For most of her 76 years, Carolyn was a regular visitor at Philadelphia’s many museums. She also loved gardening and especially enjoyed Saturday afternoon strolls along the tree lined streets of her quiet neighborhood with it’s flower covered lawns and wind chimes.

But in the past several years, her walks have only left her frustrated and worried. On several occasions, she has tripped and fell on the sidewalks made uneven by tree roots. She used to think the uneven pavement was quaint. But she now worries that her eye-sight is failing and may force her to give up some of her favorite activities.

The National Eye Institute, in conjunction with Prevent Blindness America, analyzed the 2010 U.S. Census data and determined that 2.04 percent of the population or 142 million individuals have visual problems that affect every aspect of their lives.

Chances are that if you are affected by cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or the complications of diabetes, you will at some point experience difficulty seeing. Doctors call this condition “low vision,” which can be defined as ever-present visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medical or surgical treatment.

Some individuals with low vision experience difficulty reading because the print appears to be too small or broken. Others may have problems seeing the face of their watch, cooking or writing their name on the line.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist and make sure you get annual eye exams.

While your eye care specialist will prescribe an appropriate treatment regiment, here are a few tips to help the visually impaired maintain their independence.

1. If you enjoy reading, make sure you have proper lighting. Choose the light that provides the best illumination and make sure it is close to your reading material.
2. While reading, take a break and rest your eyes to prevent fatigue.
3. Talk to your doctor about prescribed reading glasses. Reading glasses purchased from the nearest convenience store usually do not have the necessary optical lenses to provide enough magnification.
4. Consult a low vision therapist who can help with strategies for everyday chores such as cooking, cleaning, writing and scheduling appointments.
5. Seek out vision rehabilitation therapy, which demonstrates equipment, strategies, and techniques that can help individuals complete activities of daily living with increased efficiency, independence and self-confidence.

Kinshasa A. Coghill, M.S. is a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Low Vision Therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with seniors with low vision. More information is available at www.lowvisiontherapist.com. 

Freeda Johnson and Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. may not have taken the same roads in life, but it was a similar one that led them to Sommerset, an independent living community in Sterling, Va. Although the former school teacher and decorated soldier relocated to their new home in order to be closer to their families, both have been pleasantly surprised to have found a tight-knit extended family with their fellow residents and staff.

Freeda Johnson – Teachers Moves to Senior Living Community

Freeda hails from Spartanburg, S.C., where a street is actually named after her husband, Reverend C.M. Johnson. For 34 years, she taught French and worked as a high school guidance counselor.

When Freeda’s husband and sister passed away, her daughter helped research living options near her home in Arlington, Va. Especially important for Freeda was being able to keep her king-sized bed. “We looked everywhere,” she said. Sommerset, however, seemed to perfectly accommodate not only Freeda’s bed, but her lifestyle.

Since making the move, she has loved participating in the community’s activities and outings while establishing numerous friendships. “We have fun,” she said with a smile. And she can be seen particularly having fun playing games, from Bingo to cards. “I never miss my turn,” she said.

Diagnosed with diabetes, Freeda has also been focused on a walking program where she strolls with her friends every day at 7 a.m. and enjoys breakfast after.

When she first moved to Sommerset, Freeda would stay at her daughter’s house every weekend, but she now stays there less frequently, wanting to spend just as much time with her additional family. “They miss me around here when I am gone, and I miss them,” she said. “We really enjoy each other here.”

Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. – Marine Settles in happily at Retirement Community

Colonel Donald Evans, Jr. USMC Retired is known as Don around Sommerset. Born and raised in Altoona, Pa., he started his nearly four-decade career with the Marines in 1943. When he enrolled at Colgate University, he met Phyllis, his wife of over 57 years. The couple raised three sons while living all over the world as Don served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and had several assignments in China. He had eventually been assigned to HQMC in Quantico, Va. when he retired in 1977.

Don summed up the couple’s retirement with one word: “golf.” They each played on golf teams at Fort Belvoir for over 30 years and also participated in bowling leagues. Although they lived in a beautiful home in Mt. Vernon, they wanted to be closer to their family, which had since grown with seven grandchildren. With their loved ones living in Herndon and Purcellville, they chose Sommerset.

Shortly after making the move, however, Phyllis developed some health problems. Deciding he did not want to hire outside help, Don said, “I wanted to be the nurse.” He proudly dedicated all of his time and effort during that first year to take care of her. “She was a wonderful woman,” he said.

After Phyllis passed away, he knew he wanted to stay at Sommerset. “I didn’t want to leave. I like the people here and they are very interesting,” he said.

Like Freeda, Don participates in a great deal of the various activities. “I like to sit out front and watch everyone and see what is going on around here,” he said. “I like being with other people and staying in touch.”

As he reflected on his family, his health and his current life at Sommerset, Don said, “I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world.”

Whole body registry programs offer an important option for individuals who want an alternative to a traditional funeral and burial. As opposed to organ donation programs, these programs allow individuals to donate their entire body to science. Working with a variety of researchers and doctors, whole body programs ensure that donations make a significant difference toward curing, treating, and preventing prominent diseases and maladies. These include: Asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a variety of other ailments.

With traditional willed body programs, individuals donated their body to a single hospital, university, or organization. By donating remains through a whole body donation registry, donors spread the benefit of their gift throughout the scientific community. A variety of educational and health institutions enter into agreements with body donation programs to receive remains. These agreements stipulate certain accepted practices for handling remains and prohibit the sharing and redistribution of donated material.

It is important to note that whole body donation in no way interferes with traditional organ donation programs. Body donation programs understand the vital importance of organ donation. To that end, the programs work collaboratively with organ banks to ensure that organs are recovered and delivered in a timely manner. This means that individuals can donate their organs and provide life-saving transplants and also donate their entire body to help medical research and training in a variety of fields.

Generally, body donation programs have few qualification restrictions. 99% of all potential donors are accepted into the programs. Individuals who cannot be accepted include those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease, or Meningitis. Additionally, people who weigh over 350 pounds cannot be accepted.

If family members do not support the donors decision to donate their remains, they cannot be accepted either, as body donation programs go out of their way to respect the wishes of loved ones. Individuals must also be above the age of 18 and a U.S. citizen living inside the continental U.S. There are no additional age or medical stipulations for qualification.

Individuals can pre-register with a body donation program to ensure that the donation process goes smoothly. Pre-registration also helps individuals to clearly outline their personal wishes for family members to follow. While registering for donation, individuals can choose to have their remains submitted for cremation after they have been used for science. There are generally no costs associated with the cremation process, and remains will be shipped to family members two to four weeks after donation.

For donors and their families, there is no cost associated with the body donation process. Body donation programs cover their operating costs through payments from researchers and doctors who participate in the program.

To fully understand the magnitude of their loved one’s contribution, donor families can request to receive a letter describing the myriad organizations and programs that have benefited from their loved one’s donation.

Body donations provide an immeasurable gift to scientific and medical professionals who are avidly working to find new treatments and cures for diseases that dramatically affect the lives of a large portion of the U.S. population. Body donation is a legacy that donors can pass on to the countless individuals who will benefit from their generous gift.

Senior Health Watch focuses on what health care service providers are concentrating on-health issues that are specifically important to seniors and their families. Gerontology programs are among the most technologically advanced programs in area hospitals. From Diabetes to Alzheimer’s and from Cardiology to Orthopaedics, the health problems that directly affect a large majority of the senior population are now, more than ever, on the forefront of the medical community’s mind.

Preparing for the upcoming senior boom, while caring for the nation’s elderly, has already proven to be an arduous task. However, health care service providers have answered this challenges by funneling more financial, technical, and manpower resources toward delivering high quality treatment options for seniors.

Featured Health Issue: Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics focuses on the care and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin. Physicians specializing in this area of medicine are called orthopaedic surgeons or orthopaedists. Orthopaedists treat diseases and conditions ranging from fractures and dislocations to arthritis and osteoporosis. Many of their areas of specialization are especially important to the continued health and mobility of seniors.

Treatment options for orthopaedic problems include medical treatments, rehabilitation, and surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), “Typically, as much as 50 percent of the orthopaedist’s practice is devoted to non-surgical or medical management of injuries or disease and 50 percent to surgical management.”

Surgical procedures can be used to correct problems with bones, joints, muscles, and tendons and restore lost function. One of the most common surgical procedures performed by Orthopaedic surgeons is total joint replacement, during which an injured or diseased joint is replaced with a prosthetic device. The most common joint replacement surgeries are hip replacement and knee replacement. “In 2002, more than 557,000 hip or knee replacement surgeries were performed,” notes AAOS’ website.

Hip replacement surgery is most often performed as a result of a current hip fracture, joint pain from a previous injury, or arthritis. The overall goal of hip replacement surgery is to allow patients to perform most of the activities they did prior to surgery without pain. Before deciding to undergo hip replacement surgery, patients should first attempt to treat their condition with the use of a cane or other walking aid, medication, and physical therapy. Patients should also consult with their Orthopaedist regarding other joint rehabilitation options.

Knee replacement surgery can be helpful for individuals who are suffering from stiff, painful knees that prevent them from performing normal daily activities without pain. Knee pain can be a result of arthritis, a previous injury, joint overuse, or a number of other causes. Like candidates for other joint replacement surgery, Knee replacement patients should exhaust all other treatment options-including the use of walking supports, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy-before seeking surgery. A qualified orthopaedic surgeon can help patients make a final determination as to whether or not surgery is right for them.

Following joint replacement, patients will spend several days recovering in the hospital and will then be sent home or to a rehabilitation facility to continue the initial healing process. After the initial healing period, patients will generally work with a Physical Therapist for outpatient therapy for another one to two months. With the help of Orthopaedists, Physical Therapists can put together a comprehensive exercise routine that will help patients recover from surgery and regain the ability to perform daily activities without pain.

Aging Joints
While muscle and joint problems are often caused by arthritis or injuries, exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent problems or relieve pain once it exists. Many patients that experience muscle or joint pain erroneously assume that increased movement will increase their pain. Normal soreness after exercising will likely occur, but with continued activity, many patients actually experience a reduction in pain.

The loss of muscle and bone mass is a normal part of the aging process and cannot be prevented. However, exercising and regulating diet can help to slow the process, thereby reducing the risk of age-related joint and muscle injuries. Stretching, walking, swimming, or engaging in another moderate physical activity for just 30 minutes a day will help to keep muscles and bones strong and healthy.

As the field of Orthopaedics continues to grow, patients are benefiting from an increasingly wide range of options to treat muscle and joint problems. Senior patients in particular have seen a dramatic increase in the treatment options available to remedy painful muscle and joint problems resulting from old injuries, recent falls, or arthritis and other chronic conditions. By making more pro-active personal care decisions and seeking proper treatment from medical professionals, seniors can now experience increased mobility and decreased muscle and joint pain and weakness for generations to come.

Article adapted from information available on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ website. Visit www.aaos.org for more information.

Get Out and Get Moving

Did you know that . . .

Lack of exercise and poor diet are the second largest cause of death in the U.S.

Physical activity helps to delay, or even prevent, diseases like cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

Seniors can improve their muscle mass, balance, and strength by exercising.

Regular exercise can help seniors retain their mobility and avoid disabilities.

Exercise can improve some diseases and disabilities in older people.

Exercise can help relieve depression.

Adapted From: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/exercise.htm.

BONE HEALTH: Spotlight on Arthritis

Arthritis . . .

Can cause pain and loss of movement in joints in any part of the body

Is one of the most common diseases in the U.S.

Affects half of all adults over the age of 65

Causes joint pain and lessened mobility

Can lead to serious disabilities

Is most effectively treated by rest and exercise

Improves when sufferers are taught how to properly use their joints

Adapted From: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/arthritis.htm

Recently, Elenor found herself shaking, lightheaded, dizzy, cold and nauseated. She slowly made it to the bathroom. While in the bathroom, she fainted and fell. When she fell, she hit her head on the closet door under the sink. When Elenor came to, she pressed her Lifeline button that she wears as a pendant around her neck. She recalls, “I immediately felt calmer and my panic was gone.”

Elenor continues, “In a few minutes, paramedics were in the apartment and soon after I was taken to the hospital.” At the hospital, she was relieved when she found that her son was already there to meet her. Elenor’s doctor was also immediately notified by Lifeline. The doctor was briefed on her condition and summoned to the hospital right away.

Despite her initial reluctance to use a personal emergency response device, Elenor now truly understands their importance. She states simply, “I didn’t want the Lifeline alarm, but it saved my life!”

In retrospect, she realizes that her emergency situation could have ended much differently. “I might have passed out again, and it could have been many hours later before my son realized I didn’t answer the phone and something was wrong,” Elenor says. She concludes, “If you think that you do not need the alarm button, you are wrong!”

Elenor is now living back at home. She is secure in the knowledge that her Lifeline is just a button push away. Elenor is also confident that she will remain in her own home, living independently, for some time to come.

The Alzheimer’s Association Maintain Your Brain public awareness campaign is reaching out to the 77 million American baby boomers to change the way the nation thinks about Alzheimer’s disease. The baby boomers are part of the largest population group to ever face Alzheimer’s disease. They are also the first to have real hope of a future without this threat.

Through the Maintain Your Brain program, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on people to:

Maintain Your Brain. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with preventative behaviors to maintain optimal mental functioning for the rest of your life.

Participate. Get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association to learn what we know about brain health, progress in science, potential for prevention, and available care services.

Advocate. Join us in advocating for the funding needed to find preventions and the cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and to make brain health a national priority.

Donate. Support the Alzheimer’s Association in advancing research, providing education and care services, and raising public awareness.

Stay informed. Know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and seek diagnosis and help as soon as possible. Turn to the Alzheimer’s Association as a trusted source for assistance.

10 Ways to Maintain Your Brain:

1. Head First-Good health starts with your brain, so don’t take it for granted. It’s one of the most important body organs, and it needs care and maintenance.

2. Take Brain Health to Heart-Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.

3. Your Numbers Count-Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

4. Feed your Brain-Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that features dark-skinned vegetables and fruits; foods rich in antioxidants; vitamins E, C and B-12; folate; and omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Work your Body-Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and encourages new brain cells. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity. Do what you can – walking 30 minutes a day – to keep both body and mind active.

6. Jog your Mind-Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles.

7. Connect with Others-Leisure activities that combine physical, mental, and social elements are most likely to prevent dementia. Be social, converse, volunteer, join.

8. Heads Up! Protect your Brain-Take precautions against injuries. Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when cycling.

9. Use your Head-Avoid unhealthy habits. Do not smoke, drink excessive alcohol, or use street drugs.

10. Think ahead – Start Today!-You can do something today to protect your tomorrow.

Article courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association, 2004.

In response to a need for action, Substance Abuse Awareness for Seniors was created by the District of Columbia Department of Health Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration. SAAS offers education, advocacy, and counseling services for seniors living with chemical dependency.

Substance abuse problems often go undetected by seniors or their family members; therefore, it is very important for seniors to carefully monitor the use of both prescription and non-prescription medicines and to strictly limit their alcohol intake. Keeping a list of all medication that includes dosage requirements can help seniors keep track of their medications and avoid dangerous interactions. Consulting a physician or pharmacist concerning potential interactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs is also important.

A healthcare professional can also help you make the decision whether or not alcohol is safe for you to drink. Alcohol can cause dangerous interactions with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Because of how our metabolism changes with age, seniors are unable to process alcohol as effectively as younger people.

Although alcohol on special occasions or in moderation may be fine, it is very risky for people with dementia, diabetes, liver disease, and high blood pressure. Alcohol can also cause falls, insomnia, and heart problems.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the maximum recommend drinking limits for adults age 65 and older are one drink per day for men and less than one drink per day for women. One drink is equivalent to one 12 oz. can of beer, a 1.5 oz. shot of hard liquor, a 5 oz. glass of wine, or a 4 oz. glass of sherry, liqueur, or aperitif.

If you are a senior living with chemical dependency or you are concerned about a loved one, SAAS can help you and your family to face the problem and develop an appropriate plan of action. When confronting a loved one about their problem, be sure to explain to them why you feel they need help, and let them know how much you care about them. It is important for individuals who are suffering with chemical dependency to realize that there is a wealth of community resources available to help them.

Community Resources for Seniors with Chemical Dependency:

Substance Abuse Awareness for Seniors
D.C. Department of Health
202-442-9171

National Drug and Alcohol Referral Line
1-800-821-4357

“Prescription Medicines and You” (a free publication)
1-800-358-9295

D.C. Department of Mental Health-Access Helpline
1-888-793-4357

Area Office on Aging
202-724-5626