Celebrate Older Adults – May is Older Americans Month

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Every May, we celebrate numerous events and occasions. These include Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, National Nurses Day, and more. All of these are important in their own way. The month of May also celebrates Older Adults. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed the month of May as Older Minnesotans Month. Minnesota will join others across the national aging network in raising awareness around Older Adults.

This year the theme is Flip the Script on Aging. The goal this year is twofold. First, simply to raise awareness. Raise awareness that the State of Minnesota is growing older. This is a good thing! We are living longer, healthier lives! We should embrace this and work to strengthen our communities to assist the aging population. Second, we are using this year to draw attention to ageism. According to a study by the World Health Organization, 1 in 2 people are ageist towards older adults. How can this be? We see this and experience this every day, many of us not recognizing what it is. Let’s go through some examples:

  • I am too old to play that game anymore.
  • Oh, I forgot that, must be having a senior moment.

Can you say that you have experienced those statements or similar statements? These are based on ageist thoughts. We need to change how we talk, how we address, and how we embrace the aging population. MNRAAA is excited to partner with the National Center to Reframe Aging and assist in promoting older adults this month, and each month of the year. I challenge you to identify ageist comments during your day-to-day activities. When you identify a comment or action, think about how to reframe that statement or action to positively showcase aging. We are all aging, let’s age successfully together in a positive environment!

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jason W. Swanson, HSE

Executive Director

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November is National Family Caregiver Month

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Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady recently passed away under the care of hospice. Wife to the 39th President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn used her role as the First Lady to raise awareness in several areas. These areas included, but were not limited to, mental health, women’s issues, and children’s wellbeing. She also focused on caregiving, which is what I will highlight here. A powerful quote from Rosalynn echoes in my mind, especially during the month of November; “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” She was ahead of her time on the caregiver front. We have seen the impact that a caregiver has on a care recipient. Unfortunately, we have also noticed the toll caring for a loved one can take on caregivers. In November, we highlighted caregivers as part of National Family Caregivers Month. President Joseph Biden has proclaimed November as National Family Caregiver Month. Governor Timothy Walz has proclaimed Family, Friends, and Neighbors Caregiving Month for November. Going back to Rosalynn’s quote, where do you fit in?

Many people do not identify themselves as a caregiver. When our team gives presentations, we sometimes ask those in attendance if they are or have been a caregiver. Usually, only a small number of people raise their hands, but that is incorrect. Everyone, at one point in their life, has been a caregiver. Have you ever helped someone (family, friend, stranger) by holding the door open for them, picking up groceries or prescriptions, or simply making a phone call? That is caregiving!

Now that we have identified you as a caregiver, how do you care for yourself? What is your self-care routine? Are you feeling burned out and needing help? That is where we can help. MNRAAA has been collaborating closely with providers to expand services to assist caregivers. Many of these services include support groups, training sessions, and respite (both in-home and out-of-home services). If you are a caregiver, thank you. If you know a caregiver, thank them. I want to know what we can do to support you in this endeavor.

For additional information or to find local support groups, contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or online at https://www.sllreferral.org/. If you are interested in starting or getting additional information about supporting caregivers, please reach out to MNRAAA at www.mnraaa.org.

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Reflecting on Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

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This month, MNRAAA has been highlighting and raising awareness around Alzheimer’s and Brain Health. To assist in this effort, we had two individuals studying this topic provide updates and resources. Robyn Birkeland provided a great summary of Alzheimer’s disease and how it impacts the brain. Katie Louwagie followed the week after with an article about brain health. This included physical and mental activities to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases.

Thank you to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health for participating in this endeavor. There is an ongoing association between the Area Agencies on Aging and the University of Minnesota to participate in events, fairs, and events to provide education, resources, and training. If you or your organization want someone to speak about Alzheimer’s or Brain Health, please get in touch with us at www.mnraaa.org.

As June (when we highlighted Alzheimer’s Disease) winds down, the disease will continue. Our awareness and our ability to learn and be proactive must continue. I encourage you to share the information in these articles with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who will listen!

For additional information from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, visit the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation’s (CHAI) website at https://www.sph.umn.edu/research/centers/chai/. You can find a wealth of information from education and research to community engagement. The Alzheimer’s Association also features information about the disease and supports for caregivers. You can also search to see if there is a local chapter near you. Finally, you can search for services at www.mnhelp.org.

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Brain Health Activities

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Brain health encompasses cognitive, emotional, tactile, and motor functioning. While age-related changes and other illnesses may impact brain health, there are things we can do to reduce this risk.1

  • Physical Activity: Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week.1 In addition to reducing the risk for cognitive decline,2 exercise can improve your mood and impact your risk for other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.1 Tips: You may consider starting with shorter exercise intervals (such as 10 minutes!) and increasing over time. You also may consider combining socialization with your physical activity, such as asking a friend to join you for a w3 In addition to formal exercise, you can strive for an active lifestyle by choosing to park a little further from a building entrance or taking the stairs instead of an elevator.3
  • Education: Seek activities that keep your mind engaged.2 Involvement in the arts, such as music, theater, or writing, appears promising for impacting cognitive health, in addition to supporting quality of life and well-being.4 Is there anything that you have always wanted to learn more about? You might consider signing up for a class at a local community center2 or library.
  • Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the associated risks of cognitive decline to that of non-smokers.2 To receive support, education, and referrals for smoking cessation, contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-786-8669).5
  • Protect your brain from injury: Ensuring safety through the use of seatbelts, helmets, and fall prevention can reduce the risk for brain injuries that impact cognitive functioning.2 Falls are the number one cause of injury to older adults in the U.S. You may reduce your risk for falls by managing medication side effects (like dizziness), maintaining strength and balance, wearing proper footwear, keeping up to date on eye exams, and ensuring home safety (removing throw rugs, installing grab bars, etc.).6
  • Healthy eating: A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of physical as well as cognitive decline.1,2 In general, it is helpful to be mindful of portion size, get enough fluids, and reduce consumption of fat, sugar, and salt.1
  • Sleep hygiene: Lack of sleep can impact memory and cognition.2 Maintaining a consistent bed- and wake-time, as well as being mindful of the use of screens (computers or television), alcohol, and caffeine around bedtime can help to promote sleep hygiene.7
  • Manage stress: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions may influence cognitive functioning.2 Exercise, journaling, and relaxation techniques may help to combat stress.1 Seeking a therapist may offer additional support.
  • Socialization: Loneliness can increase the risk of cognitive impairment.1 Getting out with friends or family (meeting for coffee, visiting the local senior center, volunteering, etc.) can give you the opportunity to connect with others!

 

References

  1. Cognitive health and older adults. National Institute on Aging. October 1, 2020. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults.
  2. 10 ways to love your brain. Alzheimer’s Association. 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain.
  3. Staying motivated to exercise: Tips for older adults. National Institute on Aging. April 3, 2020. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/staying-motivated-exercise-tips-older-adults.
  4. Participating in the arts creates paths to healthy aging. National Institute on Aging. February 15, 2019. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/participating-arts-creates-paths-healthy-aging.
  5. Quit smoking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 6, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm.
  6. Take a stand on falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 22, 2017. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-adult-falls/index.html.
  7. Tips for better sleep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 13, 2022. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html.
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