Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
Community News
Help Parents Stay Independent
Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.
When It’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, some symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss – this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies and some disorders. 2. Vision problems – getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss – getting regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression – certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse. This problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness – a good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors
Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round; especially in these sunny summer months! *See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. *Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you re-apply a minimum of SPF30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. *Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!
5 Benefits of Healthy Hearing
“Do you want to go out for dinner?”
That’s a question that always deserves an enthusiastic “Yes!”
But what if you stop yourself from enjoying a restaurant dinner because you find it too hard to follow a conversation in a noisy environment?
There have been tremendous advances in hearing aid technology since your grandparents’ day. Hearing aids can be highly customized to adapt to specific types of hearing loss and they are so discreet, they are barely noticeable.
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will lead to a happier, more fulfilling life
1. You’ll say yes more often
Two people feel badly when you have to say “no” to an invitation. You, and the person doing the asking. Think of how much better you’ll feel when you can embrace new opportunities — and try out that new restaurant everyone’s raving about.
2. No more excuses
It can be difficult to explain why you are isolating yourself. Sometimes you make up reasons not to join friends or family at events. It’s hard for them to understand why, especially since all they want is to spend time with you.
3. You’ll feel more in control of your life
We waste a lot of energy finding ways to cope with awkward situations. It’s better to turn the awkward situation into a positive one. You’ll be glad you’re doing something about your hearing loss — and others will be, too.
4. Only actors get applause for pretending to be someone they’re not
Stop nodding your head to make people think you understand what they’re saying. Chances are they haven’t been fooled.
5. You can live in the moment
You have the right to feel fully involved in life. Your life. It wears you down to keep saying, “Pardon? Can you repeat that?” The only thing that needs repeating is time spent enjoying the company of others.
If you think it’s time to start living life in the fullest, or know someone who needs a gentle nudge, book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-776-4733
It’s Football Season
August is the annual kick-off to football season. As one of the most wagered-on sports, with an array of betting options including parlays, prop bets, futures, teasers and straight bets, football enthusiasts can often find themselves wagering more than they intended. With fantasy pools, online wagering, mobile betting apps and more so readily available, coupled with a few drinks, many are wagering beyond their budgets. What can a person do? Set a pre-game budget. Place bets before the game, not during. Avoid in-the-moment emotional wagering. Small tips to keep it fun! Play safe!
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Think Before You Bet
Summer is upon us, so it’s time to enjoy ball season: Football and baseball are back in full swing. With watching our favourite sports comes the opportunity to wager on them as well. Know the lingo (money line, run line, over/under, point spread, parlays), keep a budget and plan ahead. With the advent of sportsbooks and in-game wagering options, it has become easy to place a bet while emotions run high. As our friends at GambleAware.org in the UK say: “Avoid Bet Regret: Think Before You Bet.” To learn more, check our website. We are here to help.
Build A Healthy Brain
No matter what age; take action for a Healthier Brain. Challenge your brain every day to reduce chances of developing dementia. Play a musical instrument. Be socially active. Choose a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich in dark-colored fruits and vegetables for healthy food choices. Be active with moderate physical activity to maintain cardiovascular health to reduce risks of heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes. Protect your head. Brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are risk factors for later development of dementia. Risk factors that cannot be controlled are aging and genetics. Check Happy Neuron to maintain and/or improve your quality of life.
Do Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus?
Hearing is one of the most vital senses. As we age, however, we may experience difficulties in this area. While hearing loss is common and well-known in older adults, tinnitus is a sign of auditory disfunction that affects our ability to hear as well. It can present itself as an irritating and encompassing ringing, hissing, or buzzing noise that is seemingly impossible to eliminate. There are two main types, subjective and objective, where the former and most common type can only be heard by the patient and the latter may be detectable by a doctor. Tinnitus may only impact one ear or both, and its persistence can ebb and flow depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Chronic tinnitus may cause you to feel frequently disoriented. It can have an impact similar to hearing loss because you may find it difficult to understand and engage in conversations. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, some individuals may unnecessarily suffer for years while the condition goes untreated.
Living with tinnitus is possible. Although there is no cure, a proper diagnosis can lead to a specialized plan to allow those afflicted to live their lives more like they once did. In addition, recommendations from a hearing healthcare professional can help alleviate stress and ensure your symptoms are managed. With that in mind, do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Where does this condition come from? And when should you see a hearing healthcare professional? Read on to learn the answers to these questions. We’ll also provide a bit more information about tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Sometimes, an exact cause cannot be found for someone’s tinnitus. However, lifestyle can be taken into account and may play a role in the severity of this condition. Risks can include overexposure to loud noises, aging, and certain health problems and diseases.
You may experience tinnitus due to an ear infection or canal blockage. An ear infection is caused by a virus or bacteria that creates fluid buildup in the eardrum. As a result, you’ll experience pain and swelling, sometimes causing permanent damage in the process. Similarly, your ears could also be blocked by excessive wax, dirt, or other debris. All of these possibilities will result in increased pressure in this confined area.
If you have recently been in a car accident or another incident that leads to some kind of head or neck trauma, the force of the impact can cause tinnitus. This is because the condition is linked to the brain in addition to the ears. Therefore, any strain on that area of the body could change its normal functionality and thus cause ripple effects to your senses.
In addition, medications like antibiotics may also cause tinnitus or worsen its symptoms. The unwanted ringing may sometimes dissipate when the drug is stopped. However, halting a prescription without consulting your doctor can be dangerous, so ensure you discuss with them first if you think a medication may be causing your tinnitus.
How Can a Hearing Aid Help?
You may be wondering, do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Or can a hearing aid stop tinnitus? In many cases, wearing one of these devices can reduce the symptoms of this condition and can sometimes eliminate the unwanted sound completely. Hearing aids are capable of controlling several elements of your hearing, thanks to innovations in hearing aid technology, an industry that is always evolving to suit the needs of individuals better. With various brands and styles, a solution from your hearing healthcare professional is likely available to those suffering from tinnitus symptoms.
Another improvement is due to an increase in background noise. Hearing cars driving by, drops of rain, and footsteps more clearly can help filter out or even cover up the ringing or buzzing. Some hearing aids also have Bluetooth capabilities or white noise options, so you can listen to some kind of sound no matter the time of day. With your brain stimulated by these noises, it can help reteach your mind which signals to deliver and which ones to ignore.
One of the main complications of living with tinnitus is stress, which can cause your condition to flare up, becoming increasingly difficult to manage. As a result, you’ll likely be left frustrated and fatigued. With hearing aids, you can reduce your stress levels, thereby feeling more in control of your sensory experience.
Since tinnitus can also affect your sleep because the sound you hear may be increasingly difficult to ignore at night, learning to live day-to-day with hearing aids may help lessen its impact in the evening. It is recommended you remove your hearing aids before going to bed for safety purposes, but your brain may learn to quiet these noises since its ability to do is being stretched and flexed during the daytime. You’ll also likely be more engaged in everyday activities, enjoy a profound sense of calmness, and may notice sounds you have not experienced in a long time.
It is important to note that hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus. They can only provide auditory stimulation to help with the uncomfortable symptoms of this condition.
Should I Schedule an Appointment with a Hearing Professional?
Once your hearing has impacted your ability to accomplish and engage in everyday tasks, you should make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. This is especially true if your tinnitus has affected your ability to walk, causing you bouts of dizziness or leaving you uncoordinated.
A hearing care professional can be available to listen to your symptoms, perform important tests, and offer you a thorough diagnosis that can be explained in terms you can understand.
Auditory health is a part of your overall well-being. When one of your senses struggles to perform as it once did, it can be challenging to understand what is happening or how to move forward with the things you enjoy doing. Everyone’s hearing needs are unique and require a personalized approach for effective management. By understanding your unique circumstances, a HearingLife hearing professional can develop a comprehensive plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Take the first step towards better hearing by booking a free hearing test at any HearingLife clinic near you.
Summer Safety for Seniors (need new title)
Seniors with limited mobility face unique challenges when dealing with hot weather. Limited mobility can restrict their ability to seek shade or cool environments, putting them at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Aging bodies may have difficulty regulating body temperature, making seniors more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydration is another concern, as older individuals may have decreased thirst sensations or be on medications that increase water loss. It is crucial to ensure seniors have access to well-ventilated spaces, proper hydration, and appropriate clothing to minimize heat-related risks. Regular check-ins and assistance from caregivers or family members can help seniors navigate the heat safely.
