May 2010

Age Strong! Live Long! May is Older Americans Month!

This month is Older American’s month! Established in April of 1963 and originally coined “Senior Citizens Month,” Older Americans Month arouse out of a growing concern for aging Americans. At that time nearly one-third of Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.  As a result of President Jimmy Carter’s [...]

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Do You Know The Dangers of Adult Poisioning?

Poisoning is the harmful effect that occurs when a toxic substance is swallowed, inhaled, or comes in contact with the skin, eyes or mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. It is the most common cause of nonfatal accidents in the home. Poisons can be found inside and outside your home and can be things [...]

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There’s Personal Power in Powers of Attorney

photo credit: shauser By making a well-documented decision now—when you still can—you can avoid having a court name a decision-maker for you in the event an illness or accident were to keep you from speaking for yourself. We all have the opportunity to complete any of a variety of powers of attorney, legal documents that [...]

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Being A Patient Advocate Can Make A Big Difference For Seniors

photo credit: MilitaryHealth For any patient, a hospital stay can be overwhelming, filled with tests and procedures and doctors and nurses coming and going. This whirlwind of medical activity can be especially distressing for elderly patients. However, a family member or caregiver who sits vigil bedside can calm a senior patient’s anxiety, both as a [...]

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Adapting Homes to Seniors’ Changing Needs

More Americans are choosing to “age in place.” That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings. But that often means they must modify their homes so it’s not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change. A new career field has risen to [...]

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Seniors and Driving: How to Steer through a Difficult Turn

Whether we are going to the grocery store, the doctor’s office, the golf course or to visit a friend, the ability to drive provides us a sense of independence. But as we age, we lose (some of us more gradually than others) physical and mental capabilities essential to safe driving, such as vision, hearing, mental [...]

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Ocala Seniors! Do You Know What to Pack (and Not to Pack) for the Hospital?

Retired seniors know that well-planned packing helps make vacations more enjoyable. Likewise, what you pack for your own or a loved one’s admission to the hospital can make for a smoother, less stressful experience. The following is a review of necessities for a hospital packing list, as well as items that can make a hospital [...]

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