Can a reduced calorie diet affect aging?

If you were told you could live 40% longer but you would have to go on a reduced calorie diet for the rest of your life (that means no more of that fatty oh-so-good junk food we all love once in a while) --- would you do it?

According to the NY Times article, One for the Ages: A Prescription That May Extend Life, calorie restriction (ie. eating 30% fewer calories than what is normal for your specific body type, gender, age) and its effect on the aging process has been a hot topic among scientists. Currently, “calorie restriction is the only strategy known to extend life consistently in a variety of animal species.” Of course, the studies have involved experiments on only animals--- not humans—but the results seem to be consistent despite the different species used in the experiments. Those animals – no matter what their species—who had a reduced calorie diet seemed to age less quickly--- and suffer from age-related diseases—than those that were given a normal diet.

One scientist went so far as to say “calorie restriction may be more effective than exercise at preventing age-related diseases.” Better than exercise? Wow.

However, a calorie restriction diet is not a new concept. "In 1935, Dr. Clive McCay, a nutritionist at Cornell University, discovered that mice that were fed 30 percent fewer calories lived about 40 percent longer than their free-grazing laboratory mates. The dieting mice were also more physically active and far less prone to the diseases of advanced age.”

One thing that should be brought up, especially in this day & age where “bones are in,” is that a calorie reduced diet does NOT mean the individual doesn’t eat or have his/her daily amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

While calorie-restricted diets are still debatable and may not be for some, you should at least be aware of it. However, before you go on ANY diet, first consult with your doctor.

Power to the women!

Finally, companies are coming to the realization that women are in control of the purse strings--- not only for their households, but also for everything else.

The article in the NY Times, What Do Women Want? Just Ask, shows how different companies in different industries--- from the financial industry to the automotive industry--- are finally realizing that ignoring women in their marketing campaigns is done at their own risk.

Consider this:

• “Women are outspending men in our [electronics] industry $55 billion to $41 billion…. Not only that, they are actually influencing 90 percent of the purchases.”
• “Women are making 70 percent of travel decisions, for the family, for their own getaways or for people at work”
• Women are making 81 cents to every dollar a man makes which is an increase from 1979 where a woman would make 63 cents to every dollar. (This is still outrageously shameful considering it is the same work, same responsibilities--- but this is a debate for another time).

Given this, how can companies ignore women? Luckily, “health care was the first industry to recognize and adapt to female buyers because it was clear that women were the gatekeepers for most families’ health needs.” (We could have told you that! Who are traditionally the caregivers in each family? Who nursed you and gave you medicine when you were ill? Who has to make dinner and keep the household in order --- even when they are sick or have the flu?)

“Financial services was next, followed by home improvement and consumer electronics....”

Power to the women! Power to the caregivers! CareTALK is here for you! As we’ve said before, we are mothers, daughter, sisters, aunts. We are here to empower the caregivers with information, resources, tools/utilities, products, goods and services to make the management of caregiving responsibilities more efficient.

Be Prepared

Numerous articles being written regarding preparing for retirement. Tom Lauricella wrote a very good article in the Wall Street Journal today titled Making Final Choices While They're Yours. He provides a summarized breakdown of the important items you need to make sure you have in the event something occurs—power of attorney, living will, estate will, and beneficiaries for your estate, insurances, 401K, etc.

Most people aren’t prepared for unexpected occurrences--- but they ought to be. The CareTALK Gals have always been advocates of being prepared--- even for the younger generation. We believe it is never too early to have living wills, or estate wills. Accidents happen to everyone. The classic example is Ms. Schiavo. She was only 26 and yet she did not have living will which caused her family and husband to fight it out over court to interpret what her wishes would have been. Don’t let others guess--- be prepared.

Boutique Medicine

You know the saying, "money buys everything" (well, most things). Now money is buying a doctor’s time. According to the WSJ article, For a Fee, Doctors With Time to Listen, there are many boutique practices popping up all across the nation where doctors devote more time to each patient--- for a fee. Annual memberships vary but the doctors in these boutiques have a select number of patients. For example, one doctor used to treat up to 35 patients in one day (and had approximately 4,000 patients). After he started his boutique practice, he only treated from 8 to 15 in one day (and has approximately 425 patients). The doctors claim they get to spend more time actually practicing medicine and not dealing with insurance claims--- but there is also a financial plus to all of this. None of the doctor’s can deny they were also driven into boutique medicine because of the fewer patients, fewer hours, and more pay.

However, one person was quoted in the article as saying regarding boutique medicine, “it's there because the current health-care system is broken and we actually have to pay people to talk to us."

This is very true.

If there wasn’t a demand to get more time with the doctor’s this practice would not be growing. Has our healthcare system gotten so bad that it has come down to paying extra just so doctors could spend more time (other than the 5 minutes we usually spend with them during the doctor’s visits?)

Apparently so.

Meeting customer demand

The Wall Street Journal article, Wal-Mart Generic-Drug Plan Is Extended to 12 More States, is a great follow up to last night’s entry. This is what we mean when we say everyone needs to step up to the plate and help provide affordable healthcare (including prescription drugs) to our nation.

About a month ago, Wal-Mart announced they were offering a program where generic drugs would be $4. Now due to consumer demand, they have decided to “accelerate the launch of the low-priced prescriptions.” There will now be 27 states that will have the $4 generic prescription drug plan

… because of consumer demand.

The high consumer demand is not surprising. Considering the high costs of brand name prescription drugs, we all need affordable medications, especially those without health insurance (all 47M of them).

We wonder who will be the next to step up to the plate.

Stepping up to the plate

If the government won’t help, then everyone else needs to step up to the plate. That’s what hospitals in several states are doing. According to the NY Times article, Hospitals Try Free Basic Care for Uninsured, several hospitals systems around the nation have realized it is cheaper to provide free preventative care to the uninsured than pay for the costs of frequent emergency visits.

We all know each time we go to the emergency room, we are charged an arm & a leg --- and most of the cases that appear in the emergency room can be prevented. But with almost 47M people uninsured, many can’t afford to go to the doctors (especially if the doctor visits are over $100/visit).

Now the hospitals are filling the void our government won’t fill--- they are providing free preventative care. Granted, one reason the hospital systems might be doing this is to protect their bottom line—but hey, if it helps the community at large—go for it! (It’s better than what our government is doing at the moment).

Btw, I found it very interesting how Texas, our president’s home state, seems to have the highest percentage of uninsured people (24.5%) according to the graphic in the article. And the US has reached “a record 46.6 million [uninsured]last year, up by 7 million from 2000.” Our current president, the former governor of Texas, has been in office since 2000.

Interesting.

Moderate drinking recommended?; Thimerosal & the flu shot

Listen up, gentlemen! Moderate drinking is ok.

According to the Wall Street Journal article, Moderate Drinking May Deter Heart Attacks in Healthy Men, there is a study (yes another one) citing that men who have two drinks a day have a lower risk of heart attacks than those who didn’t drink at all or those who are light drinkers.

A note of caution, however--- this is not carte blanche to begin drinking--- or to start drinking heavily. The study also cautioned that those who drank more than 2 drinks a day lost any benefits that may come from alcohol. “The report warns that drinking carries other health risks, like breast cancer and acceleration of cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C, and that physicians and patients must weigh the risks and benefits of alcohol intake.”

So, please -- use control and restraint.


I’m sure many of you have been keeping up with the CareTALK blog by Dr. Ridge on Yahoo Health (if not, here’s a chance to catch up). Last week, Dr. Ridge wrote Get It While It's Hot regarding the importance of getting the flu shot and who really needs it. As a result of all the comments we received, his follow up The Great Flu Shot Debate addressed some of the concerns the readers had written about. One of them was regarding Thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury used in vaccines. Dr. Ridge wrote:

Thimerosal, which contains mercury, has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It was used to keep these invading microorganisms out of the vaccine supply when the vaccine was shipped in multi-use bottles. Most of the time these days, the vaccines are delivered in single-dose syringes. As long as you get the vaccine from a single-dose syringe, you are not exposed to Thimerosal. You also have the option of getting the nasal-sprayed vaccine which does not contain Thimerosal.

Today, according to the Wall Street Journal article, FDA Says It Won't Restrict
Mercury-Based Preservative, it was publicly released that the FDA denied a petition to put new restrictions on the use of Thimerosal in vaccines, citing several studies “consistently have found no association between the brain disorder [autism] and the mercury-based preservative.”

For those who are still worried about Thimerosal, there are Thimerosal-free vaccines which you can get. (Therefore, there’s no excuse not to get a flu shot.) Just ask your doctor about it.

Aging at home in Vermont

We have said this repeatedly on this blog,

...the aging boomers are coming...

and there aren’t enough nursing homes to house them. Aging-in-place would require caregivers --- professional or family--- to help take care of the seniors. Unfortunately, many can’t afford private home aides. And asking family members to take on caregiving responsibilities is an added strain--- especially for those who work full time (and have to work full time in order to sustain themselves). However, a new program in Vermont, “Choices for Care”, received “federal approval to offer home care as an option equal to nursing-home care under Medicaid.” Under this program, seniors can elect to stay at home and have a family member care for them. For this service, the family member receives a wage of approx. $9.75/hr.

This program is great considering we need to be proactive in getting seniors to age-in-place in their own homes. Again, there will not be enough nursing homes to house all the aging baby boomers. In addition, it is cheaper for Medicaid to pay family members to be caregivers than it is for them to pay nursing homes.

Next, Medicaid should extend this program to pay authorized friends (perhaps friends who have power of attorney) for their caregiving duties. The article in the NY Times, Seniors in Vermont Are Finding They Can Go Home Again, showcased the story of an elderly lady who had no surviving family member--- except a daughter in law who herself is elderly—and consequently had to remain in a nursing home. There will be many cases similar to this one as the Boomers age.

Shame, Shame, Shame… Shame on you!

We first saw this story on CW11 (you can see the video clip, Anorexia Mom, on the CW11 site) and researched it online where it had appeared in The Star-Ledger, Denied coverage for anorexia, family aims to change N.J. law. It was such a travesty that we had to write about it.

Can you imagine an insurance company--- in this case it is Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey--- not paying for long term treatment for anorexia nervosa? In NJ, eating disorders (generally) are not considered "biologically-based" mental illnesses, therefore, the law does not require the insurance companies to treat eating disorders the same as physical illnesses—hence, the insurance companies can get away with limiting the coverage to only 30 in-patient days of treatment. Is this absurd?

With the way our society is promoting “thin is in” (we believe “bones are in” is a more apt phrase), there is a rising number of cases of young women (and men) battling this illness. How can insurance companies not cover long term treatment for this? This is a mental illness--- just like alcoholism or drug abuse. One important point the video clip on CW11 made--- models and celebrities can afford to get treatment, no matter the price. What about the average person? Isn’t this why we’re paying such high premiums for insurance… so we can get the treatment we need when we need it?

After reading this article, we researched Horizon’s latest annual report on their website. In 2005, they had net revenues of over $213 M (after taxes). This is a 23.6% increase from the previous year. Every year since 2003 (the annual report only showed a three year comparison), there has been an increase in net profit. Hoovers online actually describes Horizon as “New Jersey's top not-for-profit health insurance provider, serving more than 3 million members.” A not-for-profit?

Interesting (to say the least).

We applaud the mother in the article who will continue to fight against her insurance company and change the NJ law--- so that she can giver her daughter the treatment she deserves.

Never give up

As many of you may know, the World Series starts today. As a result there was bound to be a multitude of stories about the teams, the players, the game, etc. However, one particular story in the NY Times, stood out--- because it is about caregiving and never giving up in the face of adversity.

Marcus Thames’s Mother Inspires and Amazes is an article regarding how Veterine Thames, almost completely paralyzed from the neck down, raised 5 children as a single mother. She is an inspiration to her children to do their work, help around the house--- everyone pulling together and working as a team. One of those children is Marcus Thames, right fielder for the Detroit Tigers--- one of the two teams playing in the World Series. Her tenacity to persevere despite her condition has motivated Marcus to do the same--- persevere and drive himself every day on the field.

One special point that we would like to highlight is that after the accident that left Ms. Thames immobilized, her family helped care for her (and continue to care for her). They are not resentful— caring for her is “as natural to them as singing hymns.” One family member was quoted as saying “It was a job that had to be done, and someone did it” regarding to the devotion everyone has for her caring.

This is proactivity. Bad things happen to good people. Yes, there are times when you can break down and have perhaps a second of self-pity, but then you have to roll up your sleeves and forge ahead. As long as your mind functions, you are still you.

In Ms. Thames case, everyone was/is a caregiver—especially her children. Each had a responsibility. Did you know there are over $1M children (under the age of 18) who are caregivers? Ms. Thames case is not isolated. It is time we help families and caregivers manage their responsibilities.

CareTALK will help.

It’s about time!

If Democrats gain control of the House and Senate in a few weeks, expect some major changes.

According to the NY Times article Confident Democrats Draft Broad Health Care Agenda , one of those changes will be a change in the 2003 Medicare law so as to allow “federal officials to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to obtain lower prices for Medicare beneficiaries.” At the moment private insurers negotiate for drug discounts.

The question is--- how motivated are the insurers to get the best deal?

Not much. Why? Because no matter what, the prices of the drugs are passed unto the insured (that's you). In fact, Medicare also provides the insurance companies with a windfall ---for providing and being part of Medicare Part D. Therefore, either way, private insurers don’t lose (did you really think they would ever position themselves so that they lose money? These are also the companies who backdate options or who retroactively cancel your insurance.)

Medicare--- and therefore every taxpayer-- is taking on the burden of skyrocketing drug costs and its inability to negotiate for lower drug prices is ridiculous (especially since they have to subsidize the insurance and pharmaceutical companies). It’s about time our elected representatives look out for its citizens--- and not the drug companies.

In fact, “democrats have a long list of federal agencies, programs and industries they want to investigate. Many are eager to look into drug prices and marketing practices. They also want to investigate whether Medicare overpays managed care plans, compared with spending for similar beneficiaries in the traditional Medicare program. “

We can’t wait to see what happens!

Can supplements provide “Anti-aging” benefits?

Sorry. No such luck.

It had been touted that DHEA supplements and testosterone patches could provide anti-aging, rejuvenating benefits. However, according to the article Supplements Fail to Deliver Touted Anti-Aging Benefits in the Wall Street Journal, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine claimed this is not so. In fact, they saw “no effect on physical performance, quality of life or the body's ability to lower levels of blood sugar” in the participants of the test group used for the study. Although, there were no negative side effects detected, you can not assume they are safe. Besides, if a study has proven there are no positive benefits, why take the supplements? Why risk it?

There are no shortcuts--- even for aging well. Dr. Ridge, one the CareTALK’s board members, wrote a great series about this in the CareTALK Aging & Caregiving blog on Yahoo! Health about staying healthy during each decade of your life: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

New Diabetes Drug; Congratulations to Dr. Leipzig

Ironically, after yesterday’s entry here, the Wall Street Journal had an article today regarding FDA approval for a new prescription drug (by Merck) to treat Type 2 Diabetes (another similar drug by Novartis AG is awaiting FDA approval). This new drug is expected to sell at $4.86 each (you only need one pill a day) --- ie. $146/mo or $1,750/yr.

“Analysts have predicted both drugs could easily reach blockbuster status of more than $1 billion in annual sales by 2010 as long as no major safety issues emerge.” At those prices, we’re not surprised. We can only hope the drugs have been fully tested.

Again, isn’t it better (and cheaper) to try to prevent the disease by following the doctor’s advise? We’re not saying drugs aren’t needed--- however, it should be a last resort, not the default.

Just a thought.

A heartfelt congratulations to our partner, Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician at Mount Sinai Medical Center for her positive representation of geriatricians as described in the NY Times article, Geriatrics Lags in Age of High-Tech Medicine. (The article described how she correctly surmised an older patient had an infection and did not need surgery--- as her family had been incorrectly told by other doctors.)

Because geriatrics is not as “glamorous” as other specialties or pay as much, there seems to be a shortage of geriatricians. In fact, “in 2005, there was one geriatrician for every 5,000 Americans 65 and older, a ratio that experts say is sure to worsen. Of 145 medical schools in the United States, only 9 have departments of geriatrics. Few schools require geriatric courses. And teaching hospitals graduate internists with as little as six hours of geriatric training.”

How can this be? With the boomers aging, there will need to be an increase in the number of geriatricians--- and a need for all doctors to, at the very least, have specialized knowledge on treating older patients. Older patients have special requirements --- and should not be disregarded. Again, with 78M baby boomers aging, doctors need to have training (and 6 hours is not enough) on how to diagnose older patients.

Get up and exercise!

Why is it that most people would prefer to take a “miracle pill” instead of working towards being healthier--- or even preventing the condition in the first place?

The article in the NY Times, When Advice on Diabetes Is Sound, but Ignored, deals with this issue directly. Doctors are now questioning whether they should even continue to advise patients to exercise and follow a diet or whether to just prescribe drugs in order to prevent diabetes. They have found that most patients tend to ignore the doctor’s recommendation of a lifestyle change (in this case, exercising and losing weight) to treat patients at high risk of developing diabetes. Even if patients do initially follow the recommendations, despite being at high risk, patients tend to not continue with their exercise routines. They would much prefer to take medication.

Why is this? Is it that we have gotten so addicted to “quick fixes” or taking a “miracle pill” whenever possible?

There are no shortcuts, everyone.

We know you’ve heard this repeatedly--- but exercise and a healthy, balanced diet is good for you--- especially if you are at high risk for diabetes. Why be so dependent on drugs (especially when medication is so expensive now)?

Get up and start walking. Get some exercise. Stop being dependent on medication. As one doctor in the article mentioned, “Drugs should be a last resort.”

"The Talk"

Earlier this week, there was a very poignant article in The Washington Post, The Conversation, which is a great follow-up to last Monday’s (Oct.9th) entry on this blog regarding end of life arrangements. The writer for The Conversation ,Ms. Annie Groer, describes how she had to first force herself to face her father’s impending death and then, to sit down and have a frank conversation with her father --- where she asked him if he “was ready to die” and, among other things, whether he wanted to be buried or cremated. (Ms. Groer was surprised by his answer and was glad she asked because her initial assumptions were incorrect.)

Everyone should read this article and have “the talk” with their aging loved ones. Unfortunately, no one is immortal and it is better to plan ahead and be prepared for impending death—then to be second guessing yourself later--- when it is too late to ask. As Ms. Groer wrote, having “the talk” was therapeutic--- both for her and her father--- and it seems to have brought them closer together. In addition, everyone should want to make it easier for their loved ones to pass away comfortably and at ease --- especially at ease that you, their surviving relative, are comfortable with their impending death. There is no harder feeling for a parent to think they are abandoning their children--- especially when it is not their decision, but the decision of our Maker.

Have “the talk” with your loved ones. Ms. Groer has even provided tips on how to broach the topic. But it must be done. We have "the talk regarding every other topic-- why not this?

Medical treatment overseas

As you all know, the costs of healthcare are skyrocketing--- as are the number of uninsured Americans. As a result, more and more people are looking to have operations overseas (it’s much cheaper). There are new companies emerging specifically to plan your medical trip abroad—think of it as a travel agency planning your vacation trip which includes a scheduled operation.

This is a viable business and it may be a great option for you. However, there are many issues that may arise and which need to be researched beforehand, such as: What are the hospitals like? What are the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative treatments like? What rights do you have if there is malpractice? What are the laws governing the doctors who will operate on you? You need to be very careful if considering one of these operations.

However there is one thing we need to question--- what is our government doing about this? The reason why Americans now have to go abroad is because of high healthcare costs (and no insurance to cover them). Like the cases in the NY Times article, Basking on the Beach, or Maybe on the Operating Table, someone uninsured would rather take the risk of going under the knife in another country because the cost of the surgery would be half the cost if s/he had the same operation in the US. This is insane!

Why does it have to come to this? Why do Americans have to go elsewhere to get affordable healthcare? We have some of the best doctors here, yet, we can’t afford them! With the boomers aging, this will be a grave problem (though not for the airline industry!). Imagine half the boomers going overseas for operations. Why should doctors come to the US to practice medicine? Or why should American doctors have to stay in the US if all the patients are going oversees? If this continues, our doctors will also start leaving the US, resulting in a shortage of doctors. 5 states already have a shortage of family doctors (please see the posting from September 30th). We are already importing drugs (or at least trying to import) from outside the US because it's cheaper.

What more needs to happen in order for our healthcare system to change?

Technology and health--- isn’t it great?!

Imagine being able to stay home, work on your laptop, or watch tv, while getting your regular dialysis treatment. Normally, you would have to get on a bus, train, and/or car to get such treatment. Now, thanks to home monitoring and home dialysis machines, those needing treatment can get this treatment in the comfort of their own home.

The article Home is where the health care is, in Business 2.0 is part of a series which demonstrates how the patient has the power--- not the doctors, hospitals, etc. New companies are emerging in the healthcare field everyday --- mainly targeting the aging boomers. But imagine--- a diabetic having an at home monitoring system where the blood sugar or other vital statistics are taken daily and sent directly to the doctor. Imagine how valuable this would be for the multi-tasking, ever busy boomer who needs to care for themselves but puts off going to the doctor because of his/her other responsibilities.

Now, there would be no excuse--- the “doctor” is at home with you --- through these at-home monitoring devices. Caregivers will also benefit from piece of mind knowing that they can monitor their loved ones' health conditions.

Long Term care insurance: is it worth it?

Terri Cullen wrote an interesting article today regarding long term care (ltc) insurance in the Wall Street Journal titled A Policy to Live By. We’re glad that she is bringing ltc insurance into the spotlight… there are so many people who don’t even know what ltc insurance is -- much less, how they can benefit by it.

She gives very good (personal) examples of whether ltc insurance is right for herself and her family. According to the president of a long-term-care consulting firm Ms. Cullen consulted, those who have less than $2.5M in liquid assets should definitely consider ltc insurance (which basically means the majority of the US population). LTC insurance may not be right for Ms. Cullen and her family as she clearly outlines her reasoning.

However, you should not compare your situation with hers.

We believe boomers will need ltc insurance—more so than their parents ever did. In Ms. Cullen’s article, she writes how some of her family members are not eligible for ltc insurance-- but that's ok because Medicare would cover some costs and, if needed, she and her husband would help with the rest. This may be a very optimistic and hopeful. Medicare does cover some costs – for now-- if you meet certain requirements. However, considering our government is in tremendous debt and healthcare does not seem to be a priority in their agenda, we would not be surprised if Medicare funding is cut in the future, thus leaving those depending on Medicare/Medicaid aid for long term care in a lurch.

In addition, the children of boomers will probably need long term care even more--- if their parent’s don’t qualify for ltc insurance, they will be the ones who will be helping pay the bills. Their financial resources will be tied up helping their parents/parents-in-law (while paying for their children’s rising education costs) and they will not have enough to pay for their own long term care.

Ltc insurance is more of a safety net. You really need to do your research and find the best insurance company that is flexible. Weigh the pros and cons --- but take into account that certain ltc insurances pay you (not the assisted living facility) directly when you need it so that you can decide how to best allocate the resources. (Check out Unum Long Term Care insurance--- it is one of the top insurances available).

Consider long term care insurance very carefully. You may find out it is perfect for you.

“50 is the youth of old age”

Over 50? Don’t worry! It’s not a midlife crisis. 50 is the new 20. You’re still at your peak!

If you’ve been reading the articles about aging that have been written in the past couple of years, you will know that what was once considered the beginning of “old age” is actually the start of a new (young) age. Granted, we’re not saying grab your leather outfit and get yourself a Harley (unless of course, you really want to) but 50 is no longer considered a turning point in your life where everything is supposed to go downhill (considering the increased longevity, we wouldn’t be surprised if, in the near future, that turning point arrives when you reach 100). As you’ve read here (and elsewhere), people are living longer and enjoying life to their fullest. Those in their 70s & 80s are more active than some 20 years olds we know!

One special organization, The Red Hat Society, is aimed at making women rejoice and take pride in the fact they are over 50. Are they serious? What about the old mentality (especially the Hollywood mentality), that a female over 40 was old--- not to mention 50! Can you imagine? A woman taking pride in being over 50?

Ladies, yes! Take pride! Why should only men get the distinction that their appearances improve with age like fine wine? (Now, now... don't look at your husband and start laughing. ) There are plenty of women that age gracefully too--- most notably Susan Sarandon and Susan Lucci.

The Red Hat Society, with over 1.5 Million members worldwide and featured in the NYTimes article Lift Every Over-50 Voice and Sing, Ladies, Sing, aims to get rid of this old notion and to make women feel proud of their age. Gone are the days when women have to lie about their age (unless of course you’re 20 ½ and need to be 21 to be admitted into a bar). Women will proudly say “I am 58!” or “I am 74!” The society’s message is “have fun.” They are “not political or religious” and they believe “many women feel marginalized as they grow older, but red hatters mean to be noticed.” (Red Hatters is a nickname for those in the Red Hat Society because they wear red hats.)

Major Kudos to you!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our friends at GoogleVideo -- and YouTube!
- The CareGALK Gals

End of Life Arrangements

Reading the NY Times articles, The Last Word on the Last Breath, is a great wake up call to those who have not thought about, or have been putting off arrangements for end-of-life. Yes, it is an unpleasant topic to discuss with your loved ones or to even to think about for yourself (who wants to be reminded they are not immortal) but it is necessary. Just like you plan for vacations 1 year (sometimes 2 years) in advance, or plan for retirement (or at least you should be planning for retirement), or even have your cemetery plot all picked out (yes, that grave plot in Hawaii overlooking the ocean was a great deal), you should also plan for end-of life--- wills (do you really want your family squabbling over that crystal vase you brought over from Italy?), living wills including do not resuscitate orders (no one wants to go through what Terry Schiavo’s family and her husband had to go through), power of attorney, etc.

Now that the holidays are approaching, you should sit down with your loved ones and discuss these arrangements. One good place to start researching is ElderLawAnswers. As one of our partners, Harry Margolis, Founder and President of ElderLawAnswers, will soon be blogging for CareTALK about any and all questions you may have regarding estate planning, living wills, etc.

It’s true… you’re only as old as you think you are.

Have you noticed that there is an increasing number of older people (70+ years young) who have more energy than some 50 year olds? Yet on the flip side, there are some 70+ year olds who seem very frail—so much so that they can hardly walk. What are young set of 70+ doing differently to stay so young and fit?

According to the NY Times article, Old but Not Frail: A Matter of Heart and Head, there are extensive research and studies being conducted to determine what causes frailty in some older people but not others--- and why it increases with age. For example, Dr. Anne Newman, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at the University of Pittsburgh was quoted as saying “I would say all 100-year-old people are frail. Most 90-year-olds are frail. And some 80-year-olds are frail.” What causes this frailty? Some doctors and researchers believe it may be attributed to cardiovascular disease--- which, if true, can be more easily prevented/managed through medication and treatment, thus resulting in a decrease in frailty in seniors.

Another very important point the article makes is regarding the stereotypes associated with seniors. Unfortunately, we live in a society with many stereotypes and where we don’t respect our seniors. Other cultures, such as the Asian culture, revere their seniors as wise, sage, and a group whose example should be followed. Unfortunately, this is not the case in this society. We are a society where we “warehouse” seniors in nursing homes and where they are the butt of jokes. Yes, there are those who take care of their seniors everyday and care for them--- however, these are the exceptions and not the rule.

CareTALK aims to change that. Caregiving responsibilities—especially for seniors-- can be nightmarish and can be regarded as “obligations” and not something that is done voluntarily---due to the amount of time and money required. With the tools/utilities, information, and resources CareTALK will provide, these caregiving responsibilities will be easier to handle.

In addition, we aim to change the thinking that “aging is a disease.” It's not. It is a natural course of life. However, it can be managed and controlled. It is you who has the power. You just need to know how to live healthier, longer.

We will provide you with those resources and tools.

MedTech Weekly: PositScience

Today makes the first entry in MedTech Weekly which will highlight one product each week that we believe captures the essence of modern technology working hand in hand with the medical needs of Americans – especially aging Americans.

According to the Wired article, Brain Workouts May Tone Memory, “the concept of ‘cognitive fitness’ has become a buzzword to describe activities that stimulate underutilized areas of the brain and improve memory. Proponents of brain-fitness exercises say such mental conditioning can help prevent or delay memory loss and the onset of other age-related cognitive disorders.”

This week we are featuring PositScience. No one thinks twice about exercising the body -- -we all go to the gym (or at least we try to) because we know it is good for us--- it will help keep us healthier so we can live longer. Don’t you think the same would apply to the brain? After all, the brain is an organ that also needs a workout—especially if we want to keep our cognitive skills sharp as we age.

Here is a scary statistic:
There have been some estimates which say that by the time boomers reach the age of 85, 50% of them will suffer from Alzheimer’s. Imagine, 50%.


Fortunately, there are programs available which are fitness programs for your brain--- so as to keep your cognitive skills sharp and active. PositScience is a 40 hour program available on DVDs which will you can take yourself or with other loved ones. It is highly recommended your brain “works out” 1 hour a week, 5 days a week, for 8 straight week. If you follow the suggested work out routine, you will see a significant improvement to your cognitive skills (this does sound like we’re joining a gym).

Hearing Loss

Reading this article in the NYTimes, For Some Who Lost Their Hearing, Implants Help
it is amazing how the government can spend so much on other projects, yet it cannot cover the cochlear surgery needed by many that will decrease the number of Americans with hearing loss, the “third most common chronic condition among older Americans, after hypertension, and arthritis.” Medicare only covers a fraction of the cost of the surgery while health insurances don’t even cover hearing aids which, on average, cost $40, 000.

That’s disgraceful!

It’s even worse when you consider that a study conducted by the National Council on Aging found that “those using aids had better feelings about themselves, greater independence, improved mental health and better relationships with their families. Yet only one person in five with hearing loss wears a hearing aid” because of the high costs. Very unfortunate how our government would prefer to pay high prescription costs to pharmaceutical companies (instead of controlling them and the rising healthcare costs) yet they can’t cover hearing aid/ cochlear surgeries which would be very needed as the boomers age.

It’s that time again—enrollment in Part D

Yes, it’s that time again – grab your parents and loved ones, sit down with them and help them enroll in the Medicare Part D program.

Or if you’ve already enrolled, you may want to see if there are plans more convenient for your/your loved one’s situation (there are many more offerings this year). Many more companies are now starting to offer coverage through, what has been come to be known as, “the doughnut hole” which is the “portion of drug spending that the government-subsidized plans don't have to cover.” If you already have this coverage, it may be a good idea to review the other offering. Some, like Cigna, are lowering their premiums; others, like Humana, are increasing their premiums. Another important point the article in the Wall Street Journal, Medicare Drug Plans:The New Choices, pointed out is that even if you are satisfied with your coverage, you should still check your plan to make sure the drugs you thought you were being covered for, will still be covered. (For example, Humana has decided that brand name drugs will no longer be covered through the doughnut hole. If you were depending on this, you may want to consider other benefit managers).

We're already seen a bionic heart, then a bionic arm, now... a bionic foot?

Readers, you must look at this interactive article in the NY Times, An Artificial Foot That Does Everything but Itch! It is regarding an “Electronic Brain in an Artificial Foot.” This interactive article shows you step by step (no pun intended) the newest version of an artificial foot for amputees (If you may remember, we mentioned during a previous post that the concept of the Bionic Woman is not such a far fetched idea; it used to be science –fiction, now it’s reality). This new artificial foot is able to move almost identical to a human foot as a result of a microchip. The new foot is even smart enough to adjust itself depending on whether you are walking on a flat surface, slope, sitting down, or walking up/down steps.

Simply amazing!

It's time for a change -- our healthcare costs may depend on it.

We had mentioned during a previous post that our representatives in Washington have finally realized it is time to stop harassing the seniors who try to bring lower priced prescription drugs from Canada. According to the article in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. to Stop Seizing Canadian Medicine, the seizures of prescription drugs would stop October 9th. (Why they can’t do this before then, we don’t understand).

According to the article “Prescription drugs are significantly cheaper in Canada because its national health-care system negotiates lower prices for its citizens.” (We wish our great nation could do the same for us!) But unfortunately, there is a strong alliance between the politicans in power and "the drug industry, which remains a major source of financial support for House and Senate campaigns.”

Hmm... interesting. Politicians in power with a "tight alliance" with the pharmaceutical companies. Coincidentally, healthcare costs are through the roof and a new, strict policy was implemented last year to seize any and all prescription drugs brought over from Canada (even though previously, customs used to “turn a blind eye”). Very interesting.

Sadly, this is also reality. According to the article, the US is “one of the only markets in the world where the government doesn't exercise control over drug prices.”

This needs to change. And the place to start is by voting Nov. 7th!

Changing to age-old model of marketing

As we all know, the boomers aging will result in a shift in the demographics where approximately a third of the population will be 50+. However, there is data indicating that the population of the younger generation will also increase. According to the MediaPost article, 'Hourglass Society' Values Community, Ecology, between 2000 and 2020, “the world population of people over age 50 will increase by 70 percent, and the population of 15- to-24-year-olds will increase by 11 percent.”

Why is this important or even relevant?

Well, for starters the triangle model that was always associated with the population and used by marketers has changed. It was because of the boomers, the largest generation, that marketers coveted the 18-34 age group. But now, with the Boomers aging (thus increasing the 50+ population) and the population of the younger generation increasing, the tried and true, old marketing triangle model is no longer applicable. It is now an hourglass model--- resulting in a needed change in tactics for marketers. Marketers now have two separate audiences to cater to: those 50+, and those under 25. However, ads targeted to these audiences—especially the boomers—need to be relevant.

In their new ad made specifically for the boomers, John Hancock is targeting the 50+ boomers with its insurance (and other) products. However, according to MediaPost’s article, John Hancock Takes No Risks In New Ad Campaign, brand experts are saying there is no relevance to the average boomers and the ad uses the typical cliché, “the Future is now” (though the article also points out that other companies targeting the boomers are also using the same cliché) . Why should a boomer purchase insurance? (We can tell you MANY reasons but this is not the appropriate time).

CareTALK has been telling companies who are targeting boomers: there needs to be a contextual relevance to all the products that are targeted to the boomers. The “buy it because it's good for you” model will not work for the boomers--- the boomers, unlike any other generation what to understand why. Why should they buy such a product? How does it help them in their everyday life? How does it give them some peace of mind? How does it improve their efficiency so they could do 20 things instead of just 10 (yes, we’re written before, boomers are the #1 multi-taskers). And these are just a few of the questions boomers will want to know.

Again context is everything… and CareTALK provides the perfect context. (Hint, hint)

Long Live the boomers!

Last year, there was a terrific article in the Wall Street Journal, When We're All 64, that we would like to bring to the forefront again --describing the changes the boomers will bring to our current notion of aging. After all, as the article says, the boomers are the ones who introduced “rock 'n' roll, working moms, Earth Day, sport-utility vehicles, Botox, shacking up, Viagra and Starbucks” into pop culture. (Can you even imagine a world without these things?) Boomers have been responsible for a lot! In addition, they are also responsible for the women’s movement and the end of segregation.

So, it is only logical to think they will resist the old notion of aging and retiring. Can you imagine boomers just sitting in a rocking chair not doing anything? (Don’t’ worry, neither can we.) Boomers are one of the most active, multitasking generation around. (We wouldn’t be surprised if they created the notion of multitasking and made it the norm).

The next couple of decades will be very interesting indeed to see what the boomers do/create in their retirement (after all, according to one survey 75% of boomers plan to keep working past their retirement) and the products that will be created to make it more comfortable for the boomers to age and live longer.

And you can bet boomers will live a much longer life than the generation before them. Especially if they have doctors championing for them such as Dr. Ridge (who as some of you may know is a CareTALK board member and an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical School, among his other 10 responsibilities) and Dr. Stephen Yang, the chief of thoracic surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution who was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal article, Senior Operator. It is Dr. Yang's "passion" and commitment to accept older patients (those in their 70s and 80s) normally passed over for surgery because of their age. He believes they “’the older patient is underserved’...[and they] don't get the kind of aggressive treatment they need to be cured."

According to the Census Bureau, “the number of older Americans is expected to increase 13% by 2010 and 53% by 2020, making seniors the fastest-growing age group in the country.” (53!! That’s huge!) Doctors like Dr. Ridge and Dr. Yang will make it even easier for those in their 80s to definitely be able to live another 10 (maybe even 20?) years.