After handing in their car keys, many seniors choose to take public transportation to get them to their appointments, to visit family and friends, and to run their errands, because the costs are lower and there might be fewer safety risks. However, even seniors on public transportation need to exercise caution to avoid accident or injury with these 10 safe travel tips for public transportation:

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles
2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus
3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance
4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle
5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed
6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing
7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you
8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings
9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it
10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

Prostate Cancer is a difficult disease to identify based on symptoms alone, since some problems can correctly or incorrectly be attributed to the process of aging, and others can be linked to other diseases and illnesses. However, when these symptoms arise, seniors should regardless talk to their doctor in order to ascertain the cause and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

1. Frequent urination – prostate cancer can be signified by a frequent need to urinate, especially at night
2. Difficulty urinating – despite the feeling of needing to urinate often, seniors might have problems starting to urinate, or even sometimes with holding back urine
3. Weak urination – when urinating, seniors may find that the flow of urine is interrupted or weak
4. Burning urination – when urinating, seniors may feel a burning sensation
5. Sexual dysfunction – seniors with prostate cancer may find it difficult to attain or maintain an erection, and may find that ejaculation can be extremely painful
6. Blood – blood might appear in urine or semen
7. Stiffness in body – seniors may feel pain or stiffness in their lower back, hips of upper thighs

Via: Prostate Cancer Foundation

If you’re a woman planning on traveling alone overseas this summer or fall, look out for your safety first by preparing and planning so that you don’t become a target of crime and theft when you travel far from your Denver home:

1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines

2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel

3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems

4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport

5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing

6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation

7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws

8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable

9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target

10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up

11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet

12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target

Via: About.com

Image Source: jupiterimages.com

Knowing where to go when you need help or access to resources is the first step to proactive caregiving. To ensure that you can give your elderly loved one the best, no matter what the situation, and what help is needed, here are 3 resources that will make sure that your senior always comes first in Denver:

1. Find out what local eldercare services are available in your area – contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 so you know what’s available near your loved one’s Denver home and how you can get in touch to arrange services.
2. Know which services your senior qualifies for – NCOA has developed an online questionnaire which allows caregivers and seniors to take a survey that helps them determine which services and benefits that they may qualify for. Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn about eligible benefit programs for prescriptions, utilities and health care.
3. Understand seniors rights and know how to get assistance – whether you are helping a parent or senior loved one prepare a will, dealing with a situation where a senior has been abused or neglected, or simply want a professional to help explain the legal rights of seniors, knowing where and how to get legal assistance is crucial. Many organizations provide pro bono legal representation for seniors. Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging or use the Eldercare Locator to find other resources.

Via: The University of Vermont

Image: pro.corbis.com

Despite the fact that it’s a known distraction behind the wheel, many seniors are still choosing to talk on their cell phones while driving, and they are actually the smallest demographic that will with only 52% claiming they would chat and drive. To make sure that seniors have a safe experience behind the wheel, here are 4 ways to drive safe with cell phones:

1. Only use cell phone with hands free options – headsets, speaker phones and other gadgets can allow Denver seniors to talk in the car without having to risk their safety by driving one handed
2. Don’t dial while driving – trying to dial, text, or send an email while driving using a cell phone can result in serious distraction behind the wheel. Seniors should set up voice dialing if they plan on making calls anyways while driving, or only make calls when the car is stopped
3. Have a friend make the call – when driving with a friend, a senior driver can pass the phone off to someone else to make a phone call or answer a ringing cell phone if it’s urgent
4. Turn off the phone – having a phone on and ringing can make it tempting to answer when it rings in the car. By shutting it off, seniors can stop themselves from making and receiving calls; however, the phone is still present for emergencies

Via: About

We might not anticipate that a natural disaster or another emergency is going to take place where we live – it’s unfathomable to think that a terrorist attack will occur in Denver; but even the unexpected can happen and especially as seniors, it’s important that we’re always prepared. If you haven’t put together an emergency kit, here are 12 things that you’ll need to include:

• Water – one gallon of water per person, per day with enough for at least 3 days
• Food – non-perishable food items should be in an emergency kit, with enough to survive on for at least 3 days. If canned items are included, don’t forget the manual can opener!
• Radio – a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you informed about the state of the emergency situation, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert will notify you if a natural disaster is approaching
• Light – a flashlight and lots of extra batteries is crucial, especially if the electricity is out
• First Aid Kit – bandaids and antiseptic along with spare necessary prescription medications should be included
• A whistle – this should be used to signal for help
• Dust mask – this will help you to filter contaminated air
• Shelter – plastic sheeting and tarp and duct tape can be used to create a temporary shelter if needed
• Items for personal sanitation – if there is no water available, moist towelettes and garbage bags will be handy
• Tools – wrench, pliers or other tools can be used to turn off utilities in the home
• Maps of the area and your documented escape route and emergency plan
• Pet supplies – remember, that in an emergency, your pet may need supplies such as food for days too!

Sources:

1. Ready.gov

Summer is here in Denver and whether you’re planning on remaining local to enjoy the beautiful seasonal weather, or if you’re planning on getting away to another state or country to kick back and relax, you need to protect yourself from the heat. Seniors are more prone to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration and these effects are even more prominent for some older adults who have other illnesses or take medications that can make them more sensitive. So, if you are a part of this demographic or fall into one of these categories then you need to be extra cautious when you step outside to hit the beach or watch your grandchildren play at the playground. With 8 simple methods you can ensure that you summer is not ruined by the effects of the summer heat so that you can appreciate every moment illness free!

1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a Denver doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
8. Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat

Sources:
1. CDC

Image: pro.corbis.com

Before my mom retired she had a medical problem that we learned was incredibly common amongst both men and women of her demographic, but especially her gender. She suffered from urinary incontinence; it crippled her confidence, affected her ability to do her job due to her preoccupation, and made her feel like she was finally old. She believed that this combination would result in job loss and she loved what she did and just wasn’t emotionally or financially ready to retire. After talking to a Denver doctor about her problem, my mother was given the following recommendations that would help her manage her issue at work, increase her confidence, and allow her to remain in the workforce until she was ready to retire.

1) Get the right pads – menstrual pads are not designed the same as pads for incontinence, get some good quality absorbent pads that can also help to control odor. These will come in handy during a long, important meeting when you can’t escape to the bathroom
2) Practice odor prevention – some incontinence products release a pleasant odor when in contact with fluid, or you can buy sprays to help control the effects of incontinence
3) Use a tampon – for women, tampons also put pressure on the urethra which can also help to control leaks that come with incontinence
4) Watch what you drink – despite the need to remain hydrated, during a long meeting, avoid drinking too much water or coffee, otherwise you’ll have a full bladder and might leak when you stand
5) Consider your wardrobe – choosing darker colored suits for the office will help to mask the presence of fluid
6) Do kegels – to strengthen bladder muscles, regularly contract the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine
7) Train your bladder – try to slowly increase the time between bathroom visits until you can go between 3-4 hours between trips
Use a pessary – most common to help bladder weakness after pregnancy, a pessary can help to control incontinence
9) Use deep breathing – when you feel the urge to go, practice deep breathing for 5 minutes until the need passes.
10)  Tighten the pelvic muscles – when you’re going to laugh or cough, tighten the pelvic muscles to prevent leakage

Sources:

1. Web MD
2. Wikipedia

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Q – Although my dad maintains his license and has had it renewed in Denver, he has mentioned that his visibility is declining as he gets older and he is worried it will impact his ability to drive. He is concerned about his changes in peripheral vision and how that will compromise his safety behind the wheel. Is there anything he can do to improve his vision while driving so he doesn’t hurt himself or someone else?

A – As long as your dad has a driver’s license issued in Denver that is valid, he should be considered safe to drive. However, if he has concerns that his vision might be compromising his visibility behind the wheel, there are a few techniques that he can try.

• Get eye exams at least every 2 years – with detection many common eye issues can be slowed or treated before the affect vision too seriously
• Drive during the day – seniors who have issues with night driving or glare should limit their driving to daytime
• Turn your head frequently – this can help expand more limited peripheral vision when driving
• Keep car clean – the windshield, wipers and mirrors should all be kept clean so they don’t further obstruct vision
• Install a larger rearview mirror – for seniors with more limited visibility, a larger mirror will increase where and how they can see
• Adjust mirrors properly – adjusting mirrors properly will improve range of vision

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Although ankle sprains and injuries aren’t the most common issue amongst older adults, weak ankles can be a major cause of poor balance and that can result in the potential for ever greater accidents and injuries that can change senior’s lives for the worse. Untreated ankle injuries from earlier in life that affect balance can also affect seniors later in life, but with some simple techniques, it’s possible for seniors to improve their balance and prevent ankle related issues.

In order to strengthen ankles, seniors can try a simple balance activity – standing on one left for a few seconds at a time, and slowly increasing the intervals. For added support, Denver seniors can hold onto a table, chair or other support device. It might seem like a trivial exercise, especially when combined with resistance training and cardio, but it’s a simple technique that can help prevent seniors from future or further injury, and isn’t that worth a whole lot more?

Sources:

1. New York Times

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