Active Adults Can Still Enjoy Sports with Personal Alert Systems

When you've got medical concerns, it can be hard to get the most out of your retirement. Fortunately, there are solutions available. Recreational activities are the best way to stay fit and feeling great during retirement, no matter what types of things you most enjoy. From playing tennis or golf to hiking and more, there are plenty of different activities that are out there waiting for you. The issue, for many active adults, is their personal health and safety. Fortunately, more people can enjoy being active with less worry, thanks to things like med alert systems. These systems are designed to offer a one-touch emergency response. There are many different types of systems to choose from, but the simple push-button that summons 9-1-1 services is usually what people go with. Not only is it affordable, but it is convenient and accessible as well. It allows more people to enjoy their independence and stay active during their later years, even when they're not in a state of 100% health and well-being. These devices give people independence around the home, but also in other areas of their lives as well. If you've been considering joining a recreational sport or activity but have been held back by your uncertainty about your medical needs, this is a great way to get everything that you need. Even when you're involved in team sports or activities with other people, having the ability to summon help immediately can make all the difference. A personal emergency system can give you peace of mind and allow you to get more enjoyment out of your retirement, no matter what you are looking for. They're affordable, easy to find, and can help you do more and worry less regardless of what you activities you want to enjoy.

Poetry at 72

Twin Aprons of Honor

A 70’s kitchen, soft-turquoise walls
black Formica table, white leather seats
on heavy black chairs
toddlers couldn’t move,
two high chairs the grandmotherly
babysitter captained three hours each
Monday from three to six while she sold
real estate across town when gas was
 only 99 cents. Fridays brought her back
while she got coiffed, the sitter donning
her ruffled full apron unafraid of accidental
spills that stiffened the young mother to fright.
Silk blouses weren’t meant to be in the
presence of four young’uns.
The apron, faded only in memory,
tucked away after fresh laundry was
brought up from the basement, children
now in bed.  Two feminists escaping
everyday connubiality in contrast,
one left alone while her husband built his practice,
 the other tending to one long retired from the railroad
Content, ‘bacco stored in cheek.

Evelyn Asher – December 2011

Please share your comments about a faded apron or another topic on your mind today.   My friend Aviva, a hairdresser, shared a story about her black apron she wears while highlighting her clients' hair.  She chuckles when she reaches her hands in the pockets of the apron she has had for over ten years, not thinking she would pick up her craft again and  finding money she forgot was there.

Today's Hearing Aids Provide Fashion and Function for Wearers

In the world of fashion and style, accessories are supposed to add to any outfit. If they don't, of course, they are taking away from the style that you have.

For people who need hearing aids, style hasn't always been an option. Fortunately, companies are working hard to create new models and smaller devices that are either invisible or nearly so, allowing users to be able to enjoy hearing without the obvious unattractiveness of hearing aids of years past. There are plenty of styles available to choose from, and while they might not compliment your wardrobe, they certainly won't take away from it.  

When it comes to finding the best hearing aid, there is a lot that you have to think about. The type and severity of your hearing loss are going to affect your options significantly. Of course, how much you have to spend on these devices will also play a part in your decision. If you are looking for a more discreet, stylish option to provide you with the hearing assistance that you need, you should be willing to spend a little more than the average user, of course. Hearing aids used to be a fact of life, and not a very stylish one at that. Bulky, unattractive devices could be seen protruding from the ear and making any attempt at style almost moot simply because of the obviousness of the device.


 While many people aren't concerned with the fashion of their hearing aids as much as the way that it works, having the ability to get both can allow you to enjoy a much more normal lifestyle without the worry of everyone knowing that you have a hearing aid. For various reasons, a lot of people find hearing devices embarrassing. It isn't about the fashion so much as the fact that people can see that you have an obvious issue. Typically, when people are aware of this, they behave differently. If nothing else, you at least want your privacy in your health issues. Today's technology has created a world of hearing aid designs that can give you that privacy and let you be as stylish as you want, from head to toe. While hearing aids might not exactly be the chic accessories that you need to dress up your new outfit, they don't have to be the awkward accessories that take away from the style, either.

Mary is a blogger for HappyHealth.net, a health lifestyle community for active adults. HappyHealth also provides hearing aid reviews and other product reviews.

Rightly Compassionate

 Though staying away from media is known to improve one's health, this example of compassion begs to be shared for those interested in the welface of all.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GA_EVICTION_OF_103_YEAR_OLD_GAOL-?SITE=GAGAI&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Elders looking after elders, time again trying to do the next best thing, struggling with extended life, an economy gone beserk - or is it the lack of leadership from both sides of the aisle.   Shouting matches, rolled eyes prevent arms to reach out or ears to listen as they are meant to do.

 This photo reminds me of my father's pharmacy he purchased in 1939, the year of my birth.  How fortunate I was to be told all my life that  I was his good luck charm.  Three minute conversations between my dad and his customers when they came to pick up their prescriptions did more for each other's soul than any chemical concoction.  Dr. Swartz, they used to call him.   What would my dad have done, in his 60 years of serving the public if he learned of these women's plight, if they came into the store or shared their plight when he made a delivery?  What would you do?  What can we do at the grass roots level.

Yesterday I went for my dental hygiene appointment.   Near the end the hygenist remarked, "This isn't easy for you, is it?"   My response was, "Actually I was thinking of a pair of black tennis shoes."  She said, "You're kidding! Why?"  "To go with my black warm-up suit."  "Treat yourself.   I bought all my Christmas presents and told my husband to wrap them", she said with a laugh.   How insensitve that sounded to me who preferred to spend $400 on my grandchildren's presents instead of meeting obligations of tree removal.  Every life has a story.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0RhvZ3lvY

What better gift than one of listening, holding a hand, asking "How can I help you.  Can I bring something from the store," or share a home-cooked meal from your heart.  Not only at Christmas, Chanukah, or Kawanza, but throughout the year.   Writing in gratitude, humbled, and seeking your perspective.



Windows to the World

My dynamic friend, an administrator in her 50s, remarked how she enjoys cleaning windows to catch the sparkle when the sun hits the panes just right.  When once she laid the foundation and built her home in Wyoming with her husband, now she rents a rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Her energy, renewed by faith, family, friends and colleagues, reminds me of transitions in my life when Windexing and seeing more clearly lifted my spirits.


Thanksgiving approaches. Gift exchanges are near for Christmas, Chanukah, and Kawanza.  With a passion for the elder population, I cannot help but think about small gestures that could make a big difference in an elder's life.  How many elders would enjoy having their windows cleaned - inside only, if that is what weather permits?  Or a senior or assisted living community or nursing home receiving a fresh box of holiday cards that might support a local non-profit that they can use as deemed appropriate.  What life is not enhanced by art?

 As I was blogging I was Skyped by my daughter, 38, who told me she could talk for a short while before going for a walk with her dad, 77. "He's sad.  He failed his driving test at the hospital, the one they give for memory loss.  Though I gave her examples of full lives being led by other dementia patients and caregivers, I caught myself and expressed, "It is different when it is your parent."  As some of you have followed, my mother remains in hospice in S FL where gratefully the revolving door of visits from grandchildren have lifted her spirits and theirs.

It filled my soul today to read that 2400 families are recipients of turkey dinners through an EarthFare program.  I hope that further recognition of our neighbors' plight, transitions in families caused by our economy will breed more community partnerships.  Let's adopt a 365 day caring program. Be the transportation for someone, gift a mattress, fresh linens, bring a homemade dinner or two and place them in a freezer, be creative in the soup category and make extra quarts for others.  

 Consider giving a manicure where you will give the warmth of holding a hand and reminisce - how about recording some of the reminiscence for family members or for an organization whose history would not be the same without that person's contribution.

My Thanksgiving?  My significant other of five years and I are driving to Jonesville NC, one hour from Boone and from Greensboro NC to share a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel.  Afterward, the men will tend to family gravesites, weather permitting.   I was fortunate to be with two of my children and three grandchildren near Atlanta last Saturday.  When I asked my s/o what he liked best about the trip he said, "You always ask me that.  What I liked best is your expressing your appreciation of driving down (5 hours)."    Who have you thanked today? 

What gift have you gently proffered saving one's dignity and celebrating his/her life?

Age Is Just A Number

Most Fridays I "dine around" with a small group of friends in Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.  At 70 and 80+ discussions center around volunteerism, health, travel, community, and family.  One couple could not join us yesterday as they were taking a short trip to Jacksonville FL (10 hours) to visit a close family who decorate their home and open it to neighbors for Halloween.   Did I mention they just returned from being with friends in Yellowstone and Blue Sky country?  When he is not traveling, he volunteers five days a week as office manager for an historical association to which he and his wife have a 40-year dedication. A form of dementia has entered their lives so they have added neurology and speech therapy to their schedule but continue to schedule short and lengthy visits with treasured friends they have amassed through the years.

Last week I visited my mother, 98, who is in hospice in South Florida going on six months.  We had the best reminiscence even though I could appear as four different family members in a 2-hour visit.  My mom expressed her love for fresh air and appreciation for certain staff members.  She told one CNA, "Sit down, Honey.  I don't want you to work so hard."  She loved the feel of a new sweater.

I stayed with my sister-in-law who is so devoted to my mom, understanding dementia that her father had the last five years of his life.  She knows how to make my mom laugh and how to limit visits to protect the weary.  Playing Mexican Train with her friends around the pool for two hours was a great stress reliever for one woman checking in on her husband at the hospital (a 20-year experience) and another waiting out the repair of a rental unit that a man, 90, ran into with his vehicle before his family realized he should be in assisted living,  And us

"Buddy did well", another sister-in-law reported about their bus trip to New England (he has dementia going on four years)..  "Everything was first class.  The tour operator added two days and we (eight friends went along) had a great time."  This weekend they are off to see his brother's family and her father, 95.  They make this 3-hour drive every other week to ensure her dad's safety, liven up the house, and fill the refrigerator with homemade meals.   She shares this love and dedication with another sister and her husband.  This visit they will support his brother who is in a nursing home. 

My mind wanders to those, like me, that live hundreds of miles from family. My extended family includes two kindergarten boys I mentor each Monday.  What a great way to start my week and keep me humble.

Marvin Orenstein, 90,  is my hero of the day.   http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/58394/

Please share your heroes with me. I am confident they are all caregivers of one form or another.

The therapist is still working at 102

Thank you Steve Lopez for this dynamic portrait. 
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-1002-lopez-bolgar-20111002,0,5869414.column

Though I stay away from violent and non-sensical headlines, I seek columnists who illuminate people otherwise unbeknowngst to me.   When I took a death and dying class mid-life, or what I thought was mid-life, I had to write my own obituary.  What fun!  I placed myself at the top of a mountain in Colorado; today I live at 3500 ft in Boone NC.  My brother lives in Denver - perhaps begging a visit.  I saw myself as a writer and think the same today as I whittle words on forthcoming book entitled "A Tapestry of Global Friendships."

What are your ambitions?   At 71, I had my licensed renewed for five years today.  Gratefully I was prompted for four signs that had no design on them.  I thought the sun was yellow and round - yet it signified a railroad sign.

Keep a joyful heart. 

Living Memories

 This month when I visit my mother, 98, who has been in hospice for five months is emotionally draining.  Yesterday when I shared this with two women in private conversation after a literacy meeting, they shared their perspectives.  "My mother has been gone four years.  Each time I visited my mother during end-of-life stages, I felt I would soon be orphaned", one remarked. Another shared, "My mother has had Alzheimer's for the past 15 years.  I do not feel like I have a mother anymore", another lamented. 

And just the day before a friend reflected, "I am so glad you have your mother one more day."  This exquisite woman maintains a home in CO while caregiving for her mother in GA where she continues her professional life as an academician.  God bless my friends who continue to travel or follow a passion with art lessons and chorus while caregiving for their husbands with Alzheimer's going on four years.

But I digress from my feelings.  At 71, I am fortunate to be active in the academic and business environments - albeit part time, though I cannot do anything part time.  With the housing bust my home fortunately is rented at present though it sat empty and then devasted by tenants the remaining years.   Spiritual armor has protected me as I concentrate on fulfilling my life and being there for my family, friends, and reading mentees.


Hopefully, that spiritual armor will protect me through the next phase of life with expected loss though I love my friend's saying, "98 going on 120" in referencing my mother.  I want to enjoy each day, tucking treasures in my suitcase like a book a grade school friend wrote that I can share with my mother.  I will also bring her a Jewish calendar remiscent of the ones she hung on a kitchen cabinet in my parents' condo in S FL.  Birthdays, anniversaries - recorded year after year, remembered with just the perfect card, her thoughts underscored at time as I find myself doing for emphasis.

Sharing with you has already lightened what was a burden ten minutes ago.  In less than two weeks my friend will drive me two hours from the mountains of NC to Charlotte to board my flight.  One of devoted brothers and/or my sister-in-law will pick me up at the airport where construction is anything but straight driving.   We will visit alone and together, laugh as our family always has done, not ridiculing but sharing slices of life.   I will be able to praise staff personally - this woman from a distance - does she really care?   Yes, she cares hourly, prays daily, and includes you in her prayers.


It's Sunday when I usually phoned my mother in addtion to mid-week calls since my father's passing fifteen years ago.  Today, we cannot hold a conversation long distance, not even the 3-minute conversations to save money, a carryover from the Depression.  She cannot read even large-print books but hopefully will be able to recognize me.   I see a "grabber" in a TV ad and feel a tinge of sorrow that I never purchased one for my mother.   I choose to remember how she drove up from Ft. Lauderdale to Boca by herself to be with my brother and me.  My brother was right to encourage her to stretch herself as my daughter did me after a sudden loss.

Please feel free to share your comments anonymously, if you wish, or write to me at evelynasher@charter.net.  Together, our journeys will be sweeter.

Everyone needs an advocate

Three years ago I had a TIA (mini-stroke) and pay attention to warning signs.  This week, two days after a "perfect" checkup with a new physician, I stopped at my ophthalmologist's office to check out double vision that was plaguing me for 24 hours.



The ophthalmologist exchanged numbers with his assistant, scheduled a MRI two weeks hence, prescribed blood work then asked to see me in six weeks.  When I asked if he could send his review of our visit to my neurologist, his reply was "What are you seeing her for?"  I shared my TIA earlier which was in his records,   I am 71 years of age.  I would have valued if I were asked, "Did you drive here by yourself today?" "Is there someone you might like us to call?"  Especially when I was told to curtail my driving.


I cannot help but think of others who might not be as active as I am in a new sales position receiving alarming news.  Do they automatically accept their fate?  Do they have someone to share the news with who might accompany them for the MRI?  In a well-equipped office, and with HIPPA regulations, cannot one receive news other than in the hallway?  Everyone needs an advocate, even physicians.

Meeting Room vs. Waiting Room

In 2002 I advocated for geriatric care consulting in physician practice waiting rooms. Though there was interest from one practice in Gainesville GA, physician staffing berthed the concept to the back burner. Before the plethora of cell phones we have today I envisioned patients and caregivers having access to phones where they could resolve issues during their long wait.   Having a geriatric care consultant or social worker in the waiting room could relieve anxieties as people shared their social concerns.  

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664797/six-ways-to-improve-doctors-waiting-rooms

What if a caregiver could discuss a transportation issue or be able to inquire about a resource to lessen his/her burden(s)?   What if elders looking after each other could have a smile or be directed for funding to remodel their home so they could age in place?   What if the environment in a physician's practice was friendlier and encouraged storytelling in a corner?  Yes, away with those wide screens and listen.   Patients have so much to share, wisdom, character, and strength.   Many with family scattered around the country or globe would benefit from socialization, lessen health concerns, thwart disease.

The People's Pharmacy recently conducted research on drugs with more side effects than benefits.  Conversation and listening are more beneficial to one's health than prescription drugs.   What is your best waiting room experience? What if, in an hour or two wait, a trained professional could help you write or edit an oral or written legacy to your children?

Skipping the Salt Could Save Your Heart

New studies have just been released proving that a diet high in salt and low in potassium can significantly increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Doctors have long warned their patients against consuming high levels of sodium because of the harmful effects it can have on your body, including high blood pressure. Fortunately, it now appears that people who balance a moderate sodium intake with above average potassium levels can prevent some of the damages of too much salt.

For people over age 50 or those with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease, it is recommended not to consume more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. While it may sound like a lot, this amount is equal to only a half teaspoon of table salt each day.

Keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure a healthy heart for years to come:

1.      Skip the junk food. Most pre-packaged foods found in your grocer’s snack aisle or freezer case are loaded with extra sodium. Meals coming from fast food restaurants are also notorious for containing extra salt: one Big Mac alone has 1,040 mg of salt! Make sure fast food and pre-packaged items are occasional indulgences and not part of your regular routine.

2.      Hide the salt shaker. If you have already added salt to a dish as an ingredient while you are cooking, take the salt shaker off of your dinner table so you are not tempted to add more salt before eating.

3.      Offset salt with potassium. While bananas are most commonly known for being high in potassium, there are many other natural sources of this substance. Apricots, milk, chocolate, almonds, potatoes, avocados and soybeans are all packed with potassium, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Focus on including more of these items into your diet to offset some of salt’s harmful effects.

This guest post was written by Jessica from Long Island Heart Associates. http://www.liheart.org
For questions about heart health and aging, contact a local cardiologist today.

Elder Law and 529 College Savings Plans. How does that affect me?

We plan and God laughs.  

Intentions are quickly dashed with diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11142/1148064-28-0.stm

This article makes a strong case to constantly review and work with professionals who understand elder law, financial products, and their consequences.

Please share your concerns, discussions with family members on this issue, and resolutions.  Thank you!

Online Tools for Care Coordination

Keeping track of medical history, shopping for alternative living arrangments, and discussion of financial planning under one roof is efficient.  Too many surprises with end-of-life decisions could be avoided with these tracking tools.  For those tracking their own histories ensure that someone you trust has access to your records and will follow-through with those choices.  Why was my friend surprised that two sons rather the father less literate were named executors of their mother's estate?



The following is the mission statement of eCare Diary taken from its website that is recommended by professionals in the senior care industry:

"eCare Diary is a website created based on the founder’s, John Mills, experience as a caregiver for his father who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease. Having spent over 20 years working in the health care system, John found coordinating long term care to be difficult because of the lack of good information. eCare Diary provides comprehensive information, tools and resources to help those seeking and providing long term care. A unique feature is our Care Diary, a set of online tools designed to make coordination of care and sharing of information easy amongst family members and other caregivers. eCare Diary also has a comprehensive database of nursing home and home care services, guides on long term care financing and information on important health care documents everyone should have. The site will continue to grow and more information and tools will be added in the months ahead. We hope eCare Diary helps simplify your situation by providing you the tools and information you need."

Memorial Day Salute

 God bless those who gave their lives, veterans, returning troops, those serving, and their families.  When I read these treasured stories it remains me when my uncle's brother, Saul Goldman, joined our family gatherings in uniform in the 50s.  Treasured also were reunions of New Jersey buddies you served in separate divisions during WWII who were reunited in South Florida 50 years later. Though they lost track of each other, their reminscence included concise reference to their arenas; one could see other memories of incredible loss to their charges appear in intense exchanges of their eyes, words not to be spoken.

A special salute to Herman Rubin who forever postponed being a professional baseball player to serve his country.  To my uncle Leonard Sherman who took ill shortly after he was on base but came home to make significant differences in his scientific discoveries that, by my father's recall, others took credit for.  Bless extended family who share their presence minus their day as he is with the National Guard two weeks each summer. "Better than 18 months (in Iraq)", his 12-year-old son uttered in a quiet voice.

Silent heroes.  Thank you for going to schools and sharing your experiences through StoryCorp or family interviews as I encourage my interpersonal communication students to record.   Please share a short story about your favorite veteran or local National Guard today.

Evelyn Asher is hopeful that contined multicultural exchanges will lead to a more peaceful existence globally.

Why You Need Resources for Caregivers

When it comes to caring for your parents, there are a lot of different issues to deal with. By taking the time to find resources that are available, it will be much easier for you to get the outcome that you are searching for. Of course, the way that you go about caring for your parents says it all. In a recent blog I wrote about senior safety and health, I talked about the relationship between parents and children when the roles are reversed. Caring for your parents can be a very stressful situation and you really have to make sure that you are doing whatever it takes to make things right.

There are so many different resources out there that you can benefit from. You can find local groups in your neighborhood, support groups online, and plenty of informational resources like this blog right here to help you get the most from your situation. It doesn't matter if you are taking care of your parents full time or if you are just trying to keep an eye on whether they need your help or not, because education is always the most important tool in your success.

Before you get in over your head or create a stressful relationship between yourself and your
parent(s), you need to figure out where you are at and where things are going. You need to determine how much help they need, whether you can provide, and what the best solutions for everyone are. Communication is key because your parents do not want to be patronized and treated like children. Unless there is an actual physical or mental impairment that allows you to make decisions without their input, open communication is a must.

Take a few minutes today, for your parent(s), and check out the different resources and informational tools that you can find online. You will probably learn more than you expected and be able to give them the second stage of life that they truly deserve. Rather than jumping in with both feet and taking over, try talking to them about their health and utilize the information that you have found to take care of things together. With so many resources out there, it's not hard to find the ones that can help you.

Mary Albert is a health advocate for Lifestyle Health Guide, where she writes regularly on senior health and aging issues as well as medical alert systems.

Sodium Reductions Might Not Affect Heart Health

According to an article written in Time magazine, they've been doing research in Europe that proves that lower sodium intake might not actually help heart health in the long run. Studies have shown that people who have high blood pressure or heart disease would benefit from lowering salt intake. However, in a study of more than 3,500 people who didn't have heart problems, the ones who had the highest salt intake were the lowest risk for heart disease-related death. The study was done for more than eight years and those with the highest sodium levels only had a 0.8% death rate. Those with low sodium had a 4% death rate.

All the unique things that the health science world is doing today never cease to amaze me. It's like the blog that I wrote awhile back on senior safety and wellness, which talked about how education is so very important to your health. COPD symptoms can be reduced with exercise, Alzheimer's can be staved off with walking, and now apparently sodium isn't going to be terribly bad for your heart. But why is this?

According to researchers, while salt intake does affect blood pressure, it doesn't increase the risk of hypertension or a death related to heart disease. It apparently doesn't have as much of an effect as they thought, and is much less of an issue. The American Heart Association is still hard at work trying to convince people to lower their sodium intake just for the sake of their health, but there's apparently less of a connection to heart health than was previously thought.

The study does have its flaws, of course. The volunteers were all younger, so the follow-up might not have been effective enough due to the age at which these heart issues usually occur. Either way, it is a complicated issue that people have to face and learn about for themselves. Nothing is more important than being educated and you really need to read up. Medical science never ceases to impress me with its findings, but this just goes to show that you have to get the details before you tip the salt shaker.

Mary Albert is a health advocate at Lifestyle Health Guide, where she contributes regularly on health issues and medical alert systems.

Local Community Centers Can Help You Stay Fit

I write a lot of blogs about health and wellness, as well as elderly safety. As a health advocate, it's what I know best.

So many people come to me and question where they can find exercise programs and fitness classes that suit their age and abilities. Most gyms and fitness centers don't have a lot for the 55+ crowd, but there is another place to look. In any community with a significant population of people over the age of 55, community centers and senior centers are going to be a great resource. Most towns have groups and classes that are designed specifically for older people and their unique abilities.

Let's face it. You're not 25 anymore and you probably have limited abilities, or at least a limited desire, when it comes to fitness and exercise. It's not about busting your butt in that 2 hour spinning class. It's about finding healthy, easy ways to stay active and enjoy yourself. By all means, if you want to get into extreme fitness programs, go ahead if you are capable. However, most people are just looking for a way to stay active without working too hard.

Check out your local community resources. Call around, ask about classes or programs specifically for the 55+ crowd. If you aren't sure, ask friends and acquaintances if they can recommend anything. Most athletic clubs and community centers have programs for seniors that include things like aerobics, yoga, water activities, and even jogging or walking clubs. If your local facilities don't have any of these, consider starting your own group. You'd be surprised at how many people are interested. Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy because they know that it's the key to a longer, happier life.

If you decide to start a group, you'll be able to find plenty of people to include. You will get the exercise that you want, plus you will probably make  new friends. Take time to explore your local community and find the resources that you need. If you can't find them, create them. I wrote an article awhile back, in case you need some motivation, about healthy aging and how we aren't incapable just because of our age. You can check it out at the senior safety blog I write for occasionally. Start talking to your local community resources today and find the ones that give you what you need.

Mary Albert is a health advocate and blogger at Lifestyle Health Guide. She frequently writes on topics like elderly safety, healthy aging, and medical alert systems.

Medical Alert Systems- Using Their Marketing to Your Advantage

Older adults have all heard about, and likely seen advertisements for, medical alert systems. They all talk about the ability to maintain independence and live a long, happy life without the need for assistance when it isn't really necessary. Most medical alert devices are advertised as the solution for the senior who needs more peace of mind or security but who isn't yet ready to move in with relatives or join an assisted living community. The marketing of these systems is so predictable that it sometimes seems monotonous. However, it can be something that you can benefit from.

I've been a health advocate for the better part of my life, and I have checked out all of the different resources available to active adults, including medical alert systems. These devices come in all shapes and styles and actually do make it much easier for adults to live on their own when they don’t want to be completely independent. Medical alert companies have worked hard to create some of the best products on the market and you should take advantage of that in your search for the best solution.

These systems often come with discounts, special offers, and a variety of different benefits for active adults. When you are considering a device like this, the internet is going to be your best option for getting the deals that you deserve. Online, these systems are marketed aggressively and given rock-bottom prices for all-inclusive features and solutions. While an infomercial or a mailer insert might give a good deal, the internet is the place to go for the best deals on medical alert devices.

With the internet on your side, you can easily review the different medical alert systems that are available and find one that suits your needs. You can share information with family members to create a discussion and get the dirt on every single device that's available. Plus, you can always get the best deals. Choosing the right device for your needs is about finding what suits you best. Take advantage of the aggressive online marketing to get great deals on medical alert systems and to learn more about stylish options for your security, check out my blog: Medical Alert Systems- Choosing Your Style.

Mary Albert is a health writer for Lifestyle Health Guide, and a professional health advocate. She writes regularly on a variety of senior health issues and medical alert systems.

Fragile -

  From vantage points of rockers, chairs, and benches residents and guests in senior communities can breathe fresh air in South Florida or countless other alternate living accommodations across the country.   Onlookers become immune to emergency vehicles; when faced with emergency they are grateful to the medic team for transfer to the nearest medical center.

Emergencies know no boundaries.  Responses come at the most inopportune time - while caregivers are packing for a short or long-awaited trip, during traditional holiday dinners, dressing for graduation or one week after return from a parent who now exhibits different behavior.   

Last week's phone call to my mother's  line brought comfort with description of a grandson's visit, reminiscing through family albums.  This week, with stattaco emails sharing my mother's emergency hospital stay, dismantling of her apartment, and decision making for another stop on her journey, I know not to call.  I can only hope that someone will read the Mother's Day message I posted a few days ago as the card shop lacked the words to express the gratitutde for every opportunity I had been given.

Distance, early retirement, and maintenance of my home that has been on and off the market for four years have fostered challenges in long-distance caregiving.   I am grateful for my siblings' devotion the past 18 years and do what I can in communicating through reminiscing with my mother.  Everyone has a talent in the caregiving pyramid.  Please take a minute to comment and share your long distance or dominant caregiving experience.

Living Well

Girl trip anyone? My friends' trip was not born of grade school, high school, or university reunions.  These women, authors in common, a nurse practitioner, photographer, and retreat coordinator met in our mountain community about eight years ago.  Their husbands or partner fostered their interests at home while these adventure-seeking dames explored Peru.   





Harsh mountain winters motivated other friends to rent a condo in Naples from their friends who took advantage of the real estate bust and upgraded their home. Joining them for our regularly scheduled Friday lunch with ten others, one friend laughingly admitted, "We did not miss you at all.  We had the best time in Hawaii for my birthday - the children surprised us with birthday decorations for our cruise cabin.  We had the best winter.   Turkey, more travel to my aunt's 95th birthday, then Hawaii."    How fortunate for this couple (she traveled  to Turkey with her sisters).


"Live fully" is the signature with which a favorite relative closes her correspondence.   That can translate to knowing when it is time to sell the house and enjoy a retirement community.  With those with smaller pockets that might mean selling the one-bedroom condo on two floors and moving to a one-floor ranch within her price range and delight in a two-car garage to make winters more manageable.  Another with wanderlust and a fixed income lives with high cost of energy bills, caregiving, and maintaining a home that remains on the market in another state. An arm-chair traveler for now.  Romance was intimated by another answering a personal ad for a mountain gal.   Advice?  Don't sell the house.


What travel experience is on your bucket list, have you recently enjoyed, or remains in your memory?

Ethical issues

  At the personal invitation of my geronology professor Dr. Rita Gugel, the founder of National Association of Professional Care Managers (NAPGCM) visited our class at Lynn University in the early 90s.  Within the next few years I enlisted the help of a professional geriatric care manager to address a caregiving situation that ultimately provided opportunity for my second husband's distant four children to care for their father, albeit long distance.  "I won't come until my father is situated", are the dispassionate words heard from one son.  

Wanting to do the right thing, I found a level of care that mirrored Mr.S.'s lifestyle, ensured he was settled and visited from time to time in the assisted living community and hospital to ensure staff knew there was someone local who observed his care. 

The one-hour assessment by the professional care manager was the best $200 I ever spent.  My children deserved me to present in their lives and share their joy.

And now it is time again to call on professional care management, to call on professionals who are familiar with levels of care for dementia and ensure transition sans physical and emotional challenges of family, near and distant.  Far too personal when it comes to a parent.   "I just cannot do it anymore" echoes from various challenges within a family including finances, introduction of extended family with different history.  


The terse words of management eager to make way for "healthier" residents are 360 degrees of the welcome less than two years ago.   Ethical issues in discharge, a webinar offered by SeniorBridge this month, is one that professionals in aging need to hear. Consider discharges from hospitals, rehab centers, and communities.  What is the appropriate setting, timing?   What has been your experience in handling transitions of family members or close friends.  Did you handle the move(s) yourself ? Did you call on a professional care manager?   If so, what is a positive experience or one that could have been improved?  Share with us so others can benefit.  

Caregiver Role Reversal

The contents of my friend's  weekly email exchange read: 

"...one of my mom’s caregivers had a fall last week and dislocated her shoulder.  She’s not much older than I am but she has a very sedentary life and she seems in much worse shape than my mother.  Our church group has been having to bathe her, cook and drive for her.  I had her here for dinner and my mother was taking care of her and cutting her food….she felt great to be the caregiver for a change and she loved it.  Anyway, it got me thinking about taking better care of myself and not giving in to old age."

     . This reminds me of my mother, 98, who is every bit the hostess she always has been.  From her senior living apartment she is eager to share her bounty of yogurt, bottled water, bananas, or sweets.  She can readily replace a banana from the community's basket in the lobby or ask for one in the dining room.  Readily translates to walking what seems greater distances with a walker after hip surgery.  What continues to inspire you in the actions of courageous elders?