More than 25 percent of Americans aged 65 or older have diabetes, and between 60 and 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a family of nerve disorders that can produce pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. The risk of neuropathy increases with age, with the highest rates of neuropathy among those who have had diabetes for 25 years or more.
More and more, seniors are turning to technology, from joining social media to reduce feelings of isolation to using their smart phone for event reminders and for navigating the Internet in search of information on any range of topics.
Here are seven popular apps for the tech-savvy senior in your life.
When the time comes that your aging loved one can no longer take care of herself in her own home, moving her into a facility will be one option. Whether she’s suffering from dementia or at a high risk of falling at home, moving her into a high quality assisted living facility will help keep her safe and ensure she has the help and support she needs to continue living as independently as possible.
Loneliness is a serious problem for some seniors, especially if they have mobility problems or health issues that make it hard to get out and about. Studies show that loneliness and feelings of isolation are linked to memory loss, stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure, among other problems. In fact, the AARP says that the health threat of loneliness and isolation is equivalent to smoking almost a pack of cigarettes a day.
The 65 and older set is the fastest growing demographic on social media, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project. In 2013, more than 50 percent of people in that age group were on social media, compared to just 16 percent in 2000. Here are the top four reasons why seniors love Facebook.
Depression is a serious mental illness that takes a big toll on your quality of life. Depression is common among elderly Americans, but it manifests differently than in young people. Knowing the signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly can help you determine whether your aging loved one is suffering from this highly treatable condition.
Mobility declines with increasing age, whether it’s related to vision, hearing, or physical movement. But seniors’ well being depends on staying active and engaged in their community. An article published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health stresses that participating in meaningful social, cultural, and physical activities is essential for a high quality of life and sense of wellbeing.
Yoga has become a mainstream practice. It incorporates deep breathing, gentle physical movement, and, often, spiritual lessons for a holistic approach to good health. For seniors who struggle with pain, mobility issues, and other physical problems or limitations, a daily yoga practice can produce marked benefits.
One in ten Americans over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to soar in the coming years as the younger Baby Boomers continue to age. Researchers are hard at work trying to solve the complex puzzles of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and while breakthroughs are becoming more frequent, these devastating diseases still have no cure.