aging
It’s Vital to Recognize Depression in Aging Adults
This is a very good, short article on why it is so important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in older people. They may not recognize that they themselves are depressed so it is imperative for caregivers and loved ones to be on the lookout. Undiagnosed depression can lead to isolation and even suicidality. Most cases of depression can be cured. This article is written by an older gentleman who has over 30 years experience working in retirement community and health facility administration. He includes reminders and tips for fighting depression in this article. Recognize Depression in Older People – You May Save A Life
Drug Dependence Rising Among Baby Boomers
A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
“Illicit drug use generally declines as individuals move through young adulthood into middle adulthood and maturity, but research has shown that the baby-boom generation (persons born between 1946 and 1964) has relatively higher drug use rates than previous generations. It has been predicted that, as the baby boom generation ages, past year marijuana use will almost triple between 1999/2001 and 2020 among persons aged 50 or older. Nonmedical use
of prescription-type drugs has been identified as a concern for this population.”
To read the complete report: Illicit Drug Use Among Older Adults
What Do We Call Ourselves as a Group as We Get Older?
What do we call ourselves as a group as we get older? Seniors? Elders? Crones? Older adults? Geezers? Will baby boomers always just be called baby boomers? What else can we call ourselves when referring to our demographic cohort? Here’s a good article on this called Elderly No More from the New Old Age Blog which is such a wonderful blog on aging.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor – About Being Empowered As a Patient
Here is a list of questions you can draw from when you or your loved one goes to see the doctor. I hope they are of use to you. – Nancy
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This first section is written by Sagar Nigwekar, an internal medicine physician, and Jim Sutton a family practice physician assistant.
Top 5 Questions To Ask Your Doctor
1. How will I know that my treatment is working?
2. How will the medication or treatment you are prescribing treat my condition?
3. Is there more than one condition that could be causing my problem?
4. What exactly is my condition, and what caused it?
5. What symptoms should I look for that means I should contact you or seek immediate help?
Additional questions to consider asking:
Are there treatment choices that don’t involve medications?
How long will it take for me to feel better?
If my symptoms get worse, what can I do on my own before I see you?
Is my medical condition permanent or temporary?
Questions You Should Ask About Your Medications
Any time you are prescribed a medicine you should ask these questions:
Can I take a generic medicine or is this available over the counter?
Can you review my instructions with me?
At what time should I take this medication?
Should I take it with or without food?
Can I take it with other medications?
What are the possible risks and side effects of this medication?
What is the reason for taking this medication, and how does it work?
Will this medication interact with any other medication I am taking?
Additional questions to consider asking
Can my medication be stopped suddenly or does it need to be stopped slowly?
Do I need to follow any restrictions (alcohol, driving, and work)?
Do you think a pill box will help me?
How long will I need to take my medicine?
If I do not tolerate this medication then what are my alternatives?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Where do I store this medication at home?
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This next part is based on an article by Ginny Dillon, a business development consultant for hospitals and health care in Dallas/Fort Worth:
Physicians are under pressure to see patients in a timely, effective, and efficient manner. Take a little time, organize your thoughts, come prepared and your visit could be much more productive.
What to bring with you to your doctor’s appointment:
Pad and pen… you will likely receive recommendations and many patients forget them as soon as they leave the office.
A list of your medical problems
A list of your medications
A list of your prior surgeries
A copy of pertinent studies (MRI, X-ray, etc)
A copy of pertinent medical records (valuable for second opinions).
Dress appropriately. The physician will need to see the area of concern.
Organize your thoughts. A new orthopedic history (questions your doctor will ask you) may include:
When did the problem start?
What were you doing?
Have you started taking any new medications?
Have you changed your exercise program?
What makes the pain worse?
What makes the pain better?
Do you have pain at night?
Does it awaken you?
Any numbness, tingling or weakness?
Any morning stiffness?
Pain getting up from a seated position?
Pain walking on hills?
Shoulder patients consider what motion causes your symptoms.
Do you have any mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, clicking, etc)?
Do you have any instability (does the joint feel loose)?
Do you have any swelling?
How does the pain affect your quality of life?
What have you tried so far to obtain relief (physical therapy, injections, medications, exercise, etc)?
After the exam and discussion of the findings, your doctor will likely present you with alternatives. Here are some questions you can consider asking at this point in your visit:
What are the possible diagnoses?
Is further testing necessary (If the test will not change the plan of care, then it is possible that you do not require further tests)?
Is an MRI or expensive imaging necessary (many times it is not)?
What are the non-surgical, surgical alternatives available to treat my condition?
What are the possible risks, side effects of the treatment?
What will happen if I choose not to have surgery?
What does the literature or research recommend (many physicians still practice based on anecdotal experience [which might be appropriate, depending on the situation])
Here are some specific considerations for surgical patients:
What are reasonably forseeable risks of the surgical procedure?
What are the realistic goals of the procedure (relief of pain, functional improvement, etc)?
What is my “expected recovery time” (recovery means different things to different people… be VERY CLEAR about your goals)
When can I use my arm/leg?
When can I l use my arm/leg for activities of daily living?
When can I use my arm/leg against resistance (lifting objects or putting weight on your leg)?
When can I drive?
Do you know what I do for a living? When can I return to work?
Older Adults in Mill Valley
As Mill Valley Commissioner on the Marin County Commission on Aging, in October 2009 I presented my annual report to the Mayor and City Council members on the status for baby boomers and older adults living in Mill Valley. Here is a link to my report presentation notes – I hope you will find it helpful to give you an idea of some of the opportunities and challenges for older people in Mill Valley as of autumn, 2009. Some things have changed – statistics, numbers, contact information perhaps, so do note that this report is from 2009. Older Adults in Mill Valley
Fall Prevention
Fall Prevention. Falls are a high priority concern for middle age and older people since they are at increased risk for bone fractures and other fall-related injuries. Using a cane or eventually a walker helps many individuals to be steadier and more confident while walking. Some of the reasons, clients cite for falling are: tripping on something, their legs just “giving out”, and feeling dizzy. One often overlooked cause of unsteadiness and lightheadedness is dehydration. As we age, our sense of thirst tends to decrease – so it is important that we consciously make sure to drink plenty of water every day. An easy way to help fight the dehydration that can occur over the course of the night is to keep a glass of water on your night stand. When you wake up, sit up and drink the water before getting out of bed. Also, squeezing your calves and circling your ankles *before you get out of bed* will help increase your lower body circulation and make you feel steadier when you do get up and on your feet. For more fall prevention tips, check out http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fall-prevention/HQ00657 .
Baby Boomers & Older Adults – Healthy Aging in Marin
I will be posting articles and links more frequently that I hope will be useful and of interest to Marin baby boomers and older adults.
Note: As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I do not give medical advice. I do, however, point out situations where it might be a very good idea to consult with your MD. Please feel free to write to me and ask me to address any topics you want to suggest in future blog posts. Best wishes, Nancy