2019 Fall Senior Expo

Join Us at the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH 10AM TO 2PM

SENIOR XPO E

cil on Aging

2019 Fall

SPONSORED BY:

ourmidland.com

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Page 2 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

ourmidland.com

A Prescription You Can Write For Yourself

By Tom Lowrey, Senior Services Education Assistant

“For people who think there’s nothing to live for and nothing more to expect from life, the question is getting these people to realize that life is still expecting something from them.” ~Viktor Franklin

and less stress.

“Help given to others is a better predictor of health and well-being than are indicators of social engagement or received social support,” the researchers concluded. In fact, “social

is robust enough that doctors should prescribe volunteering along with diet and exercise to improve health.

They conclude that volunteering results in similar health outcomes to quitting smoking, yet doctors don’t advise people to volunteer as they

“Eat more vegetables,” we tell ourselves. “Stop smoking. Get up off the couch.

Exercise more. Watch less TV…”

teering now than any time in the last two decades. Since 2005, the national volunteer rate declined from 28.8 percent to a 15-year low of 24.9 percent in 2015. Actual volunteer hours haven’t declined though, because those people who do volunteer are taking up the slack by putting in more hours. Still, the need for good volunteers is greater than ever.

And maybe it’s time for people to write themselves a prescription: Volunteer!

Almost all of us want to live longer, healthier, more productive lives, and so we tell ourselves to “do this” and “don’t do that.” However, the secret to feeling better about your lifestyle might not be the gym, but instead, volunteering.

As someone once said, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

New research by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that people who volunteer spend 38% less time in hospital. The research, which was carried out with more than 7,000 Americans over the age of 50, also found that volunteers took more preventative health screenings. It backs up previous studies which claim that mortality rates are 24%-47% lower for volunteers than their peers. Plenty of other reports suggest that volunteers of all ages are healthi-er, potentially with lower weight, reduced cholesterol and more stamina, flexibility

And according to Winston Churchill, “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” connections may be beneficial to the extent that they provide individuals with the opportunity to benefit others.” Helping others can also give us meaningful roles that boost self-esteem, mood, and purpose of life, which in turn can enhance mental and physical health.

Researchers Eric Kim and Sara Konrath think this body of research

advise them to quit lighting up.

If you have time and energy left after helping friends and family, it’s great to do volunteer work in your community. And while people of all ages can benefit from volunteering, older people—especially the retired— seem to benefit the most.

Sadly, fewer Americans are volun-

By the way…we really need more volunteers here at Senior Services.

Tina Podboy Laughner, our Volunteer Coordinator, is looking for some good people to drive transportation vehicles, deliver Meals on Wheels, or be a Friendly Visitor or a Friendly Shopper… even if it’s only once a week! If interested, call her at 633-3741.

ourmidland.com

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Senior Services Embrace Your Age!

S

enior Services is a private, non-profit organization that provides services for residents of Midland County, Michigan who are age 60 and older, and for those who care for them. Their mission is to promote and enrich quality of life for older adults by collaboratively providing meaningful programs and opportunities.

With a steady increase in the number of seniors in Midland County, the programs Senior Services provides continue to support this ever-growing population. These services include: • Adult Day Services • Card Games, Pool, Bingo • Caregiver Support • Coordination of Care

• Classes: Exercise, Crafts, Dancing, Drama, Travel & Adventure, Computers • Counseling • Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services • Education & Training •Handyman Services • In Home Services • Lunch in Senior Centers • Meals on Wheels • Senior Centers • Special Events: Picnics, Dances, Parties • Support Groups • Transportation • Volunteer Opportunities Senior Services helps thousands of seniors in Midland County to live independent and enriched lives. For more information call 633-3700.

Get Ready for Winter!

Pancake Breakfast for Seniors

C

ome join us for the next pancake breakfast at the Community Center. This event is open to all seniors and has been a real hit. The next Pancake Breakfast is November 11th, at 10:15 a.m. The event costs $2. Please pay at the time of the breakfast; be sure to bring

cash. There will be prize drawings, along with an awesome breakfast.

This event is sponsored by Bayside Home Care of Midland. Please RSVP at least one week in advance. Call Amanda Ewald to RSVP at 989-8327937 ext. 2270.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Headaches, back pain, asthma, allergies and other symptoms may be warning signs that your nervous system is not regulating your body functions properly. Make sure to get your spine checked to see if misalignments are interfering with your health.

◆ Sprinkler Winterization ◆ Fall Pruning ◆ Leaf Removal ◆ Lawn & Tree Fertilization ◆ Snow Removal Service

Accepting new patients. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Call Now! (989) 835-8260 ◆ Midland, MI Visit Our Galleries Online! www.rederlandscaping.com

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 3

Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic

Midland • 4604 N. Saginaw Rd. • 989-832-5433 Saginaw • 6165 Bay Rd. • 989-792-7246

Come see us at the Senior Expo!

Page 4 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

50 + Activities Within the Greater Midland Community Center *Must have a 50+ Membership to participate ($40 annual fee)

Blast From the Past Concerts Free admission.

First Monday of the month October 2019 – May 2020.

Dance: 6:00 – 8:00pm and optional potluck at 5:15pm Dates: Nov. 4th, Dec. 2nd, Feb. 3rd, Mar. 2nd, Apr. 6th, and May 4th Mah Jonng Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Lessons available! Please call for times!

Euchre Wednesdays 1:00p.m.

All levels welcome. No partner needed.

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Duplicate Bridge Mondays & Wednesday’s at 12:30 p.m.

This is sanctioned bridge.

Gentle Aerobic Class Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:15-1 p.m.

Led by a volunteer.

Line Dancing Tuesday & Thursday from 10:30a.m. - 11:30a.m Led by a volunteer.

Billiards/Pool Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30p.m and weekends for members.

3rd Annual Senior All Valley Home Health Grill Out & Valley Hospice Care Coming to the Senior Expo 10-9-19 at the Midland Mall 10am-2pm.

FREE event, see you there!

989-401-3019 3175 CHRISTY WAY S, SUITE 10 Saginaw, MI 48603

Nearly 100 seniors attended the Community Center’s 3rd Annual Senior Grill Out.

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 5

Day Trips, A Great Time Away “I really like the convenience of not having to plan the trip and letting someone else drive,” says a regular day trip attender. This is a common theme among people looking for a fun adventure, with less stress. This is exactly what Community Center trips help you do.

The Community Center offers day trips to help build a community of people. “Day trips are a great way to get out and about with ease. An amazing community of new friend’s form on these trips. It’s a really great opportunity for all,” says Aman-

da Ewald, 50+ Coordinator of the Greater Midland Community Center. These trips are an easy way to see beautiful Michigan and discover things that maybe you haven’t had a chance to discover in the past.

2019 has been a year full of exciting trips. All trips are fully escorted, taken on a Motorcoach bus, which leaves right from Midland. Contact Amanda Ewald if you would like to be on a trip contact list. She can be reached at (989) 832-7937 ext. 2270 or aewald@greatermidland.org.

You Deserve to Know the Truth

Dispelling the Myths About Hospice & Palliative Care

Oct 9, 2019 • 2-3 PM

2410 Rodd, Midland, MI 48640 Join us at Midland King’s Daughters Home for this compelling presentation (plus tasty refreshments).

PRESENTED BY: Comfort Care, Assisted Living and Apartments Available.

Heather Duby, FNP-C Heartland Hospice

Tabitha Steer NP-C Heartland Care Partners Advanced Disease Managment Program

989.839.9800 | MidlandKDH.org

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Page 6 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

Brain-healthy habits to embrace

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Seniors can include healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and balanced diets, to reduce the risk of dementia and other neurological issues.

C

ognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes.

impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels.

Work the brain

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ourmidland.com

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 7

Medicare Open Enrollment: Part D and Advantage Plan and/or Part D plans.

• Compare your current plan with two additional plans available for 2020 based on your current situation and medications.

• Review the plans’ coverage, what the premiums, deductibles and copayments will be for 2020.

• Review Medicare plan enrollment if you decide to switch plans.

• Complete applications to Social Security Extra Help or Medicare Savings Program if you appear eligible.

O

pen enrollment for Medicare is October 15, 2019 through December 7, 2019 with coverage beginning January 1, 2020. The enrollment period is an opportunity for you to shop around for a plan that will best meet your needs in 2020. By completing a Medicare comparison at Senior Services, you may find that another plan has better coverage or has a lower premium.

If you were eligible to enroll in the

past but did not, this is also your chance to compare available plans and enroll.

Senior Services has MedicareMedicaid Assistance Program certified counselors to assist you. When you meet with a counselor during Open Enrollment, they will help you:

You can’t be denied - No insurance or deductible requirements No blood draw – Easy mouth swab you can do at home

• CBD/THC Health Report Find the right strain to improve your health based on your genetics • Health and Fitness Report Provides diet, fitness, stress and sleep insights all based on your DNA

Turn in your unused/expired medication for safe disposal

• Explore Medicare Advantage Plans

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH WITH OUR GENETIC REPORTS AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO YOU!

• Medication Insights Do you metabolize your prescriptions properly?

Senior Services trained counselors are here to assist you with Medicare.

If you have never received assistance from us before, please call our hotline at 633-3748. You will be asked to leave your information and a worksheet will be mailed to you. This worksheet needs to be completed and returned with your current information before we can schedule an appointment. You may also request this worksheet through our secure website at SeniorServicesMidland.org/ MedicareWorksheet

A 24/7 drop box is available at the Midland Law Enforcement Center 2727 Rodd Street.

• Intolerances Test Find out which foods or environmental factors may be causing you health issues • Cancer insights Are you at risk for hereditary cancer?

www.positivegenomics.com | info@positivegenomics.com | 989-750-1533

3200 James Savage Road, Suite 5, Midland, MI 48642

989.496.1425

www.tlc4cs.org

Page 8 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

ourmidland.com

Social Interaction Helps Improve Quality of Life for Those Living with Dementia

By Deb Conarty, R.N. Director, Seasons Adult Day Health Services

D

the greatest benefit occurs when interactions are fulfilling and supportive, include a give and take, and get the person involved. When these factors are in place, a person with dementia can get a great sense of satisfaction and better quality of life.

ementia is an umbrella term for a progressive age-related disorder which is primarily seen in older adults. It is associated with changes and decline of the person’s memory, cognition, communication, behavior and their ability to perform activities of daily living.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Finding a silverbullet cure for dementia may still be years or decades away, but researchers have confirmed that simple social interaction goes a long way to ease certain symptoms for the person living with the disease.

For many people living with dementia, their previous interests and meaningful engagement in social activities declines as dementia begins to impact their life. There is a tendency for many to withdraw from these settings for a variety of reasons, including confusion during

conversations, lack of insight and embarrassment. Unfortunately, there is really limited ability to substitute social activities in a home setting. As a result, the person with dementia often experiences an increase in social isolation which leads to a more rapid progression of dementia

symptoms.

Research has confirmed that people living with dementia who maintain or develop social connections and get involved in meaningful activities, regardless of limitations, have a improved quality of life. Specifically,

Seasons Adult Day Health Services in Midland specializes in providing meaningful social interactions and activities for seniors living with dementia. Our scheduled hourly therapeutic activities, and highly social atmosphere, provide wonderful opportunities for seniors to connect with one another in a supportive environment. Many caregivers are highly impressed by the numerous positive changes that occur with their loved one after attending Seasons. If you are interested in a tour or free trial days, please call 633-3700.

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 9

Wireless technology takes hearing aids to new levels

H

earing loss may not be something people want to contemplate, but it is more common than many people may think.

Hearing deficits may occur from birth or be acquired due to injury or prolonged exposure to loud noises.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says approximately 15 percent of American adults (37.5 million people) aged 18 and older report some trouble hearing. Age is the strongest contributor to hearing loss, with people age 60 and older with the highest levels of impairment.

People with hearing deficits can access a growing number of assistance devices to make their lives easier. From telephones and doorbells that trigger a blinking light rather than a bell to closed captioning and voiceto-text conversion to a greater understanding and widespread usage of sign language, the deaf and hearing impaired have many options to help them overcome hearing loss.

As technology advances, so, too, do the options for the hearing impaired.

One innovative piece of gadgetry is sophisticated wireless hearing aids that are compatible with personal

electronic devices.

Thanks to Bluetooth technology, hearing aid manufacturers are harnessing this science to expand on the abilities of hearing aids and to develop new products. In the past, in order to use an MP3 player or mobile phone, a person would need to remove traditional hearing aids to accommodate a pair of earbuds.

Furthermore, hearing aids may have had their limitations in filtering ambient noise. Although Bluetoothpowered hearing devices are still in their infancy, Oticon, a global hearing technology company, has developed their own communication and entertainment solution called ConnectLine that enables people to connect hearing aids with different devices. This transforms hearing aids into a personal wireless headset for listening to music, watching television or video chatting.

Many other companies, such as ReSound and Starkey, also offer Bluetooth-enabled devices. Their devices may be compatible with Android and iPhone models, some of which may only require an app or direct connectivity to the device.

In fact, Apple has patented a specific Bluetooth connectivity with certain hearing aid manufacturers.

Others may require an accessory of some sort to make connections possible, especially when pairing with a TV or other audio device.

Thanks to cutting edge technology, assistive listening devices have improved considerably. Individuals should speak with their hearing care professionals about their daily needs concerning hearing aids and explore the options in wireless hearing aid technology that can work seamlessly with their devices.

Page 10 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Care Coordination O

lder adults, and especially frail elders, can have complex medical conditions that impact their ability to perform daily tasks. The vast majority of older adults wish to age in place in their own homes. To meet this goal, Senior Services Care Coordination fills a significant need.

What is Care Coordination?

Care Coordination is for individuals 60 years of age or older who would benefit from in-home assistance or community services and resources.

A Care Coordinator will work in partnership with an older adult and his or her loved ones to identify needs and coordinate care. A Care Coordinator can assist you

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in learning about community re-sources and services such as home care, housing options, home modifications, Medicare, and Medicaid, to name a few.

How Does it Work?

When an older adult is referred to this program, a telephone interview is conducted to identify the current situation and needs of the older adult. The Care Coordinator will visit the older adult in the home to conduct an in-depth assessment to identify the person’s health, social, environmental, financial and emotional needs.

Care Plan and Ongoing Follow-Up

The older adult and Care Coordinator develop a Care Plan based on needs identified during the assessment. Only services approved by the client will be arranged. The

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

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Care Coordinator will continue to stay in contact with the older adult to offer assistance as needed. Care Coordination assistance may be short-term or long-term depending on the older adult’s situation.

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 11

Ballroom Dancing and Big Band Music

Cost of Services

There is no charge to work with a Care Coordinator. Donations are greatly appreciated and are used to help expand the program. There may be charges for services that are arranged by the Care Coordinator.

Services may be paid by the client or family, local or grant funding or health and social service programs.

How to Request Care Coordination

Start by calling 989-633-3700 or 1-800-638-2058. Ask for information about Care Coordination.

The popular big band, Blast From the Past, is starting enjoy the music and fun. The concert runs from 6-8 p.m. their concerts back up this Fall. Come to the Community with an optional potluck at 5:15 p.m. This event is free.

Center on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. to Sponsored by Bickford of Midland.

2019 Fall Senior Expo -Wednesday, October 9 held at the 10:00AM - 11:30AM: BLAST FROM THE PAST

12:00PM - 2:00PM: BORDERLINE

Get your passport stamped and be eligible to

Win Door Prizes WITH THE HELP OF

Sponsored by: ourmidland.com

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Page 12 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

ourmidland.com

How to stay flexible as you age M

en and women may begin to feel less flexible as they get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is because muscles lose both strength and elasticity as the body ages.

A lack of flexibility can make men and women more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears. While people might not be able to maintain the flexibility they enjoyed in their twenties, there are ways for them to combat age-related loss of flexibility.

Stretch frequently. Stretching is a great

way to combat age-related loss of flexibility.

Stretch major muscle groups, such as hamstrings and shoulder muscles, several times per week.

When practicing static stretching, the goal is to gradually elongate the muscle being stretched before holding the elongated position, and ultimately allowing the muscle to return to resting position. As flexibility improves, elongated stretches can be held for 30 seconds.

Avoid stretching muscles that are sore or injured, and discontinue a stretch if you feel pain or discomfort.

Include yoga in your exercise regimen.

Practitioners of yoga typically love how this unique discipline that exercises the body while relaxing the mind improves their flexibility.

Many yoga poses are designed to improve the strength and flexibility of muscles, and some physicians may even recommend yoga to aging patients. Yoga DVDs or streaming sessions can be great, but beginners may want to visit yoga studios or sign up for classes at their gyms so instructors can personally ensure they are doing each pose correctly. As their flexibility improves, men and women can try more difficult poses and classes if they so desire.

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Get in the pool. Swimming is another

activity that can help aging men and women improve their flexibility. Strength-training exercises are an important component of a wellbalanced exercise regimen, but such workouts tend to focus on one or two muscle groups at a time. That means other muscle groups may be inactive and tighten up as a result. Swimming works the entire body, which helps all muscle groups stay loose and flexible. One or two swimming sessions per week can contribute to great gains in overall flexibility, especially for men and women who remember to stretch when they get out of the pool. Flexibility may decrease as men and women age, but there are various ways to combat the natural loss of flexibility.

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Cruising tips and tricks

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 13

drinks that are included in the packaged price. Certain branded items, such as specialty coffees or ice creams, may be available at an additional charge, as are premium drinks. But chances are you can find a free, similar version elsewhere on the ship.

A cruise can be an ideal vacation; for seniors who have the time to get away.

C

ruising can be an ideal vacation for people of any age, but particularly for seniors. Cruises combine all-inclusive meal packages with accommodations, breathtaking ports of call and pre-arranged activities, so vacationers do not have to lift a finger for days on end.

Cruising also can be a social activity, meaning singletons can meet up with other like-minded people and enjoy the cruising experience together.

Cruise Lines International Association, a global organization advocating for the cruising community, found that 25.8 million passengers expected to take a cruise in 2017, and various cruise companies invested more than $6.8 billion in new ocean vessels.

Whether a person is new to cruising

or is a seasoned ocean or river traveler, there are always techniques to try to score great deals or enjoy the experience even further.

Consider these tips and tricks, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, The Cruise Critic, the Travel Channel, and other vacationing experts.

the ship. Extend the vacation a little further by arriving a night or two before and checking into a nearby hotel. Some hotels may offer free parking or shuttle service to the ship.

Choose a close port. Select a port within driving distance to avoid airline costs and the extra hassles of coordinating luggage and travel to the port.

Research the ships, and not just the cruise lines. Cruise lines each offer their own amenities and are known for certain features. One cruise line may be a better match for young singles, while others may cater to families. In addition, certain ships may have their own special features such as water slides, athletic events, casinos, and more. Choose a ship that meets your needs.

Book dining ahead of time. Cruise ships often have a main dining room and then specialty restaurants. If you want a particular meal, make reservations before leaving port.

Certain restaurants may offer discounts or perks, such as a free bottle of wine or premiere seating.

Arrive the night before. There’s no need to rush to the port to board

Understand what’s included.

Cruise ships have many foods and

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Explore special discounts. When shopping for a cruise, see if there are discounts available for seniors, teachers, people in the military, or those who belong to certain clubs.

Cruises often love to incentivize, so it pays to ask about discount pricing.

Make a list of activities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the offerings on a cruise ship, so much so that there’s some stress over trying to fit it all in. Recognize that you can’t see or hear it all, and prioritize what’s important to you.

Make sure you have plenty of time to relax.

Book at the right time. Cruises may be more available after Labor Day when kids go back to school and the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas when others are too busy to travel.

Cruising can be an ideal vacation for travelers who are savvy enough to do their research.

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

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Our Handyman Can Help M

any older adults have to give up the independence of living in their home simply because the home has not been modified for their safety. Senior Services Team of Handymen to the rescue! A volunteer team helps seniors maintain their homes by making them safe and secure. Our handymen are trusted, qualified volunteers who complete the jobs they start.

Team Handyman makes sure that: • Slip hazards inside the home such as rugs, cords, etc. are secured

• Stairs and handrails are secure • Anti-slip surfaces are installed in bath tubs • Grab bars are installed • Raised toilet seats are installed • All exterior doors are secure • Windows and screens are secure and working • Outside entrance lights are functioning • Exterior areas around the house are safe • Ceiling light bulbs are replaced Team Handyman also installs carbon monoxide detectors, smoke

alarms, nightlights and completes other safety-related repairs and tasks.

To be eligible for Handyman services you must be a Midland County resident and a homeowner or have permission from your landlord.

Labor and parts are free, however, donations are greatly appreciated and are used to help expand the program and help more people in the community.

Here’s what one of our Handyman clients had to say: Mr. & Mrs. Beckworth came to our house. Mr. Beckworth installed a grab bar by my front door. He also installed a grab bar in our bathroom to be safe getting out of the tub. He put a raised seat on the toilet and installed toilet sup-port bars. He brought a shower seat and put it in our bath tub so we will be safe while showering. We are very

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Mrs. Beckworth helped us be aware of how to prevent fires and falls. Her advice included: • Keep fire place door shut • Put sticky tape under floor protectors • Take matchbox from fireplace ledge and put in metal container in kitchen cupboard • Keep papers and other flammables away from the fireplace • Clean fireplace chimney regularly • Turn off stove burners when I leave the kitchen • Use a night light For more details about our Handyman Services, contact your Care Coordinator or call the Team Handyman hotline at 633-3742. Like previous clients, be on your way to a more safe and secure place to live!

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Are You a Caregiver?

Go to: AreYouACaregiver.com and take the quiz to find out!

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 15

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Identifying yourself, a coworker or a friend as a caregiver is important. It gives you access to education and support and also helps you provide Region VII Area Agency on Aging Call toll Free: 1-800-858-1637 •toll www.region7aaa.org quality care while staying healthy and active Call Free: 1-800-858-1637 • Serving “Dedicated to providing services to older and disabled persons to help maintainCounties independence” Serving Bay, They Clare, Gladwin, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola yourself. Senior Services can help. offer Gratiot, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Serving Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, San In-Home Access Community many services that make caregiving easier. Call Services Isabella, Services Huron, Midland, Services Information and Home Delivered Nutrition • Assistance Saginaw, Sanilac, Meals 633-3700 or visit SeniorServicesMidland.org.

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Page 16 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

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Understanding, preventing and managing osteoarthritis T

he most common chronic condition of the joints in both the United States and Canada, osteoarthritis affects roughly 30 million people in just those two countries alone.

While osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in men and women over the age of 65. Understanding osteoarthritis and how to prevent and manage the disease can help men and women over the age of 50 reduce their risk and live more

comfortably even if they develop OA.

What is osteoarthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a flexible connective tissue that covers the end of each bone. Cartilage facilitates motion of the joints and serves as a cushion between the bones. When a person has OA, cartilage breaks down, causing swelling and pain and affecting the mobility of the joint. Over time, OA can worsen

and cause bones to break down and develop bone spurs, which form when bones meet each other in the joints. OA can even advance to a point where cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, creating even more pain while damaging the joints even further.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Once considered a byproduct of the wear and tear the human body naturally endures over a lifetime, OA is now viewed as a disease, notes the AF. The following are some potential

causes of OA. • Genes: The AF notes that certain genetic traits can increase a person’s likelihood of developing OA. Collagen is a protein that makes up cartilage, and, while rare, a genetic defect that affects the body’s production of cartilage can lead to OA occurring in people as young as 20 years old. Researchers have also noted that the gene FAAH is more commonly found in people with OA of the knee than in people who don’t have the disease. FAAH has

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been previously linked with pain sensitivity.

• Weight: Being overweight increases a person’s risk for a host of ailments and diseases, and OA can be counted among them. Extra weight puts additional pressure on hips and joints, and over time those extra pounds can cause cartilage to break down more quickly than it would if the body was not carrying extra weight.

• Injury: Men and women who

2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

have suffered injuries to their joints may be at greater risk of developing OA than those with no such injury history.

• Overuse: Overuse of joints, tendons and ligaments can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and increase a person’s risk of developing OA. Cartilage also can break down more quickly in the bodies of athletes and people whose careers require them to stand for extended periods of time, bend over

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 17

frequently and/or lift heavy items.

• Preexisting conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis and acromegaly may also contribute to the development of OA among people diagnosed with such disorders.

Prevention and management of OA

Men and women who maintain healthy weights and exercise regularly and appropriately may

be able to prevent the onset of OA. Appropriate exercises include strength training that focuses on building muscles around the joints, even if those joints are already affected by OA. Strong muscles around the joints can reduce the pain associated with OA, while range-of-motion exercises can improve flexibility of the joints and reduce stiffness. Aerobic exercise also helps men and women maintain healthy weights while facilitating weight loss for those who are already overweight.

Those already diagnosed with OA should speak with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen, and such conversations can also include discussions about the various medications that can be used to reduce symptoms of OA. More information about OA is available at www.arthritis.org.

Hospice Services

Experience Quality of Life When Quality Matters Most Research has shown that choosing hospice early when faced with a terminal illness not only extends life for many patients, it also improves their quality of life. Though often associated with the final days of life, hospice is actually designed to help patients and families during the final six months of life.

To learn more about hospice services available through MidMichigan Home Care or to schedule an informational home visit, call toll-free (800) 862-5002 or visit www.midmichigan.org/homecare.

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

Page 18 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

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Seniors becoming more tech-savvy T

and older say they go online.

echnology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world. Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not.

But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge.

Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones, which is more than double the amount that did in 2013. Seniors in Australia are especially tech savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65 to 75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016.

According to a 2014 study

by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the Internet — a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012.

Today, 67 percent of adults age 65

While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever

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2019 FALL SENIOR EXPO

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before. Seniors use technology in many different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and monitor their fitness regimens.

Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible.

Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital

books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society.

Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers.

Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fastgrowing demographic for tech usage.

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Saturday, October 5, 2019 | Page 19

Did you know?

O

ver the last decade, seniors have become increasingly more savvy in regard to social media usage.

The Pew Research Center found that, in 2015, around 35 percent of people age 65 and older reported using social media. That’s a large jump from just 2 percent in 2005. As of 2016, 65 percent of people between the ages 50 and 64 reported using social media, according to Pew. Social media usage among seniors continues to climb, although young adults still comprise the demographic most likely to use it. Among seniors ages 50 and older, Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform used, followed by Pinterest and LinkedIn.