Barrier Free Architecturals
February 20, 2012

Move On Program Seeks to Get Older People out of Bedrest

Hospital Bed. Image Credit: BrokenSphere via Wikipedia.

Older people and senior citizens who stay in bedrest can be a critical point of their lives. By staying in their beds after being cured of whatever caused their hospitalization, they not only lose their strength but also their mobility. For many older people, by the time they are allowed to go out of the hospital, bigger problems have set in and independent living has become much more difficult. Ultimately, this results in a sharp decline of their mobility and endless days of lying in bed.

While many believe that bedrest is a good form of recovery, for older people, it is actually anything but helpful. Older people who were independent and mobile before their hospitalization end up needing assistance even after they are cured of their ailment. This is an alarming situation that gave life to an initiative called Move On—Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders in Ontario.

Move On, a movement that started in St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, helps older people prevent mobility erosion especially in a critical phase of their lives. It ensures that hospital staff do not lose sight of the necessity to urge older people to move out of their bed and get back to independent living as soon as their physical states allow them to.

Started by Dr. Lou and Dr. Straus, staying in bedrest for long can result in older people losing their mobility and even their ability to walk, thereby extending their stay in the hospital and necessitating admission in a rehab facility. Funded by the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario, the program has been launched in other hospitals in Ontario as well.

Older people lose from one to five percent of their total muscle strength when hospitalised. Also, a third of hospital older adults lose their capacity to perform one activity they used to be able to do. By the time they are discharged, half of them are unable to relearn the same function.

Move On, composed of therapists, doctors, and nurses, volunteers, and family members, is to make sure that older adults get out of their bed and regain their mobility. The short-term goal is to ensure that they move at least thrice a day. Even simple movements like getting in and out of the shower with the use of Barrier Free Architectural products helps to increase overall mobility.

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February 16, 2012

Three Categories of People Who Could Use Some Exercise

Depressed women. Image Source: Public domain.

It is no big secret that exercise is the key to physical health and mobility. However, there are still people who do not think they could benefit at all from exercise. These are people who cannot be bothered to stay fit and healthy because of whatever their personal circumstances, whether they are older adults, have sustained injuries or are depressed. Contrary to what they believe, exercise will actually do them a huge favor.

Older people in their Seventies

By the time most older people reach their seventies, they do not bother to get out of their chair and fail to see the point of exercise. Why should anyone exercise at seventy when there is no work to be done for the rest of the day? After all, they may think it is just time to sit and relax! Yet, actually, the importance of exercise cannot be any clearer when it comes to older people. At this point, older people need to take active steps in order to maintain their physical health. This could be as simple as using accessibility tools to increase their mobility around the house.

Those Who Have Experienced Falls and Infections

Because of their accident, they tend to go on an indefinite period of rest. This can become dangerous though, especially if it starts to become an excuse for lack of or failure to exercise. A lot of older people tend to give this excuse and feel weak after being treated for injuries. However, this general feeling of weakness will persist unless active steps you finally start exercising.

Those Who are Depressed and Socially Isolated

Wallowing in depression will not improve one’s condition. If anything, it will only make matters worse and result in the deterioration of one’s mobility. Extremely common especially among older people, depression can lead to a decline not only of one’s mental but also physical health. Ultimately, this will lead to the impairment and loss of muscle and an increased exposure to falls. Exercise may very well be a viable solution for depression.

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January 31, 2012

Swimming Promotes Mobility Among Older Adults

Swimming Pool. Image Credit: Nick Cooper via Wikipedia.

For many older adults who find walking and jogging dragging and repetitive, there is another exercise that can improve health and mobility—swimming. A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that swimming is good for curbing older adults’ blood pressure and improving blood vessel function.

In the study, older men and women who older than 60 years started out with a stylistic blood pressure of 130 mm of mercury (131 mm Hg). After being made to swim a few times a week, their blood pressure lowered to 122 mm Hg in just three months.

The normal blood pressure is a reading of an average of 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of beyond 140/90 is verging on high blood pressure, and lower than that is considered hypertension.

Although swimming has always been packaged as a viable exercise for older adults, there has not been any comprehensive study on its health benefits until recently. One of its senior researchers, Professor Hirofumi Tanaka is the first to concretely demonstrate the concrete impact of regular swimming as a form of exercise for older adults.

The study was conducted among 43 older adults who were considered to have high blood pressure or hypertension. They were divided into groups, and eventually had to go swimming over a course of 12 weeks for 3 to 4 times a week. The swimming time was set at a max limit of 45 minutes.

Aside from being more leisurely than jogging and walking, swimming is also an excellent alternative because it will not cause overheating—which is increasingly becoming a problem for older adults who exercise. Also, it’s easy on the knee and ankle joints and can easily be performed. This is because swimming does not bear on the weight.

The inexpensive and accessible nature of swimming also means that older adults only need to spend much in order to stay fit and healthy. While accessible architectural products may help older adults become more mobile, just a little bit of exercise a day can gradually increase mobility as well.

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January 23, 2012

Interactive Exercises Improve both Physical and Cognitive Functions

Screenshot of Nintendo Wii's Cyberbike Game. Image Credit: Pinyo Tutorial.

There is a new way to combine physical and mental exercise—two important factors to prevent accidents and increase mobility in older adults. The key to better mobility is in digital gaming that integrates physical exercise—also called “exergames.” These are interactive video games that allow older adults to maximize their body functions in digital environments, to their physical and cognitive benefit.

The study, conducted over two years, aims to identify the relationship between exergames and their improvement on the health of adults 50 years or older. And the result? According to Dr. Anderson-Haley of the Health Aging and Neuropsychology Lab at the Union College in Schenectady, NY, the research shows that virtual gaming exercises, such as cybercycling, not only enhances physical wellness but also protects the cognitive function.

Exergames allow older adults to divert their attention in the 3D sceneries presented. Without aversive environmental factors present, older adults get to focus on the game and, ultimately, improve their well-being.

Unfortunatley, only 14% of adults between 65 to 74 years old ever get to do exergames. For those over 75 years old, only 7% engage in regular exergames.

The study was conducted among 101 older adults from 58 to 99 years old. They were made to ride stationary bikes with a virtual reality display in the backdrop, a 3-d tour, and a virtual race against a “ghost rider”. The participants then rode on the bike thrice a week.  Another group was made to ride a stationary bike without the virtual environment.

The researchers found that regular exercises in the cybercycle produced positive results in executive functions, such as planning, memory work, and problem solving—all after just a month in the cybercycles. Despite the fact that there was no difference in the two groups, the group which had a virtual gaming experience showed substantial cognitive benefit.

The inevitable conclusion, according to the study, is that older adults who choose interactive exergames will have the benefit of traditional exercise, plus better cognitive performance.

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January 6, 2012

Study Shows Obesity Linked with Risk of Falling

Apple on scale. Image Source: Public domain.

For the longest time, older adults thought thin and frail are more likely to suffer falls and fractures. A new US study, however, indicates that obesity may be a problem for overweight and obese older adults.

In a study recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the researchers explained that obese older adults have a much harder time finding balance. Further, when older adults suffer a fall, they are not as quickly able to recover from it.

The study considered 10,755 people who are 65 years old and above. Among the participants, those who are obese are 12% to 50% more prone to falls over 2 years compared to other older adults who have normal weight.

Also, the likelihood of suffering falls increases as the level of obesity increases. Those who have a BMI, or body mass index, of 40 or above (around 100lbs) for men and 36 (around 80lbs) for women have a 50% chance of suffering from falls. The body mass index is the proportion of one’s weight to height.

The study was a result of an 8-year research among older adults who were surveyed every two years. The participants reported a total of 9.621 falls throughout the entire period, 3,100 of which required medical attention. 23% of all these falls were experienced by obese older adults.

Of course, there are other factors that are linked to risk of falls, including diabetes, arthritis, and muscle pain. However, obesity is easily the leading cause of falls.

This study is definitely relevant for older adults who strive for more mobility in life. If you’re conscious not only about living healthy but having as much mobility as possible, then you should take concrete steps to achieving a fit and  balanced weight. After all, it’s one certain way of preventing falls and protecting yourself from untoward incidents.

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November 28, 2011

Age-Friendly Cities

Pillars of Age Friendly Cities. Image Credit: World Health Organisation.

As more older adults and people with disabilities meet accidents on the sidewalks, curbs, and roads each year, city planners across Canada have finally teamed up with health researchers in a symposium that could finally turn things for the better. The symposium addressed how the physical and social environment affects mobility. Among the attendees were civic planners, elected officials, senior citizens, civic planners, and experts from varying disciplines (ranging from the social sciences to physiotherapy).

The city planners won’t have to start from scratch. After all, the World Health Organization has already devised the Age-Friendly Cities project—a large-scale development project that provides perspectives and suggestions that aim to improve healthy aging in communities. Another guide has been created by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The guide contains a checklist and several pieces of advice of healthy-aging essentials for buildings, housing, transportation, and mobility.

A research team is already planning to conduct a telephone survey to provide information on the current states of age-friendly structures in Canada. Hopefully, the impressions and data gathered from the 350 households to be surveyed will jumpstart the goal of providing better structures for older adults and people with disabilities.

The first important step is to improve the sidewalks. After all, sidewalks that are smooth, crack-free, and clear of dried leaves and snow will ensure that older adults can walk freely without the danger of falls. People in wheelchairs can also benefit from sidewalks that are smooth and stable.

The quality of lighting and curb ramps is another thing that city planners should look into. Benches should also be strategically placed between intervals in the sidewalks. Older adults will have an easier time finding a way to rest during their walks.

Finding user-friendly washrooms in public places, and providing maximum security are also two essential features that will definitely make cities across Canada better to live in.

By finally making changes in these aspects and more, living in Canada will definitely be better for older adults and people with disabilities.

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October 11, 2011

The Secret to Aging Gracefully

Keeping social is a good way to age gracefully. Image Source: Public Domain.

It is when retirement comes that people realize how much vacant time. With this newfound sense of freedom, most older adults tend to feel a sense of emptiness and even depression. Instead of falling prey to such negative emotions, there are several helpful ways that can help senior live their lives to the fullest and age gracefully and successfully.

1. Be involved in a community.

Time and again, belonging in a community cultivates a sense of belongingness and contentment. The same goes for older people who belong in a community of whatever form—from one’s retirement community, worship group, book readers’ club, social club, or neighborhood association. Belonging to any community or group with people of varied ages working towards a common goal is proven to be an essential ingredient to successful aging.

2. Maintain a positive attitude.

Instead of worrying about your problems and how to solve them, why don’t you maintain a positive outlook in life and believe that these problems will eventually resolve themselves favorably? And while you’re at it, you might as well forgive yourself for any misgivings or shortcomings you’ve had in the past.

3. Ask for help.

It’s perfectly fine to ask help when you need it. There will always be tasks that anyone will not be able to do by himself or herself, and that includes tasks that senior adults are incapable of performing. In such cases, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Other people would surely be more than willing to help.

4. Constantly connect and re-connect people in your life.

Maybe it’s time to talk to that long lost best friend from grade school? Or perhaps it’s finally time to settle the differences with a friend with whom you have a sour relationship? This is the best time to cultivate relationships and get closer to the people who used to be important to you.

These secrets are by no means exclusive to aging gracefully. What are your secrets to successful aging?

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October 6, 2011

Older People are Better at Decision-Making

Is there any significant relationship between old age and decision-making? A study conducted by Todd Maddox from the University of Texas and Darrell Worthy of A&M University and published in the Psychological Science journal reveals that the two are, as a matter of fact, deeply related. According to the researchers, 60-year-old to 82-year-old adults are better at making decisions than young adults in their 20s.

In conducting the research, the participants were divided into two groups—the older ones in their 60s and the younger ones in their early 20s. There were two phases, the first of which involved decision-making tasks, where the participants only had to consider the immediate rewards. The younger age group was much faster than the older age group in selecting their options, showing that they easily picked out the options that yielded the best and most advantageous short-term rewards.

In the second phase of the study, the participants were asked to choose options that will lead to long-term gains. One of the questions involved how to strategically store a sufficient amount of oxygen in tanks on a mission to Mars.

In this question, the participants had to choose between the “increasing option,” which offered increased rewards in succeeding trials and the “decreasing option,” which offered immediate rewards but future rewards. The best decisions are those that amount to long-term cumulative rewards. The older age group outperformed the younger ones in this part, showing that they were more strategic and calculating in terms of fitting their tactics to their desired goals.

The suggested reason behind the more strategic decision-making qualities of older adults is quite interesting. According to the researchers, younger adults tend to make use of the ventral striatum of the brain when making decisions. This part of the brain is concerned with habit formation and reaping immediate rewards. As people age, they tend to use the prefrontal cortex more, which is concerned with more rational thought-processing.

The study provides a clear picture of just how well older adults come up with decisions, contradicting the negative stereotype that reasoning declines with age. While younger adults are unsurprisingly impulsive, older adults are more deliberate and careful when making decisions.

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September 26, 2011

Staying Healthy into Old Age

It’s no secret that seniors are living longer lives. Back in April for example, we wrote about a study that appeared in the Washington Post which found evidence that Americans are living longer, healthier lives.

Experts speculate that some of the leading causes of the improved health and quality of life of the elderly are technological advancements and greater lifestyle education and awareness.  This study has great implications for the general population. In addition to the improved quality of life that the elderly now enjoy, a healthier aging population may also translate into reduced health care costs and hospital wait room times.

Another factor that can be attributed to this is the fact that there is much more awareness about disability and the challenges associated with old age. Reach Canada, for example, has made great strides in raising awareness about disabled Canadians.  The organization, which was established to provide legal advice and counseling to people suffering from physical disabilities, mental health issues, learning disabilities, AIDS, chronic pain and developmental delays, among other things.

Other organizations – like the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) – a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a society where older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their well-being have also made strides in keeping older adults healthy.

Retirement is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. People are becoming more and more aware of this and, because of that, have started to pay attention to the financial issues that some retired individuals can be faced with. 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. It’s important to be financially dependent well into old age. After all, financial security does lead to a better sense of well-being.

Thanks to innovations in health care, as well as societal shifts towards advocacy for older adults, it looks like more and more people are living longer, happier lives!

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

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September 21, 2011

Volunteering Opportunities For Older Adults

Volunteer MBC Logo. Image Credit: Volunteer MBC.

Volunteer MBC is a program that has been providing adults aged 55 years and older with opportunities to learn about getting involved in the community since the beginning of this year. The centre has been hard at work connecting seniors groups and organizations in the Peel Region to their Older Adult Volunteer Program. In addition to its outreach efforts at a variety of senior’s centres, Volunteer MBC also coordinates volunteer fairs.

Volunteer MBC is a volunteer organization that services Mississauga, Brampton, and the Town of Caledon. It provides training and support for volunteers and community service agencies and works with the corporate sector to engage the community with volunteering. Additionally, the organization has teamed up with the Caledon Public Library to host an open house next month on Monday, October 17 at the Albion-Bolton Community Centre in Bolton from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The open house will provide an opportunity for older adults to connect with local charities and learn about how they can get involved.

“As the Boomer population continues to rise in our community, there is a tremendous opportunity to promote and support volunteer engagement for older adults,” Carine Strong, Executive Director of Volunteer MBC said in a press release. MBC offers seminars on how older adults can get involved in volunteer efforts older adult volunteering while they providing support to community service organizations.

Volunteering is an extremely rewarding experience, especially for older adults, many of whom struggle with social isolation due to lack of social activities. The physical and social activities help to improve mobility and independence to some degree.

Volunteer MBC’s Older Adult Volunteer Program is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Mississauga, the Brampton & Area Community Foundation and through funding by the New Horizons Seniors Program.

For more information about Volunteer MBC and to browse the organization’s online volunteer database, visit www.volunteermbc.org. For more information or questions regarding the Older Adult Volunteer Program, contact olderadult@volunteermbc.org or call (905)238-2622, ext. 229.

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