Adults
Adults
Newsletter for Active Older Adults
We now have a new YMCA 360 app, which is pretty cool! See the ad below explaining how to download it. It will eventually replace Remind in sending our notifications to our members and has lots of cool features, including online exercise classes and the senior events are also on there. If you need any help setting it up or nativizing it please reach out to me or stop by the front desk. We are always glad to help!
Adults
for Active Older Adults
Active Older Adults
for Active Older Adults Is it Time to Modify My Home?
By Denise Maher | August 7, 2024
Use our quiz to help determine when changes will make your home safer and suitable for long-term living.
If you ’ re like most older adults, you want to stay independent and remain in your own home for as long as possible. To help you age in place successfully, it may be a good idea to make changes to your home that can help you stay self-sufficient and safe. Many home modifications help prevent falls and other accidents, according to Monique Caruth, P.T., D.P.T. She is the spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). These changes may have other benefits too. For example, she says, some upgrades can help you conserve energy and use your body as efficiently as possible. These include: Auto or motion-sensitive lighting Bath chairs
Lower kitchen cabinets (or simply placing important items within reach)
Removable shower heads
The key is to plan for your aging and recognize it is a wonderful and celebratory part of your life, says Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging.org. “The fact that we are aging longer is something that we should celebrate, but it is also something we should plan for. And if we plan for it, then we can avoid crises,” she notes. You may not know exactly when, why or how the needs of you or your partner will change. But you can predict some things that will be helpful for most older adults in the future. Here are basic questions to ask yourself regarding your health and your current living situation. Answer each true or false question honestly to help you decide if it’s time to modify your home. Share your answers with your doctor at your next checkup — and ask them to help you better understand your fall risk and ways to stay safe.
for Active Older Adults Is it Time to Modify My Home?
By Denise Maher | August 7, 2024
1. True or false: Your doctor will let you know when it is time to change your set-up at home.
Answer: False.
Many times, doctor’s appointments are quick. And you likely only talk about symptoms that bother you or conditions you ’ re at a higher risk of getting. Unfortunately, most doctors won’t know you need support unless you are honest with them about falls or unsteadiness. “One in four seniors will fall every year, but most won’t report it to their doctor,” says home modification and accessibility specialist Catia Garrell. She is a co-founder of ThriveforLife.com, which is a company that offers home accessibility solutions. This is a missed opportunity because there are many expert-recommended ways to lower your chance of fallrelated injuries.
Ask your doctor to prescribe you a home visit and evaluation with a physical or occupational therapist, says Garrell. This type of visit may be covered by your health insurance provider. A professional can help you identify possible problems in your home. And they can help you start thinking about the next steps if you can no longer use your stairs or high cabinets. Being prepared gives you time to make changes or redesign your home.
2. True or false: I cannot modify anything inside my home because I’m a renter.
Answer: False.
Many renters are not aware of their rights. You are likely allowed to make safety improvements, but you must pay for them, according to Garell. It’s a good idea to talk to your landlord or managing agent about changes you wish to make. You may need permission depending on where you live. “It is much easier to do before you have a health crisis,” she adds.
Many landlords will welcome changes such as:
Banisters
Bathroom grab bars
Doorway threshold ramps
Wheelchair ramps
As the population ages, many of these additions are often considered upgrades. But remember, landlords also have the right to ask you to remove additions when you move out, Garell says.
for Active Older Adults Is it Time to Modify My Home?
By Denise Maher | August 7, 2024
3. True or false: I should make changes because I have Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease, or another degenerative disease.
Answer: True.
If you (or your partner) have a serious illness or are at high risk of developing a degenerative disease, you should take steps to make your home safer.
There is usually no exact timeline that tells you when you’ll notice changes in your health or home needs. But planning is part of the process of accepting a diagnosis. Preparing for changes can even help you feel empowered.
Your doctor can prescribe a home evaluation with a specialist, such as a physical or occupational therapist, who can help come up with a plan for changes that will help you better manage your condition. If you ’ re prepared ahead of time, it may be less difficult for you or your caregiver,” says Garell.
4. True or false. I should modify my home if I live alone and don’t hear well.
Answer: True.
There is new research that shows hearing is linked to balance and hearing loss may raise your fall risk. In fact, people with mild hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to fall. If you live by yourself and don’t use a hearing device, it might be time to start modifying your home. Like your vision, your hearing gets worse over time. Most people need some hearing help as they age. About 30% of adults over age 60 experience hearing loss; after age 85, that percentage jumps to over 40%.
People who fall when they are alone are more likely to experience “long lies,” which is when they remain on the floor for a long time. This unpleasant situation can lead to short- and long-term physical and mental effects. These include fear of falling and loss of independence. Besides lowering fall risk, home modifications such as voice-activated phones can make it easier for you to call for help if needed.
for Active Older Adults Is it Time to Modify My Home?
By Denise Maher | August 7, 2024
5. True or false: The damaged floors or old staircase won’t be a problem for me.
Answer: False.
Many people put off home repairs like this. And while you may work around these flaws now, they may trip you up in the future.
“Many who choose to age in place are unaware of the problems and dangers their home presents,” says Julie Overton. She is a senior learning and development specialist at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. This is because they slowly changed their activities and living patterns as they aged.
“We all develop patterns, routines, and habits that are comfortable and familiar to us over time so we may not recognize the need to make changes that address our home’s safety,” she says.
Warped flooring or an unsteady staircase can lead to accidents on the stairs. And this is one of the top fall locations that land seniors in the emergency room.
The repairs may not be as extreme (or expensive) as you fear. Contact your state and/or local area on aging to see what resources are available to you. Also ask your doctor to prescribe you a home visit and evaluation with a physical or occupational therapist.
6. True or false: My daily medications won’t cause me to fall in my home.
Answer: False.
You are likely aware that alcohol use can increase your risk of falling. But you may not realize that some prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can also cause you to lose your balance. Review all the medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist. They can go over possible side effects with you. If you take medications, it is smart to fallproof your home as much as possible.
7. True or false: Cognitive decline or memory issues are a good reason to safety-proof my home.
Answer: True.
Mild cognitive impairment becomes more common as you age. This includes problems with judgement, language, and memory. Brain and physical exercises may help slow down mental decline. Research suggests that seniors with mild cognitive issues may fall nearly twice as often as healthy individuals.
for Active Older Adults Is it Time to Modify My Home?
By Denise Maher | August 7, 2024
And other factors can make the problem worse such as:
Fear of falling Symptoms of depression
Trouble doing more than one task at a time
If you experience these problems, it may be time to modify your home to avoid falls.
Scoring: How’d You Do?
If you aced our quiz, congratulations! You have a good appreciation for the dangers of falling as you get older. If you are concerned about any of your answers to the questions, talk with your doctor, as well as your loved ones. Many home accidents and mishaps are preventable and there are resources available.
Adults
Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
This quick, one-pot Ground Turkey Skillet with zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and black beans is great for weeknight dinner or meal prep!
PREP TIME:10minutes mins
COOK TIME:15minutes mins
TOTAL TIME:25minutes mins
YIELD: 4 servings
COURSE: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
CUISINE: American
Equipment
Large Skillet
Ingredients
14 ounces from 2 medium or 1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced 3/4 inch
1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
3/4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 large diced tomato
1 jalapeño (diced)
1 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup water
lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
Spray a large skillet over high heat with oil and brown the turkey, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin.
1. Cook breaking the meat up until the turkey is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
2. Push the meat to the side, add the onion and tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño pepper, garlic, cilantro and stir with 1/4 cup water.
4. Add the zucchini remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cumin. 5. Mix and cover, cook low 4 to 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender crisp.
6. Serve with lime wedges and more cilantro if desired.
7. Nutrition
Serving: 11/2 cups, Calories: 266kcal, Carbohydrates: 22.5g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 8.5g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 525mg, Fiber: 6.5g, Sugar: 4g
WW Points: 5
Newsletter for Active Older Adults Just For Laughs!!
What kind of felines can bowl? Alley cats.
Why did the man bring his watch to the bank? He wanted to save time.
What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One weighs a ton, and the other is a little lighter.
Where do birds stay when they travel? Someplace cheep.
Why should you knock on your refrigerator door before opening it?
There may be salad dressing in there.
What did one toilet say to the other?
“You appear a bit flushed.”
Why aren’t lobsters generous? Because they’re shellfish.
Adults
Senior Exercise Moves of the Month
1. Chest Pull
The chest pull can be done in a chair or on your feet depending on what you prefer. Once you decide which one works for you, follow these simple steps to strengthen your upper body.
Grab both ends of your resistance band and hold it in front of your chest with your elbows bent.
Keep your back straight and your core engaged; then take a deep breath in. As you exhale, pull the band apart and closer to your chest. Straighten your arms the best you can.
Inhale again as you release the tension and return to the starting point.
Repeat for 10-15 reps.
2. Lateral Raise
This exercise needs to be done standing up and will help you build the muscles around your shoulder blades. Stand shoulder-width apart in the middle of your resistance band. Grab both ends of your band with your palms facing down and your thumb knuckle points forward.
Raise your arms to the side until they reach shoulder height. Return back to the starting position.
Repeat for 10-15 reps.
for Active Older Adults
for Active Older Adults
Hidden Picture Puzzle
for Active Older Adults
Hartville Senior Center at Windham Bridge
Hartville Senior Center at Windham Bridge
