Archive for category Research
Know Your Community Resources
Posted by JG in Caregiving, Health, Long-Term Care, Research, Senior Older Adult and Elderly, Social Work on June 27, 2018
If you work with seniors, it is incredibly important to be aware of your community resources. There are a variety of programs available at a low-cost, or no cost. One of the best resources is your local Area Agency on Aging. Each state is divided into regions, and an Area Agency on Aging typically serves around five counties. They are your go-to for information regarding resources in your local community.
For South Carolina:
https://aging.sc.gov/
Teepa Snow, Leading Expert on Dementia
Posted by JG in Caregiving, Health, Long-Term Care, Research, Senior Older Adult and Elderly on July 20, 2017
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a work shop on dementia by one of America’s leading experts on the topic; Teepa Snow. It was both informative, and funny as she kept our attention the entire six hours. Below, is a clip from her site. She has a great deal of information you can use to improve your care for those with dementia.
http://teepasnow.com/resources/teepa-tips-videos/dementia-101/
Possible Link Between Calcium Supplements and Dementia
According to a new study, “calcium supplements may be associated with an increased risk of dementia in older women who have had a stroke or other signs of cerebrovascular disease. The research is published in the August 17, 2016, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.”
This article goes on to explain, that the study was small and does not state that there is a direct link between calcium supplements and dementia, however it does say there may be a link and that more research needs to be completed. For more information, see the article below.
https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/home/PressRelease/1487
Breathing Through Nose- Better for Memory
A study has recently shown that memory is improved when you breathe through your nose. Participants in a study were given new information to remember and it was found that when inhaling through the nose, the information was recalled at higher rate. See article below.
The Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
Posted by JG in Caregiving, Health, Joy in aging, Just For Fun, Research, Senior Older Adult and Elderly on September 20, 2016
This was a very interesting article related to volunteers over age 50. It was conducted in 2005 and 2006 and published in the journal of The Gerontologist. It showed that there were three important factors that were most beneficial to the volunteer, and produced the best outcomes:
- Receiving a choice of activities (or areas in which to volunteer) and flexibility to work within their own schedules
- Receiving an adequate training from the organization
- Receiving on-going support from the organization
When the seniors received all of these items, they were more satisfied and fulfilled in their position. When followed up a year later, these seniors reported they had “socioemotional” benefits which included: significant improvements in their mental health, a greater feeling of productivity, increased social activity, and an overall sense that their life had improved.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_seniors_get_from_giving_back
Bacteria Ultimately Wins?
Posted by JG in Health, Research, Technology on July 12, 2016
I read an interesting article about bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and how scientists are working to address this issue in order to help protect society. This can be worrisome, but some of the best advice I have read about this topic in previous articles, is to not take antibiotics unless they are absolutely required (ie, not for a virus), finish all of the antibiotics prescribed, and to remember that good old fashioned hand washing is our best protection against germs. For more, please read the article below.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-antibiotic-resistance-20160711-snap-story.html
Body Weight & Other Factors Linked to Cancer
Did you know that obesity is linked to an increased risk of cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, “the World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to body fatness, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could also be prevented.” This is very interesting and if you would like to learn more about this topic, check out this link:
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