Indiana Estate Planning & Elder Law

Friends of the Firm Friday - Linda's Daughter

We recently visited with Linda’s Daughter, an Indianapolis-based service offering end-to-end senior moving management and aging-in-place services.

Linda’s Daughter takes an empathetic approach while working with seniors.  Understanding the client’s goals and fears is their top priority. Once the client's goals are known, the team at Linda's Daughter works to exceed expectations.

Individual team members intentionally work with the clients to preserve, sometimes in new ways, the memories they have made over a lifetime.  

Senior move management starts by collaborating with clients to plan out a new space - be it a modification to where they currently live or a complete move. Clients have found envisioning a new space to help eliminate stressors around rearranging furniture or downsizing items.

Typically, the senior move management service begins with a home visit from an occupational therapist (OT). The OT will give expert advice on what modifications will need to be made for the client to be safe and suitable going forward.  From there, the team at Linda's Daughter will propose a complete project plan which includes the OT's recommendations. Once the plan is approved by the client, the team at Linda's Daughter will:

• Begin the search for qualified contractors;
• Manage contractor quotes; 
• Oversee the work being done;
• Declutter the space;
• Rearrange furniture.

Items not being moved will get sorted into groups:

• Sell;
• Give away (to charity or family);
• Preserve;
• Trash.

The team at Linda's Daughter will then sell designated items, make item donations, manage the physical move (or rearranging), and conduct any final cleaning. Most importantly, they get the client settled into their new or new-to-them home. From making the bed, hanging photos, stocking the fridge and more - aging in place services are wide-ranging and vary from client to client. 

Linda's Daughter serves clients throughout the metro Indianapolis area, Marion County, and surrounding Central Indiana counties.  They are a member of National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), thus giving them a great network of senior move managers throughout the country for interstate moves. 

Linda’s Daughter can be contacted by calling 317-999-9787 or my emailing [email protected].  

Written by: Lisa Burris

Friends of the Firm Friday - JDog Junk Removal & Hauling

 

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling recently sat down with our Medicaid Paralegal, Lisa Burris to share about their business and how their services may still be utilized - even during a current global pandemic. 

This junk removal and hauling company specializes in estate clean outs, clean outs due to hoarding, and senior downsizing.

Exclusively owned by military veterans and veteran family members, JDog Junk Removal is a national franchise. The Indianapolis JDog Junk Removal & Hauling location is owned by Patrick Cummings, a United States Navy Veteran with more than nine years of active service. Cummings operated JDog Junk Removal & Hauling - Drexel Hill Pennsylvania beginning in 2016, however he desired to return to his hometown of Indianapolis and relocated in August 2017.

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling emphasizes doing each job correctly the first time. Their team puts an extreme emphasis on the company's core values: respect, integrity, and trust. 

• When members enter a home, clients can expect that their dwelling and belongings will be respected.
• The price a client is quoted is what they will pay.
• When the team at JDog Junk Removal & Hauling leaves a client's home, it will be swept clean and free of clutter.  

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling serves Marion County and surrounding counties including Anderson and Lafayette.  You can reach them by calling (317) 719-2420.

Written by:  Lisa Burris

Understanding the Link Between Diet, Exercise and Alzheimer’s

Concerns about your memory or that of a loved one should never be ignored.  There are many resources available through a simple internet search, and professional associations that provide education and guidance through a maze of questions you may have regarding how to approach someone you suspect may be experiencing memory loss, or how to ask for help if that someone is you.  There is even a free online memory test you can take in the privacy of your own home.  But, did you also know that through many years of research, there is a link between diet, exercise and Alzheimer’s disease?  It is never too late to start making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle now to help lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Even if you have been given an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a study published in late October by Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, noted that it is possible to improve cognition with modifications to diet, exercise, and sleep.  

This study, summarized by the Wall Street Journal, acknowledged that the methods tested would not prevent Alzheimer’s, but through their findings, healthy individuals, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment who followed personalized recommendations over the 18 months of the study, did show improvement in cognition.   The study included 157 participants who varied in age from 25 to 86 and who all had a family history of Alzheimer’s.  A small group in the study had mild cognitive impairment and were asked, after going through certain measurements and many tests, such as blood, genetic and cognitive function, to adhere to a little over 20 recommendations of food selection, daily vitamins and personalized exercise plans.  Those who followed at least 60% of the recommendations showed significant improvement from their baseline in cognitive testing.  Participants who followed less than sixty percent of the recommendations experienced cognitive decline similar to the control groups.  Cognitive decline is a precursor to memory problems.

The larger group of participants studied were healthy individuals who had no memory loss though some in this group had less than ideal cognitive testing.  After 18 months of following recommendations, all participants showed improvement in cognitive testing compared to their baselines and the control group, even if all the recommendations were not followed.  Results showed that younger participants did better in general than those who were over 60 years old.   Some of the measurements that went into developing a personalized plan included body fat and muscle mass, since the memory center of the brain, the hippocampus, is known to shrink as belly fat increases.   Because cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, these values were monitored throughout the study.   

In reviewing sites such as the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, a free memory test was found that will test how quickly and accurately you recognize repeated images during a timed test.  On the Alzheimer’s Association website, one can find many recommendations for diet and lifestyle modification to follow, which are also listed in the Wall Street Journal article.   Some examples of diet modification include limiting red meat, adding foods to your diet that are high in omega 3’s, such as a certain type of fish, and foods high in antioxidants, such as strawberries and blueberries.   A mix of aerobic exercise and resistance training/weight lifting was recommended for good brain and heart health.   Hours of sleep and quality of sleep were other factors that can affect mood and memory.  It is generally recommended that a person try to get at least 7.5 hours of sleep each night and reduce caffeine consumption and 'screen time' well before bedtime to improve the quality of sleep.  As for general brain health, meditation for stress reduction and learning a new skill, such as a foreign language were recommendations to keep you mentally sharp.   There are many other ways to start now to improve or maintain your brain health with numerous online resources to help.  If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, don’t let another day go by worrying about what may happen.   Educate yourself and take steps now that could minimize your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.   For assistance, reach out to our central Indiana office by calling (317) 863-2030 in Fishers and (765) 569-1060 in Rockville or click here to send us a message.

Sources:  https://www.wsj.com/article/the-link-between-diet-exercise-and-alzheimers

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://www.Alzfdn.org

Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org

Safe Shopping Tips for Seniors

When we think of shopping, there are certain risks that are always a possibility. Unfortunately, seniors are often more vulnerable to these risks. The holiday season often brings with it criminals who are targeting shoppers, both in stores and online. Below are some tips to help senior shoppers stay safe whether shopping with mobility issues, shopping in general, or shopping online.

General Shopping Safety Tips for Seniors

Shopping can often be overwhelming for all of us, including seniors. Seniors often are less mobile and may move more slowly than others in crowded stores, thus putting them at greater risk for criminal activity. Here are some tips to make shopping safe and successful for you or your elderly loved one.

1. Shop early in the day, especially on weekdays, to avoid large crowds. Often this is a time when stores are less crowded and seniors can navigate the stores more easily. Another benefit to shopping on weekdays is that many stores offer senior discounts throughout the week. During weekends and evenings after work, many stores become overcrowded and more difficult to get around.
2. Have a “shopping buddy.” Shopping with a friend gives added safety if you or your loved one has issues with mobility. There’s much to the saying, “safety in numbers.” Plus, shopping with a buddy makes shopping more enjoyable.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute. Often stores are busy in the last few days before the holidays. Shoppers can become less careful and more irritable which can present problems for seniors.
4. Always keep your car locked and store packages in the trunk or out of sight. This will help deter thieves from breaking into the vehicle.
5. Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If it is necessary to shop at night, park as close as possible to the door and always in well-lit areas. The light often serves to deter predators.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings. This can go a long way in helping to protect seniors from those who may attempt to take advantage of them or who may try to steal personal belongings.

Online Shopping Safety Tips for Seniors

There are many unscrupulous people who attempt to scam online shoppers. Being aware of this fact and shopping with eyes wide open is key in keeping financial information safe while online shopping. Below are some tips for seniors to remember while online shopping.

1. Many online sellers offer excellent deals, but it is important to remember that if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Check on unknown companies. A quick Google search can provide reviews or information about the legitimacy of online companies.
2. Create strong and unique passwords. This makes it more difficult for hackers and those trying to steal personal information to get into the accounts. Unique passwords can be difficult to remember, so be sure to keep them written down and in a safe place.
3. Shop with trusted and known retailers. Most of these websites provide built in security for their shoppers.
4. Watch extra costs such as shipping. Companies will sometimes offer low prices, but then increase shipping prices to recoup some money.

For seniors, shopping can sometimes seem overwhelming no matter what method of shopping is chosen. It doesn’t have to be. It can be a fun and enjoyable experience just by following these safety tips.

If you have any questions about something you have read or would like additional information, please feel free to reach out!

Recent Trends in Senior Living

The traditional senior housing market is undergoing a profound change. In 2018 senior housing occupancy fell to an eight-year low, even as the senior population continues to increase, as competition for the younger baby boomer market is ramping up and forcing a change to more traditional independent and assisted living options. Active adult concepts like Margaritaville are addressing this market segment that is turned off by the idea of "senior living." Atria Senior Living is in a joint venture with Related Companies to build $3 billion in senior luxury housing in major metro areas while overall multifamily development with an intergenerational mix of renters is also fragmenting the traditional senior housing market. Occupancy challenges in traditional independent living and assisted living communities are also finding the retention of a reliable workforce to be a continuing challenge. The truth is that the advent of smart home technology and on-demand services ordered via a smartphone, as well as home care aides,  are enabling apartment and single dwelling living for more extended periods than ever before. Younger seniors tend to want to age in place for as long as possible. 

Medicare Reform in Skilled Nursing Facilities

In the skilled nursing arena, Medicare fee-for-service payment reform brings forward three major provisions: the change to the case-mix classification system, the skilled nursing facility Value Based-Purchase Program, and the skilled nursing facility Quality Reporting Program. The case-mix model focuses on the patient’s condition and resulting care needs rather than the number of care services provided to determine Medicare payment. The Value Based-Purchase Program shifts the Medicare payments from volume to value driven. Finally, the skilled nursing facility Quality Reporting Program is designed, through innovation, to provide meaningful, quality measure reporting, a reduction of paperwork, and a lowering of administrative costs.

New Approaches to Senior Living Needs and Services

These and other changes in Medicare are helping to create an influx of capital into the senior care market incentivizing innovative partnerships and cross-continuum service development. Investors and providers will be partnering with Medicare Advantage payors, retail giants, home health, pharmacies, technology, and other provider groups to reinvent and manage the quality and cost of senior care housing, products, and services. This influx of investment capital combined with technology is destined to create fresh ways to approach senior living needs and the services that provide for them. Web-based platforms and data analytics software continue to address the battle for the retention of the health care workforce while Telehealth solutions are enabling elders in rural markets to reach providers and connect with specialists. Voice recognition software is increasingly being integrated into resident units whether they are private homes or pay for service facilities. Partnering opportunities and joint ventures will continue to create new service models that will, in particular, meet the needs of home and community-based services.

Data-driven Marketing to Children of Seniors

When aging in place is no longer a viable strategy a senior is faced with where to go next. Marketing senior housing to the younger baby boomers is changing, and it is data-driven. In particular, the adult Gen X children of these seniors are helping their parents to make informed decisions, and they typically get their information from online sources. Social media has become a tech tool replacing older marketing models of senior housing communities. Operators can tell their stories, address negative reviews, promote positive news items, and create conversations. Gen X adult children will be looking to social media platforms to get real and varied opinion to validate their parents’ choices.

As Medicare Advantage increases its integration in the overall health care system, data collection and its conclusions are more critical than ever. Potential residents will also be addressing concerns about health care data. More data is being gathered than ever before by Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) on hospital readmission rates, the prevalence of falls, and other related health information and consumers will demand to know what these statistics are before entering into a contract with a senior living community.

A Competitive Senior Living Industry

Seniors are being presented with more living options than ever before and the competition for their dollars will keep providers in the senior living industry highly focused and fiercely competitive. Questions facing seniors include: How and where do you want to live as you age? Are you well informed about the changing options available to you? Do you have a plan in place that is legally documented for the stages of your senior life? Hunter Estate & Elder Law in central Indiana can help. Contact us by calling (317) 863-2030 in Fishers or (765) 569-1060 in Rockville and let’s start planning together.

Technology for Senior Fall Prevention

One of the most common injury producers are seniors experiencing accidental falls. Debilitating injuries range from short-term sprains, bumps, and bruises to fractures and head traumas which may require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of five falls causes a serious injury and that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries with 800,000 of those requiring hospitalization. Death rates due to an accidental fall as the underlying cause are on the rise. 

Wii Fit Can Improve Balance in Seniors

Technology is providing various ways to combat the problem using balance games fitness programs, diagnosis of potential weak areas of balance and gait, and wearable sensor monitors and boards that measure progress in real time providing feedback as to how well the senior is faring in their overall physical stability.

Nintendo Wii Fit U combined with the Wii balance board was not designed with seniors specifically in mind however several games have been optimized for the needs of seniors and their workouts. One of the great features is that all you need is a TV and the Wii console game system. There is no need for the senior to leave their home and the games do not require a lot of physical space. The balance board allows the game to track your movements and weight distribution, recognizing problems with your form or stance. Immediate feedback enables correction as issues arise. Using the Wii Fit can reduce falls and improve balance in seniors and its fun. Wii Fit U and other game console platforms such as the Microsoft Xbox One with Kinect and Sony PlayStation can provide in-home exercise for seniors that can help avert balance issues and ensuing fall injury. The Wii Fit U, however, is better suited to senior exercise needs and monitoring of progress.

SmartBalance Technology

SmartBalance technology by HUR was specifically designed for older adults who experience balance .  The user is on a static sensor platform with grab bars, much like a treadmill minus the rotating belt. This technology is best for seniors who have more significant challenges in mobility. The stabilization games are interactive and fun while they help to build core strength and muscle memory. A unique design is available that allows a wheelchair platform access so the user can train without leaving their chair. Test results can be compared to normative data, and progress tracking is visual, intuitive, and motivational as customization of training and comparisons of previous balance tests provide progress assessment which helps to motivate the user.

QTUG Mobility Assessment

QTUG, technology created by Kinesis Health Technologies of Ireland, can provide gate and mobility assessment and fall prevention data in as little as five minutes. Mobility parameters divide into five functional categories that include walking, variability, symmetry, transfers, and turning. The user wears inertial sensors that actively and accurately measure gait and mobility as they engage in simple tasks such as rising from a chair, walking 10 feet and turning to sit in a chair again. Results of the tests are delivered to a mobile device like a smartphone via Bluetooth technology, and the senior or care provider can check the score that rates the seniors fall risk as well as their mobility and frailty. This QTUG technology can export all patient results in an Excel format as well as create a comprehensive fall risk and mobility report for each test in a PDF format. All of the resulting data can be uploaded to the cloud for medical interpretation, recommendation or referral. The testing results are automatically backed up, secure and HIPAA compliant.

Technology Helps Seniors to Be Mindful of Balance and Mobility

Older adults and seniors need to be very mindful about their balance and mobility. Catastrophic medical issues can occur with the simplest of falls and sometimes precipitate an earlier than anticipated death. Technology is at the forefront of detailed, individualized diagnoses and corrective exercise programs that when implemented can help prevent accidental falls. To find out which technology best suits your fitness level and needs, speak to trusted counsel who can point you in the right direction to help keep you secure in your physical movement. Contact Hunter Estate & Elder Law in central Indiana by calling (317) 863-2030 in Fishers or (765) 569-1060 in Rockville and schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your planning.

Changes in Assisted Living

With changes in medicine, technology, and socioeconomics, it’s no surprise that assisted living is changing, too. The rising cost of assisted living means that some families are looking to new alternatives, while those who consider traditional assisted living have new options to consider.

In-Home Care

Alternatives to assisted living include multigenerational housing and in-home care. As these options become more popular due to the rising costs associated with other, traditional options, the home health care industry will boom in response; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth of 70% in the next ten years for personal care aides and home health care professionals. Technology designed to assist in senior care will likewise play a role in alternatives to assisted living, from computer systems tracking medicine intake and remotes for windows, lights, and thermostats to reminiscence therapy and memory care to assist those suffering from dementia. And not only will technology designed for individual use continue to develop, so will platforms for home care agencies and other professionals engaged in the long term care process.

Alternative Senior Housing 

Meanwhile, the nursing home model of care will continue to decline, while other forms of senior living will take its place. These will include cultural- and lifestyle-based communities, green senior housing like LEED-certified homes and communities, senior-friendly neighborhoods in city centers, and senior co-housing with shared spaces and shared duties. Assisted communities are likely going to emphasize meaningful socialization and recreational activities, while the buildings themselves are likely going to include amenities that remind Boomers of home and improve their independence, such as kitchenettes. Certain design trends may arise for enriched living experience and wellness enhancement, from restaurant-style dining to wellness centers. 

These changes are a part of the trend of a widening gap between the increasingly pricey assisted living options, and what people can pay for their long term care. As life expectancy lengthens and the quality (and therefore price) of assisted living rises, many will find the costs post-retirement to be beyond their means. That is one of many reasons why it is so important to plan in advance! There may be government programs available that can help with the costs of long term care.  Hunter Estate & Elder Law can help you to understand all of your options in long term care and planning. Contact our central Indiana office today by calling (317) 863-2030 in Fishers or (765) 569-1060 in Rockville to schedule an appointment.

See these articles for more details.

• A Place for Mom
• The Senior List
• Assisted Living Facilities

Ways Seniors are Embracing Technology

Technology is providing seniors with a multitude of applications to improve their health, lifestyle, safety, and entertainment. While the younger generations may think these older Americans are the equivalent of technology dinosaurs, the truth is mid-life, and older Americans are becoming more digitally connected than ever before. The largest tech participating group of these seniors is generally more affluent and has higher degrees of education than their counterparts. Seniors with more limited incomes and lower levels of educational attainment are the most notably absent group in the digital divide between younger and older technology users.  Seniors are embracing technology in the following five manners:

1. Smartphones and Related Apps

Smartphone ownership and its associated application (app) usage, social media, and online gaming continue to increase at a rapid pace with a full 91 percent of technology users 50 or more saying they use personal technology devices to stay in touch with family and friends. Texting by seniors (86%) has become as pervasive as email (87%). Smartphones are also a handy tool for planning optimal routes to and from locations as well as receiving up to the minute traffic information. Simply put, older Americans now leverage smartphone use in much the same ways that its younger counterparts do and in some ways, seniors (aged 60 – 69) are leading the charge in smartphone use to manage their medical care. Online banking and money management are becoming more prevalent with senior users as they become educated about and employ privacy mechanisms to protect their identity and assets in an online and cloud storage world. 

2. Online Learning

Online learning is prevalent in the senior demographic. An AARP survey shows 23 percent of older adults embrace online learning by taking classes for certificates, obtaining degrees, and how to Do It Yourself (DIY) tutorials. This percent of seniors in online learning is likely to continue its increase as mental agility and longevity become increasingly important due to the alarming rise of dementia disease in the aging population. While there is no direct evidence linking online learning to the staving off of dementia, it cannot hurt a senior to continue with lifelong learning as it may provide a sense of control and well-being during their good years. 

3. Virtual Reality

The use of virtual reality in VE, virtual environment, is also on the rise for seniors. The growth rate is currently about 4 percent a year with 13 percent of adults aged 50 or more engaging in the technology. Nearly 90 percent of all virtual reality headsets are smart and mobile phone based. The ease of porting a smartphone into a headset which operates as the screen makes virtual reality a compelling tool for aging seniors. While it provides immersive realities for gaming entertainment, it also can give extensive exploration opportunities for those seniors with limited mobility. Imagine a senior who cannot walk being able to experience a tour of the ancient Greek site the Acropolis, enjoying a virtual scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, or taking part in a guided tour through a faraway museum without ever leaving their home, wheelchair, or bed. The mental stimulation and joy it can bring are just beginning to be tapped for the senior market. Virtual reality (VR) is projected to impact the gaming industry more profoundly than any other industry, and gamers include the senior market in a balanced way comparative to different age groups.

4. Wearable Technology

Wearable technology is gaining popularity among the senior market. They include products like smart watches, smart jewelry, fitness trackers, even smart clothing. While being worn, they provide intelligent assistance that can augment memory, intellect, communication, creativity, and physical abilities and senses. They also come replete with challenges such as interface interferences, power requirements, network resources, and privacy concerns. Wearable fitness trackers are becoming commonplace in assisted living, and nursing facilities as the technology will alert medical staff when a patient’s vitals are outside of their norm even if that worker is engaged in other tasks. 

Worldwide, corporations are very interested in wearable technologies, particularly as it relates to medical issues. Some seniors who would not qualify for implant surgery because of pre-existing health conditions might be able to use a wearable pacemaker rather than having a surgical implant procedure. Other techniques for nonsurgical intervention include smart patches and electronic tattoos that can regulate dysfunctional systems in the body. For those seniors who can tolerate implant surgeries, new and innovative ideas for micro device implants are bringing forward the concept of the transhuman. Transhuman is defined as a standard biological human being who is augmented by implants that might provide improved intelligence, awareness, strength, or durability. Even in the absence of a serious health issue, implants may soon be able to enhance the medical monitoring of seniors in their daily lives. Think of it as a highly accurate fitness tracker implant. These implants in “transhumans” may be able to observe developing physiological and psychological trends and predict adequate responses to health changes in aging adults. 

5. Video Games

Finally, the video game industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the US economy. Annual sales in the gaming vertical of “techenomics” have reached $23 billion and are projected to continue to increase. While some of the games seniors are playing online are in the hopes of keeping memory and brain function in good working order, 38 percent of adults aged 50 or more are video gamers purely for entertainment purposes. While these games may provide entertainment and human connection (in situ or online), they also may share cognitive, and brain benefits as well as the senior adapts to ever-changing game scenarios, updated versions and expansions of online games. 

It is projected that seniors will continue to increase their exposure to and use of technologies at many levels. Development to meet the demands of senior needs coupled with their purchasing power will drive the technology industry for decades to come in ways that are not even imagined yet. For now, aging Americans are embracing technology and the benefits it brings to their lives. 

At Hunter Estate and Elder Law, we help clients in central Indiana plan for the future. Contact our Fishers office at (317) 863-2030 or our Rockville office at (765) 569-1060 today to discuss how we can assist with your planning needs.

 

Steps Seniors Can Take to Deter Depression

It is easy to succumb to the clutches of depression at any stage of life. Life is full of surprises and twists, and not all of them have a positive effect on the psyche. However, once a senior is in the grasp of depression, it is often difficult to find release. More than 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and up are affected by depression. 

What is depression? 

Depression is most often characterized by being sad. But depression can be so much more than that. In fact, for many seniors with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. More prominent symptoms may include trouble sleeping, feeling irritable or tired, being confused, or having attention problems. Because of this, depression can sometimes look like Alzheimer’s disease or other health conditions. Some medications can also exacerbate the effects and length of depression. 

Depression in seniors is more likely to lead to other health problems, including a heart attack. Likewise, depression can keep a senior from rehabilitating at an optimal pace. Depression can also increase the risk of suicide. The suicide rate for seniors aged 80 to 84 is nearly twice that of the overall population. Fortunately, some preventative measures can be taken to deter or prevent such gloomy depths in our later years.

What Causes Depression in Seniors?

An adverse health event may sometimes be a catalyst for symptoms of depression. Nearly a quarter of seniors who experience a stroke will develop clinical depression. Seniors who have suffered vision loss are at an increased risk of reporting depressive symptoms. When a senior’s body doesn’t let them function like they used to, daily life can be disrupted and the dread of continued health problems can loom in the back of their minds. An elder might be fearful of having to enter a nursing home or otherwise rely on others for care. And of course, reflecting on the end of life can sometimes be tumultuous and frightening.

A widow/widower is also at a higher risk of depression, especially during the first year after the death of their spouse. Bereavement in folks over age 50 more than tripled the probability of depression. Losing a loved one can, understandably, be a devastating event in a senior’s life.

Medical issues, such as brain chemistry and medication side-effects, can also cause depression in seniors. Restricted blood flow may cause blood vessels to harden and cause issues with brain function. Seniors should take their health seriously and have regular visits with medical professionals and care managers. Of course, depression is a medical condition and should be evaluated by qualified medical professionals if an elder is experiencing depressive symptoms. Besides medical intervention, let’s take a look at some other tools that seniors can arm themselves with. 

How Seniors Can Take Steps to Deter Depression

Finding a Purpose in Life

Most people want to feel that our existence is worth something – that our presence adds something to the world. As people age, their children grow up and begin their own lives, friends and loved ones pass away, their physical bodies slow down, and many are left seeking out new goals and ways to spend their remaining time. 

Depression has been shown to lead to a cognitive decline and may increase the risk for dementia. Establishing a purpose in life has a mitigating effect on depression and cognitive decline. A recent study used many factors – such as age, race, number of living siblings, and whether the participants had a significant other – to compare the rates at which the participants suffered from mental deterioration. The results were encouraging. Finding a purpose in life is shown to prevent, or at least slow, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive degeneration. Since depression is often formed due to an adverse medical diagnosis, like Alzheimer’s disease, having a purpose in life may also curtail the resulting depressive symptoms as well. 

These results are not surprising considering the positive effects on mood and drive when one has goals and tasks to accomplish. How can a senior cultivate a purpose in life? Sometimes, this will involve caring for a loved one. Maybe the senior can get more involved with grandchildren, other seniors who need care, or a charity that they are interested in. Helping others can nurture a feeling of purpose in seniors. If the senior knows that someone is counting on them or that others value the senior, this may help deter depression and cognitive decline by igniting a purpose in their life. 

Other activities might include regularly scheduled visits to elementary schools to tell stories or read to the children, volunteering at an animal shelter, writing a memoir, mapping out family lineage, or generally finding something new to explore. Finding something or someone in life that brings joy and purpose to a senior is a major step towards their future well-being.

Engaging in Interpersonal-individual Activities

It is no surprise that staying active, enjoying hobbies, and growing friendships have a beneficial effect on mental health. Interestingly, some activities have much more benefit than others. A study on senior health shows that elders that spend time with specific family members or friends enjoy a greater level of protection from late-life depression. Those taking part in solitary or general social group activities did not realize as significant results.

Seniors engaged in either solitary activities, social group activities (such as church or senior center activities), or interpersonal-individual activities (connecting with a specific friend or family member) experienced an improvement in their depression. Meaning, those that connected with a specific person that they cared about decreased their depressive symptoms.

These results are a reminder for seniors to keep in touch with those that bring them happiness. Encourage seniors to reach out to beloved family members and vice versa. The study suggests that bonding with others has protective benefits for the minds of seniors. Perhaps the mixer or social event that a senior chooses to attend will not have significant benefits in the long-term, but the potential friendships developed there will.

Staying Physically Active

In a third study, published by the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, researchers studied the effects of staying physically active on the minds of seniors. There has been a plethora of prior research on the connection of exercise and mental health in young adults, but limited scientific data on the senior population. Specifically, it was unknown whether muscle deterioration, which invariably accompanies aging, would prohibit seniors from achieving analogous results to that of younger study subjects when analyzing the effects of exercise on mental health. 

The study analyzed a group of male seniors who followed a specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The patients engaged in high-intensity interval training, in conjunction with strength training sessions. The results were positive. David Allison, the lead author on the study, said “Even individuals who are already metabolically healthy -- with good weight, good blood pressure, and blood sugar levels -- need to prioritize regular physical activity to maintain or improve upon their mental health. We have shown such benefits are still achievable in old age and further emphasize the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle."

While not all seniors can engage in high-intensity interval training, many seniors can start somewhere. Encourage a senior to offer dog walking services to a friend who may be ill, or to park at the far end of the parking lot at the grocery store.

A recent study published by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found yoga to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. While there are a plethora of yoga variations, many seniors of all abilities have taken up chair yoga. This type of yoga has been modified so that certain yoga poses can be done while seated, making yoga more accessible for those with mobility issues. Yoga has been scientifically associated with decreasing stress hormones, alleviating anxiety, and possibly reducing inflammation. An improvement in heart health is also a benefit. It has been illustrated that test patients over age 40 who had practiced yoga for five years had lower blood pressure and pulse rate than those that didn’t practice yoga. 

Resolving Regrets

When a senior looks back on their life, what regrets do they have? How are these thoughts impacting their current emotional well-being? Having past situations where one would have preferred to act differently, or otherwise, have a different outcome to the situation, is completely normal. However, living in these pangs of guilt or remorse can be detrimental to an elder’s health. In a study of 213 lower-income older adults, regrets about career, education, and marriage were common. However, more intense regrets originated from finances, family conflict, and the problems of their children. The study found that having regrets was a significant predictor of depression in seniors.

How can a senior work towards revolving regret? Maybe the senior can obtain closure by writing a letter to someone involved in the remorseful situation. The senior may find peace by explaining that they are sorry and wished things would have worked out differently. If a senior has lost contact with a family member, it might be possible to rekindle that relationship in a healthy way. 

A journal may help a senior deal with past regrets by highlighting things that the senior is thriving at in the present and how their life is interesting and full. Contemplating current feelings and events can be a reminder to live in the present. Alternatively, the senior can make a list of things that they learned about from that regretful situation and how they have used the experience to learn and grow. Realizing that everyone makes mistakes, but it is how you respond to those mistakes and alter future decisions, is what is important. 

Try the Mediterranean Diet

A recent study that was presented to and discussed by the American Psychiatric Association indicates that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of late-life depression. The Mediterranean diet plan has been touted in America since the 1960s and has been linked to improved physical health and associated with longer life. Heart health is a big benefit of the Mediterranean diet. However, the research on the mental health benefits of the plan is fairly new. 

What is the Mediterranean diet? It consists of fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, whole grains, beans, herbs, nuts, and of course, olive oil. Moderate amounts of dairy and eggs are allowed. Red meat, salt, butter, and sweets are a rare allowance. And an occasional glass of red wine can be enjoyed. We’ve all hear the adage, “You are what you eat.” The Mediterranean diet may have not only physical health benefits but mental health benefits as well. If the Mediterranean diet isn’t right for the senior, then make sure whatever diet they follow is a nourishing one, in line with their healthy lifestyle. 

In Summary

Everyone wants to be happy. No reasonable person desires to succumb to sadness and depression, especially at a time when one should be celebrating their life and enjoying the years they have left. While seeking professional medical advice would be a recommended first step should a senior start experiencing signs of depression, there are some things that a senior can do to deter depression possibly. This includes finding a purpose in life, connecting with specific friends or family members who bring them joy, staying physically active, and resolving their regrets. The Mediterranean diet might even do the trick! Mental and physical health are intertwined, and helping our beloved seniors stay happy and healthy benefits us all. 

At Hunter Estate and Elder Law, we help clients in central Indiana develop peace of mind by planning for the future. Contact our Fishers office at (317) 863-2030 or our Rockville office at (765) 569-1060 today to discuss how we can assist with your planning needs.

 

Sources

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults

https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/Depression_Older_Persons_FactSheet_2009.pdf

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-older-adults-more-facts

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly#1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4376269/#R1

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190207111309.htm

https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(19)30006-5/addons

https://nsga.com/schedule

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15255625/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2733451?resultClick=1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852580/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18361664

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607860802342235

https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/new-research-adherence-to-mediterranean-diet-and-reduced-risk-of-late-life-depression

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801

 

https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-019-0789-2

 

How Smart Technology Can Help Seniors

The smart personal assistant revolution is moving forward at a breakneck pace. It took approximately 30 years for the cellular telephone to begin outnumbering people on the planet, but smart personal assistants are projected to outnumber humans in half that time by 2021. The technology-research firm Canalys expects 100 million smart speakers (smart personal assistants) will be installed worldwide by the beginning of 2020 and also estimates the number of smart assistant compatible devices will reach 1.6 billion in the US that same year. The numbers are staggering.

Smart Technology Simplifies Remaining at Home for Seniors

The smart assistant with its voice technology is a significant boon to US seniors as more baby boomers are opting to age in place and smart voice technology simplifies remaining at home. There are the obvious uses for a smart assistant like calendaring events, medication reminders, home environmental controls, age-appropriate learning activities, and much more. Some of the newer applications of voice technology are pushing smart personal assistants into newer realms like digital therapist, companion, and caregiver. For the senior who is living at home and alone, these are wonderful new developments.  

The Smart Personal Assistant as a Therapist

Research in the field of prosody, the patterns of stress and intonation in a language, are making smart assistants capable of detecting depression, loneliness, anxiety, joy, and anger to name a few. Initial research of emotion enabled artificial intelligence focused on emotion detection through facial expressions but quickly turned to the spoken word. Vocal signatures carry an incredible array of information from how you string the words in a sentence together, to tone, depth, rhythm, pitch, resonance, pronunciation, tempo, and more. These vocal features are then analyzed to suggest a person’s mood and subsequent best action practice for the senior. 

The practical applications of this technology are numerous. A medical doctor with a smart personal assistant in their office can more readily pick up on identifiers that suggest patient depression. A smart car speaker in a semi-autonomous car can make informed judgments about the safety of handing over the controls to the driver based on vocal characteristics indicating stress or confusion. A smart personal assistant might pick up on loneliness in a stay at home senior and offer suggestions of music or other activities to engage the senior and lift their spirits. The smart personal assistant is also “someone” an elderly person can tell their troubles to without shame, recrimination or judgment. The smart assistant is programmed so that it never gets tired, never becomes distracted or bored with the content of “its person." It is a bit like a therapist allowing the senior to get out all of their frustrations about growing old and losing their physical and cognitive abilities; even expressing fears for their future.

Technology Improving Quality of Life

While smart personal assistant technology is currently not able to provide all of the benefits of a professionally trained human caregiver, therapist, or companion it is readily available, overall inexpensive, and can help alleviate the problems of too many seniors with too few attainable human caregivers to meet their needs. The technology may also outpace its human counterpart in the not too distant future if current research and development is any indication of success. The market forces for profit will continue to drive the expansion of the smart personal assistant and its associated products allowing for newer market segments and more importantly the ability for stay at home seniors to live their best quality of life.       

Contact our office for assistance with senior care and long-term planning for yourself or your loved one.