Why Do Seniors Bruise More Easily?

You may have wondered why it is as you have gotten older; you seem to bruise more easily and find bruises that you do even remember getting.  There is a scientific explanation for why the problem occurs more commonly in the elderly, and generally bruises do not require treatment and are not serious.   However please keep in mind that significant bruising can be a sign of medical problems and should be discussed with your health care provider.   

According to the Mayo Clinic, a bruise, know in medical terms as a contusion, occurs “when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs.”   This impact causes blood to leak out of the vessels and look like the black-and-blue-mark we are all familiar with.  As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty layer that protects our blood vessels from injury, thus making it easier to bruise. 

While most bruises do not require a doctor’s care, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner in Los Angeles, suggests applying a frozen compress for up to twenty minutes at a time.  Also if you elevate the bruised area higher than your heart during the first 24 hours of the injury, it will help to reduce swelling and inflammation. 

There are several steps you can take to try to eliminate getting bruised in the first place.  To start, make sure your living space has a clear path to move around in so you can avoid bumping into things as well as help prevent falls.  Another thing you may want to do is to use a cane or walker if you are unsteady when you stand up or while walking.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStarat Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-bruising 

The Top Healthcare Concerns for Seniors

The good news is that today’s seniors are living longer than ever before.  New data suggests that if you reach the age of 65 years old, you can expect to live on average another 20 years.  Another encouraging survey reports that as many as 41 percent of people over age 65 say that they are in very good or excellent health. 

However, experts want to remind seniors that by making some lifestyle changes, they can make their senior years even better.  Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, notes that, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet." She further adds that individuals must “make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.”  Furthermore, doctors recommend that if you are a senior coping with a chronic medical condition that a geriatrician may help you to better manage your disease and improve your quality of life. 

Arthritis, heart disease, and cancer are the three most common diseases facing seniors.  Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, reports that arthritis affects almost 50 percent of those 65 and over.  Also while the severity of the disease varies, for some seniors the condition and associated pain lowers their quality of life.  If you have arthritis, experts suggest that you work closely with your doctor to develop an activity and treatment plan.    

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading killer of adults over age 65, and that 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Dr. Bernard advises those with heart disease to “exercise, eat well, and get a good night’s rest.”  In addition she recommends maintaining a healthy weight.

The third most common disease among seniors is cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in individuals over 65.  The CDC reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer.  They recommend that seniors get routine screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, as many cancers detected early are treatable. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/    

Good News in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Many of us may have missed the news regarding the historic funding bill signed into law late last year by President Obama which provides a $350 million increase to Alzheimer’s disease research in FY 2016.  Not only is this a 60% increase from the 2015 budget but is the greatest increase in federal spending to-date.

In June of this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an additional $400 million increase for research funding. Then in July the House Appropriations Committee approved an additional $350 million for Alzheimer’s disease research funding at the NIH.  If additional amounts near these levels are signed into law, it would be a very important step in the fight for new treatments or an ultimate cure.

Finding a way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s is now more important than ever.  The Alzheimer’s Association cites projections that state, “Today, more than 5 million people are living with the disease, and, without medical breakthroughs, by 2050 this may be as high as 16 million people at a cost of $1.1 trillion per year to Medicare and Medicaid.”

Add to that the fact that Alzheimer’s is the only top ten cause of death that is not preventable, curable or the progression slowed.  With the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's set to triple in just over a generation, it is not a small problem. 

While there are currently several drugs used to treat the disease, none of them treat the underlying cause of the disease.  However with this new funding from the federal government, we can only hope that scientists will be able to discover new treatments to advance the fight.  Bill Thies, PH.D., Senior Scientist in Residence for the Alzheimer’s Association states that, “Investing in research now will cost our nation far less than the cost of care for the rising number of Americans who will be affected by Alzheimer's in coming decades."

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Sources: alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_treatment_horizon.asp

             alz.org/news_and_events_102432.asp, alz.org/news_and_events_103667.asp

Respite Care Available at MorningStar

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services.  In addition communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.  

As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can be just as important in the healing process.  Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you.  Of course since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future. 

Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a much needed vacation or is busy with other priorities.  However regardless of why you have come to temporarily join our community; we will make you feel right at home. 

Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management.  In addition you are invited to take advantage of MorningStar of Arrowhead’s on-going activities, entertainment and scheduled outings. 

Newly opened in September 2015, we have our own onsite library (with computer), theatre, fitness room, outdoor fireplace patio and porches as well as a general store and group transportation.  For an additional charge, you can enjoy a massage or visit our salon.  Contact us to learn more about our respite care services and how they can help you or your loved one to make a speedy recovery.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.