Senior Networking

Traditional social gatherings, church attendance, meetings, dances and other activities keep many older people active but these activities are often dependent on the availability of transportation.  Socialization is the key for these individuals, and outings give them something to look forward to.  However, many seniors have switched to different modes of communication in order to stay connected to each other as well as to their families.

Based on research the 65-year old of today has been using the Internet at work for more than 12 years.  And seniors older than 65 will be a larger and growing segment of the US Internet culture, increasing from 17.7 million in 2006 to 25.3 million in 2011.

These days more and more seniors are moving into retirement communities and own their own computers.  They are able to communicate through numerous programs.  One way is through the use of Twitter® which we are all fairly familiar with.  Statistics have shown that in the United States 10% of Twitter users are between the ages of 55 and 64.  FACEBOOK® is also being used.  There are also informational sites geared specifically for older adults.  Silver Planet® has a forum and offers its members helpful information on health, money matters, and information for those seniors who want to age in place by providing services and products related to aging at home. Growing Bolder® has great human interest stories and discusses the importance of aging “your way.” 

Additional sites with helpful information and communication-connect capabilities are available, and many of these programs are relatively easy to learn.  You may want to look into them for your family member so they, as well as you can stay connected!

HCCP

Monthly visits to our WEBSITE

Hill Country Care Providers 
 -- Site Summary ---
Monthly Visits ....................... 34,355
Average per Day ................. 591
Average Visit Length .......... 19:25
This Week ......................8,952

Page Monthly Views ...................... 128,782
Average per Day ................. 5703
 This Week ...................... 30,960

Thank you so much for trusting and selecting Hill Country Care Providers as your In-Home Care Agency of choice.

DID YOU KNOW?...

· Tai chi is one of many alternative therapies that can provide relief from pain, with possibly decreasing pain medications. The movements of tai chi are gentle, graceful, mystical -- and a safe way to relieve arthritis pain and gain balance, strength, and flexibility.

· Did you know WebMD® has a pill identifier system? Are your patients or clients having trouble identifying their pills? They can enter the shape, color, or imprint of their prescription or OTC drug. The pill finder will display pictures that they can compare to their pill.

* The Baby Boomer population’s biggest health fear is cancer with memory loss being the second fear. This is according to a poll by The Associated Press.

· One of the best forms of exercise for those suffering from arthritis is water aerobics because of the weightless environment. It can help with flexibility, muscle

tone, general strength and cardiovascular health. According to the Baylor College of Medicine (bcm.edu), staying active is the key in preventing and treating arthritis. However, as always a medical evaluation should be done to consider all forms of treatment which include medications and physical therapy.

Depression or Dementia???

Dementia is characterized by mental decline and impairment. It describes disorders that affect brain functioning, loss of memory, judgment, language, certain motor skills and other intellectual functions. As we are all aware some of the causes of dementia can be a stroke, malnourishment, hospitalization, trauma, and drug contraindications and interactions. Many people with dementia will likely lose the ability to perform everyday tasks necessary to live independently.

Depression can actually mask as dementia in older people. Often times a depressed person will be inaccurately diagnosed as having dementia and therefore be treated for the dementia and a downward spiral occurs. Depression is characterized by an intense sadness lasting two weeks or longer, and can impact a person’s life to perform everyday tasks. Depression is a mood disorder and dementia is a brain disorder. However, the two disorders can share similar symptoms: memory problems, low motivation, sluggish speech and movements. Also people with Alzheimer’s can experience depression. So how can they be differentiated? With dementia the mental decline happens slowly, while in depression, the mental decline is relatively rapid. There is confusion and disorientation in dementia but with depression, typically the individual knows the correct time date and where they are. In dementia there is difficulty with short term memory but in depression there is difficulty concentrating. In dementia writing, speaking and motor skills are impaired but in depression these skills are normal but they may be slowed. In dementia the individual does not notice memory problems or seems to care but in depression the individual typically worries about memory problems.

So remember an accurate diagnosis, before treatment, is crucial to the benefit of the senior!