We are Living a Decade Longer Than Our Parents’ Generation Due to Healthy Aging

March 24, 2010 – People today are living substantially longer than their parents’ generation, not because aging has been slowed or reversed, but because they are staying healthier. A demographer writes on the longevity phenomenon in the March 25 edition of Nature and wonders how we can keep in going.

People in developed nations are living in good health as much as a decade longer than their parents did.

“We’re living longer because people are reaching old age in better health,” said demographer James Vaupel, author of a review article appearing in the March 25 edition of Nature.

“But once it starts, the process of aging itself – including dementia and heart disease – is still happening at pretty much the same rate.

“Deterioration, instead of being stretched out, is being postponed.”

Get that blood flowing to protect your brain

New research indicates that a certain gene – as well as exercise – may slow declines in cognitive function

Alzheimer’s disease is an especially horrible affliction in part because modern medicine can offer little in the way of an effective treatment. But this week brought a few rays of hope on several research fronts for this mind-robbing illness.

Scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York have discovered that a variation of a certain gene seems to slow age-related decline in brain function.

The gene is known to boost levels of “good cholesterol,” which helps keep blood vessels free of fatty deposits. Previous studies have already suggested that people lucky enough to be born with this gene variant have a reduced chance of developing heart disease. The new research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicates this so-called “longevity gene” helps protect the brain, too.

In a study of 523 seniors, those who carried two copies of the gene variant (one from each parent) had a 70-per-cent reduction in their risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease compared with those who had no copies of it.

Of course, there’s not much you can do about your genetic inheritance. But the senior author of the paper, Richard Lipton, says it may be possible to create medications that mimic the gene’s effect – and some of those drugs are already in development.

Still, it can take years for an experimental drug to reach the general public. So what do you do in the meantime? Two other studies, both published in Archives of Neurology, suggest a possible option is already at hand – at least when it comes to mild cognitive impairment, if not full-blown Alzheimer’s. That option is exercise.

Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle found that vigorous exercise of 45 to 60 minutes a day, four days a week for six months, seemed to improve mental function in people already showing signs of mild cognitive impairment, an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

And a research team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., concluded that seniors who routinely performed moderate exercise – such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, strength training or swimming – during midlife or late life were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as they aged.

Each one of these studies points to a common conclusion – improving blood flow appears to benefit the brain.

“Our finding is plausible – it makes sense,” said Yonas Geda, lead author of the Mayo Clinic study.

However, Dr. Geda noted that an “interplay of a wide range of lifestyle and genetic factors” likely contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. Modifying just one of them – such as exercise – doesn’t provide guaranteed protection.

Even so, “at least you can do something … it is better to exercise, rather than do nothing,” he added.

Therapy under scrutiny

A popular therapy that is billed as a “quick fix” for sports injuries does not appear to work any better than a placebo, a new study has revealed.

The treatment is known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP for short. Some of patient’s own blood is removed and spun in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from other blood components. The platelet concentrate is then injected into the site of the injury, which is supposed to jump-start the healing process.

Numerous professional athletes – including golfer Tiger Woods – have reportedly used the therapy for normally slow-to-heal tendon and ligament wounds. Now even weekend warriors are clamouring for PRP, which can cost more than $500 a shot at some Canadian sports-medicine clinics.

But the first trial to compare the treatment with a placebo has produced disappointing results.

Dutch researchers recruited 54 patients suffering from damage in the Achilles tendon. Half of them received PRP while the rest were given a saline-solution placebo. All the patients were also instructed to perform specific tendon exercises.

During the 24-week trial, there was no discernible difference in the two groups. They both showed the same pace of improvement, according to the findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The researchers, led by Robert de Vos of Erasmus University medical centre in Rotterdam, believe the exercises alone, rather than the injections, were primarily responsible for the changes seen in the patients.

Although PRP failed to speed heal the Achilles tendon, it is possible the therapy may be of benefit for other types of wounds, some sport-medicine experts said.

But discerning patients may want to wait for the results of follow-up studies on other body parts before cracking open their wallets to pay for this unproven therapy.

Killer TV

It’s fairly obvious that watching television isn’t a very healthy pastime. But Australian researchers have now calculated how much it can cut short your life.

Based on the lifestyle habits of 8,000 adults, the researchers estimated that each hour a day spent in front of a TV is associated with an 11 per cent increased risk of death from all causes; a 9 per cent increased risk of cancer death; and an 18 per cent increased risk of death related to cardiovascular disease.

The study’s lead author, David Dunstan of the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Victoria, said the findings apply not only to individuals who are overweight and obese but those who have a healthy body weight. And although the study focused on watching TV, any prolonged sedentary activity – such as sitting at a desk or in front of a computer screen – takes a toll on health, he added. The study was published in the journal Circulation.

Tax tips for income seeking seniors

Watch the Globe and Mail video HERE

Facebook and the older adult, an interesting combination

Successful business people are usually the first to recognize the value of new technology. They add to the bottom line in terms of increased productivity and customer satisfaction. More than just how we work, innovative technologies have changed how we live, and how we entertain ourselves and connect to each other.
There is little doubt that the parents of today’s teenagers recognize all of the ways that their children’s teenage lives are different from their own teenage years (note to parents: Google “sexting”). True, the same perils and opportunities are present, but the context has changed fundamentally.
Why is it that we don’t think about older adults when we think about the Internet? Is it because older adults find the technology unattractive in principle or that such people have no real needs that could be addressed through access to the Internet?
I don’t think so.
I think that we don’t associate Internet use with older adults principally because of stereotypical attitudes that paint seniors as unable to adapt to new developments and incapable of change. This attitude is simply wrong. This issue of access to communications and other technologies becomes quite relevant to me and my professional interest in “elder law” as it relates to the prevention of the exploitation of older adults and the enhancement of their individual autonomy.
How? By addressing the most significant factors that place older adults at risk: isolation, dependence, and a lack of reliable information.
There was an interesting study done for Statistics Canada this past summer on use of the Internet by older adults. Based on data for the years 2000 through 2007, the study shows that although older adults’ use of the Internet lagged behind other age cohorts, it had quadrupled.
While there is near saturation figures from those under 24 years of age, every age cohort till age 54 records over 80% use of the Internet (it dipped to 70% for those 55-64 years).
For those 65 or older, there is still widespread use with 45% of those age 65-75 years and 21% of those 75 years of age reporting various uses of the Internet.
Put this together with recent statistics about care-giving that show large increases in the number of people that are caring for their older parents and a picture begins to emerge: older adults may require help to maintain independence and may be vulnerable to isolation and dependency, but have increasing familiarity with technologies that have the potential to minimize those vulnerabilities. This doesn’t just mean e-mail (which is the largest use of the Internet by older adults). All of the ways that younger adults use the Internet, from social media to online banking, can be leveraged to improve the quality of the lives of older adults (a direct benefit) and to ease the strain on caregivers (an indirect benefit).
Think that seniors are too old to engage in activities like gaming? We know that playing games improves mental acuity and that 36% of older adults 65 years and older already use the Internet to play games (think poker and scrabble). Whether this early data proves completely accurate or not, clearly there is interest in what the Internet has to offer.
As a society, I believe that it’s in our interests to foster greater and better use of the Internet by seniors. For individuals, there may be attitudes ( “I can’t”) or physical challenges (poor eyesight, tremors, etc.) that must be overcome by patience, practice, and selection of appropriate equipment to make accommodations. Attention high school volunteers and grandchildren: there is a really great opportunity here for you to help.
David Freedman is an associate professor in the Faculty of Law, Queen’s University and a lawyer at Cunningham Swan LLP. You can visit his web-site at www.davidfreedman.ca.

Benches stolen from Kingston Seniors Association

We read a sad editorial in the Kingston Whig Standard this week. 2 stone benches were stolen from the garden at the Kingston Seniors Association. Members of the association created and maintained this garden themselves. The benches were donated as a finishing touch and as a place for members to sit and enjoy their garden. The Seniors Association works hard providing programs and events for 5000 plus seniors in the greater Kingston area. Being a non-profit organization, funding is limited. Needless theft simply makes it more difficult to provide Kingston seniors with a high level of programs and services. Our sincerest hopes that the benches are located and returned to their rightful place.

Put money in hands of seniors, Layton tells PM

The corner store will be the cornerstone of the economic recovery in Canada if Jack Layton has his way.

After a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper this afternoon, the NDP Leader called for the next wave of stimulus funding to go to Canada’s elderly, especially senior women.

“He [the Prime Minister] can keep giving tax cuts to the big banks and oil companies, or he can put some of that money to those who need it the most, who will then spend it in the local economy,” Mr. Layton said. “Let me tell you where the seniors will spend it – they will spend it at their local corner store, which will allow small businesses to be able to hire more employees, who will then pay taxes and help us get out of this deficit.”

The NDP has also been calling for the Conservatives to rescind corporate tax cuts, but Mr. Layton said he received no assurances that the Conservatives will move on that front in the March budget.

The tone of the meeting was positive and businesslike, he said, allowing Mr. Layton to dream that some of his ideas will be enacted.

“I always lay this out in a spirit of almost boundless and irrational optimism,” he told reporters.

Mr. Layton said he has gotten results in the past, like last year’s improvements to EI benefits for unemployed workers.

(Photo: Pawel Dwulit/The Canadian Press)

How to tell Grandma she can’t drive any more

March 16, 2010

By Wency Leung

Globe and Mail Update

This week health experts emphasized a need to help an age group with a crash rate that surpasses that for teenage drivers. But how do you break the news to Grandma and Grandpa?

Who’s going to tell Grandma she’s unfit to drive?

An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal this week emphasized the need to help seniors adapt when it’s no longer safe for them to be behind the wheel. After the age of 75, it explained, the crash rate per kilometre surpasses that for teenage drivers. And by 2025, it noted, one in four Canadians will be 65 or older.

But breaking the news to Granny that she’s a bad driver is an uncomfortable task, and even when handled with tact, the conversation can tear families apart and destroy a senior citizen’s self-esteem.

“The hardest thing we do in our practice is actually dealing with driving issues,” says Malcolm Man-Son-Hing, a geriatric doctor and an associate professor at the University of Ottawa’s faculty of medicine. “You can tell somebody they have Alzheimer’s. You can tell them they have cancer. But you tell them they can’t drive any more and it’s one of the most difficult things going.”

He suggests that adult children first approach elderly parents about their concerns. In some cases, the senior citizens may even be relieved to give up driving, or share their family’s concerns.

But cutting off someone’s transportation is often interpreted as cutting off their engagement with life, says Michel Bédard, the Canada Research Chair in aging and health at Lakehead University. He advises that the bearer of bad news should be sensitive to the senior citizen’s position and recommends that family members plan for alternative ways the elderly individual can get around.

Dr. Bédard says there is debate as to whether family physicians should be the ones to deliver the bad news, as it isn’t a doctor’s role to police a patient’s driving ability.

Currently, physicians in Ontario may write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation, notifying the authorities of their concerns about a patient’s ability to drive, he says. It is then up to the ministry to determine whether to assess the driver’s ability or revoke a licence.

Doctors, however, need not tell the patient of their reports to the ministry in advance, he says. Although most do, the issue can destroy a long-time physician-patient relationship.

Even so, he advises, it’s best for doctors to give some warning.

“It certainly is not a pleasant experience for people to receive a letter in the mail, telling them they can’t drive.”

Dr. Man-Son-Hing notes that in cases where family physicians and loved ones find it too difficult to confront elderly drivers, a geriatrician, such as himself, may be better suited to take the heat.

“We recognize somebody has to be the bad guy,” he says. “It’s better that we be the bad guy than the family member or the family physician who has an ongoing relationship with that person. And we, as geriatricians, only see them in consultation.”

Likewise, if the senior is reluctant to address the issues, he advises that family members notify their family physician, who can then determine whether to contact the licensing authorities and whether to get a geriatrician involved.

Whatever the case, it’s best when the news is not delivered alone, Dr. Man-Son-Hing says.

“Often hearing it from a doctor alone is not enough, but if the family is supporting the physician’s position, it does carry a lot of weight,” he says. “Some people will remain very angry, but at least they recognize that it’s not the doctor ganging up on them.”

Considering the fact that most people will be in the same situation eventually, it’s an issue that everyone should think about for themselves well in advance, Dr. Bédard adds.

“Just like we do for retirement, think about planning for driving retirement, and making sure the decisions being made are consistent with maintaining quality of life when that happens.”

Look for us in 55+ and Vista!

This month, we’re talking about housing options for seniors. Did you know that there are myriad options for seniors today? Downsizing can mean something different for everyone.

Keep an eye out for our articles in this month’s issue of 55+ and Vista magazine.

Helping you get comfortable, safe & settled

Gordon’s Estate Services specializes in handling the unique needs of people who are going though major life transitions such as downsizing. We manage everything from the sale of your home to cleaning, sorting, packing and handling extra assets. What many don’t realize is that we can also help you with the final step in your transition: finding your perfect new home.

We realize that your choice in housing is one of the most important aspects of your transition and that this decision can be overwhelming in itself. Our ultimate goal with any transition is to see our customers comfortable, safe and settled in their new home.

So what are the key factors in making this decision? First, you must look carefully at your needs. Do you want a smaller, more manageable space? Do you want to be closer to family, friends or amenities? Do you require assistance on a daily basis? Are you seeking companionship or a group setting? Looking at why you want to change your living situation will help you identify the adjustments required to lead the lifestyle you desire

Next, you can investigate the myriad of housing options available to you. You can choose from a smaller home or bungalow, senior oriented apartments, condos and a wide range of retirement communities, some of which offer different levels of independent living. Select anything from a cottage to an apartment with a kitchen, a room with a kitchenette or a room that offers assisted living.

Because the ultimate goal is comfort and safety, you also have the option to stay in your home and modify it to fit your lifestyle. This can mean a simple de-cluttering or more major modifications such as adapting your home for one level living, putting in non skid flooring, adding a walk-in bath or a chair lift. Other resources such as housekeepers, meals on wheels and homecare providers can also help you achieve a comfortable living space.

Feeling overwhelmed? Help is available. Working with an expert can make the entire process easier. We have successfully transitioned hundreds of seniors into new homes and we have had a firsthand look at many of the available options. We can also offer you real life feedback from those who have already made the move. As a resource, advocates and managers we can help you live your new lifestyle as soon as you’re ready.

Can Gordon’s Estate Services help you move on?

You can reach Gordon’s Estate Services at 613-542-0963 or at helpmovingon@gordonsestateservices.com.

You can view information on their website at www.gordonsestateservices.com

Terminal illness: hanging on or letting go

Reading the obituaries in the newspapers, I discover two contrasting ways that people with terminal illnesses confront the process of dying. Some die “after a courageous and often prolonged struggle.” Others die “peacefully” (and often quickly) having accepted their demise graciously. These two ways of responding or reacting to the personal end times, I call “letting go” and “hanging on.”

Those who have their wits about them have the power to choose. They can choose to struggle against death to the bitter end or decide to let go and die in peace. This column addresses the latter.

HANGING ON

Our society identifies heroes as those who never give up. They just keep on fighting against looming failure, believe that persistence overcomes resistance, and no matter how hard the challenge — even the prognosis of their impending death — they vow to fight on and hope to defeat what they see as the most terrible enemy of all, namely death.

An army buddy of mine, Bert (pseudonym) was a dynamo of energy. He relished a fight for power. When discharged from the army, he opened a restaurant in a northern town and, by sheer force of his winsome but bellicose personality, soon became mayor. I kept in touch with him through the years and admire the strengths he had that I was missing.

One evening, his wife called me to say that after a long struggle, he had died in hospital. “Would you take the funeral?” She asked. I assured her that I would. During my eulogy, I emphasized his energy, risk-taking, magnetic quality and readiness to fight for lost causes.

After the funeral, as I walked with his wife to the reception, she told me that during his hospitalization, he constantly expressed his anger at the worst enemy he’d ever faced — death. She went on to say that as he grew weaker, his anger rose to rage.

To choose to hang on come what may indicates fear as much as courage. It often provides little comfort for the family. Dedicated and loving spouses and other loved ones tax themselves to exhaustion as they visit regularly and sometimes daily with no end in sight.

Then, too, prolonging life by fighting against death is a costly business. I often hear people say that we can’t put a dollar limit on the cost of keeping dying people alive.

But, people who fight to lengthen their days consume dollars that could immunize people in developing countries from dying prematurely of common diseases. While I put a high value on human lives, I also recognize that a bottom line also exists in health care (money doesn’t grow on trees even in Canada) as in all departments of government.

I agree with Stephen P. Kiernan, author of Last Rights, when he writes of end of life economic costs: “The spending would make sense if the outcome were desirable.”

Although the number of people who believe in some form of life after death continues to shrink, I know believing Christians who struggle courageously to keep even a spark of life burning regardless of the cost to others.

If heaven or some variant is such a delightful place, it strikes me as strange to see dying people clinging to this world for dear life when a heavenly home awaits them.

LETTING GO

I want to reiterate that I’m writing about the choice dying people possess: whether to battle the coming of death, or, to let go (and for believers) let God. By letting go I mean stop struggling against the immanent inevitable.

All life strives to survive, but humans alone can call it quits at any time. Patients who have received from their doctors a death sentence must wrestle with the possibility of letting go rather than fighting the “good” fight. If we are in bad shape, on death row so to speak, when death knocks at the door, we should not tarry: Let go this life and head for whatever else, if anything, awaits us.

I’m not saying “the sooner, the better” is for everyone.

Letting go is not cowardice. It’s a courageous act; maybe more courageous than hanging on.

Watching events of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, most of us cheer for the contestants who after a fall pick themselves up, smile and courageously get on with the games. But the contestants are young, strong and healthy. Courage in adversity becomes them.

Letting go evokes many images. The person who takes this stance is like a balloon gradually deflating and ending its strivings in silence. He is a grateful old man ready to let go of his earthly life with thanks.