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.
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.
posted by CareTALKGals(tm) at 10/08/2006 08:59:00 PM
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