September :: 2010 :: Frank Samson’s Aging Boomers Blog

Archive for September 2010

Rising Use of Medical Technologies in Fairfield CA

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (1)

29 Sep

Rising Use of Medical Technologies Extending Americans’ Lives

(HealthDay News) — Surging use of improved medical technology, including new drugs, is driving up life expectancy for Americans and driving down rates of major killers such as heart disease and cancer, a new national health report finds.

At the same time, some things about the nation’s health that experts hoped were changing actually did not, the report found, and the use and misuse of medical technology may also be a factor behind the ever-increasing cost of health care.

The findings are included in a report, entitled "Health, United States, 2009," issued by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

…continue reading from caring.com

If you need help with care and assistance for a loved one in the Fairfield CA area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

Comments (1)

Tags : Fairfield

Advances in Equipment Adapted for Elders In Napa CA

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

22 Sep

Advances in Equipment Adapted for Elders

I’m thrilled by the recent advances in adapted equipment. Books, videos, Web sites, and pamphlets are out there for almost any type of elder care, handicap, or special need. They are more widely available than people think.

Once you determine your elder’s need, you should be able to find adapted equipment that will improve the quality of his or her life.

Adapted equipment draws from a wide variety of products that can help your elder function more independently and/or on a higher level. They can help your elder regain confidence in his or her abilities, and they can even alleviate your elder’s overwhelming fear of being dependent on others.

Along with advancements in medical technology and pharmaceuticals, adapted equipment has come a long way in recent years and can be a vital part of a senior’s later years.

Most people are unfamiliar with adapted equipment, but as a caregiver, you must become aware of this growing field. I’m talking about commonplace products like a wheelchair or an elder-safe stepladder, as well as more obscure products, like jar/bottle openers and grocery store scooters. Other examples include high curved bowls and large-handle eating utensils that help prevent food spills and modified “sippy” cups that prevent liquid from spilling. Anything that can help maintain dignity and independence should be integrated into your elder’s life.

One area that has been improved tremendously is transportation. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans can now be modified before they are purchased or on the aftermarket. No matter what your elder’s handicap may be, vehicles today can be adapted so that even a quadriplegic or paraplegic can operate them.

…continue reading HERE

If your family is needing help with the care and assistance of a loved one in the Napa CA area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

Comments (0)

Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Napa, Napa County, Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA), Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), Senior Living Sonoma California (CA), Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA)

Tags : Napa, Napa County

Long Life Goes Hand in Hand With a Firm Grip in Santa Rosa CA

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

14 Sep

Long Life Goes Hand in Hand With a Firm Grip
By: Frederik Joelving

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Seniors who can still give a firm handshake and walk at a brisk pace are likely to live longer than those who can’t, according to British researchers.

They found simple measures of physical capability were related to life span among graying heads in the community, even after accounting for age, sex and body size.

The study is the first to provide a comprehensive view of the existing research by pooling all the relevant data. It analyzed grip strength, walking speed, time to get up from a chair and ability to balance on one leg, mostly in people 70 years and older, and looked at mortality from all causes.

"These measures have been used in population-based research for quite a long time," said Rachel Cooper of the Medical Research Council, a publicly funded research organization in London. "They may be useful indicators for subsequent health."

Cooper, whose findings appear in the British Medical Journal, said more studies are needed to clarify whether the measures would be helpful to doctors as a screening tool.

"I wouldn’t suggest that we roll them out into clinical practice tomorrow, but it is possible that they could be used in the future," she told Reuters Health.

The researchers examined 33 earlier datasets comprising tens of thousands of people, and included only those living "in the community" rather than in a nursing home. While lumping data from various studies together might make the results less solid, most findings pointed in the same direction.

Continue reading here…

Source: reuters

If you would like information about how Senior Care Authority can help you care for a loved one, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

Comments (0)

Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Concord, Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA)

Tags : Concord, San Rafael, Santa Rosa

In Sonoma CA, What’s Age Got To Do With It?

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

07 Sep

September is Healthy Aging Month and I wanted to share this great article from ageangel.com about how attitude can play an important role in how we feel as we get older. Grandparents Day on September 12th is a wonderful way to celebrate a loved one and make their day! Random acts of kindness throughout the month can put a smile on the face of any senior! Visit www.seniorcareauthority.com for the best in home care and assistance in the Sonoma CA area.

What’s Age Got To Do With It?
By Kelly Ferrin

Stay Positive
There are few greater feelings than being inspired and motivated. Regardless of what or who it is, or what we do that makes us tick — it’s important to feel positive and enthusiastic about life. So as summer comes to an end and we venture once again into a new year, let’s vow to look for the good news in life and see how much better we may feel as a result.

The attitude of gratitude — being appreciative for the many blessings we have in our lives is a wonderful way to start. Certainly there will always be changes and challenges along the way, but to move on and forge forward leaving the negative behind has proven to be one of the key components in
maintaining well-being late in life.

Working in the field of aging is truly one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I believe I could ever be involved in. Some find it strange perhaps, that at a time in life where losses and decline are inevitable, there could be much good in that. However, what being with seniors, ie. the "wisdom keepers," has taught me (and the research confirms) is that it’s what’s deep inside us that really matters — what we think and what we feel can be ageless.

Some may think I’m referring to agelessness as being young. Nope, that’s not what I mean. What I’m talking about is being accepting of who we are, with all the changes and challenges we’ve experienced along the way and knowing that each of these life situations has contributed to who we are today.

People are always fascinated by centenarians — those living to the age of 100, and are often intrigued with what it takes to live that long. New studies show that while genetics and exercise certainly play a role, a key component routinely being addressed now is their ability to rolll with the punches and handle stress.

…Continue reading from ageangel.com

Comments (0)

Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Napa County, Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA)

Tags : Napa County