When the tissue, cartilage and bone in the knuckles become damaged due to age, there is a procedure that can relieve most, if not all of the pain seniors experience on a daily basis. By having a knuckle replacement, seniors can alleviate their pain and regain use of their hands. This surgery has become very popular and many seniors with arthritis and osteoporosis are having the procedure performed.
1. The procedure is pretty quick and has a fast recovery time. This surgery is not for every senior however, and there could be a risk of failure or complications.
2. The surgery will remove damaged tissue, bone and cartilage and an artificial replacement joint will be inserted. The new joint will not completely restore mobility, but it will almost completely eliminate pain.
3. There are two options, a complete knuckle replacement or the cleaning away of damaged bone and cartilage.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may not be able to have the bottom knuckles replaced.
5. Most replacement knuckles are made from silicone rubber, which allows flexibility. However, these replacements can break or slip. Researchers are working on a metal and plastic replacement that will eliminate this problem.
6. Each knuckle replacement will take around 30 minutes. Medicare will cover the procedure. 90% of patients report immediate relief from pain.
7. Recovery will consist of physical therapy, lasting from 6 to 12 weeks.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have performed a study to determine what causes seniors to be pessimistic. The outcome of the study has revealed that the molecule known as NPY is actually responsible for optimism and pessimism. When the brain has high levels of the molecule, seniors will be optimistic. However, low levels not only induce pessimism, but can also be linked to depression.
1. The molecule is called neuropeptide Y, also referred to as NPY. Low levels of this may be the reason many seniors have difficulty coping with stress.
2. The study revealed that low levels of NPY resulted in an increased activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is what processes emotion. The increase was seen when participants in the study were exposed to negative words.
3. People with low levels of NPY are more apt to have a negative outlook on things and experience more negative feelings.
4. The reaction due to the levels of the molecule may be directly related to depression. Studies are being conducted to determine if using this molecule could be a treatment for severe depression.
5. At this time, the study does not show how pessimists can become more positive.
As we age, we begin to have different reactions to the foods we eat. Indigestion is one of the most common conditions seniors suffer with. While eating certain foods can trigger indigestion, there are some ways seniors can continue to enjoy these foods without the discomfort caused by indigestion. The following list contains some great home remedies that can help.
1. After each meal, drink a half glass of pineapple juice.
2. When indigestion strikes, combine two tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Add this mixture to a glass of warm water. This is one of the best home remedies for indigestion.
3. Eating oranges will reduce indigestion. The orange will allow the digestive organs to rest and will also provide the body with vitamins and nutrients.
4. Grapes and grape juice have been known to cure indigestion.
5. Lemon juice will fight bacteria that can cause indigestion. Adding some lemon juice to a cup of water and drinking it before eating will help reduce the chances of suffering from indigestion.
6. Using an ice bag on the stomach for 30 minutes after each meal offers relief from indigestion.
7. Some seniors will find relief from making a drink with either cumin seeds, coriander leaves or ginger.
8. Eating ½ tablespoon of aniseeds effectively enhances digestion.
When a patient residing in a nursing home has been diagnosed with dementia, chances are that patient will often spend time in the hospital. Most nursing homes will transport a patient to the hospital instead of providing treatment at the nursing home. There are different reasons for this, one being the nursing home ends up getting more money when the patient returns for care.
1. A recent study conducted on 300 patients with dementia in Boston shows that 30% of total expenditures were spent on hospital stays.
2. Skilled nursing accounts for an additional 10%.
3. It is believed that more than 75% of all hospitalizations of dementia patients can be avoided. They could actually be treated in the nursing home where they are currently located instead of being transported to an unfamiliar environment.
4. Dementia patients are often sent to the hospital when they develop respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, which is actually a recurring and common problem in patients with progressed dementia.
5. It is believed that the reason for the high number of hospitalizations is due to cost shifting by the nursing home. When a patient returns from a hospital stay, their next 100 days in the nursing home will be covered by Medicare at a higher rate than Medicaid payments have been paying.
6. The billions of dollars that could be saved by reducing the number of hospitalizations could be better spent improving nursing home care.
Most seniors will be told by their doctor to make sure they are getting enough exercise on a regular basis. Exercise can provide many benefits. In addition to controlling weight, exercise will increase flexibility and can provide a cardio workout that will keep the heart healthy. Below, seniors will find some tips that will help them learn the benefits of exercise that promotes flexibility and cardio health.
1. To help with flexibility, individuals over the age of 50 will benefit from yoga and Pilates classes. These exercises can be easily modified. Seniors who have arthritis will benefit from these forms of exercise because they help to loosen the tendons and increase elasticity in the muscles.
2. After every workout, it is important to spend some time stretching. This will reopen joints and is a very important part of any exercise regime.
3. Stretching provides the most benefit when it is done when the muscles are still warm. A 10 minute stretching session following exercise is recommended.
4. Since heart disease affects many older individuals, it is important to have a cardio workout in an exercise regime.
5. To avoid impact on the joints, riding a bike is a great way to get a full cardio workout.
6. Many seniors still enjoy a night out dancing. Not only will this be a great way to spend the evening, but this activity is also considered a cardio exercise.
7. Swimming is also a great way to stay fit. This will strengthen muscles and provide a cardio workout.
Having good overall health is the goal for many seniors. Unfortunately, many seniors do not take steps to achieve this. By being healthy, seniors can avoid a lot of health related issues that often occur as we age. The tips below can help seniors maintain and even improve their current health.
1. Always make sure to get enough sleep. The body needs this time to recover from the events of the day. Getting enough sleep will not only help improve physical health but it will also promote mental health and cognitive functioning. Seniors who nap during the day must make sure they are still getting a full night of sleep.
2. Stay active and engage in physical activity. Regular exercise will help keep the body healthy and can also help seniors recover quicker after an illness.
3. Have a healthy and nutritious diet. This is very important. Many seniors do not eat the right foods and do not get the nutrients their body needs.
4. Have a positive social circle. Having a healthy social life has many benefits for seniors. It will help with emotional and physical health.
5. Make sure to see a doctor on a regular basis. Some seniors will only go to the doctor when they become ill. By having regular appointments, health problems can be detected in advance and seniors will be able to avoid problems in the future.
6. Find ways to deal with stress. Daily life is full of surprises and it is common for seniors to experience high levels of stress. This can have a negative effect, causing anxiety and loss of sleep. Stress is a factor in many diseases as well, so finding ways to reduce stress is essential.
Seniors should never underestimate the power of a healthy mind. By having a positive mind set and health mental activities on a daily basis, seniors can improve their mental health which could help prevent physical health problems later in life. Below are some tips on how seniors can improve their mental fitness and reap the many benefits of a healthy mind.
1. Stress is a common mental issue that many seniors experience. High levels of stress can lead to depression and anxiety. To help reduce stress seniors should have someone they can talk to. Physical activity, such as walking can also help to reduce stress.
2. Seniors should protect themselves from falls as much as possible. Injuries to the head can affect the health of the brain. By avoiding falls, seniors can maintain mental fitness.
3. Staying socially active is one way for seniors to stay mentally fit. Social interaction will force seniors to use their mind. Having social outlets is also a great way to reduce stress. By taking care of the mind, seniors will be improving their overall health and reducing the chances of suffering from future medical problems.
4. Mental fitness can improve health for many seniors. When the mind is healthy, the body has a lower chance of problems. Seniors with good mental health have lower rates of stroke and heart attack.
Most seniors are very concerned about their physical health. However, many do not realize the importance of mental health. By having a healthy mind, seniors will avoid many health problems in the future, including heart attack and stroke. There are many things that can be done to improve mind health and many benefits that seniors can gain by taking action and keeping their mind healthy.
1. Physical activity is very important for seniors. Not only will it help maintain the strength of bones and muscles, but it will help with mental health as well. In addition, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels low will also be beneficial.
2. Exercise can be very beneficial. It will decrease heart rates, lower blood pressure, improve energy and can even help to prevent the onset and progression of dementia.
3. Activities that stimulate the mind are suggested. Seniors should try to read, do crossword puzzles and engage in other activities that force them to use their minds on a regular basis.
4. Having low blood pressure will reduce the chances of a stroke. Strokes are linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. High blood pressure will cause damage to blood vessels which can later create many health problems. To help maintain and lower blood pressure, seniors should watch their weight, avoid smoking and exercise regularly.
Knowing the symptoms that accompany a cold or the flu during the winter is one way for seniors to stay healthier. If the flu is detected early on, seniors may be able to avoid other complications that could arise. The following list contains some information of various symptoms that can indicate whether a senior has a cold or the flu.
1. Flu symptoms will include fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches and cough. Colds usually include a stuffy or runny nose.
2. There are different strains of the flu and seniors need to be aware of these as well. The swine flu shares many symptoms with the regular flu but patients will also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Most people will not develop a fever when they have a cold. With the flu, patients will typically run a fever between 100-102.
4. The flu will cause a lot of fatigue and will last for many weeks. Seniors with a weak immune system or chronic disease could battle the flu for more than a month.
5. Headaches are not reliable indicators of the flu or a cold.
6. Seniors with lung issues need to be cautious of getting the flu because it could turn into pneumonia.
7. A sore throat can be a symptom of colds and the flu, so seniors need to make note of other symptoms they have to determine what they have.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
Age has absolutely nothing to do with caring for teeth. Seniors need to have good oral hygiene. To maintain dental health, the list below provides seniors with some useful tips. These tips will help ensure seniors are taking care of their teeth and practicing good oral hygiene.
1. Have a healthy diet. This will help improve oral health. Eating green and raw vegetables will be beneficial.
2. When brushing teeth, do not forget about the tongue. Daily brushing of the teeth on a daily basis is not as effective unless the tongue is also brushed at the same time.
3. Omit refined sugars from your diet. There are many products that will provide seniors with a sweet tooth the satisfaction they are looking for without the sugar intake.
4. Always provide your dentist with medical records. This will ensure you receive the proper medications if necessary.
5. Just because dentures are not real teeth, they should not be treated any differently. Brush and clean them daily.
6. No matter what the circumstances are, never decrease brushing. Always make sure to brush on a regular basis to maintain oral health.
7. Be sure to keep those dental visits. Routine cleanings are just as important for seniors as they are for young adults.
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniorsand the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
