Empowering Our Elderly Through Intentional Life Coaching Is Beneficial

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Life Coaching Empowers Seniors through planning and coordination of services for the older adult population. Some of the different Life Coach roles, that could be implemented in this process, as tools are:

·      Enablers–Building relationships with the individuals who request personal assessments and guidance with their unique situations. To conduct an initial assessment of needs and strengths, and tailor and implement an intervention plan specific to client. To provide a detailed, easy -to-follow plan for each individual.

·      Advocates & Activists — Older adults often find themselves in situations the leave them physically worn out. Their medical condition may leave them unable to fight for themselves. It is essential for us to be the ones to plead their cause, argue for, defend, maintain, or recommend a cause or proposal.

·      Mediators & Negotiators– Sometimes, the situations we deal with later in life can cause tension between families or friends. We can help end disputes and provide guidance so that all parties have an option to reconcile their differences, find compromise, and reach mutually satisfactory agreements.

 Life Coach tools can assist older adults by empowering them to help themselves improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Life Coaching can provide Emotional Support in the following ways:  Helping Individuals…

·       Manage loss

·       Create Opportunities for Mastery and Control

·       Maintain Personal Identity

·       Reduce Social Isolation

Sources:

http://eslifecoach.com/

The secret of longevity is "Japanese food"

The average life expectancy of the Japanese continues to grow, and it is known as the world's leading longevity country. Also, it is recognized that Japanese people not only have a long life but also have a long healthy lifespan indicating the period during which they can live independently. The reason why Japanese are healthy and longevity is believed to be due to a distinctive diet different from Westerners.

Japanese staple food is Japanese food called "washoku". Washoku was registered in December 2013 as Japanese Japanese food "UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage". Washoku has rice as its main staple, traditional food ingredients such as fish, vegetables, soybeans, seasonings such as miso and soy sauce are traditionally used. Also, in recent years, meat, milk, oils and fats have also joined, it is thought that many dietary ingredients are used and many ingredients effective for maintaining health are included.

Why is "washoku" healthy? First of all, lipids and calories are low. Japanese food uses low-energy ingredients such as rice, cereals, vegetables, and fish and shellfish. In addition, there are a lot of recipes that use less oil, such as raw meals, boiled, baked, and so on. Second, fermented foods are often used. Japanese food can take fermented seasonings such as soy sauce and miso and fermented foods frequently.

Food is very important for health. We are made of what we ate. So, it is important to consciously eat what you eat and review your eating habits.

Sources:
Kashmira Gander, "Why Japanese people live longer" The Independent, March 28, 2016<https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/high-life-expectancy-in-japan-partly-down-to-diet-carbohydrates-vegetables-fruit-fish-meat-a6956011.html>

"The Japanese Secret to Longevity Through Food" All About Japan<https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/4040/>

The Complexities of Aging in Place in Gentrifying Neighborhoods

In 2017, The Gerontological Society of America released a study [R. J. Smith, A. J. Lehning, K. Kim, pp. 26-35] using data from 1970 – 2010, and across 6,810 metropolitan respondents; researching the Physical and mental health of seniors in gentrifying neighborhoods. The results point to a higher quality of health care for the financially secure as opposed to the economically vulnerable. The economically secure older adults showed higher anxiety and more depression when exposed to gentrification as opposed to counterparts in both low-income and affluent neighborhoods. The economically vulnerable only showed signs of increased depression and\or anxiety when compared to their counterparts in higher-income neighborhoods.
We have created a website ( https://nwvillagesupport.weebly.com/ ), to augment a video which we have created to support the cause of Villages NW. Our mission is to To help Villages NW better serve and impact the elderly community in the Pacific NW. To that end we have assembled information and resources to aid caregivers and recipients alike.
https://nwvillagesupport.weebly.com/ http://villagesnw.org/



Sources:
Richard J Smith, Amanda J Lehning, Kyeongmo Kim; Aging in Place in Gentrifying Neighborhoods: Implications for Physical and Mental Health, The Gerontologist, Volume 58, Issue 1, 18 January 2018, Pages 26–35, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx105

~S.Rice 

Time Marches on for Oregon Population

We live in a very interesting time. At least in the U.S. state of Oregon the population of older residents has been on the rise for years. According to Elliot Njus of The Oregonian, the median age for the state is currently 39.3 years while the rest of the U.S. sits more so around 38 years. And looking at statistics, this increase does not seem to be changing anytime soon. Statistics also shown in Njus' article show us that every county in Oregon has had an increase in residents who are 65 years and older. On one end, some counties like Malheur County have only had a 6 percent increase since the year 2010. However, some counties have had a much larger increase like Deschutes County which has had a whopping 53 percent increase since 2010 and the statewide increase is 32 percent. All of this has happened in only 8 years.

Now, there is nothing inherently wrong about having a population that is continuously aging. Older residents are as much a part of the community as anybody else. Although, as residents continue to age we may face a few issues. While many people over 65 can certainly be independent to an extent, what about those of us who are not as lucky? An increase in older residents means a need for an increase in various resources, with housing being near the top. Some people can be more independent and get help from organizations like Villages Northwest, but others might benefit more from joining a retirement community. These communities do not have unlimited space, so what happens to those us who want to join, but cannot? Where do those down on their luck stay and how do they get the care they need? With the 65 and older population still on the rise, these concerns may need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Though as long as people are willing to help, then perhaps our concerns can at least somewhat be quelled. We need those kinds of people who are actively looking for a solution and it would certainly seem that some are answering the call to action. One example that has been mentioned on this blog before is the organization Villages Northwest, who help bring resources to aging residents so that they might live in their own homes longer. Ideas that are outside of the box like this are what we need to continue thriving as we have been. There is no need to build room after room in retirement communities. Other answers exist out there somewhere, we just have to find them. So the question we are left with is what else can we do?


Source Used:
Njus, Elliot. “Senior Population Boom Hits Every Corner of Oregon: See Which Counties Are Aging Fastest.” The Oregonian, 21 June 2018, https://www.oregonlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/06/a13f685ef71978/oregons_aging_counties.html.

How to Recognize Early Dementia Symptoms

How to Recognize Early Dementia Symptoms

The Alzheimer’s Association describes 10 early signs and symptoms of dementia  that can assist Alzheimer’s experts and other medical doctors find dementia earlier:

1. Challenges in planning or problem-solving.
2. Changes in mood and personality.
3. Confusion with place or time.
4. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
5. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
6. Misplacing objects.
7. New problems with communication.
8. Poor judgment.
9. Trouble understanding spatial relationships and visual images.
10. Withdrawal from social activities.

Discovering Alzheimer's and related forms of dementia early may allow someone undergoing the symptoms access to new drug trials, giving them a broader treatment plan with more choice options. As well, an early diagnosis can help you and your family plan ahead financially and legally for your future. It's very common for older adults to develop continuing fears, troubles, and complaints that often strike their family as unreasonable, paranoid, foolish, or ridiculous. 

https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-4-things-when-aging-parent-irrational/

http://villagesnw.org/

Bringing Nature to Home with Bonsai Trees, a Great Hobby for All Ages!

Science has told us time and time again that being in nature has a positive impact on our mental health and our overall sense of well being. Studies have also shown that by having and caring for a small piece of nature at home, can improve our well being through this calming activity. Growing and maintaining a bonsai tree has shown to do just that. Fairly inexpensive to start, with many options in trees to suit one's creative tastes, there is surely a type of tree for everyone. By maintaining your tree, you are able to shape it in any way you please, allowing you to make your own living work of art. Not only does this activity improve our emotional state, it's great for all ages, from young children, to the elderly. For many, it can be a soothing and creative hobby.

Starter kits like the one above are quite common and easy to find online or at your local gardening store.

Here are some examples of trees that have had more time to grow. 

No matter where you start, or your age, perhaps a bonsai tree is right for you. 

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323286917_Influence_of_bonsai_on_health_and_well-being_as_untapped_resource

How Living in a Village, Improves the Lives of Elderly Residents

The benefits of living a village as a senior has been one of the major focuses of our Ecolife blog. But just how can living in a village improve the lives of the elderly? For starters, villages provides the means to enhance social engagement, independence, numerous social activities, volunteering opportunities, and direct care. Studies have even shown the positive impact seniors experience when living in villages. These seniors also showed lower levels of feeling socially isolated, a heightened sense of well-being, and an increased confidence in aging in place. Seniors who feel involved in their local community are often to be seen with greater levels of happiness.


With the numerous benefits villages can provide for you or a loved one, perhaps it is time to consider becoming a part of these villages!







Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24799128

Cost Benefits of Villages

Retirement can be expensive, and your location makes all the difference. For instance, in 2009 the average monthly cost for nursing home care was more than $5,000 dollars. Similarly, the cost for a home health aid for a single person in 2008 was $19 an hour, and assisted living facilities averaged at just over $3000 per month. In Oregon specifically, assisted living communities cost an average of $3,880 per month, and nursing home care can be much more expensive.

Villages offer a more cost-effective retirement option for aging populations. Membership in a Village that can provide a multitude of services to ensure an elderly person’s happy and healthy life is offered at a fraction of these prices. One Village here in Portland, Eastside Village PDX, offers memberships on a yearly basis ranging from $540 for a single person to $780 for a couple.

The cost of Villages in comparison to other aging options, combined with the services they offer and the ability for the aging person to remain in their own home, makes Villages the aging solution of the future.

For more information, visit:

http://www.eastsidevillage.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=866745&module_id=225018

http://villagesnw.org/villages-a-cost-effective-solution/

How Ageism Affects the Elderly

Discrimination based on age is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Many people in society have their own prejudices about older people. Examples of these prejudices include having poor memory, not being physically capable, and being bad with technology. Being old does not automatically mean that someone is going to have poor memory, or that they’re going to be physically incapable, yet people still jump to these conclusions. This is bad in two ways: (1) Ageism perpetuates stereotypes about older people that are not true, and (2) ageism negatively affects older people’s mental and physical health by causing things like raised stress levels and a decreased will to live. So how do we stop age discrimination?

Two topics that have already been covered on this blog are Intergenerational Housing and Intergenerational Socialization. Having younger people live and socialize with older adults helps older adults have a happier and healthier life, while also breaking down negative stereotypes that are associated with older people. Villages help older people stay connected with people of all ages in their communities.

For more information on Ageism:

https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2016/06/how-ageism-can-negatively-affect-the-health-of-older-adults/

https://www.sageminder.com/SeniorHealth/Issues/AgeDiscrimination.aspx

About Villages Northwest

Mission Statement of Villages Northwest:

"To enable more Pacific NW residents to successfully age in place by

developing and nurturing a network of sustainable, community-based 

villages throughout the region"

As we age over time, some us may find that we are not able to be as independent as we had once been. In the past, a situation like this may have been difficult to deal with and potentially costly. It is a dilemma that many families have likely gone through. One method that has been something of a standard for years which is to simply move into a retirement community when we find that we can no longer fully take care of ourselves. While this option may be valid for some, there may be others who want another option. It is a very natural thing to be concerned about. Fortunately, there is a solution.

Villages Northwest is an organization that provides an alternative for those who want to, as the organization puts it, "age in place" in the comfort of their own homes. They are a collection of different villages in the Pacific NW region of the United States. It was originally a website started by Anne Andler in 2011 which was primarily used used to raise awareness and bring people together in order to make a change. Over the years the organization has blossomed into multiple villages across the Pacific NW. And do not be fooled by their use of the word "village," it should not be confused with a retirement community. "Village" in this case acts as a metaphor and this is described quite nicely on the organization's website: "A "village" is a group of like-minded people in a geographic area who come together to figure out and develop the resources they will need to age comfortably in their own homes."

If we are not elderly now, one day we will be. Instead of going to a retirement community in order to get the resources you need, Villages Northwest will bring those resources and needs to you so that you, and many others, might stay in your own homes longer. These resources are provided by the organization itself and volunteers. What these resources are can be rather varied. These can be access to social or recreational services such as book groups, walks, biking, etc. Volunteers may also help with more serious needs as well like providing transportation to a medical appointment, minor home maintenance/repair, and much more. Even if you are not able to help as a volunteer, Villages Northwest also accepts donations which can easily be given through their website. Truly these metaphorical villages are helping those who want to simply age in place and are on the rise. According to Villages Northwest's website, there are currently 110 villages in the United States and there are 120 currently in development. It seems like there is nowhere to go but up.

 Learn more here:

Villages Northwest website

Villages Northwest Facebook page 

Keeping Seniors Feeling Young

The benefits of remaining active are no secret, but how do we make it easier for ourselves and older adults? By finding, or even creating social events such as yoga or meditation classes, aquatic therapy, and even activities to keep our brains active like tabletop games or brain teasers we can make the first steps in the right direction. Part of making this possible is even before getting out of the house or your living space you think of activities that would interest you. Once you have an idea of what you might be interested in you can search for them online or go to your local library, or rec center to check out what is up on the community board. To help you stay active with your selected activity or activities you should try to make routines for healthy eating, how to spend your time and keep a positive mindset. None of these are requirements in trying to get out and be active, but they can encourage you to keep going at it. Some of these could just be goals you set to help guide you towards healthier habits rather than dictate how you go about your day.

Sources: https://www.northeastadc.com/blog/42-how-to-keep-seniors-young-at-heart

Activities for elderly who decide to age at home

  

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength."

 

-Betty Friedan

    Senior life is a time to catch up on activities you've always wanted to do but didn't have time for. There are many fun activities elderly people can take part in to keep their minds sharp, bodies strong and spirits high. Whether it's spending time outdoors, playing games with family and friends, or spending time working on a favorite hobby, all those activities can benefit the overall well-being of seniors.    Many studies show that no matter if you are a child, an adult, a teenager or a senior, you need to have learning experiences in your lives. Learning something new or advancing something you've already known, will keep your brain active and engaged. To ensure that the brain works as best as it can, the mind needs to be challenged every day. There are many activities that the elderly can do. They can pick and decide which activity is the most exciting for them so they can focus on it. Many others would prefer picking couple activities at a time and having fun at both of them.  

   Among some of the most popular activities are dance classes, yoga, art and music lessons, interactive game clubs, craft, poetry clubs, and etc. Seniors can go out for those activities, but can also arrange them at their homes, if they don't want to go outside as much. Doing various activities at home and inviting people to your place is great, but also finding a good time to go out to a concert, a workshop, a masterclass, outside of home activity is necessary. Going out will help the elderly to still leave an active life rather than just staying at home.

Read more:

https://supercarers.com/blog/games-for-elderly/

https://www.sageminder.com/Caregiving/CaregivingBasics/ActivitiesforSeniors.aspx

https://www.cmsschicago.org/news-blog/fun-and-therapeutic-arts-and-crafts-projects-for-older-adults/

Intergenerational Socialization

Research has shown that older adults experience a drop in life satisfaction when they are only socializing with others their age. Younger generations also see older generations through more negative stereotypes when they don't interact with their elders. Bringing these generations together helps to break down the stereotypes that both seniors and youth have and helps older adults to not feel as stereotyped as "old."

Ways for older adults to get involved with their local youth varies:
Retirement homes and assisted living centers often have programs that non-residents can also take part in, libraries and some coffee shops offer story hour for younger children that may need volunteer readers, you can also head to a public school and inquire about volunteer opportunities, for more ways to get involved see the source site below!

Sources: https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/intergenerational-programs-keeping-seniors-young-making-youth-wiser/

Feedback from Experts and the Elderly: Why Villages are Good

According to an AARP study, 86 percent of senior citizens wish to stay in their homes as long as possible, but are concerned about the burden this could have on the family members responsible for their care.

Many elderly citizens cite aspects such as the work they put into their home and the value they place on their independence as reasons for their hope to stay in their own home as they age. Additionally, Gail Kohn, Director of a Village in Washington, D.C., says that many elderly citizens are driven away from more traditional solutions such as retirement homes due to their wish to “avoid ‘old age ghettos.’”

Given this mentality, it’s no wonder that the Village movement is quickly growing.

Below are quotes taken from those involved in Villages, either through work or because they are a part of one, that illustrate how many feel that Villages are the better solution for our aging population:

“She doesn’t see us as elderly clients who need her help,” says Warner Saunders, 76, about the Executive Director of his Village. “I see Dianne as a friend.”

- AARP, 2011

“I’d call the village the best bargain in town.”
- AARP, 2011 (Warner Saunders, 76)

Roberta Rothman, 76, told Senior Planet in 2017 that Villages are “a little bit like an insurance policy. When and if you’ll need these things, there’s going to be someone there. If I have to stop driving, which would be a very difficult change, I know I could get people to take me to doctors and remain social. As long as one keeps one’s health within reason, I certainly see this as a solution to a lot of needs.”

“Think of a village as a kind of ‘artisanal retirement,’ a modern reinterpretation of an older, more enlightened way of life. And just as there's nothing quite like homegrown tomatoes, there's no replacement for the direct connection with people who live near you."

Jay Walljasper, author of “All That We Share: A Field Guide to the Commons, a book about how cooperative movements foster a more livable society.” (AARP 2011)

“The thing I most cherish here is that it’s we, the older people, who are creating our own universe.”
- Susan McWhinney-Morse,72, to NY Times, 2009

For more information, visit:

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2011/01/28/senior-villages-take-root-as-movement-matures

https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-04-2011/villages-real-social-network.html

https://seniorplanet.org/the-village-model-a-neighborly-way-to-age-in-place/

The Benefits to Listening to Music Daily

Listening to music can bring one to a different state of mind. A study then found a positive correlation between the daily use of music and the levels of well-being in a community of the elderly living in Sweden.

 Music was shown to frequently be a source of positive emotions for older adults. They may listen for the sake of nostalgia, pleasure, but it can also help with issues of identity, belonging, and agency. Aside from receiving positive emotions from music, it can also help to process negative emotions in a healthy manner, contributing to a higher state of well-being.

While health and personality are higher contributors to overall well-being, music listening still posed a significant association with well-being. No matter your age, perhaps we can all benefit from listening to some tunes! 

If you are interested in reading more on this topic, click on the source link below!

 Source

Aging at Home vs. Aging at an "Old Age Home"

   Aging at home vs. aging at an "old age home" is a decision an elderly or a family needs to make. Various people will have different opinions on this topic. Before talking about advantages and disadvantages, we need to always remember that either of the options should make a senior happy.

   Many people think that family is the best place for an elderly at their post-retirement life. If there is a possibility for a senior to live with his children and grandchildren then in many cases that is the best case scenario for them. Isn't a place where you are surrounded by your loved ones the best place ever to live, I am sure that most of the people will answer that it definitely is. Hearing school stories of grandchildren, talking with your loved ones and neighbors, helping your kids with daily routine and just being active and proactive is what helps seniors to continue living life when they are on a retirement. People need a flow of life to be going on. 
   
   Many seniors prefer aging at their own homes. Most prefer that so they can live by their own rules, leaving close to their families, where their family can come, visit and help with stuff around the house. Many seniors think they’ll be just fine without any help, but the government estimates that 70% of people who reach age 65 will eventually need long-term care. If a family isn't always available to provide the needed care for the elderly than there are lots of in-home care companies that are available. So why moving to an "old age home" is a choice for many people?

   In our modern and fast moving world, there are families that spend most of their time at work, which means that even if an elderly lived with a family, he would constantly be at home alone. There are lots of in-home care companies available, but most of them are expensive ones that are not covered by Medicare. The costs and burden on family often leaves seniors with no choice but to move to a care facility. Some seniors may say that living in an "old age home" is the best place for them, because they are constantly surrounded by people. They always have classes and activities going on and people to chat with. Another group of seniors will say the opposite and will suffer from various psychosocial and environmental problems including a feeling of neglect, loss of importance in the family, loneliness, and feeling of unwontedness in a family as well as society. As you see there are always two sides of a coin, but I am convinced that majority of people would prefer living in a home that they used to live or with a family that loves and cherishes them. 

"I've lived here 40 years. No other place will seem like home."

Read more here:

https://www.aging.com/assisted-living-homes-vs-home-care-how-to-decide/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-old-home

https://www.skylineseattle.org/resources/blog/aging-in-place-vs-retirement-homes-which-is-better/