YOUNG heart We d n e s d ay, M a rc h 1 3 , 2 0 1 9
AN ISLAND GUIDE FOR THE 50 PLUS
NEVER TOO LATE How to take up a running program after age 50
TECH TIME
Lots of help available to connect seniors with the online world
your heart out Choir singing benefits all ages
MEDIA MEDI DRIFTWOOD DRIFTWOOD GULF ISLANDS MEDIA GULF ISLANDS MEDIA
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From the archives of Driftwood cartoonist Dennis Parker.
contents 4
8
ON TOP WITH TECH
Seniors get comfortable with their devices on Salt Spring.
EMBRACE IT
JayaLynda Cole leads exploration of aging in workshop series.
22 ORAL HEALTH BASICS
Tips for keeping that smile for as long as possible.
23 STAY SAFE
Scammers are more sophisticated than ever. Don’t be one of their many victims.
12 FIRST STEPS
Expert coach helps you get the most out of a running program.
16 MUSICAL TOGETHERNESS
An interview with Viva Chorale! members and director.
20 OVERPRESCRIBED?
Seniors should learn as much as possible about the drugs they take and how they interact.
21 INTO THE GARDEN
Ways to ease the physical challenges of a favourite spring and summer pastime.
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Computer literacy: a skill for everyone Confidence and patience are key for using technology By MARC KITTERINGHAM
D R I F T W O O D S TA F F
“I
never had to touch a typewriter,” Russell Logan says, describing the amount of technology he used during his career as a police officer. “I had it all done for me . . . we would even transcribe our reports and the [typists] would have them all typed out for us.” Logan, now 80, is one of many seniors who have adopted new computer technology to make their lives better. While he first used a computer for email purposes, he has made it a part of his everyday life. It has even made it onto his boat,
replacing his older radar technology with a new GPS app. “This is the second [iPad] I’ve had. It really is a part of my life,” he says. “It’s even better than the radar on my boat. [The radar screen is] small, about five inches square and in black and white. This is wider, in colour, easy to recognize . . . If I lose the iPad I’ll go crazy.” More and more seniors are using computers, tablets and smartphones as a way to keep in touch with families, stay up on the news, socialize and ➤
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Shot on location at Peninsula at Norgarden
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Life is joyful here.
be entertained. However, there can be a learning curve for those who did not grow up with technology in their back pocket. Salt Spring has multiple outlets for people who are looking to learn how to use their technology that cover anything from complete basics like turning the computer on and how to use a mouse to more advanced skills like how to troubleshoot common problems and photo BY marc kitteringham update operating systems. From left, Russell Logan looks on as tutor To learn how to use his iPad, Logan went to Salt ONNECT HEARING – PRINTLearning AD – WE HEAR – DRIFTWOOD YOUNG AT helps HEART LOCAL John Kyle Russ-Crouse withAD iPadVANCOUVER ISLAN Spring Literacy’s Centre freeYOU computer question at Salt Spring Literacy’s Learning 7.25” × 4.625” 02/25/19 tutoring program for help. Centre in Ganges. “It was totally new to me,” Logan says. “I didn’t have any experience before. I just went down to the ➤
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literacy office and got hooked up with John.” John Kyle is one of the volunteer tech tutors who helps people at the literacy centre for free and by appointment on Wednesdays. He explained that most people’s queries involve trying to find out how to do a specific thing. People tend to know the basics. They have used a keyboard and know how to make the computer work. However, problems like updating software and changing settings require a bit more knowledge to solve. “So many things are hidden within a setting that you could never imagine,” Kyle says. “I’ve been doing this for five years. Someone said to me that I saw 20 different people in the fall on 34 occasions. I don’t remember any of those people being novices. They were all wanting to know smaller things like how to load an app onto an iPad, or how to get rid of something.” Building computer literacy is important for seniors, since so many
The online world is this whole world where you can stay in touch with your family who might not be close by.
parts of everyday life now occur online rather than in person, from paying bills to filling out forms. Kyle explains that by just using the computer, these tasks get easier to complete. “Lack of exposure to technology is usually the main issue,” says Kyle. “There aren’t very many people who are completely clueless. Usually everybody comes along with some kind of exposure to it. Most people just need to be shown one or two things.” However, sometimes people need a bit more than a quick answer. For a more in-depth look at how computers work, the Salt Spring Public Library will be offering computer literacy courses for seniors in the coming months. While details have yet to be finalized, the library has received a $9,000 grant to help run a six-week course that will cover everything from the basics to more advanced skills. The library is also home to technology tutoring with the hopes of helping build computer literacy for seniors. ➤
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“I think computer literacy is important for seniors because so much of the world is online now,” says librarian Nikky McCarvill. “I see people getting isolated and disconnected because of it. The online world is this whole world where you can stay in touch with your family who might not be close by, see those baby pictures on Facebook . . . Given that so much is online, people who aren’t can start to feel a little disconnected.” McCarvill explained that the library’s reference desk has become more of a computer help desk, with people coming to ask how to use either the search terminals at the library or the computers themselves. The library also helps people access some of the vital forms that they need for tax and pension purposes. “People have been doing it for 50 years on paper and all of a sudden they have to do it online. That’s a real struggle for a lot of people,” she says. Though the technology tutors may seem like gurus, they are often just one simple step ahead of those asking the questions. Often, many tech problems can be solved by just looking it up online. “I was with my stepson one day and
I ran into one of my volunteers. She was switching over to a Mac and they were finding it really tricky. My stepson suggested looking at YouTube videos,” McCarvill says. “For someone his age, that is really natural. A couple of months later, she told me that she used [YouTube videos] every day and never would have thought of it otherwise . . . You have to have the skills to be able to pick up the skills.” Logan has sometimes stumped the tutors at both the library and the literacy centre. But fortunately they were able to find the answers he needed and help him out. “Even though there’s guys who have experience, it can still be frustrating for them too. When I come and ask them questions, they either don’t know or can’t explain it so they call me later. I’ve benefitted from it for sure,” he says. Kyle agrees, saying that “the skill of the future is not so much that we know all the answers to everything, but that we know how to find them . . . Being comfortable around the computer, knowing that it is hard to make a mistake is important.” ■
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JayaLynda Cole guides islanders to accept and embrace age Star of the Sea workshop series underway BY ELIZABETH NOLAN
D R I F T W O O D S TA F F
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alt Spring Island has a strong seniors demographic and an aging population, but while many islanders remain active and “young at heart,” that doesn’t mean the process of getting older is an easy one. For those looking for a little support or guidance around this huge life shift, a Deepening Into Aging workshop with JayaLynda Cole offers a wonderful path to self-acceptance. As the course description proclaims, “You are never too old or ➤
MARCH 13, 2019
Contrary to a common misconception, chiropractic is not about moving bones around but rather removing stress induced interference from our nervous systems. This results in a rebalancing or tuning of the system which is vital as our nervous system is our ‘master system’. It co-ordinates all aspects of our functioning - from the flexing of a muscle to our ability to mount a healthy immune response. Getting oneself adjusted just makes a lot of sense.
New and returning patients are always welcome to the practice which is situated in: The Lancer Building,
suite 103-323 Lower Ganges Road. Phone number is 250-537-4142. Current hours are 9-5 Tuesday and Friday.
THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD
too young to live your dreams, inherit your authentic power, and meet the challenges and opportunities that life presents.” A four-session workshop series with the Star of the Sea Centre for Spiritual Living and Practice is currently underway. It’s based on a successful daylong workshop that Cole has offered three times before and brought back by popular appeal from many past participants. “There are so many things that are changing, so we’re seeing how we can live with these changes,” Cole says. “And these changes that we may not like can be . . . the exact things where we evolve, through the acceptance and allowance of those things, and being with our emotions.” Cole spent her working career as a psychospiritual therapist. She’s now an active volunteer for Salt Spring Hospice and coordinates the Death Cafe sessions for open conversations about the end. Deepening Into Aging is a natural fit into the continuum, providing a place where people can come to terms with the changes they face, but also learn to see the possibilities in transformation. Cole’s hope is that people will see aging as a portal rather
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than a dead-end, and to see there is still opportunity in the time left. A big takeaway from the workshop is the acceptance of what’s happening right now, rather than worrying about what else is coming up in the future, even though what is happening now may be unsettling or scary. One common aspect of aging that people frequently report is feeling much younger inside than what the calendar — or the mirror— says. At the same, older people are sometimes assumed to be out of touch or to have lost their faculties, producing a doubling down on the discrepancy between exterior appearance and interior reality. “There seems to be a tendency in our culture to look down on aging. In fact when we discuss our dislikes about aging that’s one thing that comes up, is that we’re not seen. You can be an elder walking down the street and people don’t even see you’re there,” Cole says. Other dislikes or concerns are about impending death, physical complaints and illness. Participants may be experiencing the loss of friends and partners, and worrying about loss of independence or use of ➤
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S EA F I R ST I N S U RA NC E B ROK E R S Suite 1103 - 115 Fulford-Ganges Rd., SSI, BC V8K 2T9 Ph: 250-537-5527 • Fax: 250-537-9700 Website: seafirstinsurance.com
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their bodies. There can also be a loss of things that have defined identity: youth, parenting, credibility in the community or physical appearance. “There are a lot of identity losses, so it’s about connecting with myself as I am and what I have to offer, and realizing that elderhood is an important part of the community,” Cole says. “How do I want to spend the rest of my years — what’s really important to me? How can I contribute to the community? How can I give back?” While the west obsesses on youth and beauty, the other perspective is common in eastern cultures. Cole notes that in India, householders who reach a certain age often give up their previous active lives in order to focus on the spiritual. “So a lot of it is really continuing the lifelong journey to know myself,” she says. “Who am I really at my core?
Workshops are done in a group setting with a maximum of 15 people so everyone has the chance to be heard.
Stay active!!
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With all these identities falling away, what’s left?” Workshops are done in a group setting with a maximum of 15 people so everyone has the chance to be heard. The sessions are completely confidential — what’s said there, stays there. The group setting encourages people to empathize with others and have compassion for themselves, by hearing that everyone is likely going through similar challenges. “One thing I like about groups is it’s a place where we’re relating to others, and that can be more healing and more evolving than sitting alone at home,” Cole says. “I think it’s always good to hear others’ experiences to realize, ‘I’m not going crazy. This is part of being human.’” Among other exercises, Cole includes guided meditations, and time for silent sitting so that each person can pay attention to what’s ➤
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coming up for them. “It’s a lot about bringing awareness to ourselves and really being aware of the physical sensations we have, and the thoughts that we have that we just brush aside very quickly because we think we shouldn’t be feeling like that. It’s really noting those little subtleties, and that takes some time to really develop that. That’s an amazing practice.” Cole says her experience is many people talk about being in their emotions, but actually doing it is another matter. At the same time, people living on Salt Spring are often quite selfaware, and are open and willing to take on the spiritual path and do personal work. “There are practices that we can bring into our daily lives that are simple, and that we don’t give a lot of support to, like gratitude, and selfacceptance. So those things are easy to say, but to really embody those practices, that’s where the practice comes in so we are living them rather than reading about them or speaking about them. It’s really bringing them into our being,” she says. ■
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Run For Your Life! Advice for taking up running after age 50 By Susan Gordon
S P E C I A L TO T H E D R I F T WO O D
As more research emerges aimed at keeping seniors healthy and active, it has become clear that cardio workouts are invaluable for multiple reasons.
Running might be a good sport to help you reach or maintain your optimal weight, build muscle, support a greater range of motion and assist with a positive outlook on life. Whether you were a high school track star or have never run before, sourcing a good program is imperative to help you get started. There are many websites promoting online plans, but you might want to seek out a personal coach or local club if you prefer in-person motivation and real-time feedback. ➤
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Susan Gordon trains at Portlock Park track.
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The benefit of a coach is that they can tell you when to push a little and when it might be time for an extended rest or a full stop if you sustain an injury. Whatever your starting point, you’ll want to treat yourself with as much care as you need to ensure your enthusiasm and motivation remain intact! It’s easy to do too much, too soon and end up being unhappy with your progress. A coherent training plan can help you prevent that from happening. Most plans revolve around an eight-week or 16-week start-to-finish based on a gradual increase in your ability to run a certain distance within a particular time range. With a training plan, your goals are clear. If you stick to that set of pre-determined workouts, your chances of keeping fatigue and injury at bay are greater than trying to run without knowing how far and how fast you should be running. Generally speaking, there are three essential workouts per week that will have you on your road to fitness in a progressive manner: Long
Aerobic, Tempo and Track. Each type of run builds on a specific skill set and energy system to make you a well-rounded athlete. Whether you choose to compete or not, it is still a good idea to work with the three main types of workouts so that you increase strength, endurance and cardio fitness. Note that many running plans are designed for younger runners. This demographic of 50+ is still lean when it comes to programs specifically designed for those of us in the Grand Masters* category. Choose Novice or Beginner run programs from the online selections or find a coach who is knowledgeable in anti-aging protocols. You’ll want someone with experience and an interest in helping “older” athletes function well — even attaining new personal bests in spite of their advancing age. Professional runners and coaches who are now over 50 themselves concur that seniors need more recovery time, and that the focus needs to be on keeping high quality in the workouts. Good nutrition and sleep are critical factors too. ➤
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The benefit of a coach is that they can tell you when to push a little and when it might be time for an extended rest or a full stop if you sustain an injury. In other words, don’t just go out and run at a random pace for an hour every day, or even every other day. You will set yourself up for injury and overtraining syndrome. Being over 50 certainly does not mean the long, slow decline into immobility and fragility as it used to. British Columbia, in particular, has produced some of the best senior athletic competitors and fittest demographics in the world . . . and that’s something we can be very proud of. How about joining the fun? ■
About the author: Susan has been a competitive runner since 2008. She is a member of the Salt Spring Sneakers, Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club, B.C. Athletics and a NCCP Trained Coach. She currently holds the B.C. 1500m Race Walk record for W55-59, and in 2018 won the B.C. Championships for W55 in the 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances, and the B.C. 8K Championship so far in 2019. She holds meet records at the 55+ B.C. Senior Games in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m distances. She is also a former professional hunter/jumper trainer and co-author of The Compassionate Equestrian, (Schoen, A.M/Gordon, S.) a nature-lover and photographer, as well as the co-author of The Iridescent Silence of Pacific Shores (Wahlsten, D./Gordon, S). THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD
To Summarize: • Decide to run, or walk, for the sake of your health and wellbeing. • Find a running plan online or seek out a coach and/or running club to help you stay motivated and stick with the program. • Discuss your plan with your healthcare practitioners. You may also want to check your biomechanics with a sports physiologist. • Choose appropriate gear for your workouts. If your budget is tight, start with a good pair of shoes, properly fitted by professionals at a running store. • Be sure to acquire high-visibility gear and accessories if you will be running along the roadways. Even a fluorescent armband can make you more visible to drivers. • Good nutrition and properly timed supplements for pre- and post- workout success are also important subjects, and take extensive research to customize for your physiology. • Run at your “happy pace.” Don’t push hard if it makes you grouchy (although a little fatigue and subsequent growling is acceptable), and stop right away if you feel injured. You’ll be stiff from those early workout days, but it shouldn’t prevent you from your other activities. • If you don’t like running at all, try Power Walking or Race Walking, both of which are excellent sports that build cardio and strength. All of the above still applies. *Athletics Canada rules state that anyone 35 or older is a “Masters” Athlete. 50+ individuals are unofficially categorized as “Grand Masters.” Resources: B.C. Athletics: www.bcathletics.org B.C. 55+ Senior Games: www.55plusbcgames.org Canadian Masters Athletics: athletics.ca/programs/masters World Masters Athletics Association: world-masters-athletics.com Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence, Victoria: www.pise.ca
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Viva Chorale! singers describe benefits of choir membership by GAIL SJUBERG
D R I F T WO O D E D I TO R
Thinking about a way to stay young and have fun? Singing in a choir could be just the ticket. Research shows that singing with others has a number of health benefits, from improving memory and lung function to creating a sense of belonging and reducing stress. Viva Chorale! choir members John Beardsell, Sally and Charles Bazzard, Masayo Hora and Teresa Gillan are proof that aging goes out the window when they get together for choir practices and concerts. Charles and Sally Bazzard are among a handful of members who have been in the all-ages group since its inception under the Tuned Air name in the mid1980s. Singing in a choir “was way outside of my comfort zone,” says Charles. “And it’s done me an immense amount of good.” 16
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Choir members articulate the value of working hard and achieving something as a group; feeling part of a “family;” learning something new; and the physical benefits. Beardsell says that after a choir practice is over he often thinks, “‘That has been a workout!’ You have physically done a workout if you have done it right.” Sally Bazzard points to research that shows singing increases endorphins. “It’s just a real high to sing,” she says. “It just feels wonderful.” She adds: “It is so good for your brain because you’ve got to concentrate and be constantly learning. We have this wide wide range of songs . . . as you work through them it is very good for you. You have to do it for you and for the team.” ➤ THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD
driftwood file photo by gail sjuberg
Viva Chorale! choir members, led by Caroni Young, right, sing on Canada Day in Ganges last year.
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Hora sees a number of benefits as well. “We know that the group interaction, the learning of new music, being pushed to our limits and then overcoming those limits helps the individual become a better person. They see life differently and they enjoy things more . . . It’s an amazing feeling as a human being.” But her favourite thing is that choir members create a cohesive patchwork, just as everyone in the Gulf Islands does, but on a smaller scale. “We are just one of many squares that make the whole.” Gillan is one of the newer choir members, having joined three and a half years ago. She is now alto section leader and a board member. She hadn’t sung in a choir since high school but was encouraged to join Viva Chorale! when a friend told her she didn’t have to audition. “It felt very safe. I couldn’t believe how much fun everyone was. It feels like a family — honestly.” Choir director Caroni Young agrees that the family analogy is very appropriate. “You need everybody around you to sing the pieces. You can’t make that music without the group.” ➤
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The men’s section sings a piece on Canada Day. Male voices are particularly valuable in community choirs.
Choir members articulate the value of working hard and achieving something as a group; feeling part of a “family;” learning something new; and the physical benefits. 18
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She says research shows that choir members’ heartbeats will beat at the same speed when they sing together. “That is unique to choirs. It really is a team.” Interestingly, Young is the second youngest person in the choir. The only person younger than her, by about six weeks, is her husband Keith Ollerenshaw, who is also a music teacher and directs Salt Spring Concert Band. The Bazzards, Gillan, Hora and Beardsell all sing her praises, and note her experience as a young teacher is invaluable. “She inspires us,” says Gillan. “She doesn’t scold us. She inspires the best and we want to rise to that and I really admire that quality a lot.” Beardsell, a retired teacher, observes that there is only one way to motivate people “and
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that is by your own enthusiasm,” something the group agrees Young does so well. Beardsell and the Bazzards recall the beginnings of Viva Chorale!, way back in the mid1980s. Renowned Canadian composer Bruce Ruddell was the parent of one of Beardsell’s students, and Ruddell suggested some parents get together to secretly prepare a few songs to perform for the kids at the school’s Christmas concert. That group quickly became Tuned Air choir, the name it kept for many years, before morphing into Viva Voce! choir and then Viva Chorale! in 2013. “We had 22 members at Christmas and 44 in January,” recalls Sally Bazzard about the group’s origins. Her husband observes how the members are from diverse ➤
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backgrounds in addition to being a variety of ages, and that an incredible number of people have passed through the choir in the past few decades. The group has sung in Quebec and in Cuba, put on full-scale musicals, and participated in choral festivals and numerous workshops over the years. They regularly sing in the island’s seniors residences, at Christmas events and on Canada Day. This July about 20 members are travelling to Cape Breton and Halifax. But before then islanders can hear the group perform their aptly named With Joy concert at Fulford Hall on April 27 and 28, where they will be joined by the internationally awardwinning Jubilate Ensemble from Vancouver. More information is available at vivachoralesaltspring.com. ■
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Smart Medicine Use of inappropriate or too many drug classes a problem in Canada According to a report issued last year by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, about one in four seniors in Canada — or 1.6 million individuals — were prescribed drugs from 10 or more classes in the year 2016. “A drug class is a group of chemicals that works in the same way to treat similar medical conditions,” notes the CIHI. “For example, opioids are a type of drug class commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain.” Overprescription of drugs can lead to serious problems. Seniors who were prescribed 10 or more drugs were more likely to be hospitalized for an adverse drug reaction — over five times more likely than seniors who were prescribed fewer drugs, says the CIHI report. As well, approximately 1.9 million Canadian seniors chronically used at least one potentially inappropriate drug in 2016, the CIHI study found. “Potentially inappropriate drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects, such as falls, fractures and mental impairment, and there are often safer alternatives. Commonly used drug classes such as proton pump inhibitors (used for acid reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease) and benzodiazepines (used for anxiety and insomnia) are among the drugs considered to be potentially inappropriate.” Cancer drugs, opioids and blood thinners were the most common drug classes that led to hospitalizations for adverse drug reactions. In 2016, drugs used to treat high cholesterol — used by nearly half of all seniors — were the most commonly prescribed drug class. Other common drug classes prescribed included drugs for acid reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and high blood pressure. The report also found: • Women (36.8%) had higher chronic use of potentially inappropriate drugs, compared with men (29.8%). • Seniors living in low-income or rural/remote neighbourhoods were prescribed more drugs. • Older seniors (age 85 and older) used a higher number of drugs. • On average, the use of antipsychotics (used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and benzodiazepines (used for anxiety and insomnia) in long-term care facilities has declined since 2011. 20
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Ask Questions Patients of all ages can help themselves by asking their physicians the following questions when being prescribed a new medicine. • What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it? • Which medical condition does this medicine treat? • How many times a day should I take the medicine, and at what times should I take it? • If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken “four times a day,” does that mean four times in 24 hours or four times during the daytime? • How much medicine should I take? • Should I take the medicine on its own or with food? Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine? • How long will it take this medicine to work? • Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines? • Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication? • What does “as needed” mean? • When should I stop taking the medicine? • What should I do if I forget to take my medicine, ? • Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I have a problem? • Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that? When discussing medications with a physician, it’s imperative that men and women be forthcoming about any other medicines they might be taking under the guidance of other doctors. In addition, men and women should tell their physicians about any overthe-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing such information can prevent potentially serious complications from arising. Medicine saves lives every day. Smart patients can help medicine do its job by learning about their medications and discussing them openly and honestly with their physicians. ■ THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD
Ergonomic gardening techniques can make gardening less taxing Enjoy the activity without the pain Gardening is a popular activity that seems to be gaining even more supporters. Gardening can be relaxing yet physically demanding work. Gardeners who find themselves battling aches and pains after spending time in the garden may need to make a greater effort to reduce injuries and improve comfort when tilling, weeding or installing new landscape features. Ergonomic gardening techniques and tools can help gardeners reduce their risk of injury and make gardening more comfortable. Warm up Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree. Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting and other movements that work the entire body. Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come. Use proper form Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. Occupational therapists say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by positioning objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back. Keep items close Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles. Longhandled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground. This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time. Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. Working below shoulder level whenever possible can prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time. Invest in new tools Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Long-handled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency. Even though gardening is viewed as a relaxing pastime, the work involved can be taxing on the body. Ergonomic tools and proper form can keep injuries at bay. ■THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD
Keep on smiling Tips for maintaining oral health
How to Brush Your Teeth • Step 1 Use a soft brush with rounded bristles. Choose a size and shape that allow you to reach all the way to your back teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three months. • Step 2 Brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Put the bristles at the place where your gums and teeth meet. Use gentle circles. Don’t scrub. Years of brushing too hard can make your gums recede. • Step 3 Clean every surface of every tooth. This means you must brush the cheek side, the tongue side and the top of each tooth. • Step 4 Slow down. A thorough brushing should take two to three minutes. Try timing yourself. • Step 5 Brush your tongue. Source: Canadian Dental Association
The need for good oral health continues as a person ages, becomes chronically ill or moves to a long-term care residence. Unfortunately, many older adults, especially those who rely on others for care, have poor oral hygiene and high rates of oral disease. Oral diseases can cause pain, discomfort, bad breath and difficulties chewing and swallowing. They are also associated with more serious health complications like diabetes, stroke, and heart and lung diseases. Fortunately, daily mouth care can remove food debris and bacteria that grow on gums, teeth and dentures, improving oral and overall health. Dental hygienists encourage all older adults to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth once a day. Denture wearers should remove their dentures at night to clean them and allow their gum tissue to breathe while sleeping. They should also clean any remaining teeth twice daily and brush and massage their gums either with a soft toothbrush or a warm damp cloth. Caregivers must help when these tasks become challenging. Whether you’re at home or in a long-term care residence, daily mouth and denture care coupled with professional oral care from a dental hygienist can help prevent oral diseases, reduce the risk of health complications, and keep you smiling. ■ (Source: newscanada.com) Find more information at dentalhygienecanada.ca/seniors.
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Protecting Yourself Scams that target seniors Many fraudsters target their scams at seniors, believing that they are more vulnerable and easier to trick. This isn’t always true of course, but seniors remain one of the most targetted groups, so it pays to be cautious. Whether you’re a senior or are hoping to keep your parents safe, learn some of the most popular scams and how to protect against them. Emergency scams The typical scam starts with a grandparent receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild, who says they’re in trouble and need money immediately. Worried grandparents will act quickly out of concern and have their money or financial information stolen. To guard against these scams, anyone receiving this type of call should take time to verify the story by asking questions and calling the child’s parents or friends to find out about their whereabouts.
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Door-to-door scams With this trick, door-to-door salespeople use highpressure tactics to convince homeowners to buy a product or sign up for a service they don’t want or need. These aggressive pitches can be for charitable donations or home maintenance services. In many cases, the product or service is never received while in others they are of poor quality or not as represented. Seniors can protect themselves against these scams by not feeling pressured to make a quick decision and taking time to do some research on the seller and the products first. It’s a good idea to ask for photo ID, get the name of the person and of the company or charity they represent. Tax scams There are a couple of variations on this scam – an email, text or phone call supposedly from the CRA claims the receiver is entitled to an extra refund and all that’s needed are their banking details. Another version is a call that says the receiver owes CRA money right away, or else the caller will file a police report. In either case, it’s not a government agency calling. Here, it’s important to remember that the CRA will never use aggressive or threatening language, ask for payments via prepaid credit cards or gift cards, or collect or distribute payments through e-transfers. ■ (Source: newscanada.com) Find more information at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud. MARCH 13, 2019
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