Exercise for the Arizona Elders

Everyone wants the benefits of exercise throughout their life. But we often wonder if it is safe for seniors to exercise. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians almost all older people can benefit from additional physical activity. With regular exercise an healthy elder can be protected from chronic disease, improves mood and can lower their chance of injury.

As the body ages, it takes a little longer to repair itself, but moderate physical activity is good for people of all ages and of all ability levels. Truth be told, the benefits of your elderly parents exercise program highly outweighs the risks. Even elderly people with chronic illnesses can exercise safely. Many medical condition such as Alzheimer's and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure and obesity can be improved with an exercise program.

In fact, elders who regularly exercise can see an improvement in their health to include improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and neuro-cognitive function.

A regular exercise program can improve:

Immune Function – A body can fight off infection and sickness and recover more quickly less strenously when healthy instead of stealing energy from the body.

Cardio-Respiratory and Cardiovascular Function – The risk of heart disease and high blood pressure is lowered with regular physical activities. If the elderly person has hypertension, exercise will lower blood pressure.

Bone Density/Osteoporosis – Exercise protects against loss in bone mass and will reduce the risk of osteoporosis and lowers risk of falling and broken bones because of better bone density.  Research shows that strength training can dramatically reduce the loss of bone mass, help restore bones, and contribute to better balance and less fractures.

Gastrointestinal Function – Regular exercise promotes the efficient elimination of waste and can improve digestive health.

Chronic Conditions and Cancer – Regular physical activity lowers risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, colon cancer and can help in the management of high cholesterol and arthritis pain.

Regular physical activity is also associated with decreased mortality and age-related morbidity in older adults. In addition, a study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examined exercise in the elderly and found that exercise training led to improvement in functional reach, balance and fear of falling.

Often, frail elderly people are unable to maintain an aerobic exercise routine on a regular basis due to lack of endurance. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system have significant effects on cardiac performance, it has been estimated that 50% of endurance loss can be related to decreased muscle mass.

The best exercise program for the elderly consists of three components: aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance and flexibility. To learn more about how your parents can improve their health with a care manager contact Desert Care Management by visiting their website or calling at 480-804-7200.

It's Time for National Geriatric Care Manager Month!

Each May we celebrate the work of our members and promote the profession of geriatric care management. Care managers are out in their communities, sharing information, making presentations, and opening their doors, inviting the public to learn more about the profession and the benefits it brings to families across the country. Resources and tips for making your event a success may be found on the NAPGCM website here.

Now is the time to start planning your events and book your speaking engagements.

May is also Older Americans Month, and this year's theme-Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.-focuses on injury prevention. NCOA's Falls Free® Initiative will be leading numerous advocacy, awareness, and educational efforts to help seniors stay safe and independent. Explore the Falls Free® Initiative on the NCOA website.

We hope you'll take advantage of these resources during National Geriatric Care Manager Month! And we'd love to hear your success stories!

Visit our site for more information about Care Plans in Arizona, AZ Elderly Coaching and Care Management in Gilbert, Arizona.

Desert Care Management Event Calendar

Salibas Pharmacy Sponsors "Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Conference"
Wed, April 2, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Jackson White Law Seminar "Navigating the Journey"
Mon, April 7, 1pm – 2pm

Central Phoenix RAIN Networking Event
Tue, April 8, 8am – 9am

AZCAL HEALTH FAIR "Maneuvering thru the Healthcare System & Heart Health"
Tue, April 8, 9am – 11am

East Valley April SPOTLIGHT Event
Tue, April 8, 11:30am – 1:00pm

Synergy Home Care "Blood Drive & Prize Giveaway!" Invitation
Thu, April 10, 9am – 1pm

Scottsdale / Phoenix April SPOTLIGHT Event
Thu, April 10, 9:00am – 10:30am

The Citadel Assisted Living "Hoedown Networking Event"
Thu, April 10, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Dana Law Firm "Health & Vendor Fair" Invitation
Sat, April 12, 9am – 1pm

"Health Care in Transition - Prospering Through Population Health Management"
Sun, April 13, 5:00pm – Tue, April 15, 12:30pm

Northwest Valley April SPOTLIGHT Event
Wed, April 16, 9:00am – 10:30am

LifeStream Complete Senior Living "Dr. Bill Thomas ~ Second Wind Tour" Invite
Thu, April 17, 1pm – 2pm

Pacifica Senior Living at Paradise Valley "Scottsdale Chapter R.A.I.N. Meeting"
Tue, April 22, 11:30am – 1:00pm

Jackson White Law "ALTCS 101 Training Class" Overview & Eligibility
Thu, April 24, 9am – 11am

Summit at Sunland Springs Free Seminar Latest Advances in Alzheimer's Research
Thu, April 24, 1:30pm – 3:00pm

A Mesa Community Event "Arbor Day on Arbor Avenue" Invitation
Fri, April 25, 10am – 2pm

For more Care Management Events, visit out online calendar.

Should You Be Worried About Your Parent Driving A Car?

Americans are living longer than ever before due to healthier lifestyles, greater awareness about nutrition, increased exercise, and more advanced medications. If seniors are active in the community or playing tennis today, then when do they become too old to get behind the wheel of their car?

Aging, no matter how healthy they are, slows down their physical and neurological mobility. Simple everyday tasks, once easy to perform, become more daunting. Slowly, our independence is robbed as aging gives way, leaving driving as one of the last frontiers of freedom we have. This makes it hard to tell a parent or loved one that they shouldn't drive anymore because their ability is impaired and they're a danger to themselves and others. If they don't recognize it themselves they'll not only be hurt by the accusation but insulted as well. Expect them to put up a fight.

Read this article for a few things to consider on before you make the decision.

If you have more questions about this or possibly a care manager in Arizona for your aging parents please visit our site or call us at 480-804-7200.

What Should I Do When My Parents Won’t Shower or Change Clothes?

It’s hard for us to believe that our parents may not to care about their hygiene. But this problem is far more common than people think. There may be some underlying issues causing them to disregard their personal cleanliness and refusing to take showers and wear clean clothes.

Depression
If we have a parent who no longer takes an interest in staying clean or wearing clean clothes, it's wise to look at depression first. A checkup with a doctor is a good idea, especially if low energy is also part of it, or if they just don't care about anything at all. Depression isn't always obvious to an observer.

Lack of Control
As people age, they lose more and more control over their lives. But one thing they generally can control is dressing and showers. The more they are nagged, the more they resist. "This younger generation is trying to take over everything. Well, they aren't telling me when to shower, that's for sure. Besides, I'm just fine!"

Decreased Sense of Smell
What your nose picks up as old sweat, they don't even notice. Not on themselves. Not on their mate. Their senses are not as acute as yours, or as theirs once were.

Memory Loss 
The days can go by unnoticed when there isn’t a tons of activities as they were when they were young. If there isn't something special about Wednesday, well – it could be Tuesday or Thursday. They simply lose track of time and don't realize how long it's been since they showered.

Fear or Discomfort
The older adults get the more uncomfortable they are with taking risk. Falling in the shower or tripping on the tub can become a fear.  More serious is when a person with Alzheimer's or dementia is in the bathroom and doesn't understand why there is water running on them, or believes the drain that may suck them down. They just don't understand what is going on.

Look for the signs from your aging parents and be aware of their habits. If you feel it may be time for a caregiver please contact Desert Care Management at 480-804-7200. Proactive care planning for someone you care about can help prevent emergencies and accidents, thus allowing your loved one to remain safe and independent for as long as possible. Visit our website for more information.

Reducing Loneliness in Elders around the Holidays

It's very human to feel that holidays should be happy times, with generations of traditions coming to the forefront. After all, we say we celebrate holidays. Doesn't that mean happiness? The reality, however, is that many people can feel isolated and lonely during this sometimes forced "season of good will."

Elders can have an especially hard time with the holiday season. While aging and maturity can bring the wisdom of years for many people, there are inevitable losses that come to even the most healthy individuals. Many of these losses are emotional and social in nature. Spouses become ill or die. Other aging relatives and friends become seriously ill, or die. Neighborhoods change, often leaving even those well enough to remain in their own homes feeling friendless and isolated. The holidays can bring this isolation and a feeling of loneliness to a head.

You, the adult child of a parent who may seem depressed during the holidays, can do much to help. Yes, you are busy and stressed yourself. However, by simplifying the holiday season all around and concentrating on what really matters – people – you can offer your parent help through what can be, for some, a time of discouragement.

Read the 12 tips to enhancing your elder's holiday here at AgingCare.com

Elderly Care Event Calendar

Check out our Event Calendar for October - November

Scottsdale / Phoenix October SPOTLIGHT Event
Thursday, Oct. 10, 9am

The Citadel's "2013 Oktoberfest" Invitation
Thursday, Oct. 10, 3:30pm

Northwest Valley October SPOTLIGHT Event
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 11:30am

Sterling House of Peoria "Blood Drive" Invitation
Thursday, Oct. 17, 9:00am

70's Disco Halloween Bash ~ YMCA Benefit Fundraiser
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30pm

AZCOMMUNITYCARES.COM "Hotshots Family Fundraiser Event" Invitation
Sunday, Oct. 20, 1:00pm

Clare Bridge of Tempe "Continental Breakfast Dash N' Dine" Invitation
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8:00am

Valley Hospital"The Three Dialectical Dilemmas Boarderline Personality Disorder"
Friday, Oct. 25, 8:30am

The Reniassance at Sun Lakes "R.A.I.N. Meeting"
Friday, Oct. 25, 8:30am

Valley Hospital "DSM V: Abridged" Continuing Education Seminar
Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:00am

Beyond Golden Era "Continuing Educ. on Alzheimer's & Dementia" Seminar
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 8:30am

West Valley Community Fair Invitation
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9:00am

OCTOBER SPECIAL! Through Oct 11th Only "2 Day International Dementia Conference"
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8:30am

AzGS 25th Annual 2013 Fall Symposium ~ Early Bird Deadline September 23rd
Friday, Nov. 8, 8:00am

Building a Long Term Care Strategy & Ways To Control Blood Pressure Educ Seminar
Monday, Nov. 11, 5:30pm

For more information on all or any of these event please visit our calendar here