A recent article in the Huffington Post has looked at the last few years of research on the possible health benefits of drinking coffee. The drink has been avoided by many health conscious seniors due to a high caffeine content but it appears as though it may have some benefits when consumed in moderation.

Despite concerns about the consumption of caffeine recent research has suggested that many health risks are reduced with regular coffee consumption.  One study found coffee causes a release of mood altering hormones in the brain and may prevent depression.  Another benefit seniors may enjoy from coffee

There is a movement that began in Boston in 2001 that helps keep older Americans in their homes instead of relying on a retirement home. An AFP story first run on December 20, 2011 described one of these villages, Capitol Hill Village, which has been operating in the nation’s capital since 2007.  This non-profit neighborhood group works together with volunteers that help seniors with transportation and shopping but no medical care.

The village has 360 members and there is a twenty four hour telephone answering service available to seniors that may need help with transportation or filling out forms. The major focus of the village is to help seniors with minor tasks. Larger issues like medical assistance

Alcohol use can be cause for some concern to seniors. The older adults that drink alcohol on a regular basis may not have a drinking problem but the use of alcohol can cause more problems for the senior population than for younger adults. An aging body can be more susceptible to alcohol’s effects. There are also a number of medications that a senior may be taking that might not react well with alcohol.

An older person takes longer to metabolize alcohol so it stays in their body longer. This, along with the fact that older people usually have less water in their body, can contribute to their blood alcohol content being higher than a younger person who drinks the same amount.

Aging also lowers the senior’s tolerance to alcohol.  This fact combined with the higher blood alcohol level may lead to symptoms like slurred speech and balance problems. A visitor may even miss these symptoms as related to alcohol and instead believe the senior is showing signs of a stroke or another malady.

A person offering in home assistance to a senior family member should be aware of the possible problems caused by alcohol intake.  A senior care specialist can highlight the potential dangers of mixing alcohol with certain medications and evaluate your loved one’s health to determine other possible risks of consuming alcohol.

Every physician asks for a detailed medical history prior to or during the initial visit. Providing answers to these questions can get more difficult as we age so it’s a good idea to keep track of past ailments and treatments for future reference.

It’s also good to keep track of ailments suffered by blood relatives as well if possible. Remembering what diseases and conditions your parents and siblings have had can be a way for your doctor to get an idea of what problems you may be predisposed to contracting also.

If you are offering in home assistance

A recent article published in Science Daily reported that some sporadic cases of Alzheimer’s originate in the same way that mad cow disease develops in the brain. The disease is caused by plaque that develops in the brain.  The development of this plaque looks similar to the development of the plaque that is created by the infection process found in humans when exposed to mad cow disease.

As with all new research it is far too soon to believe that the real cause has now been found but this does bring to light the fact that research seems to be progressing.  Alzheimer’s continues to be the sixth leading cause of death in the country. 

It has been recognized for some time that music therapy can be a useful intervention for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Music can alter the sensory, cognitive, social and emotional impacts of the disease. It has even been shown to decrease the need for medication in many patients.

Alzheimer’s disease is an ever increasing problem in America due to the fact we live longer lives. The effects of the disease can be difficult, not only for the sufferer but also the person offering in home assistance. Music therapy can reduce anxiety and agitation. 

Since the beginning of the recession in 2008 new housing starts have been down and this includes housing for seniors. Whether you are talking about retirement communities, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities – there is a shortage of properties for a rapidly growing aging population. The lack of new properties is a problem that can be alleviated by other options available to older Americans who need some in home assistance with activities of daily living.

If you have a family member or members who are older and you are responsible for their care, a visit by a home health aide for even two hours a day can be a tremendous help. The help available to you can be more than just a respite from your stressful duties. Home health aides can be brought in to help seniors with meal preparation, exercising, and medicine administration.

A skilled professional from Specialty Care Services can visit your home and evaluate all the services your loved one needs and address any “gaps” in the care being provided. If there are any needs that you lack the skills to handle, a home health aide can come in and provide these. You may also be able to receive training from and experienced professional that will help you fill in the gaps yourself.

The National Institute of Health has recommendations for those offering in home assistance to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The caregiver that helps with activities of daily living will want to keep the Alzheimer’s sufferer involved in activities that they are interested in. The best activities are those built on the skills that the patient already has.

Trying to teach the patient new skills will probably lead to frustration and even anger. When involving an Alzheimer’s sufferer in any activity it is important for caregivers to look for signs of frustration.

There are some studies that show a spouse who is giving care to a loved one has a better chance of developing a health related problem that they may feel obligated to ignore. Caregivers that take responsibility for their parents in home assistance may also ignore their own health in order to provide the necessary attention to their loved one. Both groups seem to think that the one needing the care should come first but this isn’t necessarily the best line of thinking to follow.

Caregivers must remember that if they are set back by a condition that could have been avoided, they will be unable to offer their family member any help. If you are in either group there are strategies you should adhere to for your own well being. You need to schedule certain times of the day that are for breaks from care giving that will allow you to focus on your own needs.

Older spouses seem to be at the greatest risk. They have less energy to begin with and can be worn down and more likely to develop colds. 

A recent study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B evaluated the potential effects of the antioxidants in caffeine on disease causing free radicals.  Researchers say that their experiments detail how  the  present in caffeine attack and destroy free radicals in the body that can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Disease fighting antioxidants can come from a wide variety of sources  but recent studies