Barrier Free Architecturals
June 27, 2011

Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA)

Active Living Coalition for Older Adults Logo. Image Credit: ALCOA.

Here at Barrier Free Architecturals, our goal is to provide aging adults with a wide variety of innovative and accessible products such as walk-in bathtubs, handicap showers for ADA bathrooms, and accessories for accessible bathrooms. We continually strive to improve the quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities by combining competitively priced, high quality products with unparalleled customer service.

We have always been big promoters of healthy, active living for people of all ages – especially older adults.  Because of this, we’d like to introduce you to the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) – a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a society “where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to overall well-being.” The organizes estimates that 60% of older Canadians are inactive, when they could reap so many health benefits associated with more active lifestyles.

ALCOA promotes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of active living, which is described as: “a way of life in which physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual activities are valued and are integrated into daily living” and promotes healthy active living practices through presentations, publications and an emphasis on promoting this lifestyle to older adults living with cancer, diabetes and/or are in the 80+ age range.

The primary focus of the organization is on physical activity while placing emphasis on the physical, social and mental well-being that arises out of a healthy active lifestyle.

Established in 1995, ALCOA represents a conglomeration of several organizations with an interest promoting better lifestyles to aging adults.  Together, these groups have created a synergy that has led to the collaborative partnership known as ALCOA.   In 1997 the Coordinating Centre restructured and evolved into a Coalition that has more streamlined their structure and purpose.

In 1999, ALCOA held its first official Annual General Meeting and incorporated federally.  Today, ALCOA stands as a charitable, not-for profit organization, with a Charitable Tax Registration Number of 88821 3923 RR0001.

Click here to learn more about ALCOA and the outreach programs that they promote.

Filed under Mobility Issues and News
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June 22, 2011

Aging and Exercise

Elliptical Exercise Machine. Image Source: Overstock.com

Here at Barrier Free Architecturals, we’ve got everything you need to live comfortably in your own home.  While innovative accessible products, such as walk-in bathtubs, handicap showers and accessories for accessible bathrooms can greatly improve the quality of life for seniors and people living with disabilities, there are other things that can be done to enhance overall well-being.  Countless studies have stressed the importance of exercise at every age and level of mobility.   In addition to improving strength and flexibility, exercise is a fun activity that can actually help to delay the aging process. It’s an important component of an overall healthy lifestyle, and it should never be overlooked.

Older adults should aim for about 2.5 hours of cardio/week (which is about 30 minutes/ day, 5 days/week).  Cardio need not be overly strenuous – brisk walking, cycling, swimming or jogging would all suffice.  Aerobic exercises are important because they increase circulation and help strengthen the heart.

Strength training should also be incorporated into an overall exercise regimen.  A few exercises a week using a weight that feels comfortable will reap tremendous health benefits.  Again, this need not be intimidating.  Start with soup cans if you have to, and work your way up to heavier weights.  There is no need to over-exert yourself when doing strength training.  Always work within your comfort zone.  Some older adults may worry about safety issues associated with strength straining, but experts have long endorsed this form of exercise for all age groups, as it helps to strengthen bones and muscles while regulating metabolism.

A good fitness program should also include a healthy diet.  Maintaining a regular exercise routine will improve digestion and can help regulate sleep patterns.  It also helps increase energy levels and can greatly reduce the change of developing brain diseases like dementia.

In other words: exercise can help aging adults live longer, healthier lives.  Talk to your doctor or fitness professional about developing a personalized training program.

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips
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June 15, 2011

Saving Money After Retirement

Squeezing the most of the dollar. Image Source: Public Domain.

Studies after studies are proving that elderly North Americans are living longer and healthier lives.  Thanks to innovative products designed to help older adults move freely around their homes, an increasing number of Canadians and Americans aged 65 and up are living more independently.

Retirement is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful.  It’s important that aging adults learn how to save and budget their money so that they can live a fun-filled and fulfilling life after retirement.

Echo Press recently published some great tips on how to budget and save money after retirement.  Here are some of them.

Save, Save and Save Some More

According to Echo Press, retirement savings tend to “fall by the wayside” during tough economic times.  It is important for people to save throughout their career, but also post-retirement.  Echo Press suggests boosting your savings rate, which can be put towards a retirement fund.

Keep Debt Down

Making strives to pay down debt and consolidate payments will save thousands of dollars in interest.  As Echo Press rightfully states, “the less you owe, the more money you’ll have to invest in the long haul.”

Pay Yourself First

Never let day-to-day living get in the way of your financial future.  Always set aside some money for your retirement fund – make this practice a non-negotiable.

Diversify

Diversified RRSPs, bonds, investments – it’s never wise to keep all of your money in the same place.  Having a broad investment portfolio helps minimize loss during tough economic times.  Talk with a financial advisor about the investment options that are available to you.

Re-Evaluate

A financial plan shouldn’t be set in stone.  Make it a point to re-evaluate your spending and saving practices every six months.

Pre-Authorize Savings Payments

Have a portion of any payments/cheques received directly deposited into a savings account.

Remember, retirement does not have to be a scary time.  When in doubt, always talk to a financial planner about the options that are available to you.

Filed under Uncategorized
June 7, 2011

A Few Facts About Older Americans

Running Man. Image Source: Public Domain Image.

Masters in Health Care has an informative article on its website called “50 fascinating facts for older Americans.”  All in all, it appears that older Americans are living longer, healthier and more active lives!  Here are a few note-worthy facts, courtesy of Masters in Health Care.

Life expectancy is increasing. The population of people aged 65 and older in America totaled 34.5 million in 1999, which was 12% of the population – or one out of every eight Americans.  The number of Americans living 65 and up has more than tripled since 1900.

Older Americans are active within their communities. Older Americans love to volunteer. According to Senior Years, approximately 15 million older Americans are active volunteers – approximately half of the 65 and up population in the United States.

Older Americans vote more. Older Americans represented the largest turnout rate for any age group in 2008, with approximately 70% of them showing up to vote.

Older workers are making up an increasing number of the workforce. According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News Poll conducted in March, 1999, retirees are demonstrating an increasing interest in living an active lifestyle, which includes working well past the standard retirement age of 65.  An estimated 3.7 million older Americans worked in 1998, which made up about 3% of the U.S. labour force that year.

The brain continues to grow into old age. Scientists used to believe that brain cells died as an individual ages.  New studies have demonstrated this is not the case.  The brain maintains its neurons as it ages and has the ability to grow new ones.  Developing a new skill, like learning a new instrument or taking up a new language, can drastically improve the way a brain can process information.

The majority of older Americans are in good health. According to the book Successful Aging, physical fitness helps improve overall health and well-being into old age.  Approximately 66% of individuals aged 75+ reports their health to be either “good” or “very good”.

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Mobility Issues and News
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