Growing Old in America: Expectation vs. Reality

Adapted from PewResearch, June 29, 2009

There is a sizable gap between the expectations that younger adults have about old age and the actual experiences reported by older Americans themselves.  

In every instance (such as illness, memory loss, end to sexual activity, depression/loneliness struggles, financial difficulty), older adults report experiencing them at lower levels than younger adults expect to encounter when they grow old.   At the same time, older adults report fewer of the benefits of aging that younger adults expect to enjoy when they grow old (spending more time with family, travel for pleasure, time for hobbies and volunteering).

The most basic question about old age is:  When does it begin?  Those 18-29 believe a person is old at age 60.  Middle aged respondents say closer to 70, and respondents age 65 and above say 74.  Nearly two-thirds of adults aged 18-29 believe when someone “frequently forgets familiar names,” that person is old.  Less than half of all adults aged 30 and older agree.

The older people get, the younger they feel - relatively speaking.  The gap in years between actual age and “felt age” widens as people grow older.  Nearly half of those 50 and older say they feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age.  A third of those 65 to 74 say they feel 10 to 19 years younger than their age, and one in six say they feel at least 20 years younger.

On average, adults believe old age begins at 68.  But do 68 year-olds feel old?  Certainly not!  Among respondents 65-74, just 21% say they feel old.  Even among those who are 75 and older, just 35% say they feel old.  

What age would you like to live to?  The average response is 89.  One in five would like to live into their 90s and 8% say they’d like to surpass the century mark.  An AARP survey found in 2002 the average desired life span was 92.  

What do older people do every day?  Of those 65 and older, nine in ten talk with friends or family every day.  About eight in ten read, and the same share takes a prescription drug daily.  Three quarters watch an hour or more of TV and about the same share prays daily.  Nearly two thirds drive a car.  Just 4% get into an argument with someone.  Daily prayer and daily medication both increase with age.  

Are older adults happy?  They are about as happy as everyone else.  The same factors that predict happiness among younger adults - good healthy, good friends and financial security - predict happiness among older adults.  However, there are a few age-related differences in life’s happiness sweepstakes.  Most notably, being married is a predictor of happiness among younger adults, but not among older adults.  

Retirement is a place without clear borders.  Fully 83% of adults 65 and older describe themselves as retired, but the word means different things to different people.  Just three quarters of adults over 65 have completely left the working world behind.  An additional 8% say they are retired but working part time, and 3% are retired but looking for work.  The remaining 11% say they are still in the labor force, though not all of them have jobs.

 Interestingly, ten years ago the older labor force began to trend back upward.  The average retiree is 75 years old and retired at age 62. 

Health Insurance: How Ya Doin'?

I recently had a conversation with my favorite Aunt who is in her mid-sixties, and she updated me on the "health insurance hell" she has recently been enduring. 

Her existing insurance provider, which she purchased on her own, out of pocket, decided to drop her.

She doesn't qualify for Medicaid.

She isn't ready to accept Social Security retirement yet, so she doesn't qualify for Medicare. 

So, her only option appears to be utilizing the state health insurance exchange.  Or, go without health insurance and face a penalty, which would be a risky move.

In the process she is required to get herself NOT qualified, so she has had to divulge all of her intimate financial information and prove she is in fact a citizen of the United States (with more copies of intimate information).  She has spent hours on the telephone, had several face to face meetings, not to mention making a mess of her important files (which adds more stress).  This has literally become a part time job for her because, of course, there are deadlines.

And she isn't even done yet. 

Her frustration oozes through to me and I don't know what to say, except to email her a link for a little bit of comic relief: 
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/10/27/you-will-probably-want-to-see-this-saturday-night-live-skit-mocking-the-obamacare-website/

Withered Corpse Game

This game has been around a while but it is great fun for about 8 years-old and up.  You need 2 or more people to play.

HOW TO PLAY:  Prepare the "body parts" and place in individual bowls or cups.  Create a list with answer spaces for each player, of the "body parts" and hand out to each player. 
In a darkened room, recite the spooky poem as you pass around the cups/bowls for each player to feel.  When you turn on the lights, have each player write down what they think was really in each cup or bowl. 

Once upon a Halloween night

Living in this spooky town

Was a man who dies of freight

Bearing the name of Brown.

Many and many a year has passed

Since they buried Brown away,

But his withering corpse we've here amassed

Dug up from his tomb today!

Here is his brain, which feels no pain.

(pass around a wet squishy tomato)

Here are his eyes, frozen in surprise.

(pass around the enxt cup which holds two frozen peeled grapes)

Here is his heart, nevermore to start! 

(pass around a lump of bread dough)

Here is his hair, once so fair!

(pass around a clump of unstrung yarn or string)

A few drops of blood, the rest turned to mud!

(pass a cup with a little catsup)

One hand all alone, rotting flesh and bone.

(plastic glove filled with mud and a few sticks)

Now touch his ear, which does not hear!

(pass around a dried apricot)

And here is his nose, cold in his repose.

(pass a cup with a dried carrot)

All that's left of his skin are these worms within!

(pass wet, cooked spaghetti noodles)

Poor Brown is dead and withered away,

Can you guess what we really felt today?

Better Living Corner: "I want to 'jazz up' my walker"

A customer recently came into Mountain View Medical Supply wanting to "jazz up" her walker.  We have the perfect product to "jazz up" 4-wheeled walkers!
Nova now offers seat and back cover sets to add glam, style and a luxurious feel to your Nova 4-wheeled walker.  Stand out from the crowd and make a statement with 7 different prints or colors to choose from.  Make it all about YOU!
Fits all Nova 4-wheeled walker models (except 4214, 4215, 4216, 4202, 4207 and 4010).
Set includes one seat cover and one back cover.
NO4007xx - $18.18/set

Safari Cheetah

Grey Dusk

Black Puma

Blue Midnight

Blue Hues

Incontinence Price Reduction!

It seems these days that prices only go UP, but this is not the case with a select bunch of our incontinence products because some prices have actually gone DOWN!  Check it out:

To shop our full line of incontinence products, click HERE!

Tena Ultra Diaper, SC67x00, was $30.13-$39.45, NOW $29.20-$39.64!

Attends Waistband Diapers, PGBRW10xxx was $21.25-$23.20, NOW $16.04!

Attends Breathable Diapers, PGBRBxxx, was $15.22-$20.09, NOW $12.84-$17.11

Prevail Guards for Men, FQPV-811 was $5.18, NOW $4.92!

Prevail Pull-Up Super-Plus Diapers, FQPVS-51X was $17.28, NOW $14.47!

 

Prevail PM Extra Diapers, FQNTB-012 was $15.00, NOW $14.22!

New Cast & Bandage Covers

Need to waterproof a site on your body?  No problem, we now carry the AquaGuard cast and bandage covers!

AG50015RBX - 9"x9" Sheet, box of 5ea - $19.52
Great for protecting Hickman catheters, ports, stomas and PICC lines

AG50016RBX - 34" Long Glove, box of 3ea - $10.38
Great for protecting PICC/IV sites, casts, wounds & dressings and incisions

Ostomates: The Flu And What To Do

Adapted from The Flu And What To Do, Ostomy Association of Metro Denver, Sept-Oct 2013

The flu brings with it headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains!  The advice most given:  plenty of fluids and rest in bed.  This remains sound medical advice for the general attack of the virus.  But if your case of the flu includes that "bug-a-boo" diarrhea, and you are an ostomate, you may find the following hints helpful.

For those with a colostomy, remember your intestine is really washing itself out and it is not wise to irrigate during this time.  After diarrhea has stopped, you will have a sluggish colon for a few days, so again, "leave it alone".  Start irrigation again after a few days when your colon has had a chance to return to normal. 

For the ileostomate, diarrhea is a greater hazard.  Along with the excess water discharge, there is a loss of electrolytes and vitamins that are necessary in maintaining good health.  This loss is usually referred to as a loss of fluid which in turn, brings a state of dehydration.  Ileostomates must restore electrolyte balance.  First, eliminate all solid food.  Second, obtain potassium safely and effectively from tea, bullion, and ginger ale.  Third, obtain sodium from saltine crackers or salted pretzels.  Fourth, drink a lot of water.  Cranberry juice and orange juice also contain potassium, while bullion and tomato juice are good sources of sodium. 

Vomiting also brings the threat of dehydration.  If it is severe and continuing, your doctor should be notified, or go to the ER.  You should also know that diarrhea may be symptomatic of partial obstruction or an acute attack of gastroenteritis.  Since the treatment of these two entities is entirely different, a proper diagnosis should be made as rapidly as possible if obstruction is suspected (because of localized cramping).  A physician should be sought immediatly. 

So you can see why it is so important to determine whether the diarrhea is caused by obstruction or gastroenteritis.  If you do not know and are not 100% certain of what you are doing, or what is going on, check immediately with your doctor. 

Habits of Supremely Happy People

Adapted from The Huffington Post, by Kate Bratskeir, 09/16/2013

Martin Seligman theorizes that while 60 percent of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40 percent is up to us. 

He describes three different kinds of happy lives: 

The Pleasant Life, in which you fill your life with as many pleasures as you can.

The Life of Engagement, where you find a life in your work, parenting, love and leisure.

The Meaningful Life, which consists of knowing your highest strengths and using them to belong to and in the service of something larger than you are.

While pleasure, engagement and meaning sound like big feats to tackle, there are habits you can add to your life that have helped people be more happy!

Surround Yourself with Happy People

Joy is contagious so dump the Debbie Downers (or limit your time with them), and spend more time with uplifting people.

Cultivate Resilience

Resilience, not happiness, is the opposite of depression:  Happy people know how to bounce back from failure.  As the Japanese proverb goes, “Fall seven times and stand up eight.”

TRY to be Happy

It’s as simple as it sounds.  Just trying to be happy can boost your emotional well-being.  Replace doom and gloom thoughts with happy thoughts.

Be Mindful of the Good

Take the time to notice the things that go right or make you happy & you will feel more rewarded throughout the day. 

Laugh Out Loud

Laughter is the best medicine.  It releases happy brain chemicals that make us better equipped to tolerate both pain and stress.  Who doesn’t love to LOL?

Devote Some Time to Giving

Volunteer work is good for both mental and physical health, and those who do volunteer have less depression and can experience “the helper’s high”.

Make Exercise a Priority

Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Exercise has been shown to ease depression, anxiety and stress, plus it improves health.

Small Talk vs. Deep Conversation

Balance “shootin’ the breeze” with a more substantive, current conversation for increased satisfaction.  Remember, “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings” is one of the top five regrets of the dying.

Make a Point to Listen

When you really listen, you open up your ability to take in more knowledge, versus blocking the world out with your own words or distracting thoughts.  Good listening strengthens relationships and leads to more satisfying experiences and increased well-being.

Look on the Bright Side

Optimism touts health benefits such as less stress, better pain tolerance and longevity.  When confronted by a bad situation, optimists perceive it as a challenge and try harder. 

Value a Good Mixed Tape

Music is powerful.  Researchers found that people who listened to music regularly had the same decreased anxiety symptoms as those who got 10 hour-long massages.  Of course choosing the right music and songs is important.

Go Outside

Just 20 minutes of fresh air promotes a sense of vitality.  Remember that nature is fuel for the soul.

Fall Prevention Socks for Everyone!

With fall upon us and with cooler temperatures, these socks keep you warm AND safe!

Posey One Size Fits All PO6239x - $3.93/pair

McKesson XXLarge in Gray MCK40-3800 - $2.51/pair

McKesson XL in Royal MCK40-3816 - $2.36/pair

McKesson Bariatric in Royal MCK40-1099 - $2.56/pair

Humor on a Monday (Because we all need humor on Monday's)

A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop.  The surgeon was there, waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike.

The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey, Doc can I ask you a question?" The surgeon a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle.  The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine.  I open its heart, takes valves out, fix 'em, put 'em back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.  So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are basically doing the same work?"  The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic..."Try doing it with the engine running."

Better Living Corner - Pain When Sleeping

“I have severe back pain if I sleep

in my bed for too long because I

cannot move easily.  Help?”

Our Deluxe Pump & Pad Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad by Nova will certainly help you sleep better and more comfortably!

This mattress automatically adjusts inflation of coils to adjust pressure points on the mattress.  The extra-quiet, lightweight pump has a high capacity output and adjustable pressure control to accommodate body weight. 

Includes pad, pump, quick replace air filter and hook for pump.

Features 5 min (60hz) or 6 min (50hz) cycle time, 50mmhg-105mmhg pressure range, 11 foot heavy duty cord (115v), 8 liter air output and 300lb weight capacity. 

Inflated pad size measures 78”L x 34”W x 2.5”H and is made of heavy duty 11-guage textured PVC. 

NOAPP-2000 - $120.00

 

Quick! Before the Weather Changes!

• Watch a sunrise or sunset (or both!)
• Host a barbeques and have family and friends over
• Go for a Sunday drive with the windows down, the music up, and get some ice cream
• Finally go to that free concert in the park
• Spit watermelon seeds into the yard
• Drink your coffee or tea iced
• Wear white pants
• Watch for shooting stars
• Drink a slurpee or margarita (the adult slurpee)
• Hang out on the porch until you can no longer stand the bugs
• Stop at a neighborhood ball field to watch whatever game is being played at the moment
• Take a nap in a hammock

Top Must-See Classic Movies of All Time

By Mrs. G.

I am an avid movie watcher.  I have to say that I still mourn the closing of our last neighborhood video store.  To me, there was nothing better than browsing the video store shelves, finding those hidden treasures and happily heading home for a night of story-telling.  It seems today, cable channels and red rental boxes only offer the most popular choices, and I find it frustrating how hard it is to find those hidden gems.  Here, I share with you a list of classic hidden gems that are must-see!

#1 - Casablanca

This beloved 1942 romance stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

#2 - The Shawshank Redemption

This life-affirming story stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as two jailed prisoners who strike up a friendship.

#3 - The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola’s operatic Mafia series stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.

#4 - Gone With the Wind

This 1939 star-studded Civil War movie finds Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh entangled in a fiery love affair.

#5 - Star Wars

George Lucas’ fantastical space trilogy broke big technological ground.

#6 - Schindler’s List

A Spielberg masterpiece, this wrenching drama about Nazi Germany stars Liam Neeson and is based on true events.

#7 - It’s a Wonderful Life

James Stewart plays a stricken average Joe whose life is saved by an angel.  A holiday must-watch.

#8 - Rear Window

Alfred Hitchcock’s triumph staring James Stewart and Grace Kelly in a nail-biting thriller.

#9 - Citizen Kane

Orson Welles’ starred in and directed this fictional biopic.

#10 - The Wizard of Oz

A timeless 1939 musical that starred Judy Garland and some of the most beloved songs in America.

#11 - To Kill a Mockingbird

This 1962 coming-of-age picture starred Gregory Peck.

#12 - Psycho

Possibly the most influential thriller ever made about a psychotic mama’s boy.

Honorable Mentions:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Vertigo

Pulp Fiction

North by Northwest

Jaws

Taxi Driver

Apocalypse Now

2001: A Space Odyssey

Singin’ in the Rain

ET - The Extra Terrestrial

Lawrence of Arabia

The Grapes of Wrath

What is your favorite movie?

Source:http://movies.amctv.com/movie-guide/tim-dirks-top-100/

New Shoe Arrivals! Who doesn't love to shoe shop?

We have a few new Shoe Arrivals!  All are currently in stock so come check 'em out!

Sedona Elise - Oil and slip resistant - $96.99

AnyWear in Grey Swirl is slip resistant - $39.79

Dansko Textured Patent in Grey - $131.99

Dansko Professional Textured Patent in Red - $131.99

Dansko Professional Patent in Sketch - $131.99

Dansko Professional in Flower Power - $131.99

Better Living Corner: Diaper Pail for Adult Briefs

Customer Question:  Do they make a diaper pail for adult briefs?

Our new Akord Diaper Pail systems are designed to handle adult diapers or ostomy disposal!  These diaper pail systems feature superior odor control, reusable cartridges, ABS plastic, easy access, large capacity and ergonomic pedal for hands free use. 

You can choose from the following:

DIAPER PAIL - Available in two sizes.  Large holds up to 10 small or medium briefs.  XLarge holds up to 12 large or xlarge briefs.  (AZ15-0x000 $47.46 - $69.49)

REFILL PACKS - Large refill pack contains 4 refills. Xlarge refill pack contains 3 refills.

(AZ15-0x100 $28.33 - $29.17)

STARTER KIT - Save money! 

Large kit contains Large diaper pail and 8 refills.  XLarge kit contains XLarge diaper pail and 6 refills.  (AZ15-1x000 $95.24 - $119.05)

To shop now, click HERE!

[Code Happy] App for Nurses!

 

 

What is the Code Happy App?

The ALL NEW Code Happy is now available on Google Play and on all iPhone and iPad devices. We’ll send you an alert when our all new app is ready for download!
The Code Happy App is your community where you can call for support and send support with messages and animated “Happygrams.”
BUILD YOUR SUPPORT CIRCLE
The main screen of Code Happy shows floating bubbles representing nurses who have called for support in the past 24 hours. The small bubbles are nurses you may not yet know…the larger bubbles represent nurses you have added to your support circle. You can create your support circle by adding like-minded nurses or even find nurses who work in the same facility as you so you can trade shifts via the Code Happy App. (TIP! Tap on the bubble to flip it and read more about that nurse!)

INVITE, FRIEND, REPEAT

 
You can find friends on Code Happy a number of ways: By email address, by specialty, by nickname or by workplace. You can add or remove people from your support circle anytime, and you can control how you can be found by others through your privacy settings. (TIP! The more active you are, the more you’re celebrated on Code Happy! Grow your support circle, send lots of Happygrams, share our Smile of the Day and you could earn badges to land you in our Hall of Fame!)
ASK FOR SUPPORT
Do you need support today? There are several ways you can “Call Code Happy.” When you Call Code Happy, you can write your own message or select from a list of ready-made messages that our Code Happy panel of nurses have written for you.



The members of your support circle get an alert when you’re in need of support! Your bubble will also appear on everyone’s screens with your Code, and nurses will be able to send you a message of support called “Happygrams.” (TIP: You can control your notifications and Happygram messages through your settings on Code Happy…there are all sorts of way to protect your privacy. Privacy and notification options are easily accessible through the menu screen.)
SEND SUPPORT
You can send Happygrams several ways. You’ll always see in your notifications when someone in your support network has Called Code Happy, and you can then send them a quick note. You can also click on any floating bubble and send a Happygram to a nurse in need! You’ll find more than 300 animated cartoons that you can send with your message of support. (TIP: You can save any of your custom messages for future use just by adding it to the list!)


There’s a lot more to discover on Code Happy. We’re always looking for great deals for nurses, jokes to make you smile, ways to celebrate the most active nurses on Code Happy, and more.
The new version of Code Happy is now available on Google Play and on all iPhone and iPad devices!