Seniors and Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people. Whether their body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work as it should, this can be dangerous to their health. Keeping diabetes in check can help to enhance health and wellbeing as well as reduce the risk for developing complications. When blood sugar is not controlled correctly, it can lead to heart problems, vision problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, hearing loss, and more.

As seniors age, it is especially important that they stay on top of controlling their diabetes. Changes in their mental and physical health can impact their lifestyle and affect the way that they care for themselves.

• Monitor blood sugar: Make sure that blood glucose readings are taken before and after meals and whenever the person is not feeling quite right. This helps to ensure that blood sugar is not getting too high or too low and that the proper steps can be taken to keep it balanced.
• Manage diet: Pay attention to what you are eating. Make sure that you understand how foods translate to carbohydrates, protein, and sugar, and that any caregivers understand as well. When eating with your loved one with diabetes, try to have the same meal so that they are not tempted by something that they shouldn’t have.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help to keep blood glucose levels more stable. It also helps to keep the body healthier, which can reduce risk of other complications. Pick activities that are easy and enjoyable. Walking, gardening, swimming, or playing catch are all good ways to stay active. If they enjoy going to the gym, look into available classes for seniors, and a location that is nearby.
• Be alert to any changes: Stay alert for any changes in your senior’s behavior, or physical or mental health. This can include things such as extreme hunger or thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, confusion, and numbness in the hands or feet. These can all be signs that blood sugar is not balanced or the person may be developing diabetes.

One of the most important things is for seniors to be aware of how to best care for themselves as they age, and how to keep their diabetes in check. This means working with their physician, family, and caregivers, to ensure that they have not only the testing materials and nutritious foods that they need, but also continued education. If dementia or Alzheimer’s is an issue, it can be even more important for family and caregivers to stay involved and help with monitoring. With proper education and support, seniors can effectively monitor their diabetes and enhance their health.

Renovations for Aging in Place

Many seniors prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible. They may be able to function independently and just have some mobility issues or other concerns; not enough to warrant moving to a nursing home. By making some renovations around the house, families can help their senior to be able to age in place more safely. Their home will be better suited to meet their changing needs. Here are some renovations to consider:

Railings and grab bars: To help aid in stability, especially when going up or down stairs or from sitting to standing, add sturdy railings and grab bars. While a single level home is preferable, this is not always possible. Having sturdy railings can make going up and down stairs safer and easier. Grab bars in the bathroom near the shower and toilet can ease transitions, especially as surfaces can become slippery when wet.

Secure flooring: Tack down loose edges of carpeting or flooring. This will help prevent seniors from getting their feet caught on any uneven pieces which could lead to tripping or falling. Add non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else there are hardwood or linoleum floors. This will help to keep mats in place and provide non-slippery surfaces to stand on.

Increase lighting: Add additional lighting, especially in hallways and stairwells. It is important that seniors be able to see where they are going to help prevent tripping or stumbling into things. Motion-sensor lights can help to ensure that lights come on when they are needed.

Door and drawer handles: As seniors age, grip can become an issue. Switch out door knobs for lever handles that are easier to open. Replace drawer handles with “D”-shaped pulls that are easier to grab and pull.

Ramps: If there are stairs leading up to the home, consider installing a ramp. This makes it easier to get canes, walkers, and wheelchairs up to the door. It can also be easier to balance than trying to maneuver stairs. Also check to make sure transitions between carpeted and non-carpeted areas are as smooth as possible to prevent tripping.

Some other options for more extensive remodeling include ensuring doorways are 36 inches wide so that they can accommodate a wheelchair. Lower or raise countertops and cabinetry as necessary for easier access that does not require as much reaching or stooping. Installing pull-down shelves in cabinets can help as well.

Other tips include reorganizing so that spaces are more open and easier to navigate, creating storage space to minimize clutter and reduce the risk of trips and falls, and installing raised toilet seats and other adjustable seating to assist with transitions. Periodically re-evaluate your senior’s mobility and dexterity to make necessary adjustments to improve safety and independence. This can allow your loved one to age in place more safely and comfortably.

Overview of the Latest Findings in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research

Researchers are constantly making advancements in science and technology that help doctors to better identify, treat, and prevent many diseases. There is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s but this is one area that scientists are continually learning more about. During the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, experts and researchers in the field shared their latest findings.1 A few of these emerging studies and results include:

• Eye tests for Alzheimer’s detection: Beta-amyloid protein collects on the lens of the eye as people age. This same protein is present in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s. Researchers are conducting studies to determine if the level of beta-amyloid protein present in the eye could help to determine whether a patient has the disease.
• Changes in lifestyle may enhance thinking and memory abilities: For those at risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s making changes to their diet, exercise, socialization, and management of risk factors related to heart health could improve their cognitive ability. It may also be beneficial to engage in more activities that stimulate memory and thinking such as reading, completing puzzles, or playing card games.
• Increased exercise later in life could reduce risk: Exercise is important regardless of age, but for those in mid- to late-life, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity could help to reduce cognitive impairment.
• Diabetes medication could reduce occurrence of dementia: A German study has found that patients taking pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, for an extended period of time may reduce their risk of developing dementia. One possible reason for this is decreased neuroinflammation as a result of the drug.
• Removing cataracts could decrease cognitive impairment and increase quality of life: When cataracts were removed, vision was greatly improved, in turn potentially affecting mental ability and memory. Those who had surgery showed a slower decline in cognitive ability and a higher quality of life.

The researchers also studied the impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on caregivers. One study in the United Kingdom found that anxiety and depression in caregivers could be reduced through psychological support. This additional knowledge and support could help caregivers to take better care of themselves and their loved ones with dementia.

Ongoing studies are helping scientists to target more effective ways of detecting dementia and Alzheimer’s earlier and helping to delay the onset of more significant impairments. While there is not yet a cure for this disease, experts are making advancements in care. Staying abreast of the latest research and discussing options with your doctor can help to provide more comprehensive care and potentially enhance quality of life.

1http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Alzheimers/2014/20140716_Alzheimers_Conference_Offers_Signs_of_Hope_in_Battle_Against_Mind-Crushing_Disease.htm

Benefits of Seniors Owning Pets

Owning a pet can not only provide joy and contentment, but there are also health benefits as well. Many people have grown up with pets as part of their family. For seniors, owning a pet can help them to stay mentally and physically active as they age. There are numerous benefits to having a dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion to care for.

Exercise: Taking a dog for walk can be a great source of exercise. It allows seniors to get out and about and stretch their muscles. They have more motivation to get moving when they see the joy it brings their pet and themselves. Even the act of petting a dog or cat can help with gross and fine motor skills. Throwing a ball, shaking a toy, and brushing your pet’s fur can also stimulate more movement.

Companionship: Many seniors live alone. Having a pet around can provide companionship and a listening ear. It is a distraction during the day and can help to reduce loneliness. When out walking or at the park, dogs can promote social interaction. People young and old enjoy stopping to look at and pet dogs and this can lead to simple conversation and pride in their pet. Seniors can feel more confident in themselves with a pet by their side.

Reduces stress: The simple act of petting an animal can help to alleviate stress. Animals often have a calming effect and the repetitive motion of petting them can help to lower blood pressure and reduce tension. Dogs and cats are also great listeners and very faithful. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to talk to, even if they cannot talk back.

Provides a sense of purpose: Knowing that they have to care for their pet can give seniors a sense of purpose. They must remember to feed and care for it each day. Knowing that their dog is waiting for a walk or to go outside in the morning can motivate them to get up and stay active. Your senior may not have a lot of family or friends around, so the responsibility of owning a pet can help them to stay more mentally active as well. A pet can be a positive in their life and give them something focus on.

Before buying a pet, talk to your senior to see whether or not they would like an animal and what type they would prefer. Keep in mind their mobility, mental state, and health as well to pick a pet that fits well with their lifestyle and abilities. Older animals tend to be a better match for seniors because they are less active than puppies and kittens and are generally housebroken and trained already. Working with an organization that specializes in pet adoption for seniors can help you to determine if your loved one is a good candidate for a pet, and which pet would best fit in their life.