It’s December. It’s cold out there.
1. Falls are more common in winter due to slippery surfaces like ice and snow, which increase the risk of slips and trips. Cold temperatures can also make muscles tense and less flexible, further reducing balance and increasing the likelihood of a fall. And even the ground, softish during most of the year, can become rock hard in the winter.
And forget what Martha Stewart might have said “Always leave a 1″ covering of snow to keep things looking nice and white”. While salt is more commonly sold, coarse sand provides immediate traction.
But even when there’s no snow or ice, it’s still cold outside. It’s only natural to, even with gloves on, to want to put your hands in your coat pockets. But that dramatically increases your fall risk. If you start to lose your balance, you need those flailing arms to help you regain balance. Try (in a safe place) standing on one foot. Your arms moving freely, help. But when you put your hands in your pockets….you’ll quickly see how important your arms and hands are for balance.
Throw rugs
2. Throw rugs have long been at the top of the list of fall hazards. I’m not entirely sure what exactly makes a small rug a “throw rug”. One definition I read is that throw rugs tend to be more for decorative purposes. I think of throw rugs more as small rugs that can be rolled up. But whatever you call them, the big problem is that any rug that bunches up is a fall hazard. A safer rug is stiffer with a lower pile. I like to use small rugs in the kitchen in front of the sink, stove and food prep area. Less for decorative purposes but more as an anti-fatigue mat. They really can reduce fatigue when standing for extended periods.
It’s also important to have an absorbent mat inside exterior doors to wipe your wet feet before stepping on slippery non-textured floors. If you want to ensure your small rugs stay in place, you can also use 2-sided tape.
You don’t have to spend thousands to ensure safer and more convenient aging-in-place living
3. As previously mentioned, removing, replacing, or securing-to-the-floor small rugs is something most anyone can do. Another example I did in my home was to paint the edges of wooden stairs going to the basement, a brighter color that makes them easier to see. Keeping pathways clear. Installing battery-operated motion detector lights. Brighter lights most everywhere a person walks are helpful. Maybe a seat in the shower. Not expensive and easy to install. If you must reach a high shelf, use a sturdy 2-step stool with a handle and wide steps. These are just a few examples of what most anyone can do for themselves.
How Earbuds are Becoming a Lower-Cost Hearing Aid Option
4. I can relate to hearing loss. I have used a Williams Pocketalker which is a small microphone and a small pair of earphones. It works pretty well and only costs $200. But much more noticeable than conventional hearing aids.
Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or the exams for fitting them. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer extra benefits that cover hearing aids, so check the specifics of any plan you are considering. You still have until Dec. 7. Traditional hearing aids can run into thousands of dollars.
But there’s a trend developing. Apple’s FDA-cleared Hearing Aid Feature is the most visible example of this new era. AirPods, which once existed to pump playlists and take phone calls, can now run software that meets regulatory standards for over-the-counter hearing aids.
What makes this shift fascinating is how “unmedical” the hardware looks. Instead of beige plastic and tiny batteries, we are talking about glossy earbuds you see on every subway commute. To learn more on this transformation of the hearing aid industry go here.
Those over 65 or disabled may be eligible for property tax deferment
5. In my county of Culpeper, (and many other VA counties) property taxes are due on Dec. 5. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not offer property tax relief programs. However, most Virginia cities, counties, and towns offer some form of personal property tax relief to homeowners age 65 and older, and to homeowners with disabilities. This relief may be in the form of a tax exemption, tax deferral, or both. At the discretion of each city or county, elderly homeowners may be eligible for property tax exemptions.
Local jurisdictions may allow those over 65 or totally disabled who have property tax liability after the Real Estate Tax Relief to postpone all or a portion of the remaining taxes owed. The accumulated amount of deferred taxes shall be paid without penalty or interest within one year when the qualifying owner dies or immediately upon the sale of the property.
To read more about your jurisdiction, check here.
What to Know About Multigenerational Living in Canada
6. As housing costs and caregiving needs continue to increase across Canada, more families are beginning to choose to live in homes where seniors, parents, and children share living space. Known as intergenerational living, this trend brings benefits such as cost savings and emotional support. However, there are some precautions that should be taken when exploring this living model. Careful planning is important to ensure the safety, comfort, and harmony for all.
When multiple generations share a home, it’s important to be mindful of the needs and responsibilities of the different generations living in the shared space. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Space And Layout: Ensure that the home can accommodate different mobility and privacy needs of those living together. This can be as simple as making sure everyone has their own separate sleeping areas, to more specific details, such as installing walk-in bathtubs and other safety measures.
Roles And Responsibilities: The roles that each person fulfills within the multigenerational household should be clear, and be distributed in a way that is within the capabilities of each given generation.
Communication And Boundaries: Regular communication about expectations, privacy, and lifestyle habits is important to ensure harmony between those staying in the shared living space.
Financial Planning: Cost sharing, financial responsibilities, and modifications to the shared household are important considerations to ensure the cost savings benefits of the multigenerational living model are fully realized.
Read more here.
The rise of solo aging: How Americans are preparing to grow older alone
7. Solo agers are individuals who, as they grow older, navigate life and retirement without the traditional support network of close family members or partners. Across America, more adults are entering retirement on their own. They’re called solo agers – people growing older without the traditional safety net of a spouse, partner, or nearby family. For some, it’s a lifelong path. For others, it’s the result of life changes such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, or adult children moving away.
Key findings include:
Support Networks: 35% of the Solo Agers surveyed report often feeling a lack of companionship, and only 26% are very confident that their current support network (including friends, family, and neighbors) will be able to provide them with support as they age.
Concerns About Physical and Cognitive Changes: 57% of the Solo Agers surveyed are somewhat concerned and 21% are very concerned about potential changes to their physical and cognitive abilities.
Assistance: Overwhelming majorities of the surveyed Solo Agers, whose average age was 67 years, reported needing the least assistance with cooking, shopping, managing medical care, and finances. The tasks they are most likely to rely on others for are lawn and yard care and automotive maintenance.
Embracing Technology: More Solo Agers are embracing technology in their daily lives, including sending and receiving text messages (90%), using social media (76%), and using banking and financial apps to manage their finances (73%). Beyond everyday tasks, technology has a very important role in helping them research topics of interest (64%), stay up to date on current events (63%), and communicate with others (63%).
Read full article from TheStreet.com here.
How to help seniors find a sense of purpose
8. Having a clear sense of purpose offers measurable health benefits that go far beyond emotional well-being.
Improved Brain Function: Purposeful living has been linked to better cognitive health. Adults with higher life purpose scores may have less brain tissue damage, which can lower the risk of dementia and maintain fine motor skills.
Reduced Stress: Seniors who feel engaged and confident in their routines tend to experience less stress and anxiety. That lower stress level, in turn, can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Better Sleep Quality: Having meaningful goals helps regulate mood and promotes restful sleep. Seniors with a sense of purpose report fewer restless nights and greater overall energy.
Increased Physical Activity: Purpose encourages movement, promoting physical health. Seniors who volunteer, walk with friends, or care for a pet often get more daily exercise, an important factor in maintaining independence.
These benefits show that purpose isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for healthy aging.
Full article here.