Family Caregivers in the Workplace – Smilecast 31
Family Caregivers in the Workplace
I recently participated in a Q & A with SeniorCare.com’s Carol Marak where we discussed the issue of family caregivers in the workplace, an issue I consult with regularly in organizations. Here is how our conversation went.
There are tools that can automate. There are conversations that can happen earlier. Obviously, there are things we need to do in the workplace to make this more acceptable. Bottom line, we need to do more and de-stigmatize caregivers.
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Senior Fitness – It’s Never Too Late to Start
Senior Fitness – Better Late than Never: Real Life Inspirations
Angela Copson is the fastest marathon runner in her age bracket – she’s 67. Meanwhile, in Illinois, 78-year old Shirley Webb set a world record for her age by dead lifting 225 pounds with ease. You might think they have been running and weightlifting all their lives, but Angela only started running when she was 59 and Shirley took up weightlifting when she was 76, before then she could barely pick herself up off the floor. When it comes to senior fitness, Angela and Shirley show that it’s never too late to start.
It’s not just complete beginners though who can benefit, many sports players, professional or amateur, slowly stop doing any kind of sport, but even when over 60, they can regain their fitness and find new sporting goals. Take Gaelic Football legend, 71 year old Patsy Forbes. He has transformed himself from a title-winning player into one of the fastest 100 meter runners over 70.
You too can take inspiration from these runners and weightlifters, be it walking soccer, tennis, swimming or whichever sport takes your fancy. The important thing is to take the right steps and ensuring it helps you not only feel better, but is enjoyable to do too. Here’s a few ideas on how to achieve senior fitness.
Start at a Center and Pick Realistic Goals
Angela Copson says the most important thing is to start slowly and build yourself up. Getting fit and into sport when 60 or above is much the same as getting into one as a kid. You will not be instantly fast or ever fast, but if you start slowly you can build your body and muscles up slowly, in a constructive manner, without overdoing it. Shirley Webb agrees, she set herself realistic steps to increase the weight she lifted until she hit the world record. Currently, Shirley is trying to work herself up to 275 pounds with the ultimate goal of deadlifting 300.
Find a Workout Buddy
Most people find it easier to reach goals, workout, and get fit if they have a buddy to go with. Most importantly, the right kind of buddy will make the experience more fun. This does not have to be a fellow pensioner as it could just as easily be a relative or someone else in the gym. It helps if you are at a similar level, but a beginner is a beginner at any age. For Shirley, her workout buddy is her 20-year old granddaughter whereas Angela joined local grassroots sports clubs with people of a similar age and ability as her.
Pick a Senior-friendly Gym & an Understanding Trainer
If you are going to go more pro with your sporting ambition and find a trainer and gym, shop around carefully first. Each gym and trainer has their own style and type of clientele. A gym filled with young moms or muscular boxers might not be the best for you. However, find whichever type makes you feel comfortable and which will support you. Moreover, find a trainer who has some experience of working with senior athletes or who is willing to learn and adapt with you.
Thanks to Jess Walter, Freelance Writer, for this contribution on senior fitness.
Caregiver Health – Your Health as a Caregiver, Episode 2
Caregiver Health
In this segment we look at caregiver health. It is so important to make sure to take care of yourself while you are helping a loved one. It is so important to take care of your health. Statistics show that an huge proportion of family caregiver die before the one they are caring.
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Chair Yoga Helps Your Osteoarthritis
Chair Yoga – Benefits Are Many
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University examined the effects of chair yoga on pain and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis.
For the study, researchers randomly assigned 131 older adults with osteoarthritis to either the “Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga©” program developed by Kristine Lee or a health education program. Participants attended 45-minute sessions twice a week for 8 weeks. Researchers measured pain, pain interference (how it affects one’s life), balance, gait speed, fatigue and functional ability, before, during and after the sessions.
Results from the study found that participants in the exercise group, compared to those in the health education program, showed a greater reduction in pain and pain interference during their sessions, and that reduction in pain interference lasted for about three months after the 8-week program was completed. The 8-week program also was associated with reductions in fatigue and improvement in gait speed.
“With osteoarthritis-associated pain, there is interference in everyday living, limiting functional and social activities as well as diminishing life enjoyment,” said Juyoung Park, Ph.D., co-author and co-principal investigator of the study, Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar and an associate professor in FAU’s College for Design and Social Inquiry.
Regular exercise has proven to help relieve osteoarthritis pain, however, the ability to participate in exercise declines with age, and many dropout before they can even receive benefits. Although the Arthritis Foundation recommends yoga to reduce joint pain, improve flexibility and balance, and reduce stress and tension, many older adults cannot participate in standing exercises because of lack of muscle strength, pain and balance as well as the fear of falling due to impaired balance.
“Currently, the only treatment for osteoarthritis, which has no cure, includes lifestyle changes and pharmacologic treatments that are not without adverse events,” said Ruth McCaffrey, D.N.P., A.R.N.P., co-author and emeritus professor in FAU’s College of Nursing. “The long-term goal of this research is to address the non-pharmacologic management of lower extremity osteoarthritis pain and physical function in older adults, and our study provides evidence that chair yoga may be an effective approach for achieving this goal.”
Turmeric Curcumin may help to reduce inflammation, Several studies suggest that it might ease Symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other compounds in turmeric might also be medicinal.
The overall goal of this interdisciplinary program is to decrease pain, and improve physical and psycho-social functions of elderly individuals with osteoarthritis who are unable to participate in other exercise and yoga programs.
“The potential impact of this study on public health is high, as this program provides an approach for keeping community-dwelling elders active even when they cannot participate in traditional exercise that challenges their balance,” said Liehr.
Our Friday Song of the Week – Last Train to Clarksville
Last Train to Clarksville. The Monkees.
