‘Senior Moments’ Archives
The difference it makes with Alzheimer’s disease
By Paula Robinson LET THE MUSIC PLAY: In the lives of Alzheimer’s patients, the power of music to make a difference has been a well documented phenomenon. Research has shown that music alters the different components of the disease process through sensory, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social impacts. Researchers have called it a [...]
Are you putting yourself at risk for a fall?
By Paula Robinson Are you part of the America that is going gray as the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are moving into their 60s? I must admit, I am. And to think that Americans are now living into their 80s and 90s and are coping with more age-related challenges than ever before. Health care issues continue to emerge as many [...]
Reminder – March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
By Paula Robinson Do you know your own colon cancer risk? We may joke that the big 5-0 is a milestone, but according to the American Cancer Society it’s also a major risk factor for colon cancer. Ninety percent of individuals who are diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 50. Where do you fit in? According to a recent Surveillance [...]
A tribute to Mom
For most of us, the holidays are a time for happiness and celebration. We enjoy seeing and getting together with loved ones, going to parties, shopping and taking the opportunity to catch up with those that we may have not seen throughout the year. The trend seems to be to do lots of shopping, and just taking in the holiday season with time off [...]
Elder abuse, red flag warning signs
by Paula Robinson This is the last installment in this series about Elder Abuse and Neglect which is a widespread problem in societies in the 21st century. As was noted in this column on Nov. 19, experts estimate that only one in six cases of Adult Abuse and Neglect or fewer are reported, which means that very few seniors who have been [...]
Five categories of elder abuse that go unrecognized
Elder Abuse Part II This is a follow up to my last article on adult abuse and neglect that appeared in the Senior Moments column on November 5. The past edition noted some overwhelming statistics; 33,812 adult reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the state of Florida from January 1, through September 31, 2010. In speaking with Ms. [...]
Do you know how to report adult abuse – statistics are staggering
Elder Abuse Part I Abuse and neglect is a widespread problem in societies of the 21st century. In the prior century, elderly abuse remained somewhat of a private matter well hidden from the public view. Today it is increasing becoming a critical issue, and affecting people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and social statuses. In the U.S., the [...]
Diabetes Mellitus on the upswing in aging population
November is American Diabetes Month More than half of the 16 million Americans estimated to have diabetes are over the age of 60. Of those over 65, according to a NIH study, almost 1 in 5 has Type 2 diabetes. Although this disease is very common, it is also very serious; however, it can be managed and is sometimes preventable, but certain [...]
Drive to be self-sufficient never ends for most seniors
From earliest life, we struggle to assert our independence—to “do it ourselves”—and that desire and drive to be self-sufficient never ends. Since 1990, Life expectancy nearly doubled and the number of Americans age 65 and older has increased tenfold. The oldest old—people age 85 and older— constitute the fastest growing segment of the [...]
National Adult Day Services Week, 2010
Medical professionals and health care organizations have been discussing the progressive growth of aging adults and the number of informal caregivers. Caregivers are providing more than $350 billion annually in uncompensated care for several years, as baby boomers age and become part of an enormous movement of those seeking or giving care to [...]
