There are a many reasons why swimming and water-based exercise may be the best choice for seniors. Water based exercises are second only to walking in lowest rates for injuries. They are commonly used for physical therapy modes for those recovering from major surgery.
Water also provides more options for those who are lacking in general fitness or have a prior injury that makes land based activity difficult. Finally, water based activities work the entire body, serving as a form of both strength training even as aerobic training takes place.
Swimming utilizes nearly all major muscle groups simultaneously, imparting a total body work out. Because of the inherent resistance of the water, swimming develops both muscle strength and endurance, as well as helps flexibility.
Because of its horde of effects, swimming provides almost all of the aerobic benefits of running even as it yields many of the benefits of resistance training thrown in. Because swimming does not put the strain on connective tissues that running, aerobics and some weight-training regimens do, swimming is the kind of low-impact work out that is perfect for seniors seeking to regain or maintain their fitness.
This is a sport especially gentle to those who are physically challenged. The buoyancy factor of water makes swimming the most injury-free exercise available. So it is specifically interesting to seniors, especially those with any type of joint issues. In water, a person’s body weight is reduced by 90% as compared to its weight on land. For example, a 220 pound man will weigh about 22 pounds if he is standing in chin deep water.
Exercises in water can also be done more often because of the low incidence of injuries and it is more effective for exercising the entire body as any movement in water 12 times greater resistance than movement in air.
For the elderly, water fitness is safe, fills the need for exercise, increases a body's range of motion and is a low-impact exercise.
The good news is that there are many choices with the Charlotte and Lake Norman area Metro YMCA's and they have such great deals for our active adults and seniors.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Halloween With The Grandkids
Many neighborhoods in the Lake Norman and the Charlotte area go all out for Halloween. Birkdale and Birkdale Village make it as much fun for the parents as they do the kids.
Being a parent, the hardest part is making your child happy with his/her costume. My wife and I answered that problem with this solution!
Being a parent, the hardest part is making your child happy with his/her costume. My wife and I answered that problem with this solution!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Why Swimming is the Perfect Exercise for Charlotte NC area Seniors
There are a many reasons why swimming and water-based exercise may be the best choice for seniors. Water based exercises are second only to walking in lowest rates for injuries. They are commonly used for physical therapy modes for those recovering from major surgery.
Water also provides more options for those who are lacking in general fitness or have a prior injury that makes land based activity difficult. Finally, water based activities work the entire body, serving as a form of both strength training even as aerobic training takes place.
Swimming utilizes nearly all major muscle groups simultaneously, imparting a total body work out. Because of the inherent resistance of the water, swimming develops both muscle strength and endurance, as well as helps flexibility.
Because of its horde of effects, swimming provides almost all of the aerobic benefits of running even as it yields many of the benefits of resistance training thrown in. Because swimming does not put the strain on connective tissues that running, aerobics and some weight-training regimens do, swimming is the kind of low-impact work out that is perfect for seniors seeking to regain or maintain their fitness.
This is a sport especially gentle to those who are physically challenged. The buoyancy factor of water makes swimming the most injury-free exercise available. So it is specifically interesting to seniors, especially those with any type of joint issues. In water, a person’s body weight is reduced by 90% as compared to its weight on land. For example, a 220 pound man will weigh about 22 pounds if he is standing in chin deep water.
Exercises in water can also be done more often because of the low incidence of injuries and it is more effective for exercising the entire body as any movement in water 12 times greater resistance than movement in air.
For the elderly, water fitness is safe, fills the need for exercise, increases a body's range of motion and is a low-impact exercise.
Water also provides more options for those who are lacking in general fitness or have a prior injury that makes land based activity difficult. Finally, water based activities work the entire body, serving as a form of both strength training even as aerobic training takes place.
Swimming utilizes nearly all major muscle groups simultaneously, imparting a total body work out. Because of the inherent resistance of the water, swimming develops both muscle strength and endurance, as well as helps flexibility.
Because of its horde of effects, swimming provides almost all of the aerobic benefits of running even as it yields many of the benefits of resistance training thrown in. Because swimming does not put the strain on connective tissues that running, aerobics and some weight-training regimens do, swimming is the kind of low-impact work out that is perfect for seniors seeking to regain or maintain their fitness.
This is a sport especially gentle to those who are physically challenged. The buoyancy factor of water makes swimming the most injury-free exercise available. So it is specifically interesting to seniors, especially those with any type of joint issues. In water, a person’s body weight is reduced by 90% as compared to its weight on land. For example, a 220 pound man will weigh about 22 pounds if he is standing in chin deep water.
Exercises in water can also be done more often because of the low incidence of injuries and it is more effective for exercising the entire body as any movement in water 12 times greater resistance than movement in air.
For the elderly, water fitness is safe, fills the need for exercise, increases a body's range of motion and is a low-impact exercise.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Lake Norman and Charlotte: Choosing The Perfect Retirement Home
Making the decision to move from the comfort of your own home into a retirement home is not one to be taken lightly and needs a lot of thought and preparation.
So what should be you be looking for?
Peace of Mind
Whether you are able to live without assistance or need extra care, you want to know that you're going to be getting the best and most secure facilities on offer to fit within your lifestyle.
Modern day retirement developments are thought out very carefully with special attention paid to detail, from the style of the property and its natural surroundings, to the distance from local shops, hospitals, transport and social aspects such as meeting clubs and restaurants. Security entrances, 24 hour care lines, smoke alarms and lifts are generally included and designed to make you feel secure and protected.
Independence
Special attention isn't just paid to the local amenities and facilities outside your home. In order to live as independently as possible, you need access to everything you'd expect in your own home such as enough space for storage, right down to the types of tap fittings used and the heights of units. These small details mean that you can continue to look after yourself well into your retirement.
Comfort
To be comfortable, you need to feel at home, relaxed and secure. This is mostly achieved by choosing a good quality retirement home with an active community. These tend to have residents that check on each other and have a wide range of activities.
Cost
Cost of living is obviously high on the agenda for many people. While it's usually tempting to go for the cheapest option, that's not always best.
Try to find somewhere within your budget with a clear cost structure so there are no hidden costs. Various HOA fees covering care of the grounds etc. can soon add up causing a great deal of stress and worry. Be sure to understand these fees before purchase.
You want value for money in a location suitable for you, with the facilities you need and a clear idea of what extra charges you will need to budget for. Energy efficiency should be high on the tick list too because the more efficient a property, the less costly it will be.
Location
If you are planning to retire it usually makes sense to choose a location where you already have some form of connection. For example, some people might select a location to be near to family whilst others might select a location which is close to their friends. Many choose to retire to a location because of the countryside - or indeed that very popular option, to be near the sea. Many people select a location on the basis that it is the place where they feel comfortable and of course "gut feeling" may well play an important part in that judgment.
Finally, whatever grounds you might give for selecting a retirement home, it really is worth looking around to see what's on offer. One of the best places to start is by contacting an agent that has knowledge of retirement living communities in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas.
So what should be you be looking for?
Peace of Mind
Whether you are able to live without assistance or need extra care, you want to know that you're going to be getting the best and most secure facilities on offer to fit within your lifestyle.
Modern day retirement developments are thought out very carefully with special attention paid to detail, from the style of the property and its natural surroundings, to the distance from local shops, hospitals, transport and social aspects such as meeting clubs and restaurants. Security entrances, 24 hour care lines, smoke alarms and lifts are generally included and designed to make you feel secure and protected.
Independence
Special attention isn't just paid to the local amenities and facilities outside your home. In order to live as independently as possible, you need access to everything you'd expect in your own home such as enough space for storage, right down to the types of tap fittings used and the heights of units. These small details mean that you can continue to look after yourself well into your retirement.
Comfort
To be comfortable, you need to feel at home, relaxed and secure. This is mostly achieved by choosing a good quality retirement home with an active community. These tend to have residents that check on each other and have a wide range of activities.
Cost
Cost of living is obviously high on the agenda for many people. While it's usually tempting to go for the cheapest option, that's not always best.
Try to find somewhere within your budget with a clear cost structure so there are no hidden costs. Various HOA fees covering care of the grounds etc. can soon add up causing a great deal of stress and worry. Be sure to understand these fees before purchase.
You want value for money in a location suitable for you, with the facilities you need and a clear idea of what extra charges you will need to budget for. Energy efficiency should be high on the tick list too because the more efficient a property, the less costly it will be.
Location
If you are planning to retire it usually makes sense to choose a location where you already have some form of connection. For example, some people might select a location to be near to family whilst others might select a location which is close to their friends. Many choose to retire to a location because of the countryside - or indeed that very popular option, to be near the sea. Many people select a location on the basis that it is the place where they feel comfortable and of course "gut feeling" may well play an important part in that judgment.
Finally, whatever grounds you might give for selecting a retirement home, it really is worth looking around to see what's on offer. One of the best places to start is by contacting an agent that has knowledge of retirement living communities in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Long Term Care: Not For Women Only
Rhonda Halford and Diane Hartigan, Licensed Long Term Care Specialists are holding four seperate workshops.
Guest Speaker will be Kelley McGowan who has 25 years experience in Gerontology and has spoken nationally about long term care issues.
Long Term Care is not something we want to talk about? Consider this: 70% of us by 65 will require long term care. The cost of long term care today in NC is approximately $5500+ per month and the cost keeps rising.
People need to know how to avoid the very possible "What Do I Do Know?" question!
The workshops provide up to date information on:
1. How do you protect your assets and avoid being a burden on our spouse or children?
2. What will and won't Medicare cover with respect to the cost of long term care?
3. How will you pay for a nursing home should you or your spouse have need of one?
4. Can you select 'In Home Care","Assisted Living Facility Care" and Nursing Home Services?
5. Who do you turn to for help should you or your spouse suddenly need long term care?
The workshops schedules:
9/29/2009
2:00 PM Churchill Senior Living 140 Carriage Club Drive, Mooresville, NC
4:00 PM Churchill Senior Living
10/1/2009
2:00 PM Birkdale Golf Club 16500 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Cornelius, NC
4:00 PM Birkdale Golf Club
Space is limited so please RSVP: (704) 483 2523 or email dianehartigan@gmail.com
Guest Speaker will be Kelley McGowan who has 25 years experience in Gerontology and has spoken nationally about long term care issues.
Long Term Care is not something we want to talk about? Consider this: 70% of us by 65 will require long term care. The cost of long term care today in NC is approximately $5500+ per month and the cost keeps rising.
People need to know how to avoid the very possible "What Do I Do Know?" question!
The workshops provide up to date information on:
1. How do you protect your assets and avoid being a burden on our spouse or children?
2. What will and won't Medicare cover with respect to the cost of long term care?
3. How will you pay for a nursing home should you or your spouse have need of one?
4. Can you select 'In Home Care","Assisted Living Facility Care" and Nursing Home Services?
5. Who do you turn to for help should you or your spouse suddenly need long term care?
The workshops schedules:
9/29/2009
2:00 PM Churchill Senior Living 140 Carriage Club Drive, Mooresville, NC
4:00 PM Churchill Senior Living
10/1/2009
2:00 PM Birkdale Golf Club 16500 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Cornelius, NC
4:00 PM Birkdale Golf Club
Space is limited so please RSVP: (704) 483 2523 or email dianehartigan@gmail.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lake and Charlotte Area Mother In Law Suites
I am working with a client in the Lake Norman area that needs a home with separate quarters for their mother and father in laws.
As we grow older and our parents grow older with us, this trend is becomnig more and more common.
I did a thorough search of homes that specifically list separate quarters described as 'Mother In Law Suites" and found 11 homes in the Charlotte Metro area with this description.
My clients realized that looking over our entire MLS area maybe be a necessity find what they need to move and bring family with them. There are homes listed in this category from Lake Norman to Lake Wylie, Charlotte, Kannapolis and Belmont.
Prices range from $89,000 in Rock Hill SC. to 1,075,000 in the Lake Norman area.
I found one in Charlotte that is also listed as a possible short sale and the list price is $320,000.
Check out this Charlotte Area Short Sale
One thing to consider is that just because only 11 show up with this option, there are more opportunities, we just have to search for them.
If you would like to see this list of homes or to try and find other alternatives in the Lake Norman and/or Charlotte area, please feel free to contact your Lake Norman and Charlotte area agent at 704 451 7051.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Vestibular Disorders: a Lesser-Known Cause of Senior Falls
Vestibular Disorders: a Lesser-Known Cause of Senior Falls
A recent study found that of the millions of seniors with a balance disorder, many are not aware they have the condition.
One third of American adults, 69 million men and women over age 40, are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall because they have some form of inner-ear dysfunction that throws them off balance and makes them dizzy, according to Johns Hopkins experts.
Among the other key findings of the three-year survey and study on the subject by the Johns Hopkins team are that a third of this group, or more than 22 million, were unaware of their vulnerability, having had no previous incidents of disequilibrium or sudden falls to suggest that anything was wrong.
In the survey, published in the May 2009 Archives of Internal Medicine, these asymptomatic people were six times more likely to suffer a potentially fatal fall than people with a healthy sense of balance, whereas people already experiencing symptoms of imbalance had a twelve-fold increase in risk.
Accidental falls are among the leading causes of death in the elderly, killing an estimated 13,000 seniors each year in the United States and resulting in more than one and a half million visits to hospital emergency rooms, experts say.
"Vestibular imbalances need to be taken seriously, because falls can be fatal and injuries can be painful, leading to long hospital stays and resulting in significant loss in quality of life," says Lloyd B. Minor, M.D., director of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Minor says that recent government reports estimate that fatal falls in the elderly cost the U.S. Medicare program nearly $1 billion in hospital charges, and those injured with broken bones cost an additional $19 billion.
Survey Confirms Age, Diabetes Increase Chance of Balance Problems
More than 5,000 men and women over age 40 participated in the survey, which took three years to complete and involved specialized exams and balance testing to find out who had vestibular dysfunction, its early signs and symptoms, and who did not.
The survey confirmed that 85 percent of men and women over age 80 had an imbalance problem, 23 times more than people in their 40s. And people with diabetes were 70 percent more likely to suffer from vestibular problems. Researchers say this is likely due to damage done by high blood sugar levels to the hair cells in the inner ear that facilitate balance control, and to the long-term damage from diabetes to the inner ear's small blood vessels.
Says Minor, "Our survey shows that balance testing needs to be part of basic primary care, and that all physicians need to be monitoring and screening their patients for vestibular dysfunction so that we can take preventive measures to guard against falling."
At Present, Few Seniors Are Tested
Lead study investigator Yuri Agrawal, M.D., says one reason for the large numbers of undiagnosed and untreated individuals is that balance testing requires specialized training, and the tests take more time and effort to perform than other diagnostic or screening procedures.
As part of the new survey, study participants were subjected to a half dozen key tests of unsteadiness, including physical exams. Balance function was assessed by subjects' ability to stand upright with and without visual cues, such as being able to stand upright while wearing a blindfold or with their eyes closed, or by not needing to use their arms to maintain balance while standing on a foam-padded mat.
If a Balance Disorder is the Diagnosis, What Can Be Done?
Minor points out that physical rehabilitation exercises can aid people with vestibular dysfunction. Balancing and walking exercises can be used to train the brain to compensate for inner-ear deficits and episodes of dizziness. One such exercise has unsteady people practice standing on one leg, while resting the other leg on a Styrofoam cup and trying not to crush it. Another exercise has people turning their head while walking.
People with vestibular dysfunction can also take preventive steps to avoid falls in their homes, such as installing guard rails along stairs or hallways where a fall might occur, making sure rooms are well lit, and removing carpeting in places where people are more prone to trip.
The team's next steps are to evaluate screening tools for identifying as early as possible which people are at a heightened risk of falling. Further study is needed on other potential risk factors, such as sleep patterns and nutrient deficiencies. Various rehabilitation techniques should also be examined to pinpoint which techniques work best at preventing falls, which is so important to allow seniors to live longer and healthier lives.
Visit the Johns Hopkins Center for Hearing and Balance site to view a short video about the study.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine. Funding for this study was provided in part by The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys are funded directly by the National Institutes of Health.
If you are looking for real estate in the Lake Norman and/or Charlotte areas, please feel free to contact your Lake Norman and Charlotte Area Agent at 704 451 7051. We can provide lists of homes for active adults, homes with mother in law suites and more.
A recent study found that of the millions of seniors with a balance disorder, many are not aware they have the condition.
One third of American adults, 69 million men and women over age 40, are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall because they have some form of inner-ear dysfunction that throws them off balance and makes them dizzy, according to Johns Hopkins experts.
Among the other key findings of the three-year survey and study on the subject by the Johns Hopkins team are that a third of this group, or more than 22 million, were unaware of their vulnerability, having had no previous incidents of disequilibrium or sudden falls to suggest that anything was wrong.
In the survey, published in the May 2009 Archives of Internal Medicine, these asymptomatic people were six times more likely to suffer a potentially fatal fall than people with a healthy sense of balance, whereas people already experiencing symptoms of imbalance had a twelve-fold increase in risk.
Accidental falls are among the leading causes of death in the elderly, killing an estimated 13,000 seniors each year in the United States and resulting in more than one and a half million visits to hospital emergency rooms, experts say.
"Vestibular imbalances need to be taken seriously, because falls can be fatal and injuries can be painful, leading to long hospital stays and resulting in significant loss in quality of life," says Lloyd B. Minor, M.D., director of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Minor says that recent government reports estimate that fatal falls in the elderly cost the U.S. Medicare program nearly $1 billion in hospital charges, and those injured with broken bones cost an additional $19 billion.
Survey Confirms Age, Diabetes Increase Chance of Balance Problems
More than 5,000 men and women over age 40 participated in the survey, which took three years to complete and involved specialized exams and balance testing to find out who had vestibular dysfunction, its early signs and symptoms, and who did not.
The survey confirmed that 85 percent of men and women over age 80 had an imbalance problem, 23 times more than people in their 40s. And people with diabetes were 70 percent more likely to suffer from vestibular problems. Researchers say this is likely due to damage done by high blood sugar levels to the hair cells in the inner ear that facilitate balance control, and to the long-term damage from diabetes to the inner ear's small blood vessels.
Says Minor, "Our survey shows that balance testing needs to be part of basic primary care, and that all physicians need to be monitoring and screening their patients for vestibular dysfunction so that we can take preventive measures to guard against falling."
At Present, Few Seniors Are Tested
Lead study investigator Yuri Agrawal, M.D., says one reason for the large numbers of undiagnosed and untreated individuals is that balance testing requires specialized training, and the tests take more time and effort to perform than other diagnostic or screening procedures.
As part of the new survey, study participants were subjected to a half dozen key tests of unsteadiness, including physical exams. Balance function was assessed by subjects' ability to stand upright with and without visual cues, such as being able to stand upright while wearing a blindfold or with their eyes closed, or by not needing to use their arms to maintain balance while standing on a foam-padded mat.
If a Balance Disorder is the Diagnosis, What Can Be Done?
Minor points out that physical rehabilitation exercises can aid people with vestibular dysfunction. Balancing and walking exercises can be used to train the brain to compensate for inner-ear deficits and episodes of dizziness. One such exercise has unsteady people practice standing on one leg, while resting the other leg on a Styrofoam cup and trying not to crush it. Another exercise has people turning their head while walking.
People with vestibular dysfunction can also take preventive steps to avoid falls in their homes, such as installing guard rails along stairs or hallways where a fall might occur, making sure rooms are well lit, and removing carpeting in places where people are more prone to trip.
The team's next steps are to evaluate screening tools for identifying as early as possible which people are at a heightened risk of falling. Further study is needed on other potential risk factors, such as sleep patterns and nutrient deficiencies. Various rehabilitation techniques should also be examined to pinpoint which techniques work best at preventing falls, which is so important to allow seniors to live longer and healthier lives.
Visit the Johns Hopkins Center for Hearing and Balance site to view a short video about the study.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine. Funding for this study was provided in part by The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys are funded directly by the National Institutes of Health.
If you are looking for real estate in the Lake Norman and/or Charlotte areas, please feel free to contact your Lake Norman and Charlotte Area Agent at 704 451 7051. We can provide lists of homes for active adults, homes with mother in law suites and more.
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