Retire different: Shared housing

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Are you a boomer who can’t afford to retire? Are you a senior knocking around in a big ‘ole house all by yourself? Why not get together, try shared housing and thrive?

Home sharing is making a comeback in the United States. The primary reason of course is the cost of housing nowadays. Folks can’t afford to live by themselves anymore. As millions of boomers march toward retirement without enough income, Americans are facing a crisis. According to AARP, 1 in every 4 baby boomers has nothing saved for retirement.

There is no way to build enough affordable housing to meet the demand. Government programs such as Section 8 and HUD are maxed out and waiting lists are closed. Rents keep rising and now people of all ages are struggling. It’s time to think outside the box!

Why not use existing housing stock and create programs that address prospective housemates concerns by providing education and resources to ensure a successful home share experience?

Suggested areas of education might be:

-Am I a good candidate for shared housing and what are my boundaries?

– How do I vet a prospective housemate?

– What happens when we have a disagreement?

– Tenant/Landlord and Fair Housing law

– What do I do with all my stuff?

– How might I structurally modify my home to make it more “share” friendly?

What are some other benefits we can identify?

– You don’t have to work ‘til you drop

– You don’t have to live with your kids

– You can afford to live in a much nicer place than what you could afford on your own

– You have a ready-made social circle

– You get to choose who you want to live with

– You can group yourselves any way you like; similar interests, varied skill sets, by gender, by culture, pet-friendly, etc.

– You can travel and have someone water your plants or feed your cat while you’re away

– Someone is there to leave the porch light on and ask about your day

Shared housing is becoming an affordable option for aging in place. Once you’ve identified your “tribe” and have a smooth functioning household, you’ll just naturally watch out for one another and know if one of your housemates has an emergency.

As time goes by and your group starts needing help with housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping or laundry for example, everyone can pitch in for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a person by yourself.

There are several shared housing programs available in the Portland area. Each one is a little different but they are all designed to match homeowners and housemates for shared housing.

Article Provided by: Michele Fiasca
Let’s Share Housing
www.LetsShareHousing.com
503-680-8649

Senior vaccinations are important!

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines caught up today. Talk to your doctor, and take control of your health.

Senior vaccinations are essential. As we age, our bodies’ immune systems become weaker, making us more at risk for health complications due to influenza (flu) and pneumonia. In the United States, an estimated 70 to 85 percent of influenza-related deaths occur among people 65 years and older, and each year more than 18,000 older adults succumb to pneumococcal pneumonia.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing and touching. It may cause a high fever, along with body aches and weakness.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by a virus, bacteria or, less commonly, fungi. In the U.S., the most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).

How can you protect yourself from the flu or pneumonia?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine every year. Senior vaccinations can prevent illness and complications that result in hospitalizations.

For adults 65 years and older, the CDC recommends two pneumococcal vaccines: Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. The timing of these two vaccinations may depend on your health conditions, so talk with your doctor to learn what is best for you.

Some Common Flu Myths

Myth: I don’t need a flu shot every year.

Fact: Flu viruses change each year, and vaccines cover the top three to four viruses most likely to cause illness in the coming season. Antibodies from the influenza vaccine do not last more than one flu season.

Myth: The influenza vaccine gave me the flu.

Fact: The vaccine is designed to cover the top three to four viruses, but a person may get a different virus that was not included in the vaccine. However, flu symptoms may still be milder if you had a flu shot, due to cross-protection.

Myth: It is better to wait and get the influenza vaccination later in the flu season.

Fact: Vaccine protection from influenza lasts the entire flu season. It’s best to get the flu shot as soon as it is available. The CDC recommends vaccination prior to November, but vaccination any time in the flu season (August–May) is beneficial. Flu cases tend to peak between November and March.

Don’t become a statistic!

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines caught up today. Talk to your doctor, and take control of your health.

Article Provided by:
HealthInsight Oregon
503-279-0100
www.healthinsight.org

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Senior education opportunities

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Senior education is one way that PSU reflects its motto “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” PSU is a national leader in making its many varied academic resources available to older citizens. In 1973, PSU began offering eligible older adults a chance to attend its classes at no charge alongside registered students.

Senior education is one way that PSU Reflects its motto “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” PSU is a national leader in making its many varied academic resources available to older citizens. In 1973, PSU began offering eligible older adults a chance to attend its classes at no charge alongside registered students. Alongside senior education, more recently, PSU collaborates with another enrichment program providing opportunities for older adults to attend monthly programs including musical recitals and lectures by professors and local professionals.

Portland State University (PSU) is the only major comprehensive research university for the Portland five-county metropolitan area of more than 2.4 million people. PSU and its faculty of 1,800 in its nine schools and colleges provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs for a student body of 28,400 part-time and full-time students.

Senior Adult Learning Center

SALC was established 44 years ago as a pioneering program to encourage life-long learning among local residents. Its popularity among Portland area seniors inspired the Oregon legislature to pass House Bill 2011 in 2010 requiring the state’s institutions of higher education to waive tuition for courses audited by Oregon residents aged 65 or older. Today, more than 2,000 seniors are registered “Senior Auditors” at PSU, and in the 2016-2017 academic year, they enrolled in courses amounting to more than 13,000 credit hours.

Given the intense financial pressures on PSU due to limited state funding, the cost of operating SALC is covered entirely by donations from Senior Auditors and in-kind contributions from PSU’s Institute on Aging and the College of Urban and Public Affairs, where SALC is housed. To learn more about SALC, visit our site: https://sites.google.com/a/pdx.edu/salc/home.

Retired Associates of Portland State University (RAPSU)

In the early 1990s, several SALC Senior Auditors and the SALC coordinator developed another dimension to the auditing experience. In 1992, they established the “Retired Associates of Portland State University,” whose mission is “to bring together adults aged 50 and older in a university setting where they may share opportunities for intellectual, social, and personal growth.” One does not need to be retired, a former student, a current SALC auditor, or an Oregon resident to be involved in RAPSU; one only needs to be aged 50 or more and have an interest in learning something new or meeting new people. The most engaging part of RAPSU is the monthly/bi-monthly programming offered to members, visit (https://sites.google.com/site/rapsuatpsu/Home/upcoming-meetings). Past presentations include Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini), Rob Davis (Oregonian), and former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts.

If you are 50+, take a look at RAPSU’s programs and leadership opportunities and if you are 65+ and live in Oregon, perhaps it is time to go back to university and continue the learning that you have been engaged in throughout your life.

Article Provided by:
Portland State Univesity
www.pdx.edu
503-725-4739

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6 Tips to preventing pneumonia in older adults

Posted on January 4, 2018February 2, 2021

Preventing pneumonia in older adults is very important in times like these! Here are 6 tips to prevent your loved one falling ill.

1. Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults

According to the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, there are often-times challenges as to the diagnosis of pneumonia in seniors because they may not suffer the classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough. It’s important to watch for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium or dizziness, or other, more vague symptoms — especially in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can impair the accurate reporting of pneumonia symptoms.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Ordinary respiratory infections, colds and influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia; the Mayo Clinic advises that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of these illnesses. “Good” hand washing techniques should include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.

3. Practice Good Oral Care

Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, especially in people who may not be able to swallow effectively. Good oral care such as brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste as well as flossing at least once a day will decrease the bacteria that could cause aspiration pneumonia.

4. Get Immunized

Both the Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute advise seniors and others at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. Your doctor may also suggest a booster vaccine after 5 years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against influenza, which can lead to pneumonia.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia — it greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting the disease because it harms the ability of the lungs to defend against infection. According to Science Daily, smoking increases your chances of contracting pneumonia by 3 times! Quitting smoking can majorly help at-risk seniors defend against pneumonia.

6. Stay in Good General Health and be Active

Good overall health habits are critical to preventing pneumonia in seniors as well as the rest of the population because those habits keep the immune system strong and able to fight off infection. A healthy diet, as well as getting plenty of rest and physical exercise will decrease the risk of contracting pneumonia.

Article Provided by:
Advanced Lifeline
800-928-9036
www.ALSvents.com

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Alzheimer’s Association —We’re here for you day or night

Posted on January 4, 2018February 2, 2021

The Alzheimer’s Association serves the estimated 63,000 Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their loved ones and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Association —We’re here for you day or night. The Alzheimer’s Association serves the estimated 63,000 Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. We offer free early-stage engagement programs, support groups, community education classes and other dementia resources. If you, or a loved one, need resources or support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center (alz.org/care)

You are not alone. Whether you need information about early-stage, middle-stage, or late-stage caregiving, the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. Obtain day-to-day help, support and even learn how to plan for the future. Don’t forget to check out the Community Resource Finder (communityresourcefinder.org) and Care Team Calendar.

Alzheimer’s Navigator (alzheimersnavigator.org)

When facing Alzheimer’s disease, there is much to consider. Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking to information, support and local resources.

Community Education And Support groups (alz.org/oregon)

We provide statewide educational opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, including family and professional caregivers, people with memory loss, and the general public. Our support groups create a safe, confidential environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. We have phone support groups and in-person groups geared towards caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

E-learning (elearning.alz.org)

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of Alzheimer’s and dementia courses available online, 24 hours a day.

“I have Alzheimer’s” (alz.org/ihavealz)

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is never easy — it’s life-changing. This website was created with input from individuals living with the disease. It’s easy to navigate and helps answer many questions including:

– How do others respond to their diagnosis?

– What should I expect as the disease progresses?

– How should I plan for my future?

– How do I live day to day?

– What resources are available through the Alzheimer’s Association?

Alzheimer’s Association Trialmatch (alz.org/trialmatch)

Trialmatch is a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers, and physicians with current studies. When you join a clinical trial, you have an opportunity to participate in vital research that could improve the lives of millions.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter
800-272-3900
www.alz.org/oregon

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Smoothie POWER

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Smoothie power-Easy to make smoothies are a terrific way to incorporate needed vegetables, fruits, proteins, vitamins, and minerals into your diet. By using a blender to puree these ingredients, the first part of the digestion process has already been completed, so its easier for your body to absorb all the nutrients.

Smoothie power comes into play as we age, and our digestion slows down. We may find ourselves eating less and choosing the easy options on our plate rather than the healthy options. Easy to make smoothies are a terrific way to incorporate needed vegetables, fruits, proteins, vitamins, and minerals into your diet. By using a blender to puree these ingredients, the first part of the digestion process has already been completed, so its easier for your body to absorb all the nutrients. Look for foods rich in antioxidants, Omega-3s, and Vitamin E. Antioxidants which are found in many fruits, vegetables, legumes, tea and dark chocolate help rid the body of free radicals, which break down and impair high functioning brain cells.

Omega-3s and Vitamin E, which can be found in certain nuts, seeds, and whole grains, as well as there prospective oils, are also highly anti-inflammatory and help support brain health.

Smoothies can be customized for those with food sensitivities. For example, it’s easy to make a smoothie Gluten and Dairy free. Finally, smoothies are great because you don’t need to have fresh fruits on hand because “flash frozen” fruits retain all their nutrients and are both convenient and economical. Please encourage your family, professional caregivers and senior communities to prepare and offer healthy smoothies.

The following smoothie recipe is just one of many smoothie recipes that incorporate brain-healthy ingredients.

Chocolate Antioxidant Smoothie I Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

-1 cup any milk
(Almond, Hemp, Cow, etc)

-1 Ripe Banana (frozen or fresh)

-2 tbsp Cocoa Powder, preferably organic

-1/2 tsp Vanilla

-1 tbsp Ground Flax Seed

-Pinch or Sea Salt

-1-2 tbsp Raw Honey or Agave

-8 Ice Cubes if not using frozen
bananas

Put all ingredients in the high-speed blender and process until smooth.

Drink and enjoy!

Article Provided by:
Home Care Assistance
503-305-6055
www.HomeCareAssistance.com/Portland

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The need for care

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

In this country, 10,000 people turn 65 every day. The need for care increases every single day. We are faced with a significant amount of need for care in our families’ futures.

In this country, 10,000 people turn 65 every day. The need for care increases every single day. We are faced with a significant amount of need for care in our families’ futures. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around how we will manage. As a member of the “sandwich” generation, I am looking towards a future where I will have to find the resources to not only care for my children but for my parents at the same time. Being a part of a “sandwich generation” doesn’t mean that this is the only generation that has had to care for both their elders and their children. For the last couple of decades, most families in the US have both parents working away from the home so there is no one to care for our elders at home. Thankfully, I am a nurse and the Director of the Home Care Services team at Mary’s Woods so I have a small chance of finding a way to make it work for my family. I am concerned about the other parents and children who will be blindsided by the fact that their parents will need care before they are done raising their kids. How will they pay for it? What if they too are caregivers in their occupations? Are they making the cost of living that would support this scenario? In most states and in most caregiver roles, the answers are bleak.

There is some hope. We are starting to see our future and the challenges ahead. Change is hopefully on the horizon thanks to advocates such as Ai-Jen Poo, author of The Age of Dignity and co-founder of Caring Across Generations https://caringacross.org/. Ai-Jen is finding new ways to help our elders and disabled age with dignity. She is featured in the ‘Care’ Documentary that was released earlier this year. This documentary reveals the care options for families, elders and caregivers in our current situation and what options we have as we approach a “care crisis”.

Other initiatives such as standardized caregiver training programs are also being developed and tested as I write. These types of programs help caregivers get the tools they need to provide excellent care and validate caregiving as an honorable and crucial profession. This last year in Oregon, many in-home care agencies partnered with Clackamas Community College to develop a comprehensive caregiver training program which piloted in July 2017 and is currently being offered through Clackamas Community College.

Educating and being engaged is the only way these challenges will be remedied. To get involved and make a difference here are some websites that you can visit:

https://caringacross.or/
http://www.leadingageoregon.org/
http://caredocumentary.com/
http://www.clackamas.edu/

Article Provided by: Megan Thompson
Mary’s Woods In- Home Care
503-697-6434
www.Homecare.MarysWoods.org

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Strength

Posted on November 6, 2017February 4, 2021

“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” ~ Bob Marley

Life will present us with challenges, sometimes the challenge can be much more than we thought we were ready for. Take a moment to breathe, refocus, prioritize, and just put one foot in front of the other. Eventually, you will be in the middle of the stream and have no choice but to continue. Once on the other side- you know you could do it again if needed. Feel the fear and do it anyway!

The importance of fitness as we age

Posted on October 10, 2017February 2, 2021

Research has shown that regular physical activity improves quality of life for older adults and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses and disabilities.

It is a challenge to continue moving and stay active no matter what stage of life we are in. How important is it to you to pick the weeds in your garden or pick up the napkin you just dropped? For many of us, keeping up with those small tasks is enough to push us to exercise in one way or another. In my experience, there is always a way. It`s all about your willingness to accomplish your very own routine that works around your schedule. There are many great ways that we can accomplish being active in our later years. Exercise is perhaps the best-demonstrated way to maintain good health, fitness, and independence. Research has shown that regular physical activity improves quality of life for older adults and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses and disabilities. There are four main types of exercise and physical activity to focus on: Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility. Each activity is different and have their own benefits for doing them each day.

Endurance, or aerobic activities, increase your breathing and heart rate. They keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthy, and improve your overall fitness. Building endurance helps you attain the ability to do your brisk walking or jogging, yard work or gardening, even dancing.
Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. Even small increases in strength can make a big difference in your ability to stay independent and carry out everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. You can lift weights, use resistance bands, or your own body weight.

Balance exercises can help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults. Many lower-body strength exercises also will improve your balance. Standing counter exercises for balance, Water aerobics, Tai Chi.

Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Being flexible gives you more range of movement for other exercises as well as for your everyday activities. Shoulder & upper arm stretches, calf stretches, or even yoga help stretch our muscles, and give us freedom.

Stay as active as you can, find what is comfortable, and make it something you enjoy! If someone were to say exercising is your gardening routine and that was your highlight of your day, how would you feel about exercise?

Article Provided by: Brook Lynne Phelts,
Patriots Landing
877-964-4900
www.PatriotsLanding.com

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Retirement lifestyle: What community is right for you?

Posted on October 10, 2017February 2, 2021

Today’s Retirement Communities are more like cruise ships than nursing homes! Retirement lifestyle is full of fun, food, adventure, and entertainment day after day. The funny thing is that it also reflects what doctors’ advise- socializing, good food, rest, exercise, and reducing your stress.

Retirement Communities offer a new lifestyle by breaking free from the clinical institutional structure of a nursing home and moving toward life on a cruise ship! The retirement lifestyle includes Activity Programs which are a key part of the recipe of “living it up.” So how do you evaluate an Activity Program for quality?

What to look for:

Number of people-The size of the community can impact the quality of the Activity Program. You need enough people to have a robust schedule of events.
Number of events– How many events are available every day? Are there Blank Days? For example, many communities don’t have anything happening on the weekends.
Are there activities inside the community as well as outside the community? Are there day trips with destinations like public gardens, museums, theatres, baseball stadiums, casinos?
Are there options for people with less physicality or very physically fit? Are there options for people with no cognitive loss or some cognitive changes in their brains?
Is there diversity in the type of activities? Are there activities for Heart (Socials and Support groups), Mind (Adult Learning Opportunities), Body (Exercise Programs), Spirit (Religious and Spiritual gatherings)?
Is there recognition of cultural and ethnic differences?
Are there activities that your family or friend can share in?
Do the Residents inform the plan? Or is this the same program that was developed five years ago?
Is there evaluation? Do Residents get a chance to evaluate the quality of the Activity Program?

As the industry advances, so do the expectations. In addition to entertainment events and parties, self-development has become an added component: exercise programs, classes, etc… This is a thrust of moving participants from observation (on the sidelines) to involvement (on the court). Today, an even higher standard of participation is sought after by seniors. Leaders in the industry talk about engagement. Engagement is being involved and sharing your passion. Aliveness is a measure of joy, contentment, and participation in day to day life with others. It’s all about living life your way.

Article Provided by:
Garden Court Retirement Community
425-438-9080
www.GardenCourtRetirement.com

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