health-care and workforce implications of the “age wave”.  He is a psychologist, gerontologist, documentary film maker, entrepreneur and best selling author of 16 books on aging related issues.  He has dedicated his life to battling ageist stereotypes while promoting a new and vital image of maturity.  I’m sharing some of what he calls “facing the boomer tsunami”.

“Our whole world is sculpted around youth; so in the coming decades, we face an enormous change. Aging is the new frontier.  The mounting population of people over 55-years old during the next 10 years is unprecedented. There is nothing about it that we are prepared for," says Dychtwald. "We can't rely on the past and how we treated seniors. In the past, people didn't age; they died. They died of infectious diseases, not their bodies giving out because of age."

Dychtwald says, “It is time to reset the markers of aging. Life expectancy today is 80 for women, about 74 for men; so using 65 as the marker of old age, as in the past, does not make sense. Two new life stages -- "Middle Essence" from 50-65 years of age and "Late Adulthood" for those over 65 -- matches today's reality”

Dychtwald also suggests "flexible life scheduling" as a new model for aging. Instead of facing decades of retirement without work, elders could cycle between periods of work, volunteerism and leisure. "There will be people who work because they have to and those who work because they wish to," he says "And there will be people who take up 'encore careers' and engage in lifelong learning."

Creating a new image for people of advanced years is also critical, Dychtwald says. Instead of seeing elders as non-productive, "We should view older people as contributors of their talent, experience and abilities. We should create a new social model where older people can be useful. Older people have more free time than any other age group and the most life experience, so why don't we use them?"

One last area of focus in the article was geriatric medical care. Fostering healthy aging by accelerating medical research is imperative, according to Dr. Dychtwald. Presently, only 57 cents per capita is spent on medical research in this country while over $4 per capita is spent on Medicare and over $6 on defense. "We don't take spending on medical research as seriously as we should." He also asserted that too few medical professionals receive training in geriatrics. 

Some critical course corrections could substantially improve the way seniors age in the coming decades, says Dr. Dychtwald.  I think we can all learn from Dr. Dychtwald’s wisdom.

Managing Diabetes

As people get older, their risk for type 2 diabetes increases.  In fact, in the United States about one in four people over the age of 60 have diabetes.  If you already have diabetes, you may find that you need to adjust how you manage your condition as the years go by. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?  When you eat, food is broken down into sugar called glucose.  Glucose gives your body the energy it needs to work.  But, to use glucose as energy your body makes insulin, which “unlocks” your body’s cells so they can receive the glucose they need.  When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or use it well.  This means your cells can’t use the glucose as energy, so the glucose stays in your blood. 

Having high blood glucose can cause problems like eye, kidney, nerve and food disorders.  People with diabetes are also at higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, and other serious conditions.

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed.  Balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed) will help people control weight and can keep blood glucose in the healthy range.  This can prevent or delay diabetes complications.  Many people with diabetes live long and healthy lives.

If you are you an adult with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or you are providing care for someone with an ongoing condition, a FREE six week workshop is being offered that provides in depth information on living with the chronic illness of diabetes. The workshop is being offered by P2 Collaborative of Western New York and American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter.  Trained volunteers will provide information and practical help with managing diabetes.  The workshop begins Monday, March 11, 2013 and will run the next five Mondays March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15 from 1:00pm – 3:30pm each week.   All sessions will meet at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY  14094.

The course will cover a new topic each week and provide opportunities for interaction and group problem solving.  Participants will receive a book, relaxation CD and a guided workout CD.

Having diabetes puts you at risk for serious health problems.  The good news is you may be able to prevent complications by managing your diabetes.  The public is invited to attend this free course to learn practical skills on managing the chronic illness.  Please call the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter at 878-2371 to register.  For more information, call the American Red Cross or The Dale Association at 433-1886.

Low Vision Awareness

February is “Low Vision Awareness Month”.  Vision impairment can range from low vision to legal blindness to complete blindness.  Some conditions that cause vision impairments include cancer, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Persons who are losing their vision often feel depressed, confused, frustrated, and scared.  Sight accounts for 90 – 95 percent of all sensory perceptions.  Over eleven million people in the United States suffer from a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Low vision is not a natural part of getting older and it can happen to people of any age. One reason why it occurs most often in older adults is that they are the ones most likely to contract the diseases that cause low vision. 

Imagine having difficulty seeing and no longer being able to drive to get groceries, go to the doctor or visit friends. Changes in vision can prevent a person from reading mail, reading a recipe or taking a walk around the block – things many of us take for granted. 

One of the focuses of “Low Vision Awareness Month” is to increase the knowledge of people to recognize symptoms and be aware of causes of vision impairments.  

More than 2.2 million Americans, age 40 and older, suffer from glaucoma.  Nearly half do not know they have the disease – because it causes no early symptoms. Cataracts  is the leading cause of blindness in the world.  There are close to 22.3 million Americans age 40 and older with cataracts. More than half of all Americans will have cataracts by age 80. Exposure to UV rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataracts and/or cancers of the eye.  Age related macular degeneration is also a cause of vision loss, affecting more than 2 million Americans, age 50 and older. Hormonal changes, diabetes and smoking can also endanger sight.

Sensory changes can cause less effective functioning in society and in carrying out of personal activities.  Many older adults are able to cope with changes in vision, but some extra help is appreciated. It is a wonderful feeling to live on your own and to be independent.  I hope that what you read in today’s column will be helpful for those of you who have relatives or friends with low vision. 

• Identify yourself when you approach those who are visually impaired.  Sometimes it is difficult to remember a person by the sound of their voice.
• Speak directly to the individual, using a normal tone of voice.
• Ask how the person would prefer to be guided or helped.  For example should you walk on their left or right side?
• When accompanying a visually impaired person into an unfamiliar room never leave them standing alone – give them a point of reference such as a wall or table.
• When you enter a room or leave a room, say hello or goodbye.  Footsteps and directions are difficult to hear and understand.
• It is acceptable to use words such as “you see” or “look” in everyday conversation.
• When you offer assistance, allow a person to take your arm so that you can guide them, rather than push or pull.
• Those who are visually impaired cannot see the facial expressions such as happiness.  Happiness and a positive attitude are contagious – Express your feelings in your voice or by touch.
• Learn more about visual impairments and the technologies available to help with maintaining and independent lifestyle.  Equipment is available to assist those with vision limitations.

Living with Arthritis

One out of five (22%) of adults in the United States report having doctor diagnosed arthritis.

In 2007-2009, 50% of adults 65 years or older reported an arthritis diagnosis.

By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor diagnosed arthritis.

25.9% of women and 18.3% of men report having doctor diagnosed arthritis.

There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

If you want to know more about the different types of arthritis, treatment, reducing pain and simple exercises that help arthritis, a free workshop on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 10:30 am is being sponsored by Health Now New York Inc. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York as a public service to the community.  The “Living with Arthritis” presentation and interactive session will be held at The Dale Association building, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport.  Treatment options will include medical as well as natural approaches.

Patty Rockwood, Dale Association Wellness Program Coordinator says, "Arthritis is a chronic disease but one that is very treatable. The 'Living with Arthritis' seminar will give you helpful tips so that even though you have arthritis, life will be more enjoyable."

People are encourages to register in advance by calling 433-1886.  The public is invited and you do not need to be a member to attend.

Sleep Apnea

There is some evidence that sleep disordered breathing may contribute to cognitive impairment among older adults.  If this is the case, treatment of the disorder may be an effective way to prevent cognitive decline for many. 

A significant finding in a recent study shows that obstructive sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing are increasing in prevalence in the older adult population; the cause is unknown.  Older adults with dementia appear to have a greater rate of sleep disorders than the general older adult population, though it is unclear whether one condition causes the other, or whether both share an underlying cause.

There seem to be a few plausible relationships between sleep disordered breathing and cognitive decline.  It has been thought that the oxygen deficit that can occur from sleep apnea may explain some of the apparent relationship between sleep disordered breathing and cognitive impairment.  Some research suggests that younger adults with sleep apnea are more vulnerable to suffering cognitive effects than are older adults with sleep apnea, while some suggests that sleep apnea may explain some cognitive impairment in older adults.   Some researchers believe that it is through fragmentation and disruption of sleep that sleep disordered breathing can cause cognitive impairment. It is widely believed that individuals with mild cognitive impairment are more vulnerable to the affects of sleep disordered breathing. 

While research is ongoing, it is widely accepted belief that a good nights’ sleep is always healthy.

Credit Card Fraud - Don't be a Victim!

People over the age of 65 make up almost 13% of the United States population, but represent 30% of scam victims. Seniors are especially vulnerable to consumer scams.

There is a scam I want to let you know about.  It’s not just pickpockets who steal your credit cards and money anymore.  Advances in computers and technology have made it possible for thieves to ruin your credit and tarnish your good name – without actually having possession of your credit card. And, the bad guys are already trying to get free stuff by using your credit card, so I hope you read this.

This scam is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Most people have read or been advised not to give their credit card number out over the phone unless you’ve initiated the order and you know you are speaking to a reputable company.  In this scam, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. The information they are looking for is the security code on the back of your card.  This additional security step had been added recently in response to the growing cases of credit card fraud and is suppose to help deter fraud.  Well, the scammers have already found a way to circumvent the security steps set up.

By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA (or it could be MasterCard).  My badge number is 12460.  Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify the transaction.  This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank).  Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?"  When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.  This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.  Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"  You say "yes".  The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation.  If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number.  The caller then gives you a 6 digit number.  "Do you need me to read it again?"
   

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.  The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers."  There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.  The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.  After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card.  Do you have any other questions?"  After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. The REAL VISA security Department verified it was a scam and within 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to the card.

What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card.   Don't give it to them.  Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master Card directly for verification of their conversation.  VISA will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! 

If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit.  However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's too late.

I urge you to tell everybody about this scam and hopefully it will help prevent someone from being taken advantage of.

Preparing for and Dealing with Utility Outages

In the event of a storm or other interruptions to our utility service, there are precautionary steps that can be taken before and during an outage to help ensure your health and safety.  In addition, you can assist people with special needs who may be at risk during utility outages.

Preparing for an outage:

Keep at least 2 battery operated radios and flashlights on hand, as well as a supply of fresh batteries.

Create a pantry of at least 3 days worth of bottled water, medications and foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking.  Be sure to include a manual can opener.

Have an alternate cooking source such as a camp stove or outdoor grill, and follow appropriate safety rules for its use outside the residence. Do not use indoors.

Fill spare containers with water for washing and cooking.

Have at least one telephone available that will continue to operate even when the household power is out.  Cordless phones and internet based phone service may not work during a power interruption.

If you own a cell phone, keep it fully charged, and consider purchasing a car charger to maintain the charge during an outage.

Have a list of emergency telephone numbers readily available.

Keep your vehicle gas tank at least half full.

Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves on hand to keep warm.

Consider buying a generator, and follow the rules for using it outside the residence. Do not use indoors.

During an outage:

Initially, check to see if your neighbors have power.  If they do, first check to see if you have simply blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.  If that in not the cause, call your utility to report the outage.

Check local radio stations for announcements about restoration progress, safety tips and other key information.

Call your local emergency response number for help, if needed.

Prevent damage – turn off major appliances and sensitive electronic equipment to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power comes back on.  Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power has been restored.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling.  If you use dry ice, handle it with gloves so it does not damage your skin.

During a winter outage, turn on water faucets slightly to avoid frozen or burst pipes.

Take safety precautions:

Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines; treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.  Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.

Never use a charcoal grill to cook or heat indoors.  This practice can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.

Do not use a gas oven to heat your home – prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Emergency generators can be dangerous if used improperly: follow the safety guidelines printed in the owner’s manual.  Before connecting a portable generator, turn off the main electric breaker to prevent electricity from traveling from the generator to de-energized power lines outside your house and possibly injuring repair crews.

If your basement or home is in danger of flooding, contact your utility to turn off your electric or natural gas service.  Never enter a flooded basement or home until service has been shut off because electric or natural gas equipment below the water line may be a hazard.

If you smell gas, leave your house immediately and call your local utility once you are outside of the house.

If using candles or storm lanterns, keep them away from drafts, flammable materials, and children.

Watch for health problems:

In cold weather, stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing your time outdoors.

Know the mental and physical signs of cold stress and how to treat it.  Warning signs include shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech and disorientation.  Wrap the person in warm clothing, move the individual to a warm location and seek medical attention.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  It is a toxic, odorless and colorless gas that occurs in your home when fuel burning appliances are malfunctioning or used improperly.  Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness.  If these symptoms occur, get the victim into fresh air and take the person to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to monitor the carbon monoxide levels in your home.

Help people with special needs:

If someone you know is elderly, blind or disabled, or dependent on life sustaining or health related equipment (such as ventilators, respirators, or oxygen) they may be at risk during an outage.  You can help make sure their needs are met by taking the following actions:

Have them register as special needs customer with their utility so they become a priority customer.

Notify others who could provide help – fire department, neighbors, nearby friends or relatives.

Have a list of emergency numbers readily available for them.

Check on them during an outage.

Have a portable generator or an alternative source of power available.  Be aware of the safety rules for its use.

This information has been provided by New York State Public Service Commission.  In the event of an outage, if you have contacted your utility and still have questions, call the Public Service Commission’s toll free helpline at 1-800-342-3377.