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You read that right. A gym in Illinois has a program specifically designed to get people with Parkinson’s and similar conditions up and mobile.

“Knowing what goes along with Parkinson’s, I had this vision of myself in 5 years in a nursing home in a wheelchair, ” Eileen admitted.

But Eileen and everybody else in at an O’Fallon, Illinois, gym have started hitting the disease from a new angle.

They joined a program called Rock Steady Boxing which was brought to O’Fallon in 2016 by Deborah Belsheim.

“Fitness has always been my passion,” Belsheim said.

She started the gym because her late dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“He would come and his personality would shine,” Belsheim said. “He was the dad I knew before.”

Boxing exercise is well known to enhance coordination and improve cardiovascular health. But as a combat sport – even the non-contact exercise version – wasn’t something most health professionals prescribed for their patients. But sometimes the hardest part of exercise therapy is getting people into the gym, so alternative activities like boxing may be powerful tools to help draw sufferers into therapy.

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A potentially blockbuster report via The Guardian.

“Most cases of Parkinson’s disease are considered idiopathic – they lack a clear cause. Yet researchers increasingly believe that one factor is environmental exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical compound used in industrial degreasing, dry-cleaning and household products such as some shoe polishes and carpet cleaners.

To date, the clearest evidence around the risk of TCE to human health is derived from workers who are exposed to the chemical in the work-place. A 2008 peer-reviewed study in the Annals of Neurology, for example, found that TCE is “a risk factor for parkinsonism.” And a 2011 study echoed those results, finding “a six-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson’s in individuals exposed in the workplace to trichloroethylene (TCE).” ‘

TCE has been a known carcinogen for decades, but it had not been linked to Parkinson’s until recently. Once hailed as a new anesthetic, it was soon found to have a number of toxic side effects and was largely banned. Further studies later linked it to various forms of cancer. While TCE hasn’t been used in decades, it remains a problem due to groundwater contamination and other environmental exposures.

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At-home physical therapy – Creaky Joints has a great rundown of exercises for the hands you can do at home with no special equipment. These simple activities can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and potentially stave off any further degradation. 

Learn which tools can help – As they say, the right tool for the right job. There are a plethora of tools available now which can help ease the stress on arthritic joints. From jar & bottle cap openers in the kitchen to grab sticks in the yard to seat belt aides for the car. Even small devices can often yield significant results when used correctly and consistently. Almost any tool which lets you avoid bending, stretching, or making a fist can help alleviate arthritis pain.

Listen to your body – Anyone with arthritis knows that certain activities simply hurt more than others. Identify those painful activities and take steps to avoid them. If your hips hurt, get up and stretch every hour or so. Maybe use your elbow or shoulder to open a door rather than your hand and wrist. Try changing the lead leg you use when going up or downstairs. There are a plethora of small changes you can make to help keep your body healthy. 

Ask for help – Maybe the hardest step to take, but the most important. Whether this means going to a rheumatologist, or asking your loved ones for help making your home “arthritis-friendly,” or just asking them to help you with regular tasks. Sometimes, a little help can go a long way. 

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Barely a day goes by without reading stories like this about seniors being taken advantage of by scammers. But, you and your loved ones don’t have to be victimized this way. 

Here are some general tips to help safeguard your elder loved ones:

Designate a financial “advocate” – Find someone – a spouse, a child, or a sibling – whom the senior trusts implicitly, and consult with them on significant financial matters. You can additionally add that person to major accounts, or share log-in information with them. This will allow the trusted family member to both monitor account activity, and make it easier to use those resources for the good of the care recipient. Younger, more tech-savvy people are often better at spotting fraud patterns than their elders and can help cut off scammers or identify self-destructive actions taken by the senior. 

Make a will, and have it updated every 2-3 years – Thinking about a will is never particularly pleasant, but it’s a necessary task. Knowing their affairs will be in order when they pass away can be a tremendous stress reliever for seniors. Gather up all major assets – real estate, investments, pensions, life insurance policies, etc. – and make sure they are included in the will. You will eventually need a lawyer for a will, and your state or provincial Bar Association can help direct you to a trusted estate attorney. 

Lock their credit – A senior having their bank account drained by a scammer can be awful, but having their credit ruined by identity thieves can be catastrophic. Compromised credit history can not only impact their ability to pay bills, but it can also prevent them from qualifying for aid and assistance programs, potentially including Medicare. A trusted family member should help the senior contact the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and arrange to have a lock placed on their credit. This will prevent access to their credit history and will prevent the opening of new credit cards, loans, bank & investment accounts while the lock is in place. The lock can only be removed via a password or other identifying information, which makes it much more difficult for scammers.

Review subscriptions and other recurring charges – This probably holds true for all of us, but it’s particularly true for seniors. Go through all credit cards & bank statements for recurring expenses. Things like magazine & newspaper subscriptions, club dues, out of date service contracts, auto-renewing extended warranties, and more small recurring charges can add up to a pretty penny. Find out which are still useful, and spend an afternoon canceling the rest.  

Have a frank conversation about scam avoidance – As we age, our ability to “sniff out” scams and fraud often begins to fail. Tricks and ploys which wouldn’t have made a dent in their earlier years suddenly begin to succeed. At this point, the financial advocate or other loved ones need to step in and have a conversation about ways to avoid these pitfalls. These include: 

• Do not buy anything from people who call or come to the door. No matter how good they make a deal look, cold-callers & door-to-door salespeople are all too frequently unethical or downright criminal.
• Never, ever buy gift cards for any reason. All too many scams now revolve around the purchasing of gift cards, mainly because the cards are easily transferrable and non-refundable or disputable. By refusing to buy any gift cards, they can protect themselves against many of the most common and damaging scams in practice today.
• Make sure their computers, if they use them, have modern anti-virus and anti-malware programs active & updated. 
• Set up a password with the family. Pick a random word out of the dictionary – or even better, a word which has meaning to the senior – and tells it to close family, and only close family. Write the password somewhere that casual visitors or aides won’t see it. If a family member really does need help, they can supply the password. If they don’t, you know that call or message isn’t genuine. 

You cannot protect someone from all scams, but these are just a few simple actions that can help protect your loved ones against the fraudsters out there. 

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

These are scary times, made scarier by the fact we generally can’t visit our senior loved ones. But there are some key – and not always obvious – questions you can ask to make sure they’re weathering the storm as best they can.

• “What’s in your fridge?” Proper nutrition is always important, but during these trying times it can be particularly difficult to eat right. Grocery store shelves are frequently empty and many restaurants are closed even for takeout. If you can, schedule grocery delivery from companies like Instacart, Peapod, Shipt or Amazon Fresh for older relatives. Think ahead, as you may have to schedule up to 3 weeks in advance at this point for a delivery window. Make sure not only to order the things they need (proteins, fresh fruits & vegetables, dry goods like pasta, paper products) but the things they like (sweets, pastries, snacks & the like). Having proper food is important physically, but having food you like is important mentally.
• “How are you keeping yourself busy?” People who spent their time engaged with friends & activities are taking the stay-at-home restrictions particularly hard. Make sure your loved ones have activities to keep them entertained: movies, games, music, puzzles, hobbies. Making sure they have the tools to keep their minds & souls healthy is critically important during these times.
• “Is the home in good shape?” The news today can be overwhelming, sometimes to the point that it pushes other concerns to the back of the mind. But even the mundane things need to be done, and that includes keeping up with the home, both in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. For example: if they’re falling behind on laundry, many laundromats are now offering contactless pick up and drop-off of clothes. Some cleaning services have also adapted their practices for the Covid era. Ask when the last time their A/C and heating systems were inspected, and when they last checked their smoke detectors. These sorts of servicing are still happening, but scheduling is often tighter than normal, so appointments may have to be made further in advance than normal.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the American Alzheimer’s Association has released its 5 tips for better brain health.

1. Recommit to Brain-Healthy Basics

Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. Gym memberships were put on hiatus, social engagement became more challenging and many Americans swapped out healthful eating for their favorite comfort foods, take-out meals, and frequent snacking while working remotely. One study published recently found participants gained nearly 1.5 pounds per month over the past year, on average.

The Alzheimer’s Association — through its U.S. POINTER Study — is examining the role lifestyle interventions, including diet, may play in protecting cognitive function. Right now, many experts agree that people can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, preferably in combination, including:

Exercise regularly — Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking.

Maintain a heart-healthy diet — Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are linked to better cognitive functioning and help reduce the risk of heart disease as well.

Get proper sleep — Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.

Stay socially and mentally active — Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

2. Return to Normal at Your Own Pace

Many Americans are eager for a return to normal life following the pandemic, but others are anxious. In fact, one recent survey found that nearly half of adults (49%) report feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. For those feeling anxious, Kallmyer suggests taking small steps. It may also be important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences to others in your social circles.

“People need to be patient with themselves and with each other,” Kallmyer advises. “After a year like this one, the last thing you want to do is to create additional anxiety. COVID-19 infections are still occurring, so there is no need to rush things until the pandemic is truly behind us.”

3. Help Others

There is evidence to suggest that helping others during the pandemic may not only make you feel better, but it may be good for you as well. Research shows that helping others can be an effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety. One study published during the pandemic found that adults over age 50 who volunteer for about two hours per week have a substantially reduced risk of dying, higher levels of physical activity and an improved sense of well-being. To help others and yourself during June and throughout the year, volunteer in your community, run errands or deliver meals to a home-bound senior or donate to a favorite cause, such as supporting participants in the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day event on June 20.

4. Unplug and Disconnect

Technology has dominated our daily lives during the pandemic like never before. While technology has kept us connected through COVID-19, it has also created fatigue for many Americans. Experts warn that excessive stimulation coming from our phones, computers, social media sources and news reports can add to our already heightened anxiety levels. To avoid technology overload, experts advise setting limits on your screen time, avoid carrying your phone everywhere, and disconnecting from digital devices at bedtime.

5. Control Your Stress Before it Controls You

In small doses, stress teaches the brain how to respond in healthy ways to the unexpected, inconvenient or unpleasant realities of daily life. Prolonged or repeated stress, however, can wear down and damage the brain, leading to serious health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, memory loss and increased risk for dementia. Reports indicate that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help manage caregiver stress. Meditation, exercise, listening to music or returning to a favorite activity you have missed during the pandemic are just some ways to manage stress. Do what works best for you.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. 

To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. 

What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or ‘social’ drinking. A beer in the afternoon. A couple of glasses of wine at dinner. A cocktail with their friends. The sorts of activities an older person may have engaged in regularly for most of their lives. But the body of a 70-year-old is not the body of a 25-year-old or a 40-year-old. Metabolisms change, organs and systems don’t heal up as quickly as they used to, and ‘minor’ impairments are more likely to lead to significant injuries. But this doesn’t mean your senior loved one needs to become a teetotaler.  

This is one of the core messages you should convey: no one is taking away all of your drinks. Simply telling an elder loved one “you can’t drink anymore” is a fast way to ensure they drink more often and more irresponsibly, going forward. 

Try to schedule alcohol consumption in advance. Much the same way, dieting goes better when you have regular “cheat days” to look forward to, and a moderated alcohol intake regimen also works better when there are clear and frequent breaks. Bloody Marys at Mother’s Day brunch? A bit of the bubbly at their daughter’s birthday party? Those are great, so long as it’s not an everyday occurrence. 

Family members should also try – whenever possible – to make sure alcohol consumption is done in conjunction with meals and nonalcoholic beverages. Mix in some juice or iced tea in between drinks. One of the biggest dangers of alcohol consumption comes from dehydration, and the elderly are more susceptible than most to that complication. Slowing the absorption of alcohol by eating while you drink, and consuming nonalcoholic drinks will help stave off dehydration. 

Some studies show that moderate, regular alcohol consumption can have medical benefits, including improved bone density and better overall cardiovascular health. But those benefits are obliterated once the drinking moves to “excessive” levels. As a caregiver, part of your role is to find ways to allow your elder loved one to have the occasional drink while preventing overconsumption. It’s not an easy task, but a necessary one.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

From Consumer Reports, a study showing that a little gaming time can be beneficial for seniors. 

According to researchers from the University of California at Irvine, seniors who play online brain games can boost their cognitive skills to be just as sharp as those decades younger than them. 

“The brain is not a muscle, but like our bodies, if we work out and train it, we can improve our mental performance,” said researcher Mark Steyvers. “We discovered that people in the upper ranges who completed specific training tasks were able to beef up their brain’s ability to switch between tasks in the game at a level similar to untrained 20- and 30-year-olds.” 

This doesn’t mean you should start setting up Fortnite or League of Legends accounts for grandma and grandpa. But there are a plethora of simpler games out there which may be great for them to play beyond Minesweeper and Solitaire. From the ubiquitous titles like Minecraft & Stardew Valley to online portals like Luminosity or My Brain Trainer. Even digital versions of analog games sudoku and crossword puzzles can fit the bill. 

Avoid games which require split-second reflexes or tons of memorization. Especially steer away from games loaded with microtransactions or in-game purchases (like Candy Crush). Be sparing with competitive games; focus more on individual or co-operative experiences. 

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.