Old Age in America, By the Numbers in Allentown, PA

I found this interesting article on TheNewOldAge.com and found it interesting.  Here is an excerpt below, to read the full article Click Here. 

The population of older Americans is growing faster than ever and living longer than ever, but not as long as in much of Europe and elsewhere in the developed world, according to “Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being,” a report compiled by 15 federal agencies.


The full report, with tables detailing senior demographics, economics, health status, health risks and health care, is available at agingstats.gov. It contains a number of surprises, and raises a number of questions, for those interested in how Americans are aging.

Americans who live to age 65 can now expect to survive on average 18.5 more years, four years more than in 1960, according to the report. Of those who survive to age 85, women have an average 6.8 years to live, and men, 5.7 years. But life expectancy is even longer in most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cuba and Costa Rica.

In 2008, an estimated 39 million people in the United States were 65 or older — just over 13 percent of the population. By 2030, when all surviving baby boomers will be over 65, the report projects there will be 72 million seniors, about 20 percent of the population. (Seniors already make up 20 percent of the population in Germany and 21.5 percent in Japan.)

The 85-and-over United States population, the fastest-growing cohort in the country, is projected to rise from 5.8 million today to 19 million in 2050.

Living longer does not come cheaply. After adjustment for inflation, annual health care costs for the average senior increased from $9,224 in 1992 to $15,081 in 2006, the report says.

Heart disease remains the leading killer of people over 65, but now patients die of the disease at only half the rate (1,297 deaths per 100,000 people) they did in 1981. Cancer, strokes, lower respiratory diseases and Alzheimer’s disease were the other top killers. The reported rate of death from Alzheimer’s rose almost thirtyfold, from 6 per 100,000 in 1981 to 176.9 per 100,000 in 2006. Officials said the increase mostly reflected improvements in diagnosis and reporting in the 1980s.

...continue reading at The New Old Age by Clicking Here.

Remember for the best in Home Care in the Allentown, PA area visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/. 

Skin Care and Aging in Allentown, PA

I found this article on ways to help you take good care of your skin as you age.  Read the excerpt below, and the full article here: http://www.senioradvice.com/inner.php?aid=273. 

Skin changes with age, becoming thinner and appearing different than it used to. Damage to skin may take longer to heal, and areas of skin exposed to lots of sunlight can become wrinkled, dry, or even cancerous. Depending on the issue, there are many ways to treat problems with aging skin.


Dry Skin and Itching

Senior citizens are prone to rough and scaly skin that appears on the lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. A few causes of dry skin include:

• Dehydration due to not drinking enough fluids

• Staying in the sun for long periods of time

• Being in very dry air

• Smoking

• Experiencing stress

• Losing sweat and oil glands which happens naturally with age

• Some health problems like diabetes or kidney disease

• Using excessive amounts of soap, antiperspirant, or perfume

• Taking hot baths

Dry skin can lead to itching, bleeding, and infection. It can also contribute to sleep problems. Such problems can be treated by medication, so it is encouraged that one seek medical attention before itchy skin leads to more serious conditions.

Men and women can also use lotions and ointments, take fewer baths, use milder soap, use cooler water when bathing, or use a humidifier in order to treat dry and irritable skin.

Bruises

With age, men and women can bruise more easily and take longer to recover from bruising. Senior citizens with excessive bruising should see a doctor.

Wrinkles

Over time, ultraviolet rays and gravity can cause the skin to become less elastic and subsequently sag and wrinkle. Other habits like frowning and smoking can cause the smile to wrinkle. There are many ways to treat wrinkles but seeking medical advice before using these treatments are highly recommended.

Age Spots and Skin Tags

Age spots, which are sometimes referred to as "liver spots" are brown spots that can appear on the body. They are harmless signs of years of sun exposure. Women especially can also experience "skin tags" or flesh-colored growths of skin. Although these age spots and skin tags are harmless and are simply due to aging, it is important to alert your doctor as it may be difficult for those without medical training to discern between these and irregular growths. A dermatologist can remove both of these types of growths if they are bothersome.

Remember for the best in Home Care visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/. 

When Alzheimer's Patients Wander

Wandering, moving about without a definite purpose in mind.  Have you ever done it?  Most of us have wandered at one time or another.  On the spur of the moment you go for a walk without any specific plan.  You walk to the park, or walk into town, or to a  best friend's home without really planning it out first.  You  can get there safely and return to your home without difficulty.  But what if that person wandering was an individual with cognitive deficits such as Dementia or Alzheimer's disease?  In most cases they would not be able to find their way home.  They may know where they are planning to go; such as a familiar place they often visited such as work, a neighbor's home, or taking their pet for a walk.  But once they begin their journey these individuals become disoriented and can not figure out where they are or how to get back.  This kind of wandering in individuals with cognitive deficits is dangerous.  I am attaching a  link for you to listen to a Web Cast on Alzheimer's patients and wandering.  It is an excellent educational audio that was sent to me which discusses the causes of wandering and what you can do to make the person safer.  Click on HealthTalk to listen to the web cast audio.  For additional information on Alzheimer's disease and how to ensure the safe living of your loved one contact Family Caregivers Network or email me at gfioriglio@family-caregivers.com. Thank you for listening. 

Gerry