It’s important to understand what is and isn’t a normal part of aging. Many people make assumptions about what it’s like to grow “old” and how older age will affect them. Research has shown that you can help preserve your health and mobility as you age by adopting or continuing healthy habits and lifestyle choices. A few common myths about aging are:

• The older I get, the less sleep I need. Older adults need the same amount of sleep as all adults — seven to nine hours each night.
• Only women need to worry about osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis is more common in women, this disease still affects many men and could be underdiagnosed.
• It’s inevitable that older people will get dementia. Dementia isn’t a normal part of aging. Although the risk of dementia grows as people get older, it’s not inevitable, and many people live into their 90s and beyond without the significant declines in thinking and behavior that characterize dementia.

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc. Presents - Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Free 6-week Class Series
 
This FREE class series meets once a week for 6 weeks. Lean ways to cope with the challenges and meet the needs of family caregiving. Class size is limited, and registration is required. This course will be held virtually via ZOOM at a computer near you!
 
1st class starts September 13, 2022, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM PST and runs for 6 weeks.
 
Register now - Kathy @ 541-963-3186 or kathyg@ccno.org

Meals can be a challenging time for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. However, there are steps caregivers can take to help make mealtimes successful. Consider these tips:

• Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and way whenever possible.
• Offer just one food at a time instead of filling the plate or table with too many options.
• Be patient and give the person enough time to finish the meal.

Check out NIA’s infographic to find more tips to make mealtimes easier for a person with Alzheimer’s.

Depression is a common ailment among adults in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimates about eight percent of adults in the country suffered from depression in 2020. Family caregivers are no exception, and may be at increased risk due to the stresses and difficulties of caregiving. Unfortunately, many caregivers experiencing depression either may not recognize the signs of depression, be ashamed to admit their “weakness,” or feel they are too busy with work and caregiving responsibilities to seek help.

For caregivers who feel they may be or are suffering from depression, exercise, a healthy diet, the support of family and friends, and consultation with a trained mental health professional may help prevent depression from getting worse over time. Click 'More Information' below for an overview of the risk factors, signs, and treatment options for depression.

by Calvin Hu, Education Coordinator, Family Caregiver Alliance

A four-part series, each video covers a specific disease providing need-to-know information including guidance for every stage of each disease, what to expect, financial concerns, and how to prepare for your caregiving role. Every video is also accompanied by fact sheets and essential resources guides.

Although more than 1 million women in the United States experience menopause each year, little is known about its impact on health. National Institute on Aging (NIA) -funded researchers are working to better understand menopause and how women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds can benefit from that scientific knowledge to live healthier lives — before, during, and after their reproductive years.

This article explores some of the topics scientists are studying, including midlife-related changes and menopause, potential treatments for symptoms, and the connection between menopause and the brain.

Oregon Care Partners' featured webinar this week is "How Communication Influences Care in the Non-Dementia Adult Population" starting Tuesday, July 19 at 5:30 pm. Join this webinar to learn how your personal communication style impacts interactions and outcomes with the person in your care and gain strategies to create more positive results.

The mistreatment of older adults can be by family members, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life. Learn how to recognize some of the signs of elder abuse so you can step in and help. For example, you may notice that the older adult:

• Seems depressed, confused, or withdrawn
• Appears dirty, underfed, or dehydrated
• Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
• Has unpaid bills or recent changes in banking or spending patterns 

There are several more signs of elder abuse. View the full list and find out how you can help if you see signs of abuse.

Older adults may be more likely to have heat-related health problems. Being hot for too long can cause hyperthermia — a heat-related illness. It is even riskier for older adults, who may be more likely to experience heat-related health problems compared to other adults. Learn how you can stay safe during hot weather with NIA’s latest infographic.