One study by UCLA researcher Teresa E. Seeman, PhD, and colleagues, as reported on by WebMD, indicates a new trend among aging Baby Boomers: disability. The findings indicated that one in five 60-somethings need help with basic daily activities -- up from 13% just a decade ago. Various disabilities are up 40% to 70% in 60- to 69-year-olds.
"Our results have significant and sobering implications," Seeman and colleagues say. "To the extent that persons currently aged 60 to 69 years are harbingers of likely disability trends for the massive baby-boomer generation, the health care and assistance needs of disabled older Americans could, in the not so distant future, impose heavy burdens on families and society."
The article went on to say that, compared with those surveyed in 1988-1994, 60-somethings surveyed in 1999-2004 were:
- 70% more likely to have difficulty walking from room to room, getting in and out of bed, and/or eating and dressing.
- 70% more likely to have difficulty doing chores, preparing meals, and/or managing money
- 50% more likely to have difficulty walking a quarter mile and/or walking up 10 steps without rest
- 40% more likely to have difficulty stooping, crouching, or kneeling; lifting or carrying 10 pounds; and/or standing from an armless chair.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million Americans provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year, and that number is growing. Adult children are often first in line to care for their aging parents. Many of those adult children are still raising children of their own, making an entire "Sandwich Generation" of family caregivers. But given these new findings, is the sandwich generation already too stretched? What do you think?
You often hear about accessibility as it relates to airplanes, bathrooms and hotels, but what about the Internet? Can the Internet be accessible? The answer is yes! According to author Debbie Marsh, "You'll find a variety of disability software, all of it free, which allows users to hear text on their computer. Some of it was created specifically to work with Firefox, another requires Windows, but all of it designed to make your life easier."
In fact, Disaboom came up with a list of the best free, open source web browsers for seniors as well as text-to-speech converters for people with disabilities that many might find helpful. Check out which browsers made the cut:
1. WebbIE
With a proven track record since 2001 and world-wide use, WebbIE comes with a suite of accessible programs. You can hear news and audio on the internet, enabling you to listen to podcasts, access RSS and more with your screen reader.
2. EdWeb
It may take a little extra effort to get EdWeb set up just how you like, but you'll be glad you took the time! There's a comprehensive manual to help you download full symbol support and text-to-speech (tts)/talking buttons.
Choose to access it with a mouse, touch screen, mouse emulator, Grid Editor (another free download), or switch scanning. This disability software operates on Windows 98-XP and later. Combine it with the free EdWord symbol/talking word processor and link your symbol set or create grids.
3. Fire Vox
Featuring a mouse-driven interface, this extension for the Firefox web browser is like a screen reader with more than the usual basic features. Sure, Fire Vox identifies headings, links, and images for navigational assistance, but it also supports MathML and the CSS speech module. Better yet, it works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
Fire Vox is one component of the Core Library Components for Text-To-Speech. The suite is comprised of three extensions, including Fire Vox, a core library for test-to-speech synthesis, and a utilities library for navigating the HTML DOM.
4. CliCk, Speak
Unlike its cousin Fire Vox, above, which was designed with blind and visually impaired users in mind, CLiCk, Speak caters to sighted users who want text-to-speech capability. It neither identifies elements nor informs you of events, two functions essential to visually impaired users but merely irritating to sighted users.
If you are sighted but have cognitive disabilities (dyslexia, MS, etc.) that are mitigated by listening to, rather than reading, web content, then CLiCk, Speak is the extension for you. The system features an easy, mouse-driven interface that is a snap for users accustomed to point-and-click graphic interfaces. Like Fire Vox, it also works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Additionally, CLiCk, Speak's multilingual support makes it ideal for practicing a foreign language.
5. Orca
The Orca browser is fast, friendly and ready to help: more like a greyhound than a killer whale! The browser itself features security, low memory consumption, a spell-checker, built-in download manager and more, but it also trumpets an AD blocker, flash blocker, online profile storage, automated form filler, and an RSS reader.
With a username and password, the above features let users access information such as personal bookmarks, autofills and RSS feed remotely from any computer.
6. Simply Web 2000
If you prefer using Internet Explorer and want a speech-friendly, speech-enabled accessible browser with easy navigation for visually impaired users, then check out Simply Web 2000. The software-based speech synthesizer included in the package can be used as a talking web browser in standalone mode.
7. SpeakOn
A single keystroke will get you downloads of media on demand for audio and text alike, whether you're working in Media Centre, Radio Time or VI Services applications. Plus, it implements with Seeing Ear library books and eText, as well as TNAUK publications, which can be converted automatically to HTML format to use with your cell or an external player.
8. Thunder
This award-winning screen reader hails from across the pond, and the Brits have done a nice job. With features suited for people who are blind and visually impaired, Thunder can become your radio, library and mailbox. One fan even claims her talking computer is now her best friend! And what's really cool if you secretly have monarch envy? HRH the Duke of York is a patron.
Have you used these browsers? What do you think? Do you use a browser that isn't listed that you find to be extremely accessible? Weigh in now!
I can't believe it (and I say that every year around this time): Halloween has come and gone and Thanksgiving is already upon us, spiraling into the holiday season. People do a lot of traveling this time of year to visit family, friends and loved ones, which, in and of itself, can be difficult for very young children, seniors and people with disabilities. It can be further frustrating for all parties involved if the destination is not accessible, or "visit-able." According to
Inside Elder Care, visit-ability is a trend that has been gaining more and more support since the mid-1980s. This "movement" seeks to insure that all homes are at least partially accessible to people with mobility impairments.
There are some modifications in every area of your home, inside and out, that can be made to help visitors move about with greater ease. Many of these changes can be temporary or permanent, and can be low cost as well.
Outside, make sure that any areas that people will be walking on or using assistive mobility devices such as a walker, cane, wheelchair or scooter are clear of ice and snow. It's also recommended to have at least one zero-step entry into your home, so those that have physical limitations and cannot navigate stairs can enter your home easily.
Inside your home, you can make some simple alterations throughout most of the living areas to decrease injuries and frustrations, and also create greater ease of navigating throughout the home. Some free and easy changes include removing area rugs and floor mats, and securing thresholds and dividers between hard-surface and soft-surface floors to lower the risk of tripping and falling, and moving any pieces of furniture out of high-traffic areas such as family rooms/living rooms and hallways to provide easier movement and reduce falling risks for those using assistive mobility devices. Some low cost additions to make to your home include purchasing and installing temporary risers to your tables to allow enough leg room and knee clearance for those in wheelchairs; toilet seat lifts, shower benches and railings for the bathroom; and renting or purchasing ramps for step-entry doorways.
Read more about
visitability for seniors and the disabled.
Scamming has become so prevalent in society that popular talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Phil have dedicated
entire segments to the topic! Scammers will stop at nothing to get what they want, and seniors and the disabled are common prey for scam artists. Arm yourself with one of the best tools to combat scammer: knowledge. Knowledge is power and one of the best ways to making yourself and your loved ones less vulnerable is learning about what's going on out there, being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to defend yourself. Let's check out the latest in senior scamming:
A popular scam affecting seniors nationwide is one in which the senior receives a call from someone claiming to be with their county's medical office and requesting credit card information to charge a certain amount of money to "ensure the continuation of medical coverage." There is no reason why you should be charged to continue your medical coverage. Furthermore, you should be weary of distributing any financial information to anybody, let alone somebody with whom you are not familiar.
According to Scam Busters, a non-profit dedicated to seeking justice against scammers, upcoming changes in Medicare prescription drug programs may increase the prevalence of senior medical scams, so this is something to be aware of! Have you or has someone you love been the victim of scammers taking advantage of seniors? The best thing we can do is come together and promote awareness to better protect those who are most vulnerable. Share your experiences with us!
Can you do something for me? Go to a park on a beautiful day, breathe in deeply and then breathe out slowly. Now look around; the leaves on the trees gently rustling in the wind, the sun's rays fighting through the clouds and the grass below you vibrant green and soft. You didn't have to run a mile, or move much for that matter, but the health benefits of being outside and getting fresh air are undeniable.
Whether you have a disability that keeps you bedridden, or you're a senior who doesn't get out of the house much, finding a way outdoors - even if it's your own backyard - can be a great change of scenery that enlivens your senses. As you can imagine, the benefits of exercising while outdoors can provide the same, if not better, results. Here are just some of the many ways just about anybody can get outside and get moving:
Outdoors
- Take walks
- Ride a bicycle
- Do push ups against a sturdy tree
- Take long, deliberate strides to the mailbox
- Walk up and down stairs
- Find a quiet place in the woods and do some deep breathing exercises
- Work in the garden
- Go to the park and meandor
- Sweep the porch
What other kinds of activities can you engage in to stay fit outside? Share them here!
If you read the previous installment of our "Fitness Anywhere" series, or even if you didn't, you should know that, even for the elderly and people with disabilities, incorporating physical activity into your daily life doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, you can get your blood pumping just about anywhere and today, we're talking about "moving and shaking" in wheelchairs.
Staying as active as possible, even in a wheelchair, can improve circulation, boost your mood and help you to think more clearly. The benefits of exercise are immense! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Kick legs. Flex ankles and arms.
- Breathe deeply and exhale completely several times, taking in as much air as possible each time.
- Stretch your arms straight out in front of your body, then stretch them out to the sides and back in front of you again.
- Wheel wheelchair around the house or outside.
- Stretch your arms out to your sides as far as they can go and move them in small circles; first clockwise, then counter-clockwise.
- Throw a ball.
- Get outside and shoot some baskets or go to the park.
- Lift weights (such as soup cans).
What other kinds of activities can you engage in to stay fit in a wheelchair? Share them here!
Technology has been both a blessing and curse. Technology gave us cell phones, but in doing so, technology also took away our ability to remember phone numbers. Technology gave us the Internet, but at the expense of good old fashioned face-to-face interaction. We can't find many things we don't like, however, about a new form of technology called Wii, which is changing peoples' perceptions of video games.
Wii, a console that relies on players making motions rather than pushing buttons on a controller, is an interactive gaming platform that allows for the full gamut of movement, making it a popular for people of all ages and abilities, from seniors, the disabled to children and teens alike. Here are 10 reasons why our caregivers love Wii:
- Just about anybody can play Wii, which makes it an inclusive recreational activity.
- Wii can be a great aerobic workout, which can add a great dynamic to home care.
- Wii simulates playing just about any sport you can think of, from bowling to tennis, giving even those who may have limited mobility can experience the excitement of competition.
- Wii can be a great group activity, promoting socialization and often hours of laughter.
- In addition to physical exertion, Wii can stimulate brain activity and focus.
- Much like regular sports, Wii can be a great stress reliever and provides an outlet for channeling negative energy into something positive.
- Wii is a great way to get exercise and burn off energy, especially on a rainy day when you can't go outside to play.
- Beyond sports, Wii offers so many different activities you can do, including yoga and games.
- Wii can be a great way to mix things up-almost all of us can relate when it comes to getting bored with an exercise routine; it can be easy to get off track if you don't enjoy what you're doing or if you're bored. Wii is a great way to add some pizzazz to your routine!
- Most importantly, Wii is fun for people of all ages-from the elderly to children, people enjoy exploring all of the fun activities that Wii has to offer.
What has been your experience with Wii and how has it helped your fitness routine? What are your favorite Wii activities and why?
A
recent article in the New York Times discusses an issue that will become more prevalent as the senior population continues to grow: in-home safety. In recent years, technology has addressed this issue with products like motion censors that can alert 911 of a fall, special jewelry containing a button that, when pushed, can send for emergency personnel and clothing with built-in monitors that can detect accidents even outside of the home. But are these the only ways to ensure safety in the home? While they are helpful, not necessarily. Are these products safe? Probably. Affordable? I'm not so sure.
According to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), in 2007, 3.6 million Americans aged 65 and older had family incomes below the poverty level. Coupled with about 7,000 elderly people dying in home-related accidents each year, seniors who choose to stay in their homes must have an affordable means of addressing safety issues. Luckily, there is hope in the form of some great resources for seniors, their families and caregivers, including an interactive home safety checklist created with the National Association of Homebuilders on the AARP's Web site. You can also visit the Home Safety Council's site, MySafeHome.net, and take the house tour, which points out possible dangers room by room.
Do you know of other helpful home safety resources? Share them here!