Columbia Aged Care

Healthy ageing means the process of ageing well and maintaining your physical and functional health.

The factors that help you age well include being independent, having social relationships, being able to enjoy life, staying productive or volunteering, having a purpose or passion, emotional support and how well you cope with difficulties.

It is important to understand the factors that help you to age well because you can actively add years to your life or increase your quality of life.

National Seniors Australia has provided some great tips to help you age well:

Maintain physical activity: Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. Work different muscles in your body by doing different types of exercises.

Maintain your balance: You need to maintain you balance to reduce your risk of falls. If you have concerns about your balance speak to your doctor to address any issues.

Smoking and alcohol use: Smoking dramatically speeds up the ageing process and will cause a number of related health problems. Drink alcohol in moderation by keeping to the rule of two standards drinks or less.

Maintain a balanced diet: Eat at least three meals each day, drink lots of water and eat a variety of healthy foods. You can speak with your doctor about how to create a healthy eating plan.

Keep your brain active: Make sure you exercise your mind by taking on challenges and doing mental activities. Do a puzzle or a crossword, learn to play a musical instrument or learn a new language.

Social connections: Spend time with your family and friends and maintain your social relationships with them. Get involved in a group or organisation to make new relationships with other people. By spending time socialising with other people, you can greatly boost your wellbeing and happiness.

Maintain a positive attitude: Keep an open mind and a positive attitude towards life and try to look on the bright side of a negative issue. This will help you to cope effectively with difficult situations.

Here is a simple Healthy Ageing Quiz you can take to determine if you are ageing well. It also provides you with tips to improve your score and increase your ability to age well. You can also download a copy of the Healthy Ageing Quiz here.

Read the full article here.

 

Diabetes is a chronic condition where your body is unable to produce or respond to insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that allows the sugar in your blood to enter the cells of your body to be used for energy.

Without this hormone your body does not receive enough sugar which can result in hypoglycaemic shock, however, too much of this hormone means your body absorbs too much sugar which can produce the same reaction.

There are two types of diabetes; type one diabetes is usually diagnosed during childhood while type two diabetes is diagnosed in adults. If you are over the age of 45 then you could be at risk of developing type two diabetes. 

MyDr has provided some helpful tips on the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes can occur if you are:

• Over 45 years old and have high blood pressure
• Over 45 years old and are overweight
• Over 45 and have one or more family members with diabetes
• Over 55 years old
• Have heart disease
• Have had a heart attack in the past
• Have had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy

Some symptoms of type two diabetes:

• Excessive urination
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Tired and lethargic

These symptoms are difficult to detect in elderly people because they are often misinterpreted as normal signs of aging. This means that many elderly people remain undiagnosed which can lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage, eye damage and increased risk of a stroke or heart attack.

However, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes you can manage your condition effectively by consulting with your doctor. You can also help manage your condition by not smoking, losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Read the full article here.

As a carer it is extremely important to manage your loved ones medication to ensure they remain healthy. If medications are taken incorrectly they can cause dangerous side effects such as high blood pressure, incontinence, constipation, skin rashes or falls.

Medications must be administered at the right time with the right dosage, which can be difficult when your loved one has a variety of different medications.

Aged Carer has provided some useful tips for managing your loved ones medication.

• Visit only one pharmacist: It’s important to establish a regular pharmacist because they will know the history of your loved one’s medication. They can also consult with your local doctor if there is an issue.
• Use Webster or blister packs: Your loved one’s pharmacist can pack their medication into blister or Webster packs, which arranges their medications into separate days. This allows your loved one to access their medications safely and prevent over medicating.
• Understand all medications: Read the consumer medication leaflet inside the medication package and keep them in a file for future reference. When you know the ingredients in your loved one’s medication you can help to prevent possible allergic reactions.
• Know the side effects of medications: Ask your loved one’s doctor about the possible side effects they can experience from their medication. This will help you to assess the severity of any side effects that occur.
• Keep an up-to-date medication list: This list should detail all of your loved ones medication, allergies and side effects to possible medications. It can be used in emergencies or by respite carers.

If you notice that your loved one is experiencing side effects from their medication consult with their doctor as soon as possible. However with these helpful tips on managing your loved ones medication you can help to prevent medication errors and keep your loved one healthy.

Read the full articlehere.

Are you worried about losing your memory? Do you feel that your brain isn’t as sharp as it used to be? Then maybe it’s time that you improved your mental fitness.

Your brain is like any other muscle, which means it needs a regular workout to stay fit.

Better Health Channel has provided some great tips on how to give your brain a mental workout and improve your mental fitness.

• Exercise for 30 minutes a day: Physical exercise increases the flow of oxygen to your brain to enhance your mental functioning and improve your memory
• Reading regularly: Reading helps to stimulate your brain and allows you to learn new things. You brain then receives a workout by expanding your knowledge base.
• Increase your vitamin B intake: Vitamin B is important for maintaining a healthy brain. This means you should eat wholegrain cereals and dairy foods.
• Exercise your intelligence: Take part in mentally challenging activities such as learning a new language, completing a cryptic crossword or a jigsaw puzzle.
• Maintain your health: The health of your body can have an effect on the health of your brain. You should visit your doctor for regular check-ups to identify potential health issues early.
• Socialise: Other people can help you exercise your mental fitness with thought-provoking conversations or by playing a board game or watching TV game shows together.

Your brain is a very important muscle that co-ordinates all of your body’s functions. It is essential to exercise your mental fitness regularly to ensure that your body can function effectively and that your memory, speech, perception and comprehension remain sharp.

Read the full article here.

Bed sores can be a common problem in elderly people, which can lead to pain and discomfort for your loved one. Bed sores are the result of prolonged pressure to the skin, which prevents a sufficient amount of blood flow and nutrients to the skin tissue. Ulcerations or sores then develop on the skin, typically over bony prominences.

Bedsores can develop if your loved one is bedridden or sitting for a prolonged period of time without being properly repositioned. Common areas for bed sores to look out for are hipbones, lower back, tail-bone, knees and shoulders. 

www.bedsores.org has provided some useful information on the risk factors for developing bedsores.

Confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair
If your loved one is unable to move themselves then they can develop bedsores in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved.

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Moisture on your loved ones skin from urine or perspiration can irritate the skin.

Poor nutrition or dehydration
If your loved one’s skin is not properly nourished bed sores can develop.

Carers must be aware of these risk factors when caring for their loved ones in order to prevent the unnecessary development of bed sores. Bedsores can be prevented if your loved one is repositioned frequently, bathed appropriately and any incontinence problems assessed and treated.

Remember that everyone is different and may have different risk factors and treatment options.

Read the full article here.

Are you worried about having your hearing tested? Would you like to know what all the technical language and scientific tests mean? The HearingCenterOnline.com has provided some easy to understand information so that you will know what will happen when you get your hearing tested.

The Audiologist
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who is trained to identify and measure hearing impairments and related disorders. The audiologist will test your hearing in a number of different ways to determine where the hearing problem is located. At the end of your hearing test they will explain and interpret the results for you.

Your History
The audiologist will ask you some questions about your medical history to help them determine the best way to assist you with your hearing loss. They may ask you if any physical damage has ever occurred to your ears, if you have had past illnesses or if you have been exposed to damaging levels of noise.

The pure tone tests
The pure tone test helps the audiologist determine the degree at which you can hear different frequencies. For this test you will be required to sit in a quiet room with a set of headphones over your ears or with earplugs inserted into your ears. The audiologist will play a series of “pure tones” that vary in tone and volume. You will then be asked to raise your hand or push a button if you hear the tone.

Speech tests
For the speech test you will be required to sit in a quiet room and listen to a series of words. The words should have two syllables and will become quieter during the test. You will be required to repeat each word. This test allows the audiologist to determine the level at which you can detect and understand speech.

The audiologist may need to perform other tests on your ears to help them determine the extent of your hearing loss. At the end of all the tests your results will be displayed on a chart. The audiologist should then explain your results and what the next steps will be in treating your hearing. Remember don’t be afraid to ask questions or have them explain something you don’t understand.

Read the full article here.

Many people become sceptical or reluctant to participate when it comes to creating New Year’s Resolutions. But why?

New Year’s resolutions tend to have an association with failure but they don’t have to. They can be a great way to create change in your life for the better. TransitionGuideance.com has provided several points on how to set effective and powerful goals and how to make sure you achieve them.

Make sure your resolutions meet the S.M.A.R.T.I.E conditions

• S: Specific and Simple
  When it comes to goal setting, it is important to specify what you want – not what you don’t want.
  
  Creating the resolution of “I don’t want to be alone this year” may sound simple but is far from specific. Instead focus on what you can do to find companionship and give your resolution a specific outcome.
• M: Measurable
  
  In addition to your goals being simple and specific make sure there is a measurable element if needed.
  
  “I want to make more money this year” is simple and specific however how can you measure it at the end of the year? You may have succeeded in making one dollar more – but would you count that as successful?
• A: Achievable
  When creating your resolution make sure it is just that – yours! Your resolutions shouldn’t be about your partner, family, children or the world.
  
  They should reflect what you want to achieve throughout the year not what you want somebody else to achieve.
• R: Realistic
  Aim for goals that are realistic for you. If you have set goals in the past you may be setting goals that are too challenging. On the other hand if you have reached all your goals with no effort what so ever you may not be challenging yourself enough.
  
  Set goals that are achievable but you know you will have to work towards.
• T: Timeframe
  Creating a goal with a specific and achievable timeframe in mind will not only motivate you but if will also make it easier for you to plan and measure your achievements.
• I: Inspirational
  Monetary based goals are one of the most popular goals set but when it comes down to it it’s not about the money but what you will be able to do with the money – that is your inspiration.
  
  Think about what you really want to achieve by achieving your goal and set that as your inspiration.
• E: Evidence
  Start the beginning with the end in mind. What will need to happen in order for you to know you have achieved your goal?

Read the full article here.

As we age our feet get bigger, and so we must accommodate this by buying wider or larger shoes, however, many people don’t. By wearing shoes that are ill fitted, too narrow, too tight or not suitable for the wearer, you increase the risk of falls and increase discomfort in the feet, ankles and knees.

Aged Carer has provided some tips on how to find comfortable shoes that fit well.

• Feet can swell during the day so shop for shoes when feet are at their largest – this is generally at the end of the day.
• When trying shoes on, stand up and walk around. Wiggle your toes and make sure that your longest toe has at least a one centimetre gap between it and the end of the shoe.
• Choose shoes that have a rubber sole – this will ensure more comfort as rubber soles provide cushioning for the foot.
• Velcro straps are easiest for arthritic hands.
• Ensure the shoe protects foot from injury.

Uncomfortable or ill fitted shoes can cause many problems and even injuries. To ensure you are making the right decision when buying shoes ask for staff assistance at a shoe shop or take a trip to a podiatrist and ask what shoes they recommend for you.

Read the full article here.

First aid kits are an essential to any home, office or car, as accidents do happen.

A handy, easy to access kit is a great idea and should be a basic house hold item – especially in homes with children or elderly people. Livestrong.com has provided a list of items needed within a first aid kit.

The basic items for any first aid kit are:

• Bandages and gauze
• Adhesive tape
• A torch
• Aspirin
• Latex gloves
• Scissors
• A thermometer
• Tweezers
• A blanket

However, when it comes to a first aid kit for seniors there are a couple of additional items that may be needed.

Emergency supplies:
Be sure to include some emergency supplies of all your medications. This will involve the need to check on all expiry dates regularly. Pick a date you know you will remember, such as the day day-light savings changes or perhaps your birthday, and review all of the contents.

Medical Facts:
Include a short list of medial facts about yourself. Include information such as:

• Any allergies
• Doctors name and phone number
• Any important facts about illnesses you have that people need to know about in an emergency situation, such as allergies, asthma or heart problems.

Extras:
Consider adding an extra pair of glasses, hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, batteries for a wheelchair, an asthma puffer or even oxygen if your daily routine requires it. Be sure to carefully think about what daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly things you use and include replacements or extras of these things just in case.

Prepaid Mobile:
You may not own or want to own a mobile phone but they can be particularly handy – especially in an emergency situation. Even if you don’t ever plan to use a mobile phone, it’s a great idea to add a mobile phone, with a prepaid sim card in it, to your first aid kit. Be sure you know how to turn it on, use the key pad and that you can see the screen clearly.

Read the full article here.

Depending on our age and wellbeing, our diet continually changes throughout our life. What we are putting in to our mouths is very important when aiming for a well-balanced diet. The elderly in particular must keep track of the many foods they are consuming. Lack of some foods and too much of others can result in a lack of nutrients.

Aging Care has listed some important nutrients that your loved one should include in a well-balanced and healthy diet.

Omega 3 fatty acids
Foods with omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce heart disease and arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in different types of food such as fish and flaxseed oil. Making sure your loved one has a serving of omega 3 fatty acids twice per week will ensure that they are having the right amount of nutrition intake.

Calcium
Your loved one’s diet should consist of a substantial intake of calcium. This is because calcium can help preserve bone health and lower blood pressure.  It is recommended milk is consumed daily. However, to find out how much milk you loved one should be consuming it is best to consult your doctor.

Hydrate
One of the most simple and commonly forgotten forms of nutrition is liquids. As people age however, they tend to not get as thirsty. Our bodies, however, still need the same amount of liquids.

If you notice your loved one is not drinking as often as they should, try and encourage them to drink amounts of water that is appropriate for their body type. Consulting with your doctor would be a great way of knowing how much water or liquids they should be consuming.

Before making any changes to your loved one’s diet, it is important to consult a doctor to make sure that any changes made will not have a negative effective on your loved one’s health.

It is important to have a moderate amount of all types of foods within your loved ones diet to ensure that they are getting the right amount of solids to help stay strong and healthy. By setting an example and making eating a social activity, you may be able to show them that a few dietary changes aren’t so drastic.

Read full article here.