The recent spike in coronavirus cases means that many of us will feel extra lonely and isolated on Thanksgiving this year. After all, Thanksgiving is a gathering oriented holiday centered on good food and good company, but many Americans are looking at the possibility of a very scaled back celebration this year. There are activities we can do both for ourselves and for others, including older family members and friends not able to join us, in order to retain the joy this holiday brings.

Bring a meal to a senior. Many older adults, including those who are high-risk for contracting Covid-19, will be spending Thanksgiving alone. Bringing a home-cooked meal, safely prepared in your own kitchen, is one way to show you care – just make sure to check with the senior first to make sure that he or she doesn’t have any food allergies or dislikes. If cooking isn’t your thing, arrange for a meal to be delivered to your older adult friend or family member. You can also help your senior make a request for a Lasagna Love volunteer to bring them a dish of Italian comfort food to enjoy.

Set up a virtual dining room. Even if your senior loved one can’t join you in person, they can still dine with you! Set up a Zoom or FaceTime meeting so that everyone can eat Thanksgiving dinner together on screen. It will make everyone feel less alone while enjoying their meal.

Deliver or send Thanksgiving greetings, including ones made by the grandkids. Everyone loves getting deliveries to their door or in the mail, so taking the time to make a handmade card or craft for a senior can really make their day. Have the grandkids make a simple handprint turkey craft or other Thanksgiving themed creation for an extra personal touch.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade together. This year’s parade will look decidedly different from years past, but it’s still happening! The parade is a time honored tradition enjoyed by multiple generations, so why not tune in and connect virtually to enjoy it together.

Tell your older adult friends about the Friendship Line.  Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line, which was expanded to serve all older adults living in California earlier in 2020 year, is a 24/7 toll free line seniors can call on Thanksgiving day (or any day of the year!) to talk to someone who will listen and provide some emotional warmth.

November is National Family Caregivers Month – and it’s safe to say that 2020 is the most pivotal year that family caregivers have ever experienced. Nearly 8 months into the pandemic, what family caregivers are experiencing is nothing short of a crisis when it comes to balancing care for senior loved ones with life’s other priorities.

Samara Miller, Institute on Aging’s Regional Director of Client Services in Home Care and Support Service, interacts with family caregivers on a daily basis, and is acutely tuned in to their elevated stress levels. “Even in normal times, caregiving comes with a lot of stress and anxiety,” she says. “Adding in the restrictions created by a global pandemic combined with a shifting economy only worsens their  stress.”

With all these factors, it’s more important than ever for caregivers to take care of themselves as well as establish healthy habits and a positive mindset. Miller offers her thoughts below.

IOA: How has the pandemic changed the dynamics of caregiving?

Miller: Besides adding on more stress, caregivers are feeling lonelier than ever before in this day and age. They are taking care of the population’s most vulnerable individuals, which means that many activities they used to do outside the home have been put on pause for safety reasons.

We’ve also seen a lot of caregivers being innovative with their time. They have tapped into old fashioned fun, like doing puzzles or craft projects with those in their care. They are using technology, like Zoom, to connect with the outside world. Some are reintroducing music and dancing to their loved ones, and helping them discover new passions. We recently talked to the caregiver of an 85-year-old man who is practicing meditation for the very first time in his life. Here are more ways a caregiver can help older adults.

IOA: What are a few things that family caregivers can do in the name of “self-care”?

Miller: I like the term “caring for ourselves” instead of self-care because there is no stigma of needing to be fixed or helped attached to that terminology. Caring for ourselves is part of the caregiver journey and is a vital piece of making it successful. It’s important for caregivers to find what personally works for them, what makes them feel good, and what they can be passionate about. 

Some things I have found to work well for caregivers: taking a nap, listening to music, dancing, baking a special treat, cooking, taking socially distanced walks with friends, joining a support group, exercising, binge watching a TV program that makes them laugh, gardening, doing craft projects, meditating and having a spa day at home. I even had one client who purchased a punching bag and boxing gloves and took out his frustrations that way!

IOA:  What are things that other family members and/or friends can do to support the family caregiver and perhaps give them a break? 

Miller: Everyone has different needs. Instead of assuming what the family caregiver needs, it’s better to just ask them, “What can I do to support you?” All too often, family caregivers are resistant to having someone give them a break or help them, so don’t force it. They may just need someone to spend time with them and listen. Most important, family members and friends can demonstrate consistency, kindness, understanding, and show the caregiver that they are there to support them when needed and in ways that the caregiver prefers.   

Keep in mind that being a family caregiver can be a very thankless job, so simply saying “thank you for all that you are doing” to a caregiver — and showing your appreciation in other ways — can go far.

IOA:  Are there certain “boundaries” that caregivers need to put in place, and what do those look like?

Miller: Boundaries aren’t just important in caregiving, they are essential to success. I like to think of boundaries as setting up healthy, consistent habits. For example, caring for ourselves is a healthy habit, as is creating a daily routine and sticking to it. So is approaching caregiving without resentments and regrets, while having acceptance of the situation and finding a way to deal with it. 

IOA:  On the flip side of the boundary question….what can a family caregiver do when other family members want to insert their own opinions about the older person’s care, etc. but aren’t the primary one offering the care?

Miller: When someone in a family steps into a caregiver role, it changes the whole dynamic of the family structure. All too often, family members, friends, and almost everyone have an opinion in what the caregiver needs to do and how to handle things. As a result, it is often difficult for the caregiver to accept opinions of others who are not experiencing the situation on a daily basis.  

First and foremost, the primary caregiver needs to remember that family and friends are offering their opinion from a place of love and concern. Validate what they are offering by listening, however remember the final decisions rest with you. Be honest with them about that.

Above all, try to defuse any tense situations by looking for the humor in them. If you can laugh with your family, or even with the person you are caring for, it can go a long way.

Samara Miller, MFT, Regional Director of Client Services, Home Care & Support Services, Institute on Aging 

As we grow older, some things naturally change. Our bodies, our environments, sometimes even our likes and dislikes. Even so, we remain the same at our core as when we were young. Just because we age, doesn’t mean we should be treated differently because of it.  

When we are treated differently or unfairly because our age, this is called ageism. Let’s take a step back and define what that is. “Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO continues with “Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults.” This is a pretty broad definition, so now let’s take a closer look at what this means.

First of all, we’re getting older as a society. Much older. By the year 2030–and for the first time in history–20 percent of all Americans will be age 65 or older.* Here in California, 8.6 million adults will be 65 or older by 2030, making seniors the fastest growing population segment in the state.**

As we age as a society, there is a lot of undue stress put on our existing care systems, that, realistically, we aren’t prepared for. Hospitals will become more crowded. Family members will find themselves caring for loved ones over longer periods of time. The need for in-home paid caregivers is going to explode and then there is a big enemy in the form of ageism, which is likely to grow in tandem with the number of aging adults.  

As the population ages, there will be increases in the number of older individuals who will:

• Find themselves living in poverty or in unsuitable living conditions, including long-term care facilities
• Be treated differently because of mental or physical declines, and potentially denied services to treat those declines
• Be taken advantage of financially, emotionally or physically
• Be discriminated against in the workplace, and perceived as being less competent than their younger counterparts simply because of their age

These are only a few factors associated with an aging society. What can do we do to prevent widespread ageism from happening, including our own family members, as America grows older?  For starters, we can:

1. Recognize and name ageism as a problem. Like systemic racism or sexual discrimination, ageism exists in many forms and is not always openly detectable. But it happens to older Americans all the time. In order to fight it, we all must acknowledge it is an issue and identify its root causes.
2. Put pressure on our lawmakers to enact laws and regulations that better protect older Americans from such things as unfair or illegal housing evictions, care facilities that partake in unlawful or harmful practices, or programs or organizations which exclude people on the basis of their age. 
3. Reject “negative aging stereotypes” that can influence how we see ourselves and others. Our society has painted a picture that old age equals physical and mental weakness, and full dependence on others. But not everyone is the same; there are plenty of older adults who are more than capable of self-care. Also, being older does not mean anyone gives up their rights.
4. Stand up for others when needed. Whether it’s an older co-worker who is being passed over for promotions or assignments, or someone you suspect is being taken advantage of financially, physically or mentally, take action on their behalf. Encourage your co-worker to report signs of discrimination to HR. Don’t be afraid to report elder abuse. Here are some guidelines to recognize signs of abuse and report abuse.
5. Read this article on Ladders.com offers some good ideas for personally fighting ageism when it’s happening to you.
6. Finally, we must recognize how those who fall victim to systemic racism and sexism may experience ageism at a higher intensity than their counterparts.

*  source: U.S. Census Bureau

** source: California Department of Aging

Alzheimer’s is a mystifying disease that can strike older adults 65 and up, and even begin in adults as young as 50. Every September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, recognized globally, aims to raise awareness of the disease and challenge the common stigma that surrounds Alzheimer-related dementia. Studies have shown that on average, 2 out of every 3 people worldwide have little to no understanding of Alzheimer’s.

Here are a few interesting facts and tidbits related to Alzheimer’s.

Currently, There is No Cure for Alzheimer’s.

More than 100 years after the disease was discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, the origin of Alzheimer’s is still largely a mystery, although countless studies have been done and there are varied explanations. What we know is that there is no cure or way to stop its progression. However, there are ways to treat the symptoms.

Growing Older Doesn’t Mean Dementia is a Given.

There’s a perception that as we age, losing our memory and mental faculties is a given. Our brains and bodies age, and therefore we lose our sharpness. While the mind of a centenarian won’t be the same as a 20 year old or even a 50 year old, there’s nothing that suggests that older adults are destined to be plagued with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia as they age.

Eating and Exercise Habits May Have Some Effect on Alzheimer’s.

Several years ago, Maria Shriver, who has become the de facto spokesperson for Alzheimer’s, reported on an experimental program that has shown to reverse the early onset of the disease. Called the Bredesen Program and developed by a California neurologist, it consists of consuming a Mediterranean diet high in fat and low in carbs, doing regular cardio-based workouts, fasting after dinner, getting proper sleep, taking supplements and engaging in brain training exercises. Dr. Bredesen claims that 9 out of 10 of his patients have improved cognitive functioning after participating in his program, but that it only works for those with early-onset symptoms.

Women are at a Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s Than Men.

Maria Shriver became a big advocate for Alzheimer’s prevention after her father died from the disease. She especially rallies for brain health in women, who are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s—two out of three of the 5.5 million Americans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are female. No one is exactly sure why women tend to develop it more than men, but some studies suggest that education and professional work opportunities, or lack thereof, could be a contributing factor. However, the closing gap in educational and occupational between men and women may also mean that the gender gap in Alzheimer’s diagnoses is also getting smaller. Shriver also spearheads Move for Minds, an annual initiative each November the encourages women and men to make their cognitive health a priority.

Researchers are Determined to Find a Cure for Alzheimer’s.

There are countless research studies that have attempted to explain how Alzheimer’s develops and what can be done to both prevent and cure it. Studies range from observational to clinical as well as preventional; and while scientists have made progress towards unraveling the mysteries behind this disease, there is much more to be done. The Alzheimer’s Association is a good source to read up on what scientific studies have been done to date. You and your family members can help be part of the solution by participating in a study, as scientists always need good candidates (both cognitive and non-cognitive impaired). Sign up through the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry.

For more information about making a contribution to IOA, please visit ioaging.org/donate

Fire season started in Northern California much earlier in 2020 than any of us ever expected, thanks to a series of unprecedented lightning storms in August. Experts predict that we are in for a whopper of a fire season this Fall, adding insult to the injury of a global pandemic that has left many of us anxious and on edge already.

Mary Griffin, who leads the home care division for Institute on Aging, has been working steadfastly on a care management strategy for IOA participants living in fire prone zones. Between potential evacuations and air quality issues, there is a lot for Bay Area seniors and their caregivers to consider and be concerned about, especially those older adults who are mobility compromised or dealing with complex medical issues. Griffin has this advice to offer to seniors, their caregivers and families in terms of mitigating fire-related concerns:

1. Put a plan in place. Seniors and their families need to put together a plan well in advance on how mandatory evacuations will be handled. Many assisted living places are not accepting new patients due to the pandemic, so staying with friends, family members or at a hotel may be the best (and only) option. Consider all the possibilities and come up with a few housing scenarios, make a list of what to pack and jot down instructions on how to handle prescriptions and other necessities. Put it all in writing and keep in a safe place.

• Find a local agency and connect with them. In her experience, Griffin says that it can be tough to get the attention of local firefighting and police organizations as they are often at capacity during a major disaster like a fire. If a senior needs help with an evacuation, they may be better off enlisting a local community organization to help them with temporarily relocation, providing transportation and other support. If the senior requires special assistance, such as a wheelchair accessible van, make sure to research organizations who have appropriate equipment well in advance.

A partial list of community organizations that may be willing to step up and help:

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Catholic Charities of San Francisco

Jewish Family and Children’s Services

Rotary Club

SFFD Volunteer Fire Dept

SFMTA Paratransit

Plus the following two sites list a number of organizations which can be contacted for help:

VOAD – Voluntary Organizations in Disaster

SF CARD – Community Agencies Responding to Disaster

• Invest in an air purifier. Fires in Northern California have proven that they are going to be a yearly problem, so investing in a home air purifier is a good idea. Although purifiers can vary wildly in terms of price, you should be able to get a decent one for $150 or less, like this purifier that retails for about $85. Also invest in a few N95 masks in case seniors and caregivers need to go outdoors.

• Hire a temporary home care worker. Even if older adults can manage fine by themselves in normal times, a situation like a potential evacuation can add a tremendous amount of stress, especially if the senior has no family members close by. Families can arrange for a home care assistant to come in for a few hours a day on a temporary basis to help the senior pack, find a place to stay, and arrange for medication and transportation in the event of a potential evacuation. Plus, says Griffin (a former nurse), hiring a home care worker on a temporary basis can help a senior who has been very resistant to the idea of extra help become more comfortable with it.

With the widespread information about the coronavirus pandemic, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s fiction. Even though we’ve learned a lot about the virus since March, there are still a number of “rumors” floating around. Here are a few of them in which the World Health Organization (WHO) helps clarify.

Fact or Myth? Hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19.

Myth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, this “wonder drug” is clinically ineffective when it comes to COVID-19.

Fact or Myth? People need to wear face masks when exercising as this prevents the spread of coronavirus.

Myth. The WHO recommends that masks should NOT be worn during exercise, as they reduce the ability to breathe easily and sweat encourages the growth of bacteria. The best way to be safe during exercising is to maintain social distance of 6 feet or more.

Fact or Myth? The weather outside has no effect on the spread of COVID-19.

Fact: COVID-19 can survive in any kind of weather, including extremely hot and cold temperatures. Countries with consistently hot weather (such as Brazil) have had outbreaks as well as those with cooler weather.

Fact or Myth? Adding hot peppers to your food can prevent COVID-19.

Myth: This one is real rubbish! Even though peppers can enhance the taste of your food, they don’t do anything to protect you from contracting a virus. The best way to keep safe is to wear a mask, practice frequent hand washing and social distance yourself.

Fact or Myth? If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without feeling uncomfortable or coughing, you don’t have COVID-19.

Myth: Remember that many people who have COVID-19 are asymptomatic, so this silly exercise gives no indication if you are infected or not. The best way to tell if you have the disease is through a laboratory test, although dry cough, tiredness and fever are all indicative symptoms.

Fact or Myth? Vaccines against pneumonia do not protect against the COVID-19 virus.

Fact: This is true. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

However, vaccinations that protect your from respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia are recommended to protect your health. 

*Source: World Health Organization.