42 The QUEE NS Courier • wellness • FEBRUARY 18, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com SENIOR LIVING s PROPER NUTRITION KEY FOR ELDERLY Americans are now living longer than ever before. In fact, one of the fastest growing segments is people over the age of 85 who will represent 20 percent of the population by the year 2040. Because we are living longer, certain conditions specific to senior citizens are also on a steady rise. Dehydration, falls, fractures, cognition loss and attention deficits are now becoming more commonplace. In a recent paper titled “Salt Appetite Across Generations” presented at a medical conference in Switzerland, Israeli researchers from the University of Haifa confirmed that in older people, a reduced sense of thirst results in a greatly increased risk of serious dehydration. They also noted that the appetite for salt does not diminish with age and suggested that this be used to help sustain hydration and prevent the dangerous symptoms that result from dehydration. Another study by Dr. Michael H. Alderman and Dr. Hillel W. Cohen of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, identified significant risks to cardiovascular health and longevity from consuming any less than one or more than three teaspoons salt per day. Fortunately, most Americans - including the elderly - when left to their own choice consume right in the middle of this range. Given this new evidence, assisted living caregivers should be very cautious before recommending a low-salt diet for the elderly. In older people, mild hyponatremia is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance in the blood. Indeed, several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits. Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people older than 65 fall at least once every year. Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. More than 5 percent of all hospitalizations in people older than 65 years are due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, the research shows that in assisted living facilities where almost all residents are given low-salt diets, the rate of falls and fractures are three times as great as in the normal home environment. The implications of this research for liability claims incorporating legal damages are considerable. Mild hyponatremia in the elderly can no longer be considered as a simple nonthreatening condition. Evidence clearly points to significantly increased attention deficits, loss of cognitive function, increased falls and fractures - a cascade of conditions resulting in a highly diminished quality of life and a reduced life span. It is a major threat that can be treated by simply adding salt back to the diet. The evidence contradicting a low-salt regimen for the elderly is impressive and up-to-date. Those responsible for looking after the elderly should very carefully consider any broad, sweeping recommendations to administer a low-salt diet, for both medical and liability reasons. A well-balanced diet, complete with salads, vegetables and fruit is the best approach to ensuring a healthy and active retirement. Courtesy BPT Surprising ways older drivers can stay safer on the road For baby boomers and beyond, a lot has changed since they first received their drivers’ license, from car technology and traffic rules, to even road conditions. Many older drivers are taking a proactive approach to staying safe on the road. Most wear a seat belt - 77 percent of drivers age 65 and older according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - and most obey the speed limit and avoid the road when conditions are bad. But a few surprising steps can help older drivers stay even safer. Here are some top safety tips drivers age 50 and older should consider: Enhance your exercise. It’s no secret that exercise is an important part of aging well, but did you know that the benefits extend to safer driving? Exercise can enhance flexibility and range of motion for older drivers, according to recent research by The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence and MIT AgeLab. How can fitness help you become a better driver? Drivers in the study who exercise regularly reported greater ease in turning their heads to see blind spots when changing lanes or backing up. The study also found that drivers who exercised were able to rotate their bodies further to scan the driving environment while making right hand turns and they were able to get into their cars more rapidly, demonstrating increased overall flexibility. Exercise for your health, as well as your safety on the road. Try strength exercises like bicep curls and squats, range-of-motion exercises like back stretches and heel drops, flexibility exercises like shoulder stretches, and coordination exercises such as rotating leg kicks. More information on the connection between fitness and safe driving, including an exercise guide and informational video, can be downloaded at www.thehartford.com/lifetime. Take a driver safety course. The rules of the road are constantly changing. Taking a safe driving class is a simple way for older drivers to keep their skills sharp so they stay safe on the road. One popular option is the AARP Driver Safety course. Available across the country in a classroom setting as well as online, the course serves as a refresher about the rules of the road and provides valuable tips about defensive driving techniques. AARP membership is not required and there is no test to pass. Plus, some states require insurance companies to provide a multi-year discount for those who complete the course. Prioritize your vision. Driving well means seeing well, so it’s smart for older drivers to prioritize their vision needs. Starting at age 40, individuals are more likely to experience blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night and changes in color perception, according to the American Optometric Association. Start by scheduling an appointment with an optometrist who can examine your eyes for and medical conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as provide you with a current prescription. When driving, always wear up-to-date prescription glasses with narrow side pieces that don’t block peripheral vision. Keep sunglasses in the vehicle as well, so bright days don’t deteriorate your visibility. In addition to high-quality glasses, position yourself to see as much as possible in your car. Adjust the seat so that you are at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel, and can see at least three inches over the top of the steering wheel. Adjust rear and side mirrors appropriately to minimize blind spots. Keep headlight and window glass clean - dirt and grime can make the road appear hazy. These little-known tips can help keep older drivers safer when behind the wheel. Courtesy BPT
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