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Peach Tree Times

Some of our articles have been written by guest writers

Ten Summer Health Tips for Seniors to Beat the Heat

5/24/2017

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As we age, we should be more aware of the potential health risks that are uniquely associated with both our age and the changing seasons. While people of all ages face specific health risks, seniors have particular health risks that need to be understood and monitored, especially in the heat of the summer. Here are 1o summer health tips for seniors as we head into the season:
10 Summer Health Tips for Seniors
  1. Drink plenty of liquids. Drink eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day of water and/or fruit juices every day to stay hydrated.
  2. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, soda, coffee and even tea can leave you dehydrated quickly. If at all possible, try to reduce the amount of these beverages, especially during hot weather. Plain or flavored water is a good substitute.
  3. Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton. Dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
  4. Sunblock. When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
  5. Stay indoors during extreme heat. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
  6. Air conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
  7. Avoid extreme outdoor heat. If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive , call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
  8. Take a cool shower or bath. If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
  9. Keep your home cool. Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
  10. Signs of heat stroke. Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g. flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take immediate action if you feel them coming on.
Who’s At Risk?Health and lifestyle may raise the threat of a heat-related illness, according to the National Institute of Aging. These health factors may increase the risk for seniors:
  • Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, and changes in the skin caused by normal aging
  • Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes weakness or fever
  • High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet; for example, people on low-salt diets may face an added risk (but don’t use salt pills without asking your doctor)
  • The inability to perspire caused by some drugs, including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure medicines
  • Taking several drugs at once for various conditions; don’t just stop taking them: Talk with your doctor
  • Being substantially overweight or underweight
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
Take time this summer to check on aging loved ones and seniors residing in your neighborhood. Invite him or her into air conditioning, offer to take them to the mall, a movie or another cool building. Spend time with a loved one by inviting them to be an overnight guest. Do anything you can to help seniors beat the heat this summer!
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​The Dangers of More Seniors Living Alone

5/17/2017

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According to AARP, nearly 90% of people over age 65 want to stay at home for as long as possible. Living at home and staying in a familiar community may offer benefits to seniors’ emotional well-being — but research indicates that a staggering number of seniors who should be receiving assisted living careare still living at home — in many cases, alone.
To some of us, the answer may seem obvious: make the move to an assisted living community where social activity, health monitoring and medication management is all included. However, moving to senior living can be a difficult decision, particularly if your loved one is not keen on moving. For more information, read our guide to assisted living vs. in-home care.
The Administration on Aging reports that about 29%, or 11.3 million older adults lived alone in 2010. At the same time, it’s estimated that over 12% of seniors 65 and older — more than 5 million — need assistance with long-term care to perform activities of daily life.
Those seniors who are low-income or live in poverty are even more likely to live at home rather than in a facility, even if they require more care. The numbers for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia are, quite frankly, startling: of the 60-70% of seniors with dementia living in the community, 25% live alone, reports the Alzheimer’s Association.
Andrew Steptoe, a professor of psychology at University College London, says he was surprised by the results of the social isolation study:
“Both social isolation and loneliness appeared initially to be associated with a greater risk of dying,” he says. “But it was really the isolation which was more important.”
When Living Alone is Unsafe
If we want our loved ones to remain safe and healthy, it’s important to make sure their environment is appropriate to their physical needs—particularly if they’re showing early signs of cognitive impairment.
If you notice that your loved one needs help with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, they may have decreased cognitive functioning associated with early or middle stage dementia. Even in their own home, the combination of poor eyesight and minor safety hazards can put seniors at risk for falls, broken hips and even death.
Keeping track of physical symptoms, mental health, and senior nutrition is of critical importance. Warning signs that living alone is no longer safe for an older adult include:
  • Medication management issues
  • Poor eyesight
  • Social isolation
  • Forgetting appointments
  • Unable to keep up with daily chores and housekeeping
  • Poor nutrition or malnutrition
  • Home safety hazards such as poor lighting and loose carpeting
  • Unable to pay bills on time
Article from A Place for Mom blog…
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Peach Tree Retirement Center
2800 W Viola Ave
Yakima, WA 98902

Peach Tree Retirement Center Yakima WA

Hours

Monday-Friday
9:30-4:30

Telephone

(509) 248-1766

Email

peachtreeretirement@gmail.com
  • Home
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