Key To Being Centenarian Not Necessarily Good Eating And Exercising

A woman sitting next to an older man on a couch.


Want to live to be 100?  Many people believe that eating healthy such as a Mediterranean diet and getting the proper amount of exercise are the keys to longevity.  Although they help, part of it is in the genes and women have a much better chance of hitting this milestone.  Men in their 60’s have a 3.4 chance of making it to 100 compared to 6.5% for women.  But your genes also play a big part.  The New England Centenarian Study found 281 genetic markers that predict with 61% accuracy who will reach their 100th birthday.  Interestingly, about 85% of centenarians live in cities where there is better access to medical care, social networks, culturally stimulating and transportation systems.  Social interaction is also important.  A study from United Healthcare found that 87% of centenarians communicated nearly every day with a friend or family member.  Attending religious services also has an impact.  Going to church four times per month has been linked to a four to 14 year increase in life expectance (AARP Bulletin August/September, page 47).

AARP The Magazine Offers Suggestions For Free TV

Two people sitting on a couch watching television.


AARP The Magazine is great for coming up with money-saving ideas, and their latest study (August/September 2022 Issue, page 16) focuses on dropping cable or satellite in favor of free options called FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV).  They recommend trying the following options:

Freevee

This is Amazon’s new free TV service with an average of six to seven minutes per hour, and shows like Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis and Bosch: Legacy.

Roku Channel

 

Highlights include Emeril Tailgates, shows by Martha Stewart and Christopher Kimball as well as 3,000 older episodes of their shows.

 

Peacock

Shows include Downton Abbey, the first five seasons of The Office and all episodes of Saturday Night Live.

 

Pluto TV

This includes a plethora of shows from A&E, AMC, CBS, CNN and Paramount plus game shows like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and Let’s Make A Deal.

 

Tubi

Shows include The Freak Brothers, The Masked Singer and TMZ.

More Voices Come Out Against Aspirin For Heart Attack And Stroke Prevention

A box of bayer aspirin is shown.


In the old days, it was thought by many medical professionals that a daily dose of aspirin could ward off heart disease.  In recent years, more and more studies have turned the tide away from the popularity of recommending a daily dose of aspirin.  This year, the United States Preventing Services Task Force (USPSTF) came out strongly against those over 60 years old who have not had a heart attack or stroke, specifically citing the risks of internal bleeding which would outweigh any benefit.  Adults who have a stent or have had a previous heart attack or stroke should not stop taking aspirin.

Monterey, CA Seniors Need To Stick To A Healthy Diet Or Risk Alzheimer’s, Dementia

An older woman holding her hand out to someone


We all know that processed foods aren’t good for you.  More proof of this come from the Alzheimer’s Association, which did a presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego to show the audience proof from various studies which showed that food like instant noodles, sugary drinks and frozen meals all play a role in cognitive decline.  “It’s no secret that physical and mental cognitive health are intimately involved with each other, so it’s no surprise that this latest research suggests brain impairment too,†Rafael Perez-Escamilla, a professor of public health at Yale University, told the audience.  “Just 100 calories of processed foods can affect your physical health.  So, that’s two cookies,†he continued.  Other research has linked ultra-processed food consumption to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers.  Try the Mediterranean Diet, it’s great for your health and delicious.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  If you need information or just someone to talk to, there are some wonderful people at the Monterey branch of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-272-3900.

Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus

A nurse helping an elderly woman with her nails.


Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Corral-de-tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside & Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County over the past decade and have recently expanded into Santa Cruz County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey and Santa Cruz is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Carmel, CA Alzheimer’s Research Called Into Question

A man in white lab coat and tie.


A report in Science Magazine stated that an influential 2006 study relied on fabricated images to support its conclusion, which resulted in misdirected Alzheimer’s research for the past 16 years.  Dr. Karen Ashe, a senior University of Minnesota scientist, has admitted that a junior colleague appears to have manipulated two images.  However, she claims those actions did not affect the study’s wording and conclusion.  And the first researcher to state that Alzheimer’s disease is triggered by amyloid beta plaques in the brain now concedes that after years of developing amyloid-targeting drugs that have failed, a new approach must begin.  He says a multi-drug approach will likely be more affected.  I’m confident we will gradually push back on Alzheimer’s disease in the same way that we’ve pushed back on cancer and so on,†Dr. John Hardy told USA Today.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  If you need information or just someone to talk to, there are some wonderful people at the Monterey branch of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-272-3900.

 

Monterey, CA Medicare Equipment Rules

A woman and an older person sitting on the couch


If you have recently been released by CHOMP, or Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, you may be wondering what equipment Medicare will pay for.  It really comes down to what is essential versus what is a convenience.  For instance, Medicare will pay for a motorized scooter if that’s the only way that you can get around your house, but they won’t pay if it’s mostly for longer outdoor excursions.  Check with your Medicare Advantage plan.  Some have benefits like home improvements such as wheelchair ramps.  To find out for sure, call the Medicare hotline at 1-800-633-4227 or go to www.medicare.gov.

Carmel Valley, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus

A woman sitting on the couch with an older man.


Carmel Valley, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Highlands, Castroville, Corral-de-tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside & Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County over the past decade and have recently expanded into Santa Cruz County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey and Santa Cruz is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Medicare Can Not Ding You For Having Pre-Existing Health Conditions

A building with the capitol in the background.


Some worry that when they sign up for Medicare, they will pay more if they have pre-existing health conditions.  That’s not true for Medicare or Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription plans.  This also holds true for supplemental policies (Medigap) only if you sign up for it during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period.  If you want it later, an insurance company can charge you more or refuse to sell you a policy because of your health status.

Source AARP Bulletin, June 2022.

Monterey, CA AARP Issues Elder Abuse Scam Alerts

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline issued an alert regarding a number of scams which are hitting seniors in wealthy pockets of Monterey County like Carmel and Pebble Beach.  Here are some examples of phone call scams you don’t want to fall for:

  1. Your doctor reached out to us because he is concerned with the cancer that runs in your family and would like you to take a DNA swab test.  This test is covered by Medicare, and we just need your Medicare number to process and ship out the order.
  2. This is Apple Inc. We’ve detected Malware on your computer and need you to download AnyDesk onto your phone so we can help you.
  3. This is Agent McMurphy from the IRS and I am calling to tell you that you have a federal arrest warrant for not paying your taxes.
  4. Nana, it’s me, Henry. I was away for spring break and got arrested because my friend was driving while drunk, and we hit a pregnant woman!  Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.  I need your help.
  5. This is Amazon Security calling to inform you that there’s been an attempt to order items on your account. Don’t worry, we can help with the refund, I just need a few pieces of information from you to get this started.
  6. This is PG&E and we are notifying you we are going to shut off your electricity today if you don’t pay your past due bill immediately over the phone.
  7. This is the Social Security Administration and your Social Security check has been frozen due to fraudulent activity. Please press 1 to take care of this matter.

Hear these words?  Hang up!

Source: AARP Bulletin