In This Issue:

1. Aging is Challenging But Not Uncontrollable
2. Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging
3. "I Want to Stay Healthy"
4. Assistive Devices: An Aging Control Option
5. Ask Dr. Vanessa
6. Quality of Life for Seniors

THANKS!  from Editor

Citizens of Florida have experienced 4 major hurricanes in the last 6 unbelievable weeks!  There are few people in this state who have been unaffected.  Florida residents of every age in every direction throughout our state,  have experienced the unrelieved stress, fear and fatigue associated with devastating, uncontrollable hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and flooding.  

Some have lost loved ones, others lost entire homes. Others are picking through prized possessions, thankful to have their lives. Businesses of every size and type have suffered significant losses of every kind, which in turn is causing lost jobs, lost income, and more pain or suffering.  

During this time, the humanity and kindness of people all over our state, our country and around the world became truly evident.  The love, concern, and selflessness that surrounds us is humbling and deeply appreciated.

This is a note of thanks and appreciation for those who provide help to those who need it. We wish to thank Governor Jeb Bush, all of our wonderful government leaders who have courageously taken the lead to assure the safety of our citizens. Thanks to our local, state and federal government leaders and agencies, our politicians, our emergency support systems, communication systems, weather bureaus, newscasters on TV and radio who kept us informed, you are our heroes! Thanks!

To neighbors, friends, families and faith based organizations who provided love, encouragement, a shoulder to lean on, a hot meal or a comfortable place to sleep, you are our unsung heroes! Thanks!

To outside agencies, truckers, manual workers, and all other volunteers who are working to help our State get back to the beautiful tropical vacationland appreciated by all of the world, we thank you! To all other people here and around the world who have offered financial support, prayers and other comfort, thanks to you!

 —Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L, (D)ABDA, Editor

Time To Heal: A Message to Floridians by Dr. Vanessa M. Dazio

It is time to start the healing process. Remember to take some time out to have fun. Do something for pure enjoyment. Go to a movie, play cards with friends, read a book or a newspaper, play with the dog, go for a walk, go to the mall, write a letter to an old friend. Go to church, listen to some beautiful music, have a picnic, invite the neighbors! Give someone you love a big hug and a kiss. Walk around and share a smile with everyone you see.

Find something, everyday, to do that brings happiness or joy. Start right away. It is important to heal, it is important for health. It is important for life.

1. Aging Is Challenging But Not Uncontrollable  
by Dr. Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L

Floridians have recently been tested by a series of uncontrollable weather events that changed our lives forever. As a result, many Floridians must make major changes to adjust to challenging situations. (such as finding new homes, starting new jobs and new lifestyles, meeting new friends and performing new and different activities.)

Challenge creates the need to change, and so it is with aging. Aging is challenging, but it is not uncontrollable. For many older adults, aging in place is the ultimate desire. To control aging, start by making the home more supportive for the person or people living in it. It can make the challenge of aging in place a possibility and a comfortable and safer reality.

As a direct result of current hurricane damages, many Floridians have an immediate opportunity to make  homes more supportive through design changes. The following article offers a few design ideas:

Update Damaged Homes With Helpful Repairs

Damaged homes mean repairs have to made. This is an opportunity to make some really great repairs by making design changes or home modifications that can really improve life styles and home safety. If repairs must be made, consider making design changes that will support aging in place.

The following are some design ideas for bathrooms that can be very helpful for anyone, but especially helpful for those who are planning to live well into senior years at home.

Bathroom Ideas:

A. Skip the Tub! Build a walk in shower instead. Gradually slope the floor for drainage.

• Build a seat into the shower stall or install a pull down bench.

• Build in an easy to reach place to hold shampoos and soaps. (Location should be easy to reach while sitting or standing)

• Install large lever faucets, but offset them to reduce the need for bending and reaching

• Install a hand held shower head with a wall mounted vertical slide bar. (This makes bathing possible in sitting and standing positions)

• Install non-slip, waterproof "wet area" adjacent to the shower entrance.

• Enclose the shower with a beautiful shower curtain. (It is safer than glass and easier to maneuver around)

B. Eliminate door thresh holds to the bathroom (reduces tripping opportunities)

C. Think CONTRAST! (It is easier to see if vision declines)

• The bathtub should be a different color than the walls

• The fixtures should contrast with the walls and floor

• Counter tops should contrast with the walls and floors

• Safety rails should be easy to see

D. Elevate the height of the toilet. This makes it a lot easier for anyone to get up and down (18"-19" high)

E. Elevate counter tops (this means less bending is needed when washing face and hands)

F. Install one handed, easy to turn lever fixtures in sink and for tub or shower

G. Make sure you have plenty of open floor space, enough to allow 5' turning radius (In case you or a member of your family ever needs to use a wheel chair)

H. Widen doors

• change doors to swing outwards (in case you fall, someone from outside can open door)

• or, install a pocket door

I. Install slip free flooring or carpeting (it is warmer and may reduce injury in case of falls)

J. Install safety rails for getting into and out of tub/shower (to reduce fall risk)

• make sure walls are reinforced

• look for knurled or texture safety rails to reducing slipping with wet hands and to improve grip)

• you should be able to completely grip the rail with thumb and index finger touching.

For more information, download the free PDF:
Choosing and Installing Grab Bars by Dr. Vanessa M. Dazio

K. Add good glare free lighting (Reduced glare will maximize attention span and minimize falls and feelings of eye strain)

L. Add new light switches with safety features such as the following:

• add illuminated rocker switches, which are illuminated at all times, making the switch easy to see in the dark
• sensor wall switches automatically turns on the lights when the sensor detects motion in the room
• voice activate switches where you can simply say "lights" to illuminate the room without movement

M. Add a night light in the bathroom and along the pathway to your bedroom

N. Add anti-scalding devices: prevent accidental burns by installing anti-scalding devices in sinks, bathtubs, and showers

If you or a family member would like to consult with Dr. Dazio about potentially enabling home modifications, contact us by calling 727-9848-1535, toll free at 1-866-SAFE-AGE, or email us at info@safeaging.com.

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2. Depression is Not A Normal Part of Aging
by Meta Gustafson, MA, LPC

Feeling down? Overwhelmed? Discouraged?

Well, you’re not alone AND there is help!

Depression is NOT a normal part of aging. Yet 5 million people over the age of 65 are estimated to suffer from depression. While aging can involve many losses, your sense of well-being and happiness shouldn’t be one of them.

Depression is a very real and treatable medical illness. It often has biological causes due to chemical imbalances in the brain. When people experience times of stress, change, or loss, the symptoms worsen.

HOWEVER, we now have many treatments available to help people get back to an active, cheerful lifestyle. Depression is not something to be ashamed of. Nor is it something to ignore. More and more people of all ages are coming forward, admitting they have this disease, and getting the proper help. Healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose depression and have a variety of tools to improve your life.

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3. "I Want to Stay Healthy" by Dr. Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L, (D) ABDA

What do you want for yourself as you age? When I asked my Mom this question, she said, "I want to stay healthy." It was a simple answer. It was automatic. It had a lot of meaning to her. She wanted to be free of disease and the losses associated with it. She wanted to be in control of her life. She wanted to be free to continue her life as she always had. She wanted her independence and her dignity. She wanted to enjoy her life.

Although her answer seemed simple enough, it really wasn’t. For Mom to stay healthy, she needs to think about a lot of factors, then take continual action. Mom needs a plan to stay healthy!

A Plan to Stay Healthy

Health requires active personal involvement and responsibility. It means paying attention to the details. Maintaining health requires constant surveillance. It means looking for potential problems before they really occur. Maintaining health means preventing decline by having immunizations, regular medical check ups, and treating problems before they become uncontrollable.

A plan to stay healthy must also include a plan to eat well and stay fit.

To stay healthy requires awareness of current health status and understanding of future possibilities. The question is, where does one begin?

For my mother, a life changing beginning started when she completed the Safety Appraisal For Elders (SAFE^SM), a risk screening self assessment tool developed by her daughter. Here is my story.

My Mom and the Safety Appraisal For Elders (SAFE^SM)

My mother is in her seventh decade of life. She is vibrant and beautiful and full of fire and life. She is highly educated and well spoken. She is a registered nurse who worked many years in health care, retiring a few years ago. She considers herself in good health. She has diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The RA is currently affecting her balance and her walking. She is feeling a little less safe and a little more fearful. She just hates the feeling. Until recently, Mom had cataracts but did not realize it. Her vision had been changing, and she was adjusting by driving less, avoiding driving at night and in high speed situations. She realized it was harder to read a book and the newspapers. Mom said she thought it was because she was "just getting older" and never mentioned these changes to anyone.

Luckily, Mom agreed to help me out in my early research efforts by completing the Safety Appraisal For Elders (SAFE^SM), a risk assessment tool I developed. I was critically reviewing the SAFE^SM at that time, and wanted to test someone I knew. The SAFE^SM made a difference. Completing the SAFE^SM literally changed her life.

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4. Assistive Devices: An Aging Control Option  
by Dr. Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L, (D) ABDA

What are assistive devices?

Assistive devices are any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to making "doing possible". Assistive devices can be used to help a person overcome, bypass or adjust to a decline in abilities.

Assistive devices can be non-technical such as large print that improves the ability to see. They can be mildly technical such as a talking clock or watch that can help a person who cannot see to hear the time. Or, devices can be highly technical such as a complete environmental control system that turns lights on and off, adjusts sound, operates security systems, etc. without having to walk around a house or room.

Who uses assistive devices?

We all do. Using an assistive device has been a way of life since man evolved. Rubbing a stick started fire, until man invented the match. A match was an assistive device. We used the horse for transportation until trains, automobiles and planes were invented. All are assistive devices, because all assisted humans to perform important daily life activities.

What are examples of assistive devices?

For instance, shopping carts in grocery stores are an assistive device. They make it easy for a person to carry the groceries. Power windows in cars make it easy to open windows. Garbage cans or suitcases on wheels are assistive devices, because carrying and transporting are easier.

Why are assistive devices useful?

Assistive devices are useful because they make "doing possible." Man could not fly or travel 3,000 miles in a day before the airplane was invented. The airplane made flying and rapid travel possible, assisting man to accomplish far more than ever before, in less time.

For individuals who are having difficulty performing daily life tasks, assistive devices can make the difference between dependence and independence, dis-satisfaction and satisfaction with living. They can make quality of life so much better, because participation in living is improved.

How do assistive devices make "doing" possible?

Here are a few examples of how assistive devices can make it possible for a person to do an action that was previously impossible or difficult.

 

EXAMPLE # 1: Using a wheelchair or crutches makes it possible for a person who has had a broken leg to move around. Without the assistive device, mobility would be impossible. EXAMPLE # 2: Hearing aids can make it possible to hear the telephone or doorbell ring, or another person speak. Without the assistive device, an emergency warning might not be heard, etc.
To make a task easier: EXAMPLE # 3: A large faced clock is visible for a person with limited sight, but easier to see for someone without visual loss EXAMPLE # 4: A large handle potato peeler is easier to hold , making it possible for a person who has arthritis, to peel a potato or carrot, or easier for a person without coordination or strength declines.
To change the environment for safety or to prevent potential for injury: EXAMPLE# 5: A safety rail can provide solid support when transferring in and out of the shower/tub, or while washing or drying oneself EXAMPLE # 6: A rubber mat for the tub can reduce slipping and prevent falls

What should be considered when choosing assistive devices?

There are many factors that should be considered before purchasing any assistive devices. When purchasing assistive equipment, it is essential to start by understanding the problem, how the problem affects ability, and what will be accomplished by getting the device.

Once these answers have been determined, the following are some basic things to consider when choosing assistive devices:

10 Considerations When Choosing Assistive Devices

1. Will it make a difference in abilities?
2. Will it feel and look good ?
3. Will it be easy to use or set up?
4. Will it be useful and viewed as useful?
5. Will it be easy to repair?
6. Is it safe, reliable, and comfortable?
7. What are the complications, if any?
8. Is it lightweight, portable?
9. Is it cost effective to get or keep?
10. Can it be safely used universally (by everyone)?

About SAFE Aging Assistive Technology Consultation Service

SAFE Aging works with the client to identify and/or find the most useful, cost effective assistive products, devices or technology that could promote personal abilities, independence and participation in life.

We consider the person, interests, attitudes, desires, and circumstances of the individual.

What We Do

SAFE Aging helps our client’s to

1. determine whether devices or services are right for particular needs or interests.

2. increase awareness of and knowledge about available options, scope and benefits of assistive technology

3. identify resources

4. choose the "best" product (technology) for the circumstance

Our Purpose

1. Assist others to be as independent as possible

2. Increase the active ability to participate in important life tasks

3. Promote safety

4. Enhance endurance , speed, accuracy, productivity

5. Improve quality of life

6. Improve self satisfaction

7. Make life easier and safer for older and challenged adults

Resources:

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/safetyguide.aspx

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_fire_p001.pdf

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5.  Ask Dr. Vanessa by Vanessa M. Dazio

Question: I am 97 years old. How does physical fitness affect my abilities in daily life activities?

Answer: You are never too old to be physically fit! Physical fitness has been linked to improved heart and lung functions, improved strength, flexibility, memory and mood. Physical fitness affects range of motion which is necessary for doing any activity in life. Range of motion affects coordination which in turns affects skills in doing small and large activities such as writing, picking up a quarter or holding a grocery bag.

Physical fitness makes it possible to reach, hold, move, lift, carry, push and pull things.

Physical fitness affects balance which is needed for sitting and walking and moving from place to place, or stepping into the tub or a pair of pants. It affects endurance, which is tolerance for performing an activity over a period of time.

Physical fitness helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; improves sleep, and can decrease the need for medical care.

To be physically fit, it is important to be physically active. Physical activity helps to control weight; and contributes to health through the nourishment of our bones, muscles and joints. Keeping the muscles and joints well nourished and flexible can help to reduce falls and instability. Physical activity greatly reduces risk of dying from heart disease, decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis and stroke.

To summarize, physical fitness affects every aspect of abilities in the performance of daily life activities. Fitness has an impact on safety at home and in the community; on the quality of life; on accomplishing basic self care activities such as dressing and more complex activities such as driving a car, interacting with others, and participating in outside activities at work and in the community. Physical fitness is vital for health and wellness, and it makes you feel better.

Staying physically active and fit is healthy for everyone, of every age!

If you have a question for Dr. Vanessa, email her at vmd@safeaging.com

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6.  Quality of Life for Seniors by Dana Howell, OTD, OTR/L

As the baby boomers begin to reach retirement, quality of life during senior years is becoming more and more important. Many of us have concerns about how declining health may impact our ability to care for ourselves and to pursue the activities we enjoy. However, aging doesn’t necessarily mean having a decrease in quality of life.

There are both health-related and non-health related factors that contribute to your quality of life, and many factors that you may control. Seniors often cite good health as one of their most important concerns in maintaining good quality of life. Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis, have the highest correlation with poor quality of life in the elderly and are related to depression and lower life satisfaction. It is important to seek out medical care, education, and therapy to help cope with any chronic disease.

Non-health related factors related to good quality of life include having strong support systems, maintaining high levels of activity, and having sufficient socio-economic resources. Seniors who remain actively involved in their communities and who regularly pursue activities they enjoy are more likely to have good quality of life. Seniors who are able to continue living independently and to care for themselves are also more likely to have a positive outlook on their quality of life.

What can you do to ensure your quality of life? Your local senior center may be a good place to visit. They can help you to develop a network of other active, healthy seniors.

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