Loneliness as Harmful as Smoking - Loneliness Affects Brain

[16 February 2009 - Psych Central News] A new study finds that social isolation affects not only how people behave, but also how their brains operate. University of Chicago scientists presented their research, "Social Emotion and the Brain," at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The work is the first to use fMRI scans to study the connections between perceived social isolation (or loneliness) and activity in the brain. Combining fMRI scans with data relevant to social behavior is part of an emerging field examining brain mechanisms. Researchers found that the ventral striatum -- a region of the brain associated with rewards -- is much more activated in non-lonely people than in the lonely when they view pictures of people in pleasant settings. In contrast, the temporoparietal junction -- a region associated with taking the perspective of another person -- is much less activated among lonely than in the non-lonely when viewing pictures of people in unpleasant settings. ... John Cacioppo, one of the nation's leading scholars on loneliness, has shown that loneliness undermines health and can be as detrimental as smoking. About one in five Americans experience loneliness, he said. Decety is one of the nation's leading researchers to use fMRI scans to explore empathy. More

Having Happy Friends Can Make You Happy

[5 December 2008 - Harvard Medical School] If you're happy and you know it, thank your friends -- and their friends. And while you're at it, their friends' friends. But if you're sad, hold the blame. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego, have found that "happiness" is not the result solely of a cloistered journey filled with individually tailored self-help techniques. Happiness is also a collective phenomenon that spreads through social networks like an emotional contagion. In a study that looked at the happiness of nearly 5,000 individuals over a period of 20 years, researchers found that when an individual becomes happy, the network effect can be measured up to three degrees. One person's happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only their friends, but their friends' friends, and their friends' friends' friends. The effect lasts for up to one year. The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery. More

Helping those who provide aid to others

Warren Wolfe has a great piece in today's Star Tribune at Elder Care Expo:

Caregivers who assist aging relatives will find a vast array of services -- and knowledgeable advice -- at the two-day event at the State Fairgrounds. ... The calls from frantic caregivers of older people come to social service agencies every day -- dad got lost while driving, or mom won't seem to eat, or I need to find a good nursing home fast. For the first time in Minnesota, hundreds of experts from government, nonprofit agencies and businesses will offer presentations and workshops at an Elder Care Expo Friday and Saturday at the State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. "When you look at this, it's pretty darned comprehensive," said Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging, which funnels state and federal money to local agencies. "Most of the expos I'm aware of are pretty commercial. This one is a lot more oriented to services and advice," she said. "I don't know of anything like it anywhere, which is what attracted us to be part of it." More

"Look, Ma, No Plan!"; Elder Care Expo is Place to Start a Family Conversation About Aging

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Steve Dahlberg
Elder Care Expos, LLC
info@choosingeldercare.com
(651) 204-0266

St. Paul, Minn., May 6, 2008 -- No one likes to talk about elder care. Almost no one plans enough for getting older. And no one wants aging to happen to them. During Mother's Day weekend, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to give mom (and dad) the best gift ever -- a conversation about aging. A gift that doesn't wilt.

Elder Care Expo 2008 provides to the more than half-million Minnesota caregivers the elder care resources, answers and solutions they need to get started -- all in one place. The Expo is May 9 and 10, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building in St. Paul, Minn.
http://www.choosingeldercare.com/

"Most people's introduction to the world of elder care happens unexpectedly, when they are in crisis mode and something bad happens to them or to a loved one," says Elder Care Expo Co-Founder Julie Groshens. "The purpose of Elder Care Expo is to help people plan ahead and to be less reactionary in their approach to elder care.

"We also link the resources and the answers that people who are grappling with these issues right now are frantic to find."

The Expo brings together under one roof the government agencies, nonprofits and private organizations that can help people make better caregiving choices. Elder Care Expo attendees will have access to more than 90 educational seminars on topics such as reverse mortgages, avoiding scams, choosing the right insurance and healthcare, reporting elder abuse, identifying housing options, exploring Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and many more important topics. Attendees also can receive a free, elder care planning consultation from county and state aging experts.

The Expo features more than 100 companies, nonprofits and government organizations that will showcase products and services that can help people stay independent and improve their quality of life. These exhibitors will be on site to personally discuss ways to help seniors care for themselves and their families now, and to help boomers care for their parents and plan for their own futures.

"We all have an elder care story to tell," says Groshens. "Elder Care Expo will provide the knowledge and tools that Minnesotans need to ensure that their elder care story unfolds in the best possible way."

Find more information about the Expo by visiting http://www.choosingeldercare.com/ or by calling (651) 204-0266. Expo tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased online or at the door.

Elder Care Expo Sponsors include Augustana Care Corporation, Presbyterian Homes and Services, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Accra Care Inc., and WCCO Radio. Supporting Partners include Minnesota Senior Federation, Minnesota Adult Day Care Service Association, At Home Solutions, ElderCare Rights Alliance, Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network, Vital Aging Network, and the University of Minnesota Center on Aging.

About Elder Care Expo:
Elder Care Expo 2008 is produced by a team with more than 50 years of experience in consumer events, educational programming and gerontology. In addition, they have personally been involved with hospice volunteer work and caregiving to older family members, while raising children. Today, one in five adults is responsible for managing some aspect of the finances and/or healthcare of a family member who is 65 or older, and approximately 80 percent of home-care services are provided by family caregivers. Elder Care Expo is Minnesota's first educational event designed to bring together government agencies, nonprofits and private organizations under one roof and with one simple goal: helping baby boomers, their parents and seniors plan for and find solutions for their elder care challenges. Elder Care Expos, LLC, also publishes the Choosing Elder Care blog at:
http://www.choosingeldercare.com/blog

Elder Care Expo Featured Today on Twin Cities Live

[6 May 2008 - Elder Care Expos, LLC] Elder Care Expo Community Partnerships Manager Joe Groshens was a guest today on KSTP's "Twin Cities Live" TV show in St. Paul/Minneapolis. He shared highlights about what people can find at the Expo, how the Expo was inspired by his own family's story, and technology that people will find at the Expo that allows people to stay more independent. Watch the video clip online and join us May 9 and 10 at the Education Building of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minn.

The long-term-care puzzle: Elder Care Expo designed to put pieces in place

[5 May 2008 - MinnPost - By Kay Harvey] Making choices as we — or our parents — age about where to live, get the care we need and how to pay for it are just part of life. But for many elders and their adult children, the first question is, "Where do we start?" Julie Groshens has been there. When her aging mother faced a series of decisions, she and her nine siblings, one a geriatric social worker, thought they had all the resources a family would need. But in years of trying to navigate the system, they found it a frustrating task. The lesson they learned, she says: "It's not an easy thing." More

Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities

[1 May 2008 - U.S. Administration on Aging eNews] Older Americans Month Message from Josefina G. Carbonell ... We celebrate older Americans and their families by praising their contributions to our country. We also celebrate and express our gratitude to the countless number of dedicated health and human service professionals, scientists and volunteers that work with or on behalf of elders in communities across the country every day.

As a nation we are beginning to experience in "real time" the aging of our population with the first wave of Baby Boomers beginning to turn 65 now and building the ranks of the 78 million Baby Boomers into the future. We have a unique opportunity to address these changing demographics and some of the solutions are right in front of us.

We need to listen to what older consumers and their families are telling us. We know that the overwhelming preference of the American people is to remain at home for as long as possible and to have the ability to choose where they live as they age. Making long-term care more person-centered and more responsive to the needs and preferences of the individual consumer has been at the top of my agenda. Together with our aging network, we have developed a strategy to advance meaningful and important changes in health and long-term care, while reducing fiscal pressures on our nation and embedded those principles in the reauthorized Older Americans Act (OAA).

The national aging services network, comprised of State, tribal and area agencies on aging, as well as thousands of community service providers, caregivers and volunteers, know this and have used the OAA as a foundation for building community-based long term care supports that appeal to the unique needs and preferences of older Americans. But there is still more that needs to be done.

In fulfilling the President's commitment to providing Americans enhanced consumer choice and the freedom to live independently; AoA together with our U.S. Department of Health and Human Services colleagues have been working hard to develop initiatives advancing consumer education, wellness and nursing home diversion.

I am so pleased that States, area agencies on aging and other community-based organizations are leading the way by developing integrated strategies that are cost effectively keeping people in their homes and communities where they will want to be. These critical building blocks include the establishment of single points of entry for consumers to learn about and access existing long-term care options and support services in the community; the development of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion tools and programs to reduce the risk of chronic disease and disability; and providing more options and choices to help people remain at home through an array of home-based care supports that promote independence and dignity for those who are at high risk of nursing home placement. We need to build upon and improve the quality of the core programs under the OAA and the successes of the aging network and work together to strengthen the home and community-based care services infrastructure that is already in place across our country. It is absolutely critical that we move quickly to give consumers better choices and control as well as encourage and promote the principles of local flexibility and accountability.

I am very excited about what the future holds. I am confident that this aging network will continue to carry out its mandate for older Americans and will continue to keeps its sights on the needs and preferences of the citizens we are entrusted to serve.

We urge people of all ages to celebrate Older Americans Month. Ensure that every older person in this great country is treated with dignity and respect to enjoy a healthy and rewarding future. Discuss with your own family and friends your long term aspirations. States and area agencies should celebrate the richness of your elder population. Encourage the public and private sectors to invest in market-based approaches to meet the needs of the graying consumers. Continue to expand coalitions and partnerships to strengthen your community's response to the Aging of America.

Technology Can Make Caregiving Easier; Find Out More at Elder Care Expo 2008

[30 April 2008 - Elder Care Expos, LLC] For many years, the telephone was about the only technology that supported families in caring for elderly parents. These days, cutting-edge technologies – that use the Internet, telephones, TVs, cameras, sensors and more – help keep people safe on a 24-hour basis with automatic contact with family and medical staff.

Elder Care Expo 2008 ( http://www.ChoosingElderCare.com ) will feature technologies that can help improve the quality of later life by keeping people more independent and in their homes longer. The Expo will be held May 9 and 10, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building in St. Paul, Minn.

Some of the more than 90 educational seminars and more than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing technologies such as monitoring sensors, assistive listening devices, brain-based memory software and more.

Sensors are one example of technology being used within spaces, such as homes, to give elders options for living with independence, autonomy and dignity – without forgoing safety and security.

"Caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved one will quickly have a responder if they are in need of assistance," says Sue Gronemeyer, director of operations for Sengistix, LLC, which is an Elder Care Expo exhibitor that provides wireless sensing technology.

Multiple sensors can send activities-of-daily-living reports and safety alerts in real-time via the monitoring company to family, staff or support persons. The sensor system can call automatically when the individual needs assistance, even if they cannot call, from anywhere in the residence. Sensors can monitor whether a person gets out of bed, opens the refrigerator for a meal, gets enough movement during the day, takes medication and more.

Other technologies are placed on the individual person, such as life-line monitors that can be used to contact help if a person falls or is having an immediate medical problem. Other devices help people who have hearing loss.

"If you or a family member has a hearing loss, you know that it can be more than a minor annoyance," says Lori Foss, marketing director, Harris Communications. "Having to continually repeat what you are saying can be frustrating. In addition, those with hearing loss often become isolated from friends and family. But there are many different technologies that can improve the quality of life for the person with hearing loss."

An assistive listening device (ALD) can provide hearing assistance for those with a hearing loss, especially for someone without a hearing aid or when a hearing aid is not enough. ALDs include tools such as an amplified telephone, infrared system, FM system, personal amplification system, or loud clock. People can try out these different devices at Harris Communications' booth during Elder Care Expo.

Elder Care Expo will help Minnesota baby boomers, their parents and seniors make better decisions about elder care choices. Find more information about the Expo by visiting http://www.ChoosingElderCare.com or by calling (651) 204-0266. Expo tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased online or at the door.

Elder Care Expo Sponsors include: Augustana Care Corporation, Presbyterian Homes and Services, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Accra Care Inc., and WCCO Radio. Supporting Partners include Minnesota Senior Federation, Minnesota Adult Day Care Service Association, At Home Solutions, ElderCare Rights Alliance, Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network, Vital Aging Network, and the University of Minnesota Center on Aging.

About Elder Care Expo:
Elder Care Expo 2008 is produced by a team with more than 50 years of experience in consumer events, educational programming and gerontology. In addition, they have personally been involved with hospice volunteer work and caregiving to older family members, while raising children. Today, one in five adults is responsible for managing some aspect of the finances and/or healthcare of a family member who is 65 or older, and approximately 80 percent of home-care services are provided by family caregivers. Elder Care Expo is Minnesota's first educational event designed to bring together government agencies, nonprofits and private organizations under one roof and with one simple goal: helping baby boomers, their parents and seniors plan for and find solutions for their elder care challenges. Elder Care Expos, LLC, also publishes the Choosing Elder Care blog at:
http://www.choosingeldercare.com/blog

Twin Cities suburban trend: Silver-lined home market

Elder Care Expo 2008 sponsor, Presbyterian Homes, featured in Star Tribune story today about senior housing in the Twin Cities suburbs:

[23 April 2008 - Star Tribune] In a suburban housing market chilled by recession and mortgage woes, one segment of housing is still hot: independent housing for seniors. In the development pipeline are almost 600 units in Bloomington, more than 700 units in Edina, and about 145 units in Richfield. Roseville's first housing development proposal in three years is a 93-unit senior co-op that would be the sister to a successful co-op built a few years ago. Demand is highest for ownership and rental units aimed at middle-income seniors. But in suburbs where open land is limited and the population skews older -- places like Edina, Richfield, Roseville and Bloomington, where at least a quarter and sometimes more than a third of single-family homes are owned by people 65 and older -- how much senior housing should be developed? "That's what a lot of communities are wondering about," said Ron Rankin, Minnetonka's community development director. ...

The State Demographer's Office predicts that by 2035, the Twin Cities' 65-and-over population will increase by 145 percent. Historically, about 60 percent of housing here has been single-family homes, according to the Metropolitan Council. The council has suggested that half of all new housing added by 2030 be "attached housing" like condos, townhouses or apartments. With senior housing targeting people from ages 55 to 90, developments range from maintenance-free townhouses and co-ops for active residents to assisted-living and memory-care units. Presbyterian Homes & Services alone has recently opened or is planning suburban Twin Cities developments that include about 800 units for independent seniors. Ecumen, another large nonprofit specializing in senior housing and services, is doing a condo conversion in Cannon Falls that will include 40 senior apartments, and also is planning a senior development in Maple Grove with 96 apartments for active seniors. Eventually townhomes will be added. More

Elder Care Expo Attendees to Receive Free "Caregiving Choices" Guide from Minnesota Senior Federation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Paul, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- The Minnesota Senior Federation has just released its "Caregiving Choices: A Minnesota Elder Care Resource Guide" and has partnered with Elder Care Expo 2008 to provide a free copy of this publication to everyone who attends the Expo.

Elder Care Expo 2008 will be held May 9 and 10, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building in St. Paul, Minn. The Expo will help Minnesota baby boomers, their parents and seniors make better decisions about elder care choices. More information is available at:
http://www.choosingeldercare.com/

"Caregiving Choices" provides information about caregiving at home, in nursing homes, at adult day-care service centers and in assisted-living and senior housing. It also includes a handy directory of crucial caregiving resources.

Today, one in five adults is responsible for managing some aspect of finances and/or healthcare of a family member who is 65 or older, and approximately 80 percent of home-care services are provided by family caregivers. Non-professional caregivers are a critical part of the healthcare system in the United States. In Minnesota, family members provide 95 percent of all caregiving for older adults and there are more than a half-million caregivers in the state.

The Senior Federation Health Plan Information Center helps caregivers help their loved ones. In addition to "Caregiving Choices," the Senior Federation also publishes "Health Care Choices for Minnesotans on Medicare," which provides even more resources related to healthcare questions.

Elder Care Expo 2008 will provide face-to-face answers to many questions that boomers have about planning for their own futures, as well as challenges they face in caring for an aging parent. In addition, seniors can find products and services to support their own care now, as well as for their spouses.

"Everyone has a caregiving story to tell," says Elder Care Expos Co-Founder Julie Groshens. "We want to help people make sure their story unfolds in the best possible way by finding the resources they need to make better decisions. People don't have to go it alone. Elder Care Expo 2008 offers resources, answers, solutions in one place, under one roof. Plus, they can go home with the 'Caregiving Choices' guide to help them in the future."

Find more information about Elder Care Expo 2008, the more than 100 exhibitors, and more than 90 seminars by visiting http://www.choosingeldercare.com/ or by calling (651) 204-0266. Expo tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased online or at the door.

Elder Care Expo 2008 Sponsors include Augustana Care Corporation, Presbyterian Homes and Services, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Accra Care Inc., and WCCO Radio. Supporting Partners include Minnesota Senior Federation, Minnesota Adult Day Care Service Association, At Home Solutions, ElderCare Rights Alliance, Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network, Vital Aging Network, and the University of Minnesota Center on Aging.

About Elder Care Expo:
Elder Care Expo 2008 is produced by a team with more than 50 years of experience in consumer events, educational programming and gerontology. In addition, they have personally been involved with hospice volunteer work and caregiving to older family members, while raising children. Today, one in five adults is responsible for managing some aspect of the
finances and/or healthcare of a family member who is 65 or older, and approximately 80 percent of home-care services are provided by family caregivers. Elder Care Expo is Minnesota's first educational event designed to bring together government agencies, nonprofits and private organizations under one roof and with one simple goal: helping baby boomers, their parents and seniors plan for and find solutions for their elder care challenges. Elder Care Expos, LLC, also publishes the Choosing Elder Care blog at:
http://www.choosingeldercare.com/blog

For More Information, Contact:
Steve Dahlberg
Elder Care Expos, LLC
info@choosingeldercare.com
(651) 204-0266

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