NEWS AFFECTING YOU!!

Fire Safety for Seniors Revised

Many of us look forward to our retirement years where we enjoy grandchildren, travel, and set our own schedule. What you may not realize is over the age of 50 your risk for dying in a home fire increases with age. Many precautions can be taken to lessen this risk, learning this fact is the first step to keeping yourself or a loved one safe and to increase the likelihood that retirement years will be enjoyed for years to come.

For more than 6 years the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/ Sedgwick County Department on Aging’s (CPAAA/SCDOA) Minor Home Repair Program has been educating the senior community and professionals about the increased risk factors and safety tips. In 2010, CPAAA/SCDOA was again awarded the Kansas Injury and Fire Prevention Program Grant to continue this effort. This Grant allows for 10 year lithium battery operated smoke alarms, and hard wired hearing impaired smoke alarms to be provided and installed for free in homes of older adults who are 65 years and older residing in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick counties. “Through this grant, our agency is educating older adults about potential fire hazards in their home and is providing them with adequate smoke alarm coverage,” explained Krista Lovette, Minor Home Repair Program Manager.

The U.S. Fire Administration states, “The reality is that people ages 65 and older are three times more likely to die in an unintentional home fire than the rest of the U.S. population.” According to statistics, approximately 1,100 home fires annually are caused by careless smoking, heating and cooking for the 65+ age group. Seniors 65-74 are twice as likely to die in a home fire. People 75-84 are four times as likely and those over age 85 are more than five times as likely to die in a fire.

CPAAA/SCDOA has partnered with the City of Wichita fire department, churches, other community organizations and volunteers to perform the installation of smoke detectors, to educate seniors of potential fire hazards in the homes and to provide them with adequate smoke alarm coverage. Norma learned about this program from a previous article in Active Aging. She received three smoke detectors and fire safety information earlier this year. “I was pleased with the family that came out to install the smoke detectors, Norma stated.” A husband, wife and son volunteered to assist Norma and help make her home safer. Norma explained that as a result of this program she feels safer knowing there are working smoke detectors to help protect her and her home.

If you meet the following criteria you may be eligible for free smoke detectors and installation:

• Are you a homeowner age 65 and older?
  
• Do you reside in Butler, Harvey or Sedgwick County?
  
• Do you have smoke alarms 10 years or older?
  
• If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old it should be replaced.
  
• Do you have adequate smoke alarm coverage in your home?
  
• Do you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area?

This program is meant to help seniors learn about potential fire hazards and learn the adequate number of smoke alarms for their homes. To access this program please call the county in which you reside. If you reside in Harvey County please call 316-284-6880. If you reside in Butler County please contact 316-775-0500 or 1-800-279-3655. In Sedgwick County please contact 316-660-5144.

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/ Sedgwick County Department on Aging is available to assist caregivers and seniors through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. For more information about this or other programs contact 660-5120 or visit www.cpaaa.org

Have You Had The Talk?

You may have thought you already had “the talk” in your younger years, but “the talk”we are referring to now is one that informs your loved ones of your wishes regarding healthcare decisions. Taking the opportunity to think about your wishes prior to a healthcare crisis allows you to make informed and thoughtful decisions about healthcare treatment options. In response to the National Healthcare Decisions Day scheduled for April 16th, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging encourages individuals of all ages to take this time to review previously written advance directives or complete them for the first time.

The event’s date is no coincidence. Nathan Kottkamp, chairman of the National Healthcare Decision Day initiative selected the day after Tax Day in honor of Benjamin Franklin’s famous adage: “Nothing in life is certain but death and taxes.”Less than one-third of all adults have a living will or any kind of “advance directive” to make their healthcare wishes known in the event of catastrophe, studies show. National Healthcare Decisions Day was started two years ago to teach Americans the benefits of creating an advance directive, and to encourage healthcare providers to recommend them more often. It is imperative that through this process each person reflect on their own values and goals and discusses choices with family and friends closest to them.
There are several advance directives recognized by the state of Kansas. You may choose to use one or all of them depending on need and current health situation.
According to the Kansas Health Ethics

• A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions is sometimes called the Healthcare Power of Attorney. “It is a signed and witnessed or notarized legal document that allows a person to designate an agent to make health care decisions for him/her during a period of disability or incapacity. (The person who holds the power of attorney is called the healthcare agent or proxy).”
  
• A Living Will is a signed and notarized or witnessed document that allows a person to state in advance that his/her dying should not be artificially prolonged if they have an incurable injury, disease or illness. This decision may be made only by the patient or by a person the patient has designated; relatives and even the patient's legal guardian do not have the authority to make this decision.

Advance directives do not need to be completed by a lawyer but they should be witnessed or notarized. It is also important that at least five copies are made of the forms and they are provided to the healthcare agent(s) designated, alternate agents, primary doctor, lawyer and anyone else that could be included in healthcare decisions. Kansas Health Ethics recommends keeping “originals in a safe place, but keep one copy where it is easy to find. It is your job - not your doctor's - to have a copy ready whenever it is needed. Take a copy with you when you go into a hospital or nursing home.”
To access the free documents that can be used to establish Kansas healthcare decisions log onto www.kansashealthethics.org .
Not only is completing advance directives important for each person’s healthcare decisions, it is also a gift that one can give to loved ones. Advance directives can provide children, family and others direction for the choices that they need to make. Having this guidance can provide comfort for loved ones involved and confirmation that they are truly making the decisions that their loved one would have made for themselves. “Since mom and I talked about it ahead of time I don’t have to live with any regrets regarding the healthcare decisions that I made for her,” said Celia Easley, daughter/caregiver.

On April 16th, take an opportunity to think about your personal advance directives or those of loved ones. Have “the talk”, make your wishes known and for those of you who are caregivers, take this opportunity to talk with your loved ones about their wishes.

CPAAA is available to assist caregivers and seniors through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. For more information about these or other programs contact 660-5120 or visit www.cpaaa.org

Be a Nutrition Savvy Senior

• Eat breakfast every day – People who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat later in the day. Breakfast also gives you energy and helps you get your day off to a healthy start.
  
• Choose whole grains more often - Try whole-wheat breads and pastas, oatmeal, brown rice, or bulgur.
  
• Select a mix of colorful vegetables each day - Vegetables of different colors provide different nutrients. Choose dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards, and mustard greens, and reds and oranges such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and tomatoes.
  
• Choose fresh, canned, or frozen fruit more often than fruit juice - Fruit juice has little or no fiber, and the calories may be high. Fresh, canned, or frozen fruit is often better for you. If you eat canned fruit, opt for fruit packed in water rather than syrup.
  
• Use fats and oils sparingly - Olive, canola, and peanut oils, avocados, nuts and nut butters, olives, and fish provide heart-healthy fat as well as vitamins and minerals.
  
• Eat sweets sparingly - Limit foods and beverages that are high in added sugars.
  
• Eat three meals every day - If you skip meals or replace a meal with a snack, you might overeat later on.
  
• Have low-fat, low-sugar snacks on hand - Whether you are at home, on the go, healthy snacks may help to combat hunger and prevent overeating.

Nutrition Savvy Seniors know how to eat healthy on a budget. Plan your week’s meals and snacks prior to your shopping trip. Check the sale ads for ingredients you need and organize coupons before you enter the grocery store. To save money you can split the cost of buying bulk food with a friend. Bulk food tends to be cheaper but if the food goes to waste, so does your money. Only buy fresh fruit and vegetables that you can eat in a few days. To extend food and cut back on your time in the kitchen, cook larger batches and freeze the leftovers. For freezer tips and meal ideas search Easy Freezer Meals on www.southernliving.com or www.cookinglight.com and search for Freezer Pleasers.
Unfortunately, today many senior struggle to afford food they need to meet their nutrition needs. Senior hunger is rising, according to a 2008 study by the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research and Iowa State University. Research found that 750,000 seniors across the US suffer from hunger related to financial constraints, that translates to 1 out of 9 seniors nationally.

Nutrition Savvy Seniors access support when needed. To help seniors avoid food insecurity there are several programs locally that seniors can access that provide food assistance and other resources.

1. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides food and nutrition education to eligible seniors 60 and over. Monthly income must be less than $1,174 (single person) and $1,579 (couple). Each food box contains 10 foods.
   
2. Food Sales Tax refund is available for residents 55 and older or who are blind or disabled whose qualifying income is $31,900 or less. The food sales tax refund will either increase the amount of your income tax refund or decrease the amount you owe.
   
3. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly supplemental funds on the Vision card to eligible individuals who meet the income guidelines to help supplement food budgets and improve nutrition education. Monthly income must be less than $1,174 (single person) and $1,579 (couple).
   

With this information you can take steps to become a Nutrition Savvy Senior and improve your health and well being. CPAAA is available to assist caregivers and seniors through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. For more information about these or other programs contact 660-5120 or visit www.cpaaa.org.

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

Winter is approaching and we are all trying to stay healthy. As seasonal flu and colds become a concern, staying healthy is on all of our minds especially during the holiday season. Staying healthy this time of year means, making good food choices when celebrating, staying active despite cold weather, and keeping up with health precautions such as hand washing and vaccines.

Did you know that the average American gains 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years? If Americans would avoid weight gain during the holiday season the United States could combat 50% of our obesity problem, said Dr. Troy Adams of Well Steps. Food is an important part of the holiday season. Whether you prefer creamy mashed potatoes, pecan pie, cheesy appetizers, or a festive cocktail it's easy for good eating habits to take a backseat this time of year. Good food choices also help boost your immune system and increases the body’s immunity fighting power. Your daily food intake should include all food groups from the food guide pyramid, especially those with immune boosting effects such as Vitamin C (kiwi, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit); Beta Carotene (carrots, spinach, Kale, romaine lettuce); Vitamin E (seeds, vegetable oil and grains), Zinc (beef, beans, turkey – dark meat, oysters), and Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, and mackerel). To personalize your daily eating plan based on your needs visit www.mypyramid.gov.

By following a few tips on holiday eating, you and your family can enjoy special foods while keeping a balanced and healthy diet. Healthy Holiday Eating Tips from the US Department of Health and Human Services (http://family.samhsa.gov/be/holidayeat.aspx) suggests

• Choosing Food Well - Include those foods listed in the food guide pyramid.
• Taking Control – Before a holiday event eat a snack or light meal to avoid overeating.
• Keep Your Balance – Enjoy holiday foods but don’t over indulge, still continue to maintain a healthy balanced diet.
• Washing It Down – Look at what you’re drinking. Alcoholic beverages can add calories and fruit punches can be high in sugar and short on nutrition. Consider water, ciders, diet sodas or flavored waters.
• Playing it Smart – A few more healthy tips that you can incorporate into your holiday celebration - eat small portions, eat slowly, walk after a meal, and offer to provide a healthy food choice for a holiday gathering and be realistic - don’t try to diet during the holidays.

Despite the cold weather maintaining regular physical activity is still important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (a brisk walk) is recommended. That is only 2 hours and 30 minutes per week or you can break that into smaller segments such as ten minute increments or 30 minutes 5 days a week. There are walking paths available in Wichita and the surrounding communities for more information or to find a walking path visit www.goplaykansas.com. The local malls often accommodate walkers, local Parks and Recreation centers offer low cost classes and Senior Centers also provide free or low cost exercise classes. Many fitness facilities also offer scholarships for low income individuals or month to month memberships so you can have a warm place to exercise during the cold months or year round if you wish.

Staying healthy also means remaining up-to-date on vaccines, including those for the senior population. Vaccines are not just for kids. The CDC recommends the following vaccines for older adults:

• Get the influenza vaccine annually to avoid getting the flu and spreading it to others.
• Adults 60+ should obtain the shingles vaccination to reduce the risk of shingles and long term pain after shingles.
• It is recommended that adults 65+ should obtain the Tetanus, Dyptheria, Pertussis vaccine (Tdap) in place of one of the tetanus booster shots (ever 10 years) to reduce the risk of getting potentially deadly infections and spreading them to others.
• Get the Pneumococcal vaccine to reduce the risk of pneumonia and other related diseases.
• Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines for more info

With the busy holiday season upon us you can take steps to stay healthy by maintaining a balanced diet, continuing regular physical activity, staying up-to-date on vaccines for adults 60+ and include good hand washing techniques into your daily routine. Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday!

Sedgwick County Department on Aging and Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is available to assist caregivers and seniors through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. For more information about programs that can help you or a loved one contact 660-5120 or 800-367-7298 or visit us on the web at www.cpaaa.org.

Share the Health

This time of year many of us are thinking about getting healthy including eating better and exercising. These are important movements in the right direction and there is another key element to good health, fighting illness, speeding recovery time and prolonging life that many people are not aware of: socialization. Humans have an internal need to be socially connected. If those needs are met through friendships and loving relationships we enjoy better health and happiness. People with more social connections such as friendships, family, co-workers, and fellow church members are less likely to die prematurely and more likely to have better immune systems, healthier eating habits and better coping mechanisms.

The results of many studies support this theory. Research commissioned by the National Academy Sciences in 1982 indicated that people recently widowed, fired, or divorced are more susceptible to disease. According to an article in the American Medical Association in 1992, one study of heart attack patients found that the rate of reoccurring heart attacks for the 1,234 patients studied nearly doubled in a six month period for those patients living alone. In a 2006 study of 3,000 nurses with breast cancer found that women who did not have close friendships were four times less likely to die from the disease as women who had 10 or more friends. Friendship studies have also found that lack of social ties is as big of a risk factor for heart attack and coronary disease as smoking

Brain health is also improved through human connection and socialization. In 2008, the Harvard School of Public Health revealed research that indicates individuals socially engaged have a slower decline in memory loss and preserve memory and cognitive abilities. Staying connected through volunteering (specifically mentoring youth in this study) can also significantly improve cognitive abilities such as planning and organizing. Social engagement has also been shown to maintain motor function and decrease age related memory decline.
There are several reasons for the link between health and socialization. It is likely people with social ties tend to eat better and exercise more. Friends provide support, advice, and reassurance that improve individuals ability to cope and decrease stress.

Today there are a variety of ways to stay socially engaged. This is easy if you are surrounded by friend and family. For those who may not have this option there are many volunteer opportunities such as the Peer Support program for adults 60+ which utilizes volunteers to provide social support and goal setting with a peer their age. Other volunteer opportunities are available through the RSVP Volunteer Program including mentoring youth and assisting non-profit organizations. These opportunities all offer social connections. Also, local senior centers, recreation centers, senior dining centers and exercise facilities are a great place to make new friends and socialize with other people. The growth of social networking through the internet such as Facebook or emails are offering people new opportunities to socialize. Women 55 and older are the fastest growing segment currently on Facebook. Older adults who are separated from family or who have limited mobility can find new ways to connect online.

So as you set goals to improve your health remember that maintaining contact with the community, friends and family can be valuable to your health and your quality of life. Make healthful choices this year, connect with a friend, join an exercise group, or volunteer.

Sedgwick County Department on Aging and Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is available to assist caregivers and seniors through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. For more information about programs for you or a loved one contact 660-5120 or 800-367-7298 or visit us on the web at www.cpaaa.org.

DTV:  Keeping Seniors Connected
The switch to digital broadcasting will go unnoticed for many individuals throughout the country, but many citizens who will be affected require assistance before, during and after the transition.  Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) is one of many Area Agencies on Aging across the country chosen to receive funding from National telecommunication Information Administration to assist older adults with the DTV transition. This program, called Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected, runs from January 1 through June 30, 2009. 

Wichita was chosen as a priority area based on the number of older adults, low income and minority individuals as well as the number of those who do not subscribe to cable or other paid television service living in the area. Adults age 60 and older in other areas of Sedgwick County will be served through this program, as well as Harvey and Butler County residents.  The purpose of the program is to ensure older adults who currently rely on over-the-air television signals are provided the education and one-on-one assistance to successfully make the conversion to digital programming. This transition can be complicated for many who are not familiar with the new technology or for those who need a little assistance understanding the digital transition.  CPAAA is available to provide education and individualized assistance throughout the duration of the program.

First, CPAAA will offer educational presentations reviewing the DTV transition and what it means to those not subscribing to cable television or other paid service.  At presentations, attendees will learn about the digital transition, why this is happening, how to assess the need for a converter box, where to access converter boxes and how to install a converter box.   Second, CPAAA will offer individualized assistance to adults 60 and over who are in need of one-on-one assistance with the DTV transition.  CPAAA will provide the following:

1. Assessment to determine the need for a converter box
2. Assistance in applying for the coupon, completing the application and tracking its status
3. Assistance in securing the converter box, arranging pick-up, delivery or accessing them
4. Assistance with installing the converter box and training the recipient to use the new technology

CPAAA is currently looking for volunteers to assist with this program, training will be provided.  Volunteers will assist with converter box installation and providing education to the recipient about the new technology. 

If you or someone you know needs assistance with the DTV transition or would like to schedule a presentation contact 316-660-5120.

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is here to support older adults and caregivers, providing answers and options. For additional information  on this program or others serving older adults contact 660-5120 or (800)367-7298 or visit us online at www.cpaaa.org.

CPAAA article for Active Aging – December 08

In November, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging along with the Aging and Wellness Coalition of Sedgwick County hosted a Sexuality and Aging workshop. The goal of this workshop was to educate professionals on the many facets of sexuality and aging including caregiving and intimacy, woman and sexuality and a less discussed topic, the increasing prevalence of HIV in adults 50 and older. We wanted to open up a dialogue among professionals including social workers, nurses, clergy and other professionals working with older people about these issues. This educational information would provide a background and a comfort level for discussion when this issue arises with individuals they are working with.

At the workshop we introduced Jane Fowler, a 73 year old woman from Lawrence who has been a champion for promoting HIV prevention and awareness for seniors nationally and internationally. She’s also shared her personal story of contracting HIV at age 50 and finding out this dreadful diagnosis at age 55. Jane shared in her presentation that she lived a traditional and conventional life, she did not fit the picture of the “stereotypical person diagnosed with HIV”. She began dating some after her divorce following twenty three years of marriage. Her kids were grown and she planned to continue working as a journalist for the Kansas City Star and Bon Apetit up until she was ready for retirement. The news of her HIV infection came to her as a surprise in the form of an insurance denial letter where she read just before Christmas she had a blood abnormality. She finally found the courage to research when she may have contracted the HIV infection. As she had not been frequently sexually active, she determined that it could only have been contracted through a long time friend and colleague she had begun to date occasionally. She felt betrayed by this man who had been there through her marriage, birth of her children and through her work.

She was able to pin point after reading her detailed date book entries when her symptoms began, which were masked as flu like symptoms. As she explained in her recent presentation, it is often difficult to distinguish HIV related illness and aging problems as many are similar including body aches, skin or rash problems, weight loss, decreased cognitive and/or physical abilities and sometimes in the later stages dementia can occur.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2005 adults 50 and over accounted for 24% of those living with HIV/AIDS. This is partly due to the successful treatment of HIV and as a result many more people living longer with the disease, it is also due to the number of newly diagnosed infections of individuals over 50. With the introduction of drugs such as Viagra and the number of singles 55-64 who are moving back into the dating scene, HIV in the 50+ crowd has shown a dramatic increase.

After some dark months of introversion and self blaming she made the choice to accomplish something in her life and bring a message of HIV prevention to the 50+ population. Jane states, “If a partner refuses to use protection (condom), find another partner.” Condoms can help protect a man and a woman from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. They aren’t just for pregnancy prevention. “You never know the drug or sexual history of anyone but yourself” Jane bluntly reminded the audience at the November workshop. Jane’s story is one that hits home with many people, people of her same age group and those whose parents and grandparents are near her age. Hers is a story that should be shared to promote the fact that HIV does not discriminate. After becoming an activist and public speaker in 1995, Jane was among the founders of the National Association on HIV Over Fifty (NAHOF), and then for five years was co-chairperson of the NAHOF board. She serves by appointment on the DHHS Office on Women’s Health’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies Work Group and on the HIV Consumer Advisory Committee of the National Quality Center.

Although sex is a subject that many people don’t generally talk about openly, in this case the more talk the better. The more people who we educate about the increased risk for older adults contracting HIV/AIDS, the more likely that those sexually active adults will be more aware of the risk and take action to address precautions . This is just a beginning and it is one area that Central Plains Area Agency on Aging will continue to work on to ensure that all older adults know about the risk of HIV so they can better protect themselves and their loved ones of all ages.

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is here to support older adults and caregivers, providing answers and options. For additional information or resources on HIV and older adults or other aging issues contact 660-5120 or (800)367-7298 or visit us online at www.cpaaa.org.

If you have news that would be of interest to older adults, aging service providers, or caregivers please forward the information to Monica Cissell

You can find these and other interesting articles in Active Aging, a publication for older adult 55 and over. If you would like to receive this publication free of charge please contact Active Aging at 316-942-5385.

For Medicare Updates www.medicarerights.org