Issue Date: February 15, 2009
Today's topic: Older and better
AARP's president distills the best and latest news to feel great and live longer.
By Jennie Chin Hansen
Guest editor Jennie Chin Hansen is president of AARP and a registered nurse who lives in San Francisco.
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Some years ago, I got the phone call we all hope will never come -- the one that brings us the dreaded news that something has happened to an elderly parent, and he will no longer be able to care for himself. My father had suffered his second stroke.
I was one of the fortunate few who was prepared for "the call." I was a practicing nurse at a San Francisco organization that provides medical and long-term care services to seniors. So, I was able to help my father get the care he needed at home.
For more expert advice from our Special Health Report series, check out our USA WEEKEND links at the bottom of this article.
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Most American families are not prepared to handle the considerable effort and expense of caring for, or providing care for, loved ones who no longer can care for themselves. There are many things we can do to prepare, but first among them is simply to delay "the call" as long as we can.
It is possible that our parents and we, their children, can live independently into our late 80s or even our 90s. But to remain healthy and independent for as long as we can, we must take control of our own health.
Today, we can do a lot to maintain good health -- and prevent chronic diseases from progressing to disability. The research and information we need to take control of our well-being are growing rapidly and becoming readily available. We need to use it all, make a few basic changes in our lifestyle -- and ask our family members and friends to join us.
The following are some highlights from articles and studies I've read this past year while at AARP -- information I believe can help you and your aging parents get control of your health and stay healthy and independent longer.
To live as long as possible, we must take control of our own health.
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Pills: Make a list, save a life
One of the best ways to help avoid adverse, expensive physical and financial health costs is to properly manage medications. The Institute of Medicine reports that about 1.5 million preventable drug errors and harmful interactions occur annually. Thousands of them are fatal. Having a coordinated plan will save you time and money -- and perhaps a life. Do what I do and keep a medication record, then talk about it regularly with your doctor or pharmacist. Consider them your "health team" and, remember, for teammates to work together effectively, they must communicate with one another!
Balance: Walk in an astronaut's shoes
The issue of falling and its consequences is one that I find most personal and dangerous, yet the least discussed. Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death by accidental injury for people 65 and older? Not to mention they're a major reason older Americans lose their ability to live independently.
I found a promising new technology inspired by astronauts that may help. A recent Associated Press story reports that scientists who worked to help returning astronauts regain their balance on Earth are developing a digital "iShoe" to give health providers crucial information about the wearer's balance. The shoe insert will cost about $100 and will measure pressure patterns of people who have balance problems, providing data to health professionals to help correct problems -- and stop falls before they happen.
Exercise: Get moving and stay young
Exercise for good health? Well, sure, no earth-shattering news there. But physical exercise as a way to slow the aging process? Now you've got my attention! "The Washington Post" reported on a 2008 study that found exercising "may actually protect the body against the aging process." The study was published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." So, for young and old alike: Start walking, swimming or whatever exercise you choose. Taking control of your health begins with getting moving.
Home care: Stay on top of high-tech gadgets
Speaking of technology that can help older loved ones, anyone living with chronic disease or who has a friend or relative battling it understands the importance and comfort of being at home. I've noticed that home health technologies are becoming a lot more advanced and patient-friendly.
In July 2008, for example, the Food and Drug Administration approved a care-management tool, the Intel Health Guide, that can monitor health indexes, such as blood pressure and glucose levels, from home and report the data to health professionals in a hospital or clinic. The individual's health team can then videoconference or e-mail adjustments and feedback, according to "The Wall Street Journal."
Bones: Get smart and stay strong
As an Asian woman, I've seen firsthand that osteoporosis is not simply a Caucasian woman's disease. Yet, the myth persists. In fact, 20% of Asian and Caucasian women 50 and older get osteoporosis. Another 52% have low bone mass, putting them at higher risk of developing the disease. About 10% of Hispanic women have osteoporosis and 49% have low bone mass; for African Americans, the disease rate drops to 5% and low bone mass to 35%, reports the "AARP Bulletin" and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Plus, there are 14 million men who either have or are at risk for osteoporosis.
These statistics are a wake-up call, especially to people who might have thought they were immune to this potentially disabling disease. Ask your doctor about a bone density scan, whatever your ethnic background.
Puzzles: Play to stay sharp
 We're learning that mental workouts can be as important as staying physically active. A recent University of Illinois study of people in their 60s and 70s indicates for the first time that after being trained for and playing video games, the brain not only remains more agile, but memory and reasoning ability improve. At AARP's terrific game website (aarp.org/health/healthyliving/brain_health/), you can have fun honing particular skills. Our most popular, "Split Words," sharpens language skills.
Advice: Get big help from little cards
Health literacy means having the ability to understand health information and knowing how to talk with our doctors. It's estimated that, once they leave the office, patients forget anywhere from 40% to 80% of the information their doctor gives them. In school, that could mean an F! So I was happy to read in "The Washington Times" about "Health Tips" cards, produced by the American College of Physicians Foundation. The easy-to-read index cards feature advice on specific medical conditions and suggested questions to ask the doctor about them. To get the free cards, ask your physician or go to foundation.acponline.org and click on "Health Literacy Solutions" and then "Health Tips."
Driving: Hit the road with laser vision
I'm a strong proponent of safe driving, and now General Motors is researching new technology to ensure older drivers can see more clearly. According to an ABC News report, a new windshield uses lasers, infrared sensors and a camera to help objects stand out that otherwise could go unnoticed. During foggy conditions, for example, a laser projects a blue line onto the windshield that follows the edge of the road. I look forward to this option becoming available just as we Boomers move into our older years.
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You'll find even more expert advice from USA WEEKEND's Special Health Report series in these special issues ....
 HEALTH RESOLUTIONS
HEALTH & KIDS
FOREVER YOUNG: A BOOMER'S GUIDE
WOMEN'S HEALTH
MEN'S HEALTH
HEALTHY FAMILIES
Want to know more about retirement planning? Click here.
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