Technological Advancements that May Improve Seniors’ Lives

A recent article in the U.S. News and World Report discusses several technological advancements under development that may benefit the lives of older adults.  One example they cite that is already available is remote health monitoring systems that permit patients to take their own vital signs and send them to their medical provider.  Additionally shoe insoles with GPSs inserted in them have also been developed as a way to track someone with Alzheimer’s.

Still in the early stages of development, self-driving cars may help to improve the lives of seniors.  We know that driving is something that many seniors start to feel uncomfortable doing, but giving it up can often mean a loss of independence.  Experts predict self-driving cars will be widely available in as little as ten years.   

Another interesting technological development already available in Denmark is edema socks that detect and signal swelling of the feet and edema.  SmartSox is a similar concept under development that will be a used to “detect excessive pressure, heat and misplaced joint angles that could cause foot ulcers. This is useful because people with diabetes often lose sensation in their feet and can't always feel such changes.”

Also while not currently being produced, a group of researchers have developed a vibrating shoe insole to improve balance and stability and may reduce falls by as much as 70 percent.  Along those same lines, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are trying to create a shirt with built-in sensors that will be able to administer CPR.

No article on technological advancements would be complete without the mention of robots.  For years, researchers have been working on robots that will have the required artificial intelligence to serve as health care aides.   In fact as soon as next year, England, Greece and Poland will be testing robot caregivers.   

MorningStar at Arcadia's  distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to give us a call and schedule a tour to learn more about Phoenix’s best assisted living community.

Source:money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/retirement/articles/2015/12/09/7-tech-advances-that-will-change-seniors-lives   

Statistics Show More Seniors Living to Celebrate 100 Years!

Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show than more and more seniors are living to celebrate their 100th birthday.   A 2014 CDC report indicates that the number of centenarians in the U.S. is 72,197, which is up 43.6 percent from only 14 years ago in 2000.  Back then the number was 50,281.  Even farther back in 1980, statistics report that there were 32,194 American centenarians.  Looking ahead, experts note that we may have as many as 387,000 centenarians by the middle of the century.  Among today’s centenarians, more than 80 percent of them are females.

Experts point to the fact that the reason why so many seniors are living longer is attributed to getting better medical care as well as living a healthier lifestyle.  One of the contributors to the study, Dr. Thomas Perls, a geriatrician and director of the New England Centenarian Study at Boston Medical Center, reports that genetic research shows close to “17 percent of the U.S. population has traits that increase their chances of living past 100.”   He predicts that baby boomers will significantly increase the number of centenarians as they grow older.     

The report reiterates that in the past people were susceptible to a number of diseases that no longer constitute as big of a threat.  In addition the study states that the primary causes of death in centenarians are: heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, cancer, influenza and pneumonia.

Our goal at MorningStar AssistedLiving and Memory Care at Arcadia is to offer seniors a chance to fully enjoy their retirement years by providing a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an array of incredible amenities and activities.  Furthermore, once you see our community firsthand, we are confident you will be impressed with our beautiful private suites and gorgeous common areas.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Sources:usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/articles/2016-01-21/more-americans-are-living-to-be-older-than-100, reuters.com/article/us-usa-centenarians-idUSKCN0UZ2IR

Balance Exercises Can Help Prevent Falls

We know that each year more than one-third of people age 65 or older suffer a fall and many of those incidents cause serious injuries or in some cases even death.  This is why preventing falls is extremely important for the elderly, and balance as well as strength excises can help to prevent falls.   

  

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends 5 simple exercises that do not require any special equipment other than a chair (and someone to assist you if needed) that can improve balance and increase lower body strength. The series of exercises include the following:  standing on one foot; walking heel to toe; balance walk; back leg raises; and side leg raises. 

These easy-to-do exercises can be done throughout the day and only take a few minutes to do each of them.  For further instructions on how they should be done, the NIH website offers a video on each exercise.  In addition the NIH recommends that seniors try to do three other types of exercises that focus on improving endurance, strength and flexibility. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide our residents with a full calendar of daily activities that includes a variety of well-designed exercise programs.  With our large range of classes, there is something that is sure to please everyone.  Our calendar includes: group exercises, moving and grooving, morning strength, balance and posture, flex and stretch, relaxation and chair exercises.  Other opportunities for exercising include activities such as our walking group.  We encourage you to take a look at our fun-filled calendar to see all of the different activities and outings MorningStar residents participate in.       

*This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.*

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseandphysicalactivityexercisestotry/balanceexercises/01.html

An Integrated Approach to Memory Care

Over the last several decades, there has been an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Along with efforts to develop medications to treat or to cure the disease, there has also been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease. 

In a recent publication from the Alzheimer’s Association titled the “Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes,” they explore ways that professional caregiving can be more effective.  Their first recommendation is to make sure a resident is receiving proper food and fluid consumption.  They note that “Inadequate consumption or inappropriate food and fluid choices can contribute directly to a decline in a resident’s health and well-being.” 

The next point they discuss is pain management.  They cite the fact that many times people with dementia have trouble communicating pain so it is often overlooked and not treated.  However, the problem with not managing pain appropriately is that it can “result in behavioral symptoms and lead to unnecessary use of psychotropic medications.”

Another important practice recommendation from the report is that assisted living facilities provide social engagement and meaningful activities for memory care residents.  By engaging in activities, it helps residents to retain their functional abilities and thus provides a better quality of life.   These interactions should be designed to do with residents, not to or for them. 

If you are a family member searching for quality memory care for your loved one, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar at Arcadia’s Reflection Neighborhood.  We have 30 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Set within a gentle, loving environment, our care takes a resident-directed approach that utilizes multi-sensory cues to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and, above all, to affirm dignity and value.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Source:alz.org/national/documents/brochure_DCPRphases1n2.pdf