3 Immunizations Recommended for Seniors

If there is anything that 2020 has shown the world, it’s how difficult it can be for seniors to fight off infections. As we age, our immune systems become weaker, which is why seniors are more likely to get not only COVID-19, but also diseases like flu, pneumonia, and shingles.

With National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) observed in August, and with the toll diseases continue to take on us, it is important to raise awareness about not only the importance of vaccines in preventing serious diseases, but also the correct immunizations that seniors need.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for 2020 one dose of Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13), one dose of Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), and the shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 65 and older to help protect them. Here is more information about each of these three vaccines:

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) for pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes much sickness and death. During the 2018-2019 season, the CDC estimates 16.5 million people went to a health care provider for the flu and more than 34,000 people died in the U.S.

It is possible for a person to carry the disease in their throat and not be ill, or to be infected with the bacteria and show no symptoms. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Those carriers can still spread it, primarily in droplets from their nose or mouth when they breathe, cough, or sneeze. The Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine prevents pneumococcal disease.

What is known about this immunization?

In 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in series with 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for all adults age 65 years and older. A new report showed declines in pneumococcal disease among adults and children. The ACIP changed the recommendation for PCV13 use in adults after reviewing the evidence of its benefits.

They also recommend a routine single dose of PPSV23 for adults age 65 years and above. Shared clinical decision-making is recommended regarding administration of PCV13 to persons in this group who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant and who have not previously received PCV13. If a senior’s medical professional and caretakers decide that PCV13 should be administered, then PCV13 should be administered first, followed by PPSV23 at least one year later.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

This vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. This vaccine is recommended for adults under 65 if they have certain health conditions and for all adults over 65.

The ACIP recommends that all adults age 65 years and older routinely receive one dose of PPSV23. It contains 12 serotypes in common with PCV13 and an additional 11 serotypes for which there are no indirect effects from PCV13 use in children. The additional 11 serotypes account for 32%–37% of invasive pneumococcal disease among adults age 65 years and older. Adults age 65 years and older who received one or more doses of PPSV23 before age 65 years should receive one additional dose of PPSV23 at age 65 years or later, at least five years after the previous PPSV23 dose.

Shingles vaccine for people 50 years and older

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. This rash can appear anywhere on your skin but most commonly appears on the sides of the torso. Almost one out of every three people in America will develop shingles during their lifetime, which is why a shingles immunization is also recommended for healthy adults 50 years and older.

If you have not received the PV13, PPSV23 or shingles vaccine, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to find out which vaccines are appropriate for you.

Our CCRC Bristol Glen, in Sussex County, New Jersey, will continue to raise awareness during National Immunization Awareness Month. Do your part by asking yourself – and your loved ones – whether they are up-to-date with their immunizations. Contact UMC for more information about our CCRC in Sussex County, and our assisted living communities across New Jersey, today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-immunizations-recommended-for-seniors/

Don’t Miss Out on These 7 Essential Health Screenings

Early diagnosis of health conditions is essential for fast and effective treatment, especially when you’re in your senior years. Comprehensive medical check-ups can help keep you fit, healthy and enjoying life to the fullest! Here are the most important screenings for seniors, from our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol. Your blood pressure should be checked once a year by your physician, or more often if you suffer from high blood pressure. It’s recommended that your cholesterol be checked with a test for lipids every three years as a senior, or more often if you suffer from high cholesterol.
• Colorectal cancer exams. After the age of 50, you should have this exam once every 10 years, or more frequently if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or if polyps have been found during a previous exam. Because colorectal cancer is highly treatable, it is important to detect early.
• Vaccinations. Seniors should have a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, as well as an annual flu vaccine. At age 65, get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, endocarditis, pericarditis and inner ear infections.
• Eye exams. As your vision can quickly deteriorate as you age, it’s important to schedule an annual eye test. This will pick up any deterioration in your eyesight as well as check for age-related eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Early diagnosis is key to safeguarding your eyesight.
• Hearing tests. It’s recommended that you get your hearing tested every two to three years.
• Bone density scans. Osteoporosis, a serious and incurable disease, affects millions of Americans, especially women. A bone density scan, which is recommended at age 65, measures bone mass and records any bone loss, as well as give you access to crucial early treatment.
• Diabetes test. A quick and easy blood sugar test is the best way to screen for diabetes, a disease that affects millions of Americans. Catching this disease early will make treatment easier, and will help prevent much of the damage this disease can cause if left untreated.

Community Living for Seniors at our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ

Bristol Glen is an independent senior living community based in Sussex County that aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up your time to enjoy life. With an experienced team and a lively social calendar, we focus on providing essential resources that promote independence and quality of life.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/dont-miss-7-essential-health-screenings/

4 Tips for a Great Day Out With Your Senior Loved One

Although it can be a challenge to find something different that you and your loved one can enjoy together, spending time with a loved one living in a CCRC or assisted living community is important, and many people love to do it. Here are 4 tips from the team at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey:

1. Get outside. While the weather at the moment may not be great, spending time outdoors when it warms up presents a perfect outing. Parks, open gardens, national heritage parks, beaches and more, offer favorite spots for every age, including seniors. This change in scenery will really be appreciated, especially if your loved one is no longer as mobile as they used to be. Just be sure not to pick an adventure more physically challenging than they can manage.
2. Fairs and festivals. Check your local calendar for community events your loved one may enjoy attending. Concerts in the park, jazz evenings, craft and food fairs, markets and parades are all opportunities for a wonderful day or night out.
3. Historical tours. Historical walks and heritage sites are great for seniors and families. It’s amazing to delve deep into the history of a town or area and learn about its past. While many tours are physically undemanding, some offer coaches, so people with mobility needs can be easily accommodated.
4. Take a class. There are so many activities that welcome people of any age! So, if you’re feeling ready for something new, why not try a local class that caters to all ages? It can even be a fun family event. Some great examples include cooking classes, yoga classes and painting workshops.

Plan ahead for your day out together 

Many seniors need additional time and planning to ensure a successful outing, so it’s best if it’s not a surprise. Talk to them about what you’d like to do a few weeks in advance and keep them up-to-date about the event. On the day, make sure they have enough time to get ready, as you don’t want to make them feel rushed or confused. Check your loved one’s outfit so that they are properly prepared – this includes comfortable shoes with good traction, a walking stick if needed, medication if required, and warm item of clothing that can be added if it gets cold.

A warm and welcoming spirit at our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ 

Bristol Glen is an independent senior living community based in Sussex County that provides seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up your time to enjoy life.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services. Please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/4-tips-great-day-senior-loved-one/

Fascinating Facts About Aging

Consistent with a rapidly aging population, research about what happens and what we can do about it continues to increase each year. In contrast to  negative perceptions, recent findings have unearthed some very interesting facts about aging that may change the way we think about this process:

• We get happier as we age. Several recent studies by research bodies and universities have shown that humans tend to get happier as they age, and our happiest times of life are during our youth and then again through our 70s and 80s.
• Your brain keeps developing. Contrary to popular belief, your brain continues to make neurons as you get older, making it possible to keep learning new things. In fact, studies demonstrate that the brain simply changes the way it takes in information as we age, and learning new skills and even studying new subjects keep your brain young and active, helping it fight off degenerative conditions like dementia.
• Negative thoughts become more powerful. A study by the University of New South Wales found that being anxious about falling, even when  physically sound and healthy, can make you more likely to experience a fall than someone who is physically more likely to fall, but unconcerned. As  a serious issue for the elderly, falls are the single biggest reason for injury and hospitalization. So, a positive, anxiety-free mindset is important!
• Life expectancy is still increasing. From 1900 to 1960, life expectancy increased by just 2.4 years, however, since 1960 it has increased by 3.5 years and is likely to keep doing so. Many factors account for the change, including better nutrition, lifestyle choices and medical advances.
• Your votes count the most. Did you know that 70% of citizens 65 and older voted in the election, making them the largest voting demographic in the country?
• Stress decreases as we age. While many seniors report anxiety over medical conditions, work, money and family, these numbers are far lower than people aged 35-49, who are the most stressed, and people aged 25-34.
• Marriages get stronger. Studies have shown that marriage gets better as we age— a result of learning to properly express affection. Also, the more difficult years of middle age and stress over children, work and so forth, actually bring couples closer together as they age. This is great news because other studies have shown that happy marriages positively impact our health, quality of life and happiness as we age.

Put the happiness back into aging at our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ 

Bristol Glen, a senior community in Sussex County, aims to provide seniors with comfortable,serviced living arrangements that free up time to enjoy life.

Contact us at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living campus in Sussex County, amenities and services, and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/fascinating-facts-aging/