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A new study suggests that the number of baby boomers visiting hospital emergency rooms for broken arms could rise by nearly a third by 2030. That is when the youngest baby boomers will have just turned 65.
The scientists reported that 370,000 cases of fractures in the humerus bone of the upper arm occur each year in both the United States. While younger individuals between the ages of five and nine accounted for the highest overall number of breaks, they found that arm injuries also spiked among women after age 40 and men after age 60.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, reported that 38.7 million Americans were 65 or older in 2008, but that by the year 2030, that number will be 71.5 million. They project a significant increase in hospital emergency room visits with much of the increase likely to be among older Americans.
The highest number of proximal humerus breaks was seen in both men and women after age 45, and rates kept rising until about age 84. Women were more than twice as likely as men to suffer a proximal humerus break, and saw an uptick in the breaks earlier in life, starting after age 40, which the researchers attributed to lost bone density.
“Conditions like osteoporosis will increases a person’s likelihood of sustaining a bone fracture as a result of even a simple fall,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. “Some can be fixed with a cast but other broken bones especially those that occur at older ages will require long periods of care and at could seriously disable a person for long periods of time.”
Indeed, the researchers found that 88 percent of upper-arm breaks were caused by falls, prompting them to call for more rigorous safety measures to reduce falls and better treatments to prevent osteoporosis.
“Prevention is vital, but so is planning for living a long life,” Slome explains. “If you live into your 80s or beyond, the likelihood you will need long term care is vastly increased but you need to start preparing for this in your 50s and early 60s when the most planning options are still available to you.”
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Less Risk Of Alzheimer’s Found Among Fish Eaters
Adults who eat baked or broiled fish as little as once a week may lower their risk for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
According to research findings, eating non-fried fish that includes baked and broiled fish helps to preserve gray matter neurons. The scientists note that this strengthens the areas of the brain deemed critical to cognition and memory.
“Scientists report that people with larger brain volume the risk for Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment went down with eating fish as little as one to four times a week. “We’re talking about just a half serving a day,” notes Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance. ”We would encourage millions of aging Americans to make a very small lifestyle change that can affect their risk of this terrible disease.”
The number of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older is projected to nearly double over the next two decades, Slome, head of the national long term care insurance trade organization explains. “As a result, the incidence of cognitive issues especially Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is also expected to rise as will the need for costly long term care,” he adds. Alzheimer’s disease is the number one reason individuals with long term care insurance file claims.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease the age-related disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment have less severe memory loss than those with Alzheimer’s but often go on to develop the disease.
The scientists found that those who ate baked or broiled fish had larger mass in the hippocampus, and orbital frontal cortex regions of their brains. This was regardless of age, gender, physical activity routines, and/or educational achievement, race or weight. No benefit was evident with respect to consumption of fried fish.
Financial experts advise adults in their mid-50s to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance costs from a designated expert.
According to research findings, eating non-fried fish that includes baked and broiled fish helps to preserve gray matter neurons. The scientists note that this strengthens the areas of the brain deemed critical to cognition and memory.
“Scientists report that people with larger brain volume the risk for Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment went down with eating fish as little as one to four times a week. “We’re talking about just a half serving a day,” notes Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance. ”We would encourage millions of aging Americans to make a very small lifestyle change that can affect their risk of this terrible disease.”
The number of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older is projected to nearly double over the next two decades, Slome, head of the national long term care insurance trade organization explains. “As a result, the incidence of cognitive issues especially Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is also expected to rise as will the need for costly long term care,” he adds. Alzheimer’s disease is the number one reason individuals with long term care insurance file claims.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease the age-related disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment have less severe memory loss than those with Alzheimer’s but often go on to develop the disease.
The scientists found that those who ate baked or broiled fish had larger mass in the hippocampus, and orbital frontal cortex regions of their brains. This was regardless of age, gender, physical activity routines, and/or educational achievement, race or weight. No benefit was evident with respect to consumption of fried fish.
Financial experts advise adults in their mid-50s to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance costs from a designated expert.
Monday, December 12, 2011
More Exercise Can Help You Sleep Better
Regular physical activity while you are awake can result in better sleep. According to a just reported study, individuals who participated and met national exercise guidelines reported less daytime fatigue and better sleep patterns than those who didn’t exercise.
While researchers note that the research doesn’t confirm that exercise directly leads to improved rest, the findings are mostly consistent with previous research, according to Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance which tracks health related issues pertinent to longevity matters.
Inadequate sleep has been linked to depression, cardiovascular disease and other health problems notes Slome. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease puts aging Americans at greater risk of needing benefits from their long-term care insurance Slome explains.
The researchers noted that hoping that a daily walk or jog will clear up sleep problems might be a bit too optimistic. More than one-third of U.S. adults have trouble falling asleep at night or staying alert during the day, according to background information in the study.
The new study by researchers at Oregon State University examined data from a U.S. health survey conducted from 2005 to 2006. The researchers focused on over 2,500 men and women between ages 18 to 85. They measured their activity levels and answered questions about sleep.
All study participants wore accelerometers, devices that measure physical activity for a one-week period.
The researchers adjusted their statistics so they wouldn’t be thrown off by unusually high or low numbers of people of certain ages, weight, health condition, smoking history or other factors. Participants met or exceeded national exercise guidelines by getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise or a combination of both.
Those who met the guidelines were 65 percent less likely to report often feeling sleepy during the day compared to those who got less exercise. They were also 68 percent less likely to report sometimes having leg cramps and 45 percent less likely to report having trouble concentrating while tired.
While researchers note that the research doesn’t confirm that exercise directly leads to improved rest, the findings are mostly consistent with previous research, according to Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance which tracks health related issues pertinent to longevity matters.
Inadequate sleep has been linked to depression, cardiovascular disease and other health problems notes Slome. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease puts aging Americans at greater risk of needing benefits from their long-term care insurance Slome explains.
The researchers noted that hoping that a daily walk or jog will clear up sleep problems might be a bit too optimistic. More than one-third of U.S. adults have trouble falling asleep at night or staying alert during the day, according to background information in the study.
The new study by researchers at Oregon State University examined data from a U.S. health survey conducted from 2005 to 2006. The researchers focused on over 2,500 men and women between ages 18 to 85. They measured their activity levels and answered questions about sleep.
All study participants wore accelerometers, devices that measure physical activity for a one-week period.
The researchers adjusted their statistics so they wouldn’t be thrown off by unusually high or low numbers of people of certain ages, weight, health condition, smoking history or other factors. Participants met or exceeded national exercise guidelines by getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise or a combination of both.
Those who met the guidelines were 65 percent less likely to report often feeling sleepy during the day compared to those who got less exercise. They were also 68 percent less likely to report sometimes having leg cramps and 45 percent less likely to report having trouble concentrating while tired.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Heart Healthy Study On Salt Intake Changes Rules
Too much salt is dangerous for adults suffering from conditions including heart disease or diabetes. Now a new study finds that too little salt may be almost as dangerous.
According to researchers reporting in the Journal of the American Medical Association reducing salt is still very important in people consuming more than 6,000 or 7,000 milligrams of sodium per day. It is estimated that the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day.
The lead scientists who conducted studies report that people who already consume moderate or average amounts of salt may not need to reduce their intake further. “Apparently, after years of agreement among medical experts that people should lower their salt intake, there is new debate,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The national trade organization tracks health issues which can impact American’s need for costly long term care.
A recent research study found that while cutting back on salt did lower blood pressure, it may also increase levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and other risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease is a major risk factor facing adults Slome notes.
The latest study looked at levels of sodium and potassium excreted in urine in a group of about 30,000 men and women with heart disease or at high risk for heart disease. Participants were followed for an average of more than four years.
The researchers found that people who excreted higher levels of sodium than those with mid-range values had a greater risk of dying from heart disease, heart attack, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure. When the researchers assessed potassium levels, they found that a higher level of excretion of the nutrient was associated with a lower risk of stroke.
New U.S. dietary guidelines now recommend that people aged 2 years and older limit daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg). People aged 51 and older, blacks and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should consider going down to 1,500 mg per day, many experts say.
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before medical conditions like cancer, high blood pressure are diagnosed or become problematic.
According to researchers reporting in the Journal of the American Medical Association reducing salt is still very important in people consuming more than 6,000 or 7,000 milligrams of sodium per day. It is estimated that the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day.
The lead scientists who conducted studies report that people who already consume moderate or average amounts of salt may not need to reduce their intake further. “Apparently, after years of agreement among medical experts that people should lower their salt intake, there is new debate,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The national trade organization tracks health issues which can impact American’s need for costly long term care.
A recent research study found that while cutting back on salt did lower blood pressure, it may also increase levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and other risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease is a major risk factor facing adults Slome notes.
The latest study looked at levels of sodium and potassium excreted in urine in a group of about 30,000 men and women with heart disease or at high risk for heart disease. Participants were followed for an average of more than four years.
The researchers found that people who excreted higher levels of sodium than those with mid-range values had a greater risk of dying from heart disease, heart attack, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure. When the researchers assessed potassium levels, they found that a higher level of excretion of the nutrient was associated with a lower risk of stroke.
New U.S. dietary guidelines now recommend that people aged 2 years and older limit daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg). People aged 51 and older, blacks and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should consider going down to 1,500 mg per day, many experts say.
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before medical conditions like cancer, high blood pressure are diagnosed or become problematic.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fewer Dying From Mouth And Throat Cancers
U.S. death rates for throat and mouth cancers has decreased according to new national data. According to research and a study of analysis by the National Center for Health Statistics, the largest decreases in death rates for mouth and throat pharynx) cancers were among black patients with at least 12 years of education.
Researchers studied data on both white and black men and women residing in 26 states. The data was based on individuals between the ages of 25 and 64. Death rates increased among white men with fewer than 12 years of education, according the American Cancer Society and researchers participating in the study. A second study found that poor overall quality of life, pain and continued tobacco use seem to be associated with poorer outcomes and a higher death rate two years after diagnosis for patients with head and neck cancer.
This national study included 276 patients diagnosed between September 2001 and September 2008. The overall survival rate two years after diagnosis was 90.8 percent.
The likelihood of death within two years of diagnosis was: four times higher for those who reported low quality of life than for those who reported a high quality of life; four times higher for those who continued to use tobacco than for those who had quit or never used tobacco; and two times higher for those who reported pain than for those who said they had no pain.
“Americans are surviving dreaded diseases like cancer and hearty attack,” explains Jesse Slome executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance and the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance “Survival comes with a steep price that often includes bankruptcy and cancer remains one of the leading causes for long term care insurance claims.”
Researchers studied data on both white and black men and women residing in 26 states. The data was based on individuals between the ages of 25 and 64. Death rates increased among white men with fewer than 12 years of education, according the American Cancer Society and researchers participating in the study. A second study found that poor overall quality of life, pain and continued tobacco use seem to be associated with poorer outcomes and a higher death rate two years after diagnosis for patients with head and neck cancer.
This national study included 276 patients diagnosed between September 2001 and September 2008. The overall survival rate two years after diagnosis was 90.8 percent.
The likelihood of death within two years of diagnosis was: four times higher for those who reported low quality of life than for those who reported a high quality of life; four times higher for those who continued to use tobacco than for those who had quit or never used tobacco; and two times higher for those who reported pain than for those who said they had no pain.
“Americans are surviving dreaded diseases like cancer and hearty attack,” explains Jesse Slome executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance and the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance “Survival comes with a steep price that often includes bankruptcy and cancer remains one of the leading causes for long term care insurance claims.”
Monday, November 21, 2011
Regular Dental Cleaning Lowers Stroke A Leading Risk For Long Term Care Need
Regular doctor visits are important for your good health. Turns out, so are regular visits to your dentist for tooth cleaning.
Those regular cleanings may provide more than just a brighter smile. Researchers have found that people who have their teeth professionally scraped and cleaned had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never had a dental cleaning.
“Poor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease by a number of studies,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The national organization tracks and reports data relevant to the increasing risk of needing long term care services.
The findings of the multi-year study were presented at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida this past week. The researchers reported that professional tooth cleaning appeared to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease.
The scientists reported that protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in study participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.
Researchers studied over 100,000 people beginning in 2007.
According to the report, none of the study subjects had a history of prior heart attack or stroke. The study however did not take into account or adjust for risk factors such as smoking or obesity.
The medical scientists noted that a higher frequency of professional tooth cleaning led to a greater reduction in heart risk. They defined higher frequency as at least two visits to the dentist for a cleaning in two years. Stroke is a leading cause of claims for benefits by the eight million Americans who own long term care insurance according to yearly research by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Each year, about 600,000 Americans experience their first stroke according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before medical conditions like heart disease are diagnosed or become problematic. “The sweet spot for long term care insurance is between ages 52 and 64,” Slome adds. “You do not want to wait until after a doctor has diagnosed even a mild stroke because at that point it will very likely be too late to medically qualify for this protection.”
Those regular cleanings may provide more than just a brighter smile. Researchers have found that people who have their teeth professionally scraped and cleaned had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never had a dental cleaning.
“Poor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease by a number of studies,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The national organization tracks and reports data relevant to the increasing risk of needing long term care services.
The findings of the multi-year study were presented at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida this past week. The researchers reported that professional tooth cleaning appeared to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease.
The scientists reported that protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in study participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.
Researchers studied over 100,000 people beginning in 2007.
According to the report, none of the study subjects had a history of prior heart attack or stroke. The study however did not take into account or adjust for risk factors such as smoking or obesity.
The medical scientists noted that a higher frequency of professional tooth cleaning led to a greater reduction in heart risk. They defined higher frequency as at least two visits to the dentist for a cleaning in two years. Stroke is a leading cause of claims for benefits by the eight million Americans who own long term care insurance according to yearly research by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Each year, about 600,000 Americans experience their first stroke according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before medical conditions like heart disease are diagnosed or become problematic. “The sweet spot for long term care insurance is between ages 52 and 64,” Slome adds. “You do not want to wait until after a doctor has diagnosed even a mild stroke because at that point it will very likely be too late to medically qualify for this protection.”
Monday, November 14, 2011
Divorce And Changed Family Roles Will Impact Available Care
The elderly population of the United State will nearly double by the year 2050 creating both an enormous care giving problem for an increasing number of families.
As aging baby boomers enter retirement years, there is a growing concern as to who will care for them as they reach into their 80s, 90s and beyond. Traditionally in the United States, adult children have accepted the care giving responsibilities for aging parents.
“Those care giving roles are becoming increasingly blurred as more families are affected by divorce and remarriage than in previous decades,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance, the national organization. “There will not be the same family network and expect much stress and strife over who is going to care for mom or dad, if anyone is even willing to take on that enormous burden.”
Relationship quality trumps genetic ties when determining care giving obligations according to a study by University of Missouri researchers. They studied how divorce and remarriage affect beliefs about who should care for aging relatives.
The researchers found that relationship quality, including a history of mutual help, and resource availability influenced decisions about who cares for aging parents and stepparents. The old concept that family obligations are based on genetic ties is no longer true for most Americans, the researchers report. How close family members are to each other, how much they have been helped by them in the past, and what hardships care giving might place on family members are important factors when people consider caring for older relatives.
“We are clearly no longer a society that singularly relies on families to provide much of the care for aging parents and that is why every family needs to have the long term care discussion and a plan in place to address the eventuality of some need,” Slome adds. “I like to say, long term care insurance allows a loved one to care about you, not to have to care for you.”
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their long term care planning options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before common medical conditions are diagnosed or become problematic. “The sweet spot for long term care insurance is between ages 52 and 64,” Slome adds. “You do not want to wait until after a doctor has diagnosed even a mild stroke because at that point it will very likely be too late to medically qualify for this protection.”
For more information on long term care insurance feel free to eMail or call me!!
As aging baby boomers enter retirement years, there is a growing concern as to who will care for them as they reach into their 80s, 90s and beyond. Traditionally in the United States, adult children have accepted the care giving responsibilities for aging parents.
“Those care giving roles are becoming increasingly blurred as more families are affected by divorce and remarriage than in previous decades,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance, the national organization. “There will not be the same family network and expect much stress and strife over who is going to care for mom or dad, if anyone is even willing to take on that enormous burden.”
Relationship quality trumps genetic ties when determining care giving obligations according to a study by University of Missouri researchers. They studied how divorce and remarriage affect beliefs about who should care for aging relatives.
The researchers found that relationship quality, including a history of mutual help, and resource availability influenced decisions about who cares for aging parents and stepparents. The old concept that family obligations are based on genetic ties is no longer true for most Americans, the researchers report. How close family members are to each other, how much they have been helped by them in the past, and what hardships care giving might place on family members are important factors when people consider caring for older relatives.
“We are clearly no longer a society that singularly relies on families to provide much of the care for aging parents and that is why every family needs to have the long term care discussion and a plan in place to address the eventuality of some need,” Slome adds. “I like to say, long term care insurance allows a loved one to care about you, not to have to care for you.”
Financial planning experts note that most people wait too long to consider their long term care planning options because the right time to plan is prior to turning age 65 before common medical conditions are diagnosed or become problematic. “The sweet spot for long term care insurance is between ages 52 and 64,” Slome adds. “You do not want to wait until after a doctor has diagnosed even a mild stroke because at that point it will very likely be too late to medically qualify for this protection.”
For more information on long term care insurance feel free to eMail or call me!!
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