seniorindependence

[seniorindependence]

National Healthcare Decisions Day

April 16 is recognized as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD).  This day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. This day doesn’t exactly sound like a day of celebration with streamers and party horns, but it is a day to highlight a very important subject.  Do you and/or your loved ones have an advance care directive?

A healthcare advance directive is a legal written document that can be completed by all adults at any age or stage of health.  Health care advance directive is a term that refers to a person’s spoken and written instructions about future medical care and treatment, including but not limited to, instructions regarding your preferences or desires concerning any aspect of your health care, communicating your preferences for life-prolonging and palliative care procedures and a living will declaration or an anatomical gift made in accordance with your state’s law.  By stating your health care choices in an advance directive, you are helping your family and physician understand your wishes about your medical care.

By creating an advance directive ahead of when the need arises, provides YOU time to think through what is important to you, gives YOU time to explore your options as well as gives YOU the say in what medical care you will receive.  Having this document relinquishes the stress from your spouse, children, siblings or any loved one from having to make hard decisions when they are already in the middle of managing whatever healthcare crisis that might be dictating the need for such decisions. 

In recognition of this designated day, the question must be asked. Do you have advanced directives?  Have you talked to and shared your final wishes with your spouse, children and/or siblings? If you answered “no” to any of these, please let this be the reminder that now is the time to address this important topic.

[seniorindependence]

Fostering Senior Independence

Celebrating Senior Independence Month

February is National Senior Independence Month.  Who knew, right? Every February, the nation recognizes Senior Independence Month to support dignified and full lives for each senior in our community. So why do we need a month dedicated to this topic?  We need a dedicated time to recognize the importance of this topic because it is often overlooked or disregarded. The purpose of Senior Independence Month is:

To help seniors maintain control of their lives

To encourage seniors to make changes to improve their quality of life

To help seniors feel loved and appreciated

To remind communities to prioritize senior-focused lifestyles

Our culture tends to be more youth-centered by placing value in young adults rather than older adults. This way of thinking stems from values that tie an individual’s worth to their ability to work and be an active member of society.  We also have the tendency to consider conversations about getting “older” and/or aging as taboo.  There’s also the misconception that if we don’t talk about it then it won’t happen.  And lastly, we avoid these conversations because we don’t want to face the fact that our years on this earth may be devalued.  Yes, as we age, our appearance changes, we get a little slower in our daily tasks and we may get a little more forgetful; however, it’s important to understand that age is not an indication of ability. Older adults deserve respect, consideration, and understanding, just like any other person. We should embrace the older generation, build on their strengths, and continue to develop our world to be more understanding and inclusive.

So, let’s start the conversation.  Anyone ever born will experience aging.  It’s that simple; there is no way to circumvent this simple fact.  We will all get older, day-by-day.  And, if you’re questing if this truly happens, you will get the unexpected slap-in-the-face reality check when you receive your AARP card at the age of 50. Don’t you worry; that’s only dipping your toe in the “aging” or “getting older” pond.  Just wait until you start to get college brochures in the mail for your children and funeral pre-planning materials addressed to YOU. These types of things are just the world’s friendly reminders that you’re getting older.  Whew!  Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what it means to be “independent.”  The answer may depend on your age and life circumstances.  For the purposes of Senior Independence, we will narrow in on helping seniors to maintain control of and empowering them to make their own decisions and to live autonomously in an environment of self-sufficiency.  For most seniors, continuing to live at home is a key part of independence.  Although with age we tend to become more dependent on those around us, we can continue to live a fairly independent life. 

Seniors have played a crucial role in shaping our world with their wisdom, experience, and unique perspectives. However, as individuals age, they may encounter various challenges that can impact their independence, from health issues to societal barriers but this does not mean they cannot still live fulfilling and autonomous lives.  This autonomy can be accomplished through conversations and planning. And, National Senior Independence month is the perfect time for seniors to celebrate the independence they enjoy and to plan ahead to maintain that independence. Here are some tips to get you started:

Declutter

An organized environment is great for both body and soul! Remove area rugs and any other objects that can be a risk for trips and falls.  Keep necessary items like cell phones close at hand and readily accessible is vital in the event of an emergency.

Upgrade

A little preventive maintenance can be a lifesaver. Have banisters on stairs and railings on decks checked for looseness. Light up dark hallways and closets with motion-sensor lights to prevent falls. Installing grab bars in the bathroom is a great idea as well, provided they are installed before they’re needed. Thinking ahead goes a long way!

Get Tech Savvy

That cellphone can literally be a lifesaver. Set up with speed-dial for favorite contacts, it’s a senior’s link to the world. Cellphones can also serve as location devices as well as maps and navigations aids. Most are even equipped with a fairly bright flashlight. Home security systems can protect against theft and property damage, but their value doesn’t end there; motion sensing lights can detect intruders and fend off any unwanted guests, while providing welcome light when you need it.

Be Social

Preventing social isolation is vital to older adults’ mental and physical well-being, and central to most senior centers’ mission of holistic wellness. Researchers have long known about the health benefits of “being social” - the ties that build trust, connection, and participation.  Volunteering is a fabulous way that seniors can maintain social capital while supporting a favorite cause or organization.

Get Involved at Your Local Senior Center

Research shows that compared with their peers, senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and life satisfaction. Senior centers provide age-positive programming to enrich and prolong the lives of older adults – allowing them more independence.

Exercise!  Stay Physically Active!

Staying active is a significant factor in maintaining independence for older adults. Exercise has been shown to prevent disease, reduce the risk of falls, improve cognitive function, and support positive well-being in seniors.

Get Connected

Make sure you have access to quality healthcare and support services. By having access to these resources, you can manage your health effectively, and you will continue to be empowered to maintain your independence and continue participating actively in your community. Additionally, make sure to identify initiatives focused on affordable housing, transportation options, and social engagement opportunities to further enhance your quality of life and autonomy.

Ask for Help

It’s okay to ask for help!  We all need help every once in a while.  Find a home care company that can provide a home health aide to help with things such as light housekeeping, bathing, meal preparation, etc.

February is most commonly recognized for celebrating Valentine’s Day and commemorating Black History Month, but we cannot overlook that it is also National Senior Independence Month.  We can recognize the significance of this designation by fostering understanding, respect, and solidarity across all age groups, creating a more inclusive, accepting, supportive and quality life for seniors. This is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to honoring and empowering older adults. We can champion their independence, and we can not only recognize their inherent dignity and worth but also enrich our communities with their invaluable contributions and wisdom. Together, we can ensure that seniors can age with dignity, autonomy, and the opportunity to thrive.  Isn’t that what we all hope for?