Guide to
SENIORLIVING SENIOR LIVING
A Blank Slate Media/Litmor Publications Special Section • June 15, 2018
34 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018
Therapy for seniors thru puppies BY LU K E TOR R A N C E For Shari Leventhal, the director of recreation at the Harbor House in Oyster Bay, few things are better for the senior population than a visit from puppies. “It’s amazing how it stimulates them emotionally, socially, physically,” she said. “There are residents that have motor issues and they get encouraged to move their hand and pet a puppy. There are residents that are not speaking and it stimulates memories, and we get some thoughts or words out or even just a smile.” The visits to Harbor House are part of the North Shore Animal League America’s Shelter Pet Outreach Team (SPOT) program, which makes visits to those who are alone, ill, or live in specialized care facilities. The program, which is based out of the league’s headquarters in Port Washington, started by taking puppies and kittens to visit people around the area. “It was started because the volunteers had heard about the potential positive effects on the health of seniors and their emotional and cognitive well-being,” said Diane Alexander, a spokeswoman for the organization.
COURTESY OF DIANE ALEXANDER
Seniors at the Harbor House in Oyster Bay hold puppies as part of the North Shore Animal League America’s SPOT program. The pets who participate — mostly puppies between eight to 12 weeks old and older dogs — are all up for adoption on the weekends. That means the
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dogs who go out to visit with volunteers vary from week to week. Alexander said that the dogs chosen are the ones not afraid of people or loud
noises, and the participants can visit as many as seven facilities per week. She added that the pets usually spend about 90 minutes at each facility they visit, with the length varying on how many people want to participate. The program is not just to visit the elderly. The dogs also make visits to special education schools, where the pets help the children develop a sense of empathy and reduce anxiety. The benefits that Leventhal described of the group’s visit to Harbor House are shared with other senior living facilities. The visit is a mental and physical stimulation for the residents and provides an event where they can socialize with one another. According to the Animal League, the visits help seniors recuperate from illness more quickly, relaxes them and significantly reduces loneliness. A study conducted in New York, Missouri and Texas nursing homes showed patients’ medication costs dropped an average of 69 percent when pets were allowed to visit. “It’s just phenomenal to see those who aren’t speaking light up as soon as they see a pet and touch them,” Leventhal said. “The work that they do here, we cannot thank them enough.”
ADVERTORIAL
Ask the Funeral Director… By Joseph Velotti, Funeral Director Roslyn Heights Funeral Home
Preplanning a funeral is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Whether it is for you or a loved one, the first step is obtaining all the necessary information to make an informed decision. More and more people are choosing to preplan/prepay their funeral and burial expenses. In doing so, they recognize that it is smart financial planning and provides great emotional relief for themselves and their loved ones. Prepaying your funeral will allow you to make your own funeral plans, but, more importantly, preplanning will spare surviving relatives and loved ones from the emotional burden of having to make decisions at a time of great stress and grief. The most common questions people ask when they are considering preplanning their funeral arrangements are:
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#1. Why Pre Plan at all? • Allows individuals the opportunity to make personal and specific selections for the funeral service that most closely meets their needs. • Spares loved ones from having to second-guess the wishes of the deceased at the time of need. • Allows for time to research funeral homes, burial options, and financial considerations; • Provides an option to set aside funds for final expenses, relieving family members of an unexpected financial burden. #2. Why Pre Pay for my arrangements? • Placing the cost of the funeral (at today's prices) in an investment vehicle, so that the interest earned will keep pace with inflation to cover the cost of the funeral (at future prices) when the death occurs. • Prevents life insurance policies from being depleted at the time of a loved one's death. • Allows individuals to consider options while they are better prepared to make sound, fiscally responsible decisions. • Spares loved ones the unexpected cost of a funeral during a stressful time. Roslyn Heights Funeral Home offers price guaranteed pre-arrangement thru PREPLAN a funeral trust pre-funding program backed by the NYS Funeral Directors Association, Inc. call 516-621-4545 for more information.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018 • SENIOR LIVING
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36 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018
Vision changes as you age
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s a person gets older certain bodily changes are to be expected. For example, muscle tone may diminish and bones can become more fragile as we age. Exercise and healthy eating may be able to stave off some of the effects of aging, but avoiding vision problems may require some additional effort. Vision naturally diminishes as we age, but not all vision changes are related to aging. Many natural changes are not severe and may only require a minor adjustment in prescription glasses or contact lenses. Improved lighting or bigger print may help remedy other issues, including blurry text. However, certain conditions that people blame on getting older really may be hereditary or a byproduct of an illness. There’s a difference between changes that are the result of aging and those that are not. Recognizing the differences can help individuals get the treatment necessary to prevent permanent eye damage.
Age-related changes Difficulty seeing clearly for reading and close work is one of the most common age-related vision issues. This condition can begin as early as age 40 and worsen as a person gets older. Variation in the eyes’ ability to focus properly is called presbyopia, and it will worsen over time. Other normal signs of aging include problems with glare from headlights or the sun. Lens changes in the eye can cause light to be scattered rather than focused on the retina. This leads to more glare. In dim conditions, a person may find he or she needs more light to see well. That’s because muscles that control pupil size and reaction to light lose some strength. Changes in color perception also may begin. The normally clear lens of the eye can discolor, making it difficult to distinguish between certain hues.
Not all vision problems are directly correlated to aging. Adults should speak with their eye doctors about any problems they may be having.
Conditions not directly tied to aging Certain eye disorders may become more prevalent as a person gets older, but that does not mean they are a byproduct of aging. Macular degeneration, which causes spotty loss of detail or sudden and severe loss of central vision, may occur. This condition is a result of damage to the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detail, color and daylight vision. Risk factors for macular degeneration include high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and untreated high blood pressure. Poor circulation to the retina is the most common cause of macular degeneration. Glaucoma is another condition linked to aging. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve by fluid pressure inside the eye. Patients with glaucoma typically do not exhibit early symptoms. Glaucoma is only detectable through routine vision examinations. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all 65-yearold Americans have some degree of cataract formation in their eyes. People who have cataracts may think they’re an unavoidable part of getting older. While aging may increase the risk of getting cataracts, according to Lighthouse International its true cause is unknown. Other risks include long-term exposure to the sun’s rays, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and eye injury. Illnesses like diabetes can affect eyesight in many different ways. Proper treatment for diabetes and management of the condition can prevent a number of eye disorders. Adults should not assume all vision changes are a direct result of getting older. Annual vision examinations by qualified eye doctors can pinpoint the cause of problems and find treatment options that are successful.
Yearly eye exams can reveal more than just vision trouble
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ore evidence points to the importance of routine eye exams, not only to pinpoint potential conditions of the eye, but also to serve as windows to diseases that affect the entire body. Now more than ever it is essential to make and keep annual eye exams, as they can help to reveal the first signs of serious ailments. Doctors from around the world say dozens of diseases — from certain cancers to arthritis to high blood pressure — can show symptoms in the eye. Under the watchful and knowing gaze of an eyecare professional, individuals can get early diagnosis and begin treatment promptly. According to Dr. Roy Chuck, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, there are many systemic diseases that can be seen in the eye. In addition to the conditions mentioned, jaundice can indicate liver disease while retinal detachment and bleeding in new blood vessels may indicate hypertension. By looking at the color of the cornea, some doctors can tell if a patient has elevated levels of cholesterol. Many people have had their eye doctors be the first healthcare professional to detect the presence of their diabetes. If an ophthalmologist suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she will likely refer men and women to their primary care doctors for a more thorough examination. Going to the eye doctor can do more than ensure your vision is sharp. It’s a life-saving decision for many people who have major health conditions diagnosed through the eyes.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018 • SENIOR LIVING
Easy ways to get more youthful looking skin F ew people would pass up the opportunity to look younger. But men and women who want to look a little more like their younger selves without resorting to surgery can still have younger, healthier-looking skin without going under the knife. The following are a handful of natural ways to keep skin vibrant and youthful.
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can add years to your life and improve your appearance. Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which are the substances that help keep skin flexible and firm. Also, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and makes it difficult for it to receive enough oxygen to stay healthy. The act of smoking also can contribute to olderlooking skin. Pursing the lips to draw on a cigarette, as well as squinting to avoid smoke in the eyes can lead to the formation of wrinkles on the face. • Steer clear of the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light damages the skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Also, inadvertent UV exposure, which can happen when running errands or sitting in front of an open window, also can affect the skin. Sun exposure is the top cause of uneven skin tone and dark spots. Always wear sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun. Applying sunscreen should become as automatic as brushing your teeth each day. • Drink more water. A dehydrated body will divert water to the organs that need it the most, including the liver and heart. When that happens, skin pays the price by not receiving adequate hydration for skin cell renewal. By drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day, you can ensure your body is getting the fluids it needs to fuel natural functions, including skin cell production. • Exercise. By working out you’ll promote good cardiovascular health, which in turn will deliver blood flow and nutrients to the surface of your skin. Skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin, helping to create a younger appearance and glow. Exercise also can help banish stress, which can contribute to an older appearance and frown. • Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol in excess can damage blood vessels over time. This can cause burst capillaries at the surface of the skin, which are highly visible. Drinking also may lead to flushing, which can affect appearance. People who have damaged their livers from drinking too much or abusing
Many lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and staying out of the sun, can contribute to younger-looking skin. medication may develop jaundice, a medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin.
ADVERTORIAL
How Can I Tell If I Have Glaucoma? What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, causing permanent vision loss. Most commonly, the damage occurs when your eye’s internal fluid pressure rises too high. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. What causes glaucoma? The exact cause of glaucoma is not known. For some reason, the passages that normally allow fluid within your eye become clogged or blocked. Fluid within your eye builds up and increases pressure on the optic nerve. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve are easily damaged by this pressure, resulting in vision loss. An injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye can also cause the pressure to rise. People who have glaucoma with normal eye pressure likely have poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Who gets glaucoma? Glaucoma most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40. In some families, the disease is hereditary. It is estimated that over 2 million Americans have glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise as the U.S. population ages. How is glaucoma harmful to vision? The optic nerve, at the back of the eye,
carries visual information to the brain. As the optic nerve fibers are damaged, the amount and quality of information sent to the brain decreases and a loss of vision occurs. Will I go blind from glaucoma? If diagnosed at an early stage, glaucoma can often be controlled with little or no further vision loss. If left untreated, first peripheral vision and then central vision will be affected, and blindness may result. How Is glaucoma detected? A comprehensive optometric examination will include tests for glaucoma. A simple, painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of your eye. Health of the optic nerve and your field of vision will be checked. How is glaucoma treated? Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines that must be taken regularly. Some cases require laser therapy or surgery. Will my vision be restored after treatment? No. But early detection and treatment can control glaucoma and reduce the chances of vision loss.
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• Avoid stressful situations. It’s impossible to avoid all the stressors in life, but taking steps to reduce stress can improve your psychological outlook and appearance. Stress can lessen your body’s ability to function properly, and that can affect the appearance of your skin. Stress-related insomnia can lead to under-eye bags and a tired appearance. And according to the Archives of Dermatology, stress can increase your risk of skin diseases and may cause wounds to take longer to heal.
You Can’t See Glaucoma Coming…
• Eat a healthy diet. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it makes sense that healthy foods will benefit the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax and fish oil are important for skin health because they support healthy cell membranes. Antioxidants like vitamins A and C also are beneficial because they fight the effects of cell oxidation and combat free radicals that can lead to illness.
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• Take care of your skin at night. Moisturizers and serums with concentrated blends of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals are most effective at night. That’s because, when applied at night, such products are in contact with the skin for several hours without being wiped off. Just be sure to apply any products to clean skin for maximum effect. A dermatologist can recommend the right products for your skin type.
There are various ways to get more youthful-looking skin, many of which can benefit the rest of your body as well.
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38 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018
Some benefits of growing older
What is a silent stroke? Silent stroke may not exhibit any symptoms, making it more difficult to detect.
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he brain is a complex organ responsible for controlling many different bodily functions. When working at optimal capacity, the brain is a wonder to behold. When illness or trauma affects the brain, various parts of the body may not work as they should.
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any people are quick to think of growing older in a negative light. Although there certainly are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives. Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. In the United States, the Administration on Aging states that the older population — persons 65 years or older — numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). Statistics Canada reports that, in July 2015, estimates indicated that there were more persons aged 65 years and older in Canada than children aged 0 to 14 years for the first time in the country’s history. Nearly one in six Canadians (16.1%) was at least 65 years old. With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some great benefits to growing old. Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people have less negativity and higher self-esteem. A University of Basel study of people ranging in ages from 18 to 89 found that regardless of demographic and social status, the older one gets the higher self-esteem climbs. Qualities like self-control and altruism can contribute to happiness. Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies, and other entertainment if they’re willing to disclose their ages. Discounts are available through an
array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. The U.S. National Park Service offers citizens age 62 and older lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for just $10 in person ($20 online or via mail). Reasoning and problem-solving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brans simultaneously — something called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. For example, in a University of Illinois study, older air traffic controllers excelled at their cognitively taxing jobs, despite some losses in short-term memory and visual spatial processing. Older controllers proved to be experts at navigating, juggling multiple aircrafts simultaneously and avoiding collisions. Less stress: As people grow older, they are able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of others truly mean in the larger picture, thereby feeling less stress about what others think of them. Growing older may involve gray hair or wrinkling skin, but there are many positive things associated with aging.
One of the more devastating things that can affect the brain is stroke. Stroke describes a sudden stoppage of blood from reaching the brain. Harvard Medical School states that if a large number of brain cells are starved of blood supply, they can die. With their demise, a person’s memory and ability to speak and move can be compromised. While many strokes come on suddenly, certain factors may indicate a person is at risk. Such factors may include prior heart attacks, genetics, high blood pressure, smoking, or a prior stroke. However, in a particular type of stroke — a “silent stroke” — symptoms are far more subtle and difficult to spot. Silent cerebral infarction, often referred to as “SCI” or “silent stroke,” is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to the brain, offers the American Stroke Association. Silent strokes increase risk for other strokes and can be a sign of progressive brain damage. A silent stroke is typically only noticed as a side component of an MRI of the brain. Many times patients do not recall having a stroke and never felt any symptoms. Silent strokes should not be mistaken for mini-strokes. Mini-stroke is a brief but discrete and memorable event, with symptoms appearing for a few minutes or a few hours. According to a study on silent stroke titled “Functional and Cognitive Consequences of Silent Stroke Discovered Using Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Elderly Population” and published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, silent strokes are quite common and can have serious consequences. Researchers have found that silent
stroke is associated with impairments in tests of cognitive function rather than movement-oriented performance tests like rising from a chair. Almost 50 percent of studied silent strokes affected frontal circuit components of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. Lesions in these brain structures compromised executive functions and were related to vascular dementia. Another study showed associations between silent stroke and visual field deficits, weakness in walking on heels, history of memory loss, migraines, and lower scores in cognitive function tests. The “silent” part of a silent stroke also refers to the areas of the brain that the stroke affects. Experts at Harvard Medical School explain that, during a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is “silent,” meaning that it doesn’t control any vital functions. Researchers say that, over time, the damage from silent strokes can accumulate, leading to more and more problems with memory. Collectively, silent strokes become silent no longer. There are certain ways to reduce the risk of any type of stroke. These include: • managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels • quitting smoking • reducing the risk of diabetes and effectively treat the condition if it is present • losing weight to prevent obesity • exercising and avoid a sedentary lifestyle • taking a low-dose aspirin or a drug that prevents blood clots. Silent strokes largely go unrecognized but can lead to significant brain injury. Getting the facts can help men and women reduce their risk for silent stroke.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018 • SENIOR LIVING
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ADVERTORIAL
NOBODY WANTS TO LOSE TEETH Nevertheless, it can happen to anyone! Thanks to Dental Implants, you can avoid further damage that would otherwise add insult to injury, like the inevitable shifting and tilting of surrounding teeth and the loss of supporting bone. Both create a premature aged appearance. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay or as the result of an accident, Dental Implants are a wonderful innovation that can help you secure your smile into the future. Dental Implants are also used to permanently remedy the inconveniences associated with dentures. What are Dental Implants: Dental Implants are the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth! Strong, safe and stable; a Dental Implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth. Three parts of a Dental Implant: • Implant – A “biocompatible
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screw” is placed into the jawbone and fuses permanently over time, serving as a root for the new teeth • Abutment - Connector above the implant that supports the tooth • Crown – The actual tooth that is visible in your mouth Different types of Dental Implants: • Single Tooth Implants - A single tooth replacement • Multiple Implants – More than one tooth needs to be replaced with other natural teeth left intact • Complete Implant Set - When a complete set of upper and/or lower teeth (arch) need replacement. Four or more implants are placed in a total arch Dental Implants improve your ability to confidently eat, smile, laugh, play, and enjoy all regular activities of everyday life! They are sturdier and more secure than
removable partials or dentures. For those with implant-supported dentures, Dental Implants eliminate the fear of slippage and the discomfort from food particles becoming trapped under the denture. With Dental Implants, most patients report a freedom previously not thought possible as they can essentially eat anything they want. Care for the implants is the same as with natural teeth and includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. To ensure the Dental Implant procedure is successful, we require patients to present with the following characteristics: • Healthy gum tissue • Adequate bone density in the jaw • Good jaw structure • No medical condition that can complicate the surgery or healing.
Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY Implant Consultation and Smile Evaluation During the consultation process, we will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for Dental Implants. Our doctors can discuss alternative solutions and make recommendations to help you achieve your individual goals. Additionally, our team at Port Washington Dental is happy to discuss other exciting Cosmetic Dental procedures that often compliment Dental Implants; including Teeth Whitening, Laser Gum Therapy, Porcelain Veneers, and Invisalign®. Whether you are looking to replace a single missing tooth, or want to discuss the steps of a Complete Smile Makeover, we can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
Dr. Sultan Salem is an accredited member of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and is Port Washington Dental’s Implant Expert! He is passionately devoted to improving patient lifestyles by replacing missing teeth. Dr Salem provides our patients with a seamless experience by easily delivering both the surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment.
40 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 15, 2018
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