Health & Nutrition
Acknowledging Aging
"Acknowledging Aging" is the beginning of a series of lessons
that can be used as stand alone or together as a series.
The purpose of the lessons is to actively engage older adults and
teach younger adults and youths about beliefs, knowledge, and
practices related to aging and health.
As the series grows, the
basic concepts of an aging population, physical changes, and disease
processes of older adults will be presented. The hope is that
individuals will gain a working knowledge of the demographics of
aging, age-related physical changes and disease processes, and myths
regarding older people and the aging process. The goal is to help
individuals learn steps to take towards positive aging.
Dementia
Dementia is a clinical condition in which the individual
experiences a loss of cognitive function severe enough to interfere
with normal daily activities and social relationships.
Depression and the Elderly
The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as the
death of a spouse, loss of independence, and health problems—can
lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support
system. But depression is NOT a normal or necessary part of aging.
Extreme Heat and the Elderly
Summertime in Arkansas often brings extreme heat and high
humidity—a potentially dangerous combination. People suffer
heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and
properly cool themselves. Very high body temperatures may damage the
brain or other vital organs.
Grief and Loss
Grief is complex and everyone grieves differently. Some
individuals cry; others are stoic. Some people are able to process
their grief until a special occasion, such as a birthday or holiday,
and then find themselves at a loss. All of these reactions are
natural and normal as there is no "right" way to grieve; however,
the majority of people go through stages of grief when a loved one
dies or when they know that they themselves will die soon.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart
muscle is severely reduced or stopped. This is usually due to
atherosclerosis—blockage caused by the buildup of plaque. Although
not as common, coronary artery spasms can also cause a heart attack.
If the blood supply is cut off for more than a few minutes, muscle
cells suffer permanent injury and die. Depending on the extent of
the damage to the heart muscle, this injury can disable or kill an
individual. If the heart stops beating, then cardiac arrest has
occurred.
Hugs for Healing and Health
For many of us, the gift of touch was an integral part of our
early development. As babies we were fed, cuddled and comforted by
loving hands. As toddlers, we could count on our daily quotient of
hugs, pats and kisses. If we felt the need for touch, all we had to
do was climb into the nearest lap. When their early need for touch
it not met, the effects can be devastating.
Humor, Laughter, and Aging
Why should senior adults be concerned about humor? You have
probably heard it said that "Laughter is the best medicine" and "He
who laughs, lasts." Well, turns out those sayings are true. Humor
and laughter have many therapeutic effects on the body. Most of us
don't take humor seriously enough. We need to learn to use it
effectively and make it part of our lives.
Stroke Facts
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and
nutrients to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. When a stroke
happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs,
so it starts to die.
Winter Blues and You
During the cold winter months, it is not uncommon for some people
to experience "winter blues." This is especially true for many
senior adults as they use caution and do not venture out on days
with questionable weather. What many people don’t know is that the
winter blues is actually a mild depression brought on by a decrease
in exposure to sunlight as autumn deepens.
Working with Hispanic and Latino Elders
Most of the Hispanics the Cooperative Extension Service works
with are Mexican-Americans. Extension also works with Latinos who
are individuals or descendents from other Latin American countries.
This information is a very brief overview of some population trends
and traits for Hispanics.
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