LIVING SENIOR October 2020

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S E N I O R

A publication of

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS LLC

Fall 2020

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

381225

Surprisingly, older Americans are coping best during the pandemic

O

lder Americans have actually been coping far better than younger ones during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research.

The Edward Jones and Age Wave Study goes where few have ventured before in focusing exclusively on how different generations have held up emotionally and financially in the months since all the lockdowns began. And some of its findings are at least as startling as how quickly even 70-year-olds came to love Zoom.

“COVID-19’s impact forever changed the reality of many Americans, yet we’ve observed a resilience among U.S. retirees in contrast to younger generations,” said Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Age Wave, a leading research think tank on aging, retirement and longevity issues.

While acknowledging upfront that the virus itself disproportionally struck aging adults, the five-generational sampling of 9,000 people age 18 and over revealed more than a few surprises. Among them: A recent study found older Americans are handling the COVID-19 pandemic better than their younger counterparts. Participants in the study said they longed to use their talents to help others and said previous traumatic experiences such as World War II helped prepare them for the necessary isolation during the pandemic.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

• While 37 percent of Gen Zers, 27 percent of Millennials, and 25 percent of Gen Xers said they’d suffered “mental health declines” since the virus hit, only 15 percent of Baby Boomers responded likewise.

• Faring the best were those 75 and over – the Silent Generation that followed the so-called “Greatest Generation” – with a mere 8 percent of those respondents reporting any mental health deterioration. That would seem to run counter, as does the results

living S E N I O R

See COPING BEST, Page 8

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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The family of the late Carolyn “Lynn” Mick donates a lifelike baby doll to Pine Brook Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care in Burlington in her memory on Aug. 18. Gathered around Pine Brooke resident Evie (seated) and the doll are Mick’s daughters (from left) DyAnna Dujardin, Brenda Wright, Allyson Doerflinger; grandson Bennet Wright; son-in-law Paul Dujardin; granddaughter Brooke Wright; and daughter Carmen May. Dolls can provide comfort for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

Something to hold

Dolls can offer comfort to people in memory care

By Tracy Ouellette

of motorcycling, flying, RVing, and skiing, before Alzheimer’s reared its ugly head.

She was diagnosed at 68; tt was very sad.” hen Carolyn “Lynn” Mick passed away in March at the Dujardin and her sisters, Allyson Doerflingerm, Carmen May and Brenda age of 81, after suffering Wright, who were named alphabetically by from Alzheimer’s disease their mom, watched their beloved mother for years, her daughter, struggle with Alzheimer’s and eventually DyAnna Dujardin, wanted to do something to honor her had to place her in a memory care unit.

“My mom entered a memory care mother in a way as special as her mother facility 4-1/2 years ago; it was very was.

“She was the best mom ever,” Dujardin difficult on her and the family,” Dujardin said. “The past two years she really said. “She lived life to the fullest and did so by retiring early. She had 10 good years attached to the baby doll that was at Pine EDITOR

W

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

Brook Pointe Memory Care in Burlington.

Staff was quick to get her the baby when she was restless or sad. She would hold and rock that baby, kissing its head and smiling. I could picture myself as an infant being held and looked at the same way.”

The comfort the baby doll brought her mother inspired Dujardin to donate one to Pine Brook after her mother’s death. The family presented the doll to the memory care unit Aug. 18.

“It was the most rewarding experience in my life,” Dujardin said. “I thought maybe I’d get a reaction to one or two

residents in the memory care unit, but they were so excited.

They asked to hold it right away and they just lit up, rocking it back and forth, talking to it and smiling from ear to ear.”

Dujardin said one of the residents was enamored with the life-like baby doll, commenting on how blue it’s eyes were and spent a long time just staring down at the baby in his arms with a smile on his face.

“One woman said she wanted it to stay there all the time and I told her it could, it was a gift to all of them and she cried with happiness,” Dujardin remembered.

She added that she always wanted to get one of the life-like baby dolls for her mom, but never got around to it.

“Mom had her doll and loved it, but I always wanted to get her one of these, but they’re kind of expensive,” Dujardin said. “It was after mom left us and people sent us money along with their condolences that I thought, ‘I’m going to buy one.’”

The special dolls can be purchased for about $100 at online retailers. Dujardin bought the doll, which is made by Otard Dolls, on Amazon.

“There are many types of Alzheimer/dementia dolls on the market, though,” she said. “I got this one because I liked the way it looked. And it’s so soft. Every resident who held the soft, life-like baby was so comforted. The baby was showered with kisses, soft talking, rocking and gentle stares.”

Dujardin said when she had to take the baby from one of the residents to share with another resident, she felt bad about taking away the doll.

“I felt awful and thought ‘I should have brought 10 dolls,’” she said.

Concerns and controversy

Doll therapy has not been widely studied and there is some controversy surrounding it. Anecdotal evidence and a few small studies have suggested using dolls for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can reduce anxiety, stress and even aggressive behaviors.

The downside is that family members may have issues with treating their adult loved one as a child and/or be disturbed by seeing them with a doll.

“One of my sisters had a problem with it for a couple of years,” Dujardin said. “She felt we were infantilizing mom, but I saw that it was comforting her. Toward the last two years, when she got sicker, the doll therapy really seemed to work.

“Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s can get aggressive and end up on medications to keep them calmer, but with the doll, Mom wasn’t even on antidepressants, all we had to do was give her the doll and it would calm her.

“I think it’s a testament to what an amazing mom she was.”

While Dujardin said she understands the concerns of people who don’t support doll therapy, in her mind being able to eliminate her mom’s medications was worth it.

“When our loved ones with Alzheimer’s struggle like that, I think it’s because their lives lack meaning and this gives it back to them,” she said. “They have a purpose, ‘I have to hold the baby.’ I don’t think we’re trying to trick them, I think having a doll or a stuffed cat or dog helps them make sense of a world that doesn’t make sense anymore. I think it’s a good thing.”

Above: The late Lynn Mick holds her baby doll, which was the inspiration for her family to donate a comfort doll to Pine Brook, where their mother lived before her death. Below: The family of the late Lynn Mick offers a memorial to their mother and grandmother on a comfort doll they donated to the memory care unit at Pine Brook Pointe in Burlington.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Living Senior

Donate a doll

With the joy Dujardin saw in the residents when she presented the doll, she is now raising funds to purchase more dolls for area memory care units.

“I want to do more,” she said. “One doll isn’t enough and I think people will want to help. They can buy a doll or donate any amount they want so they can join with others to purchase a doll. I’ll take any help I can get.”

Contact her at dujie5als@gmail.com for more information.

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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With regular care, proper nutrition and loving attention, aging pets can live a long, enriching life and enjoy every moment they have with you.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

3 ways to keep senior pets happy and healthy As members of the family, we love our pets unconditionally. We would do anything to ensure they live long and happy lives with us. That’s why as they age it is important to be aware of the different ways to care for our pets to help them remain healthy and energized as they reach senior status.

Purina has answers to these common questions about aging pets to help you be the best pet parent for your furry family member.

When are pets considered ‘senior’?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, our cats and dogs are generally considered senior when they reach the age of 7 years. However, some pets, like larger dog breeds, are considered seniors when they are 6 years old.

No matter what age your pet is, make sure they get regular veterinary checkups and necessary preventive care, like required vaccinations. Your veterinarian may recommend older pets get additional tests to watch for specific health conditions, and more frequent checkups to prevent future problems.

Watch for signs of aging that could need attention. You may notice changes in their skin and coat, their appetites may diminish, or their activity level may slow down.

“Changes in appetite and behavior may indicate underlying health concerns, so it’s worth sharing your observations with your vet,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, DVM, Ph.D. and chief veterinary officer at Purina.

“Dogs may also experience hearing, vision or cognitive changes as they age that are hard to detect, so pay attention if your dog

responds less promptly to voice commands, bumps into things as they walk or seems to have trouble doing activities he once enjoyed.”

Reduced mobility, limping or having trouble managing steps can also indicate issues like osteoarthritis.

Do pets need special nutrition as they get older?

A 2020 Purina Pet Ownership Survey found that 93% of pet owners feel it is important to choose food specific to a pet’s life stage. And while most people know puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and cats, few owners realize that senior animals also need food tailored to them.

See SENIOR PETS, Page 12

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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COPING BEST, from Page 3 for Boomers (age 56 to 74), to early dire warnings that prolonged social isolation made older adults especially vulnerable to depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.

• Nearly 68 million Americans have altered the timing of their retirement due to the pandemic, and 20 million stopped making regular retirement savings contributions.

Dychtwald attributed the two older generations’ resilience to their having “a greater perspective on life.”

“They’ve seen wars and other major disruptions before,” he said, “and they know that this, too, will pass. Younger generations feel like, ‘What happened to my life? I mean, I was supposed to go to college or I was starting a new job, and

now everything has changed.’”

Most retired Boomers and Silent Gens also had monthly Social Security checks to fall back on. Which explains why – though the pandemic has significantly reduced the financial security of a quarter of Americans – younger generations were slammed the hardest: Nearly one-third of Millennial and Gen Z respondents characterized the impact as “very or extremely negative,” compared to 16

percent of Boomers and 6 percent of Silent Gens who admitted to similar hardship.

Looking for any silver lining that’s come out of the COVID-19 crisis?

Well, 67 percent of respondents did say it’s brought their families closer together.

“The pandemic has certainly thrown into sharp relief what matters most in our lives,” said Ken Cella, Edward Jones’s client services group principal. “And important discussions have taken place about planning earlier for retirement, saving more for emergencies, and even talking through end-of-life plans and long-term care costs.”

And with the study also showing that an overwhelming percentage of retirees yearn for more ways to use their talents to benefit society, financial services firm Edward Jones believes it’s time to redefine retirement more “holistically” to encompass what it calls “the four pillars” of health, family, purpose and finance.

Successfully addressing most of those pillars admittedly takes more financial savvy than many of us have, though, especially given ever-rising costs. But a financial advisor, like a local one at Edward Jones, has the perspective, experience and empathy to help.

(NEWSUSA)

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

As studies show that engaging in physical activity is the most effective way for aging men and women to stay healthy, more adults may be compelled to join fitness groups that cater to the 50-and-over market.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

Innovative fitness programs for seniors I

t is important to stay active and eat healthy foods in an effort to promote fitness and well-being. This is especially true for seniors, many of whom lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles as they age.

The American Heart Association says adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, and a Harvard University study says that exercise can be an insurance policy for heart health.

Today’s seniors have more fitness options at their disposal than ever before.

SilverSneakers is the leading community fitness program for older adults in the

United States. SilverSneakers members can participate in specially curated programs at participating gyms and community centers across the nation.

According to the organization, there are more participating fitness locations available than there are Starbucks coffee establishments. Classes are fit for everyone, no matter their experience level.

Those concerned about gym costs may find that SilverSneakers already is included in their Medicare Advantage plan for no additional cost. Plus, there is access to healthy living discounts from participating businesses.

Canada has begun to develop its own

senior-centric fitness programs. The Healthy, Safe and Strong group exercise program is an introduction to safe exercises available for adults age 60 and older in the province of Ontario.

The program can help develop better stamina, maintain or improve balance and increase strength and endurance. StrongerU Senior Fitness is a relatively new program of pre-choreographed group fitness offering instruction in four program types: cardio, strength training, stretching, and circuit training. The program addresses a need in Canada for quality and consistent senior fitness programing.

(METRO CREATIVE)

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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WATCH YOUR STEP

6 ways to prevent falls around the house

D

espite all of the potential hazards around a house – from electrical issues to fire hazards to carbon monoxide – the National Home Security Alliance says that falls are the leading cause of death due to home accidents.

Falls are responsible for one-third of all home-related fatalities. Although seniors are the group most affected by falls, these types of accidents can affect anyone.

A broken bone may be a minor inconvenience for young people, but fractures are more serious for the elderly.

As a result, seniors must take measures to protect themselves against falls. These steps can minimize risk at home.

Remove tripping hazards Examine rooms and hallways for potential hazards, such as slippery throw rugs, floorboards that stick up, loose carpeting, or furniture that blocks walking paths. Remedy these hazards as soon as possible. Address loose floorboards and/ or place nonslip materials beneath rugs.

Install grab bars or railings Install grab bars in certain locations for extra stability or where someone may need leverage getting up from a seated position. They are particularly helpful near toilets and bathtubs and in stairways and hallways.

Stick to sensible shoes Sensible shoes fit properly and have sturdy, nonskid soles. Avoid walking around in slippers or even in stocking feet, which are much more slippery.

Store items within reach Store items that are used frequently, such as dishes, in easily accessible cabinets and other locations. This prevents having to climb or reach for them.

Install more lighting Poor visibility can contribute to falls. Lighting in hallways, stairways,

Falls can cause serious injury or death, particularly for aging men and women. Simple fixes around the house can make things more secure and reduce the risk for falls.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

bathrooms, and bedrooms – even if it is a small night light – can be enough to light the way.

Reinforce your home’s exterior

Falls do not only occur inside. Inspect

the perimeter of a property for uneven turf, holes or cracked or uneven patches of walkways. Make sure lighting is working at entryways, and check that exterior handrails are secure.

(METRO CREATIVE)

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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SENIOR PETS, from Page 7 An effective senior pet food formula can help control chronic health conditions, manage a pet’s weight and improve their mental focus. For example, Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ is formulated specifically for senior dogs.

It includes ingredients like enhanced botanical oils that are Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which can help improve brain function in older dogs. Purina scientists have spent years developing formulas that help boost energy levels and manage caloric intake for your senior dog, while ensuring that he or she receives the right balance of food and nutrients.

How can you keep an older pet active and alert?

Dr. Ragen McGowan, Ph.D., a Purina pet behavior scientist, notes that “just like people, older pets can become set in their ways and naturally slow down as they age. Keeping your senior pet active is a simple, fun and effective way to help them stay healthy and nimble.

Remember, that it is just as important to keep your pet’s mind active as it is to keep their body active.”

Try out a couple of these activities with your pet: • Play with new toys and games –

Cats and dogs are generally considered “senior” when they reach the age of 7 years.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

When was the last time you got your pet a new toy, or played a game of fetch or catch the mouse? Research your pet’s breed (or breeds) to find out what kinds of activities they may like best at all stages of their life.

Puzzle feeders and games can go a long way to keeping your pet mentally active.

• Introduce variety to your pet’s life – Vary your walking route by visiting an unfamiliar park or drive to a walking trail to give your dog a new place to discover.

Introduce your cat to the outdoors by taking her on a walk or letting her explore the backyard on a harness and leash.

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269598

(BPT)

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• Train your pet – Yes, even older pets can learn new tricks. Consider a training class or watch videos from trainers to learn how to teach your pet a new command.

• Spend time with your pet – Petting, talking to and playing with your pets can help keep them happy and alert. Grooming them regularly will also give you a chance to bond as well as look for changes in their skin, toenails, ears and coat that your vet may need to know about.

To learn more about caring for your senior pet, visit www.Purina.com.

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LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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Now more than ever, it is important to get a flu vaccine Flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States yearly. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu and its potentially serious consequences.

Both flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that are thought to spread mainly by droplets when people who are infected cough, sneeze or talk.

Both flu and COVID-19 can be spread to others before infected people know they are sick.

There are also some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

While what will happen this fall and winter is uncertain, CDC is preparing for flu and COVID-19 to spread at the same time. Besides making people sick, this could result in a dangerous public health situation because both diseases can cause serious illness that might require hospitalization.

Getting a flu vaccine provides the best protection against flu and is particularly important this year. Flu vaccines help reduce the risk of developing potentially serious flu complications. This is especially important for people with certain long-term health conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Flu vaccines are also important for people who are 65 years or older who are more likely to get very sick from flu.

Reducing the number of people who are sick with flu also can reduce the burden on our medical systems. More people getting vaccinated can mean that fewer people will need to go to doctors’ offices for flu treatment and testing, and fewer people will need to seek urgent

medical care or be hospitalized with flu. These reductions in doctor visits and hospitalizations can help save medical resources needed for the care of COVID-19 patients.

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get their flu vaccine in September or October, or as soon as possible after that.

Talk to your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or health department about getting your flu vaccine. Doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals are putting new procedures in place to keep people safe from COVID-19 during vaccination.

It’s also important to continue social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands often – all these actions help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu.

Not sure where to get a flu vaccine?

Visit vaccinefinder.org to find a vaccination location near you.

(BPT)

With the coronavirus still spreading across the United States, getting a flu shot is particularly important to help reduce the risk of developing potentially serious flu complications, which might require hospitalization.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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How older drivers can approach vehicle maintenance and social distancing The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the winter of 201920 required people of all ages and backgrounds to make changes in their daily lives.

Elderly men and women were among the groups the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified as high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19. That forced people 65 years and older to be especially cautious when engaging in otherwise normal activities, including having their vehicles serviced.

In recognition of the threat posed by COVID-19, many auto dealerships and service shops implemented changes to their operations to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers, including those in high-risk groups. Seniors can take additional measures to ensure they stay safe while having their vehicles serviced.

Inquire about safety measures

Before booking vehicle maintenance

appointments, seniors should call the dealership or body shop to determine what’s being done to keep everyone safe. Many such businesses quickly implemented new safety protocols so they should be ready and willing to share this information over the phone.

Look for specific information about sanitization practices. Are vehicle interiors being sprayed with disinfectant before and after maintenance appointments? Are employees wearing masks each day? Are employees being checked for COVID-19 symptoms before each shift?

These are some of the simple yet effective measures many dealerships and body shops are taking to ensure the safety of their customers.

Ask about pickup service Some communities that have reopened are encouraging high-risk segments of the population to adhere to stay-at-home measures. Elderly men and women are

still vulnerable to COVID-19 even if the number of reported cases in their towns has decreased.

Pickup service, in which a service shop employee will come pick up and then drop off a customer’s car once the work is done, can be a great way for elderly drivers to have their vehicles serviced without going out in public. Even if pickup is not policy, ask if it’s possible and request that your vehicle be disinfected upon being returned.

If pickup is not an option, ask a younger friend or family member to drive your car in for maintenance in your place.

Only visit safe facilities Elderly drivers who must visit a dealership or body shop in person should confirm that waiting rooms feature socially distant seating. If possible, drop the car off and then go for a walk or find somewhere safe off the premises to read a book or listen to music while the work is being done.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Elderly drivers who need to have their vehicles serviced can take certain steps to stay safe in the era of social distancing.

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR • FALL 2020

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