The population of the “oldest old” – defined by the National Institute on Aging as individuals over the age of 85 – is expected to increase 151 percent by the year 2030. This demographic currently makes up about 10 percent of individuals over the age of 65, but as there continue to be advances in medicine and health initiatives, the number of older adults in this group is expected to increase rapidly.
CBS’s 60 Minutes news magazine program recently featured a segment on American adults over the age of 90. Topics of discussion included how their lifestyles got them to that point and what adults approaching retirement today can do to live another 30-plus years.
Not surprisingly, the majority of the nonagenarians featured on the program were in good physical health. Many engage in physical activities like speed walking and strength training. They also participate in social activities with friends.
Eating right and staying in shape cannot prevent every aspect of aging, though, namely dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. There is a common belief that once a person reaches 90 and has no obvious signs of dementia, they don’t have to worry about developing the disease. According to Dr. Claudia Kawas, a neurologist at the University of California, Irvine, however, this is a misconception.
In the program, Dr. Kawas is seen working with 96-year-old Ted Rosenbaum. While the former history teacher could recall long strings of numbers backward and make complicated word associations, he couldn’t remember the day’s date.
“My worst condition is my memory,” Rosenbaum told 60 Minutes’ Leslie Stahl. “[It causes] terrible frustration and terrible – you know, it’s having more and more of a negative impact on me, psychologically.”
Someone with Rosenbaum’s condition doesn’t necessarily need in-home or round-the-clock care. What he may benefit from is someone checking in on him periodically to remind him about appointments or to take his medication.
Independa’s care and engagement technology is a solution that allows older adults to age in place by enabling them to check in with caregivers and loved ones while retaining their independence. The solution’s social components, including Facebook picture sharing, messaging and face-to-face connections through Skype, help lead to supported independence. Additionally, the Life Stories component records memories for the whole family to enjoy for generations to come. To learn more, please contact us through our online form.
