The American Psychological Association reveals that as our golden loved ones approach the end of their lives they, their families and care givers face tasks that include a broad array of choices or major decisions. Tasks include psychological, spiritual, legal, existential and preliminary medical. A dying person can be faced with choices about what kind of caregiver help they need at home or away from home in a facility.

All end-of-life medical decision choices have complex psychological ramifications and consequences that have an impact on the quality of the living of whom are dying. Each of these decisions should be discussed in terms of a value for the individual dying. Stress comes in when the system of medical care has its own primary values that does not coincide with the values of that person. Therefore, treatment or care possibilities by health care providers may overlook the dying person's wishes. Alzheimer's or other dementia plays a huge role it the misunderstanding of treatment plans. It can be a stressful situation. To aid in this dilemma, there is help. If you, your loved ones or the care giver are feeling stressed, get support from family, friends and these important resources bulleted here:

• Call the 24/7 ALZ.ORG Helpline: 800.272.3900
  
• Locate a support group in your community
  
• Visit the message board of alz.org  

The National Nutrition Month campaign focuses on making good, informed food choices and developing sound eating habits with an active lifestyle. The 2018 campaign"Go Further with Food" is timely for many reasons. "Whether it's starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a difference" according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Preparing foods at home can be an additional plus. Refer to Food, Health, and Fitness for more information and recipes from Eat Right.

For seniors there are expert food, diet, and health resources available at- https://www.hhs.gov for just the facts and case studies. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services https://www.cms.gov is also an excellent resource.

One discussion from Eat Right on Understanding Osteoporosis pinpoints the needs for seniors. Osteoporosis is a disease that consists of weakened bones. For many, with a routine of a healthful diet and regular weight-bearing exercise these factors can aid in bone tissue continuing the process to build. Calcium, the major nutrient needed to form new bone cells, is vital for bone health. Eat Right indicates that women over age 50 and men over age 70 need at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day. Calcium still can't do it alone. Consulting a registered dietitian will help guide those seeking better nutritionist, recommendations for choosing the best supplements for stronger bones.

If you're like most people, you think that heart disease is a tragedy  for others. Heart disease, a major cause of disability, is in fact the "numero uno" killer in our nation.

The forms of heart disease differ with the most common cause being the blockage of the coronary arteries as they narrow. This defines Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), it happens over time slowly and is the main reason for heart attacks. It has been established that adults, especially seniors, can greatly reduce the risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and with targeted medications.

Other kinds of heart disease challenges include heart valves not functioning property, the heart may not pump well enough and some people, unfortunately, are born with it.

The agency on aging 'Senior Resources' has recently published their "News You Can Use" December edition. This good news publication includes a calendar of events, shopping before and after the holidays, chronic pain information, diabetes self-management, and dementia education. Check it out at this- Link.

Topics of interest: Exercise; Taxes; Lifestyle; Technology and more within the good read of the "Senior Spirit" newsletter by the Society of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). Click/tap on any image to reveal fresh contents from the December 2017 issue. Enjoy the Holidays.

Sleep disorder disturbances occur more frequently and tend to be more severe in Alzheimer’s. There is evidence that sleep changes are more common in later stages of Alzheimer's, even in early stages of the disease.It's recommended that a person experiencing sleep disturbances should have a thorough medical exam. The Alzheimer's Association has listed the common conditions that can make sleep problems worse:

• Depression
• Restless legs syndrome, a disorder in which unpleasant “crawling” or “tingling” sensations in the legs cause an overwhelming urge to move them
• Sleep apnea, an abnormal breathing pattern in which people briefly stop breathing many times a night, resulting in poor sleep quality

Taking care of the caregiver or yourself is one of the most important things a person can do and many times it's forgotten. Here are some tips from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors that may help:

• Taking Care of Yourself When You are a Caregiver
  
• Creating Support Systems for Seniors Dealing with Substance Abuse
  
• Seniors Want Walkability
  
• Wringing Cash from Life Insurance
  

For this tips and other important discussions go to this link: Click/Tap Here.