MATURE MARKET HEADLINES 9/07/2000
Estrogen Helps Fight Cognitive Decline
It's been nearly two years since scientists have reported findings associating the role of estrogen and memory loss in older women. For example, back in January of 1998, findings by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggested that use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) by post-menopausal women may help reduce normal age-related decline in memory.
The NIA study was the first to document the effects of estrogen on age-related changes in memory over a long period of time. Previous studies indicated that verbal memory may be affected by ERT use, but the 1998 NIA study documented the effect on visual memory. Research participants who began ERT were able to maintain stable memory performance whereas women who never took ERT showed predicted age-associated decreases in memory over a six year period, on average.
Now, new study findings released last week by researchers at the University of California - San Francisco and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center support the earlier findings. The new UCSF study reports that older women with high estrogen levels are less likely to suffer cognitive decline.
The USCF study supports the theory that taking estrogen after menopause may help some women avoid Alzheimer's disease, says UCSF professor Kristine Yaffe, MD. Dr. A 1998 National Institute of Health (NIH) study appears to agree with Dr. Yaffe's recent findings. In fact, the earlier NIH study reported that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may reduce Alzheimer's risk by 50 percent.
Despite the cognitive benefits of estrogen, Dr. Yaffe's offers a cautionary note. Before deciding about hormone replacement therapy women should consider other factors, such as evidence that estrogen can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and can increase the risk of breast cancer, says Yaffe.
Yaffe and her colleagues studied 425 women over the age of 65. The researchers also gave the women a test to assess their memory, attention, language and calculation abilities at the beginning of the study, and again 6 years later. Women in the study who had the highest free estrogen levels, had a 70 percent lower risk of cognitive decline compared with the women who had the lowest estrogen levels.
"There are a number of ways in which estrogen may be protective in the brain," says Yaffe, including stimulation of brain cell growth, control of the chemicals that transmit messages in the brain, and protection from stroke damage. If women with naturally low estrogen levels can be identified by testing, it is possible that they could take estrogen to help ward off cognitive decline.
Co-authors on the study included Steve Cummings, MD, UCSF professor of medicine and epidemiology, Li-Yung Lui, MA, MS, statistician in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics, Deborah Grady, MD, UCSF professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, Jane Cauley, DrPH, professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and Joel Kramer, PsyD, UCSF associate clinical professor of psychiatry.
The UCSF research was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Estrogen May Slow Memory Loss
Estrogen Versus Alzheimer's
Cognitive Conquest of Cranial Corrosion
Age-related Decline in Mental Function
Hypertension May Erode Mental Functioning
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Social Security Nest Egg Is No Yoke
Social Security. America's great oxymoron. Talk all you want about how much everyone has promised to save it. The truth is, it's a system in trouble. And for those who depend on it most, that's BIG trouble. Sure, most workers now realize that Social Security cannot serve as the sole source of their retirement nest egg. You need to supplement the monthly check with savings for emergencies, a hedge against inflation, lifestyle maintenance, and so forth. No doubt about it. When it comes to financing your retirement, Social Security is just one slice of the money pie.
Nevertheless, workers do contribute to the Social Security system, so they're more than curious about two issues. One, what's the bottom line monthly check to be expected from the system? Two, what is the return on investment?After all, there is a lot of talk about private investment alternatives to the Social Security system. So how does Social Security stake up along side other alternatives, and how well does the system deliver?
The answers to these important questions are just minutes away, according to The Heritage Foundation which created the new "Social Security Calculator". The calculator uses age, zip code, income and other data to compute both the total amount of Social Security taxes an individual can expect to pay over a lifetime, and how much the individual can expect to collect. In other words, the calculator delivers a one-two punch by answering America's top two Social Security questions ... what do I put in, and what do I get out.
The Heritage calculator also shows how large a retirement nest egg that a worker could have generated by investing those same payroll taxes in an individual retirement account. It then compares the worker’s Social Security "rate of return" to the investment return and calculates the difference.
The Social Security calculator "...is the first to show workers their total tax burden, what both they and their employers will shell out in payroll taxes," says William Beach who created the calculator. "Most calculators ignore the amount of payroll taxes paid into the system altogether. Others include what workers pay, but leave out the matching taxes paid by employers, money that would otherwise go into a worker’s paycheck."
Here's an example of how the calculator works. A 33-year-old woman living in Ann Arbor, Michigan., earning $44,000 and planning to retire at age 67 can expect to pay $267,599 in Social Security taxes over her working lifetime and receive $369,984 in benefits. Her rate of return on this investment: about one percent. The same amount, invested 50-50 in blue-chip stocks and U.S. Treasury bonds, would yield $1,458,826. That's a million dollar difference.
Created by Heritage's Center for Data Analysis in consultation with investment firm Pricewaterhouse Cooper, the Social Security calculator is located on the Internet at:
www.heritage.org/socialsecurity
This is one issue that will be with us for some time to come. I remember debating the economics of the Social Security system as a delegate to the 1980 White House Conference on Aging. We didn't resolve it then, and perhaps a final resolution still lies in the distant future. But, whatever side you favor on the Social Security issue, status quo or privatization, you can't be part of the debate unless you educate yourself. So, log on to the Calculator website and give it a try. Who knows, maybe you'll come up with some new ideas of your own on how to make retirement work.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Securing Insecurity of Social Security Reform
Social Security: If You Rebuild It, They Will Succumb
Social Security Makes Every Race a Winner
New Retirement Age Won't Fix Social Security
Social Security Takes Stock of Wall Street
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Key Indicators of Well-Being in Elders
Older Americans are living longer and living better than ever before. But many of those age 65 and older face disability, chronic health conditions, or economic stress, according to a new federal indicators report that describes the status of the nation’s older population.
The global population is aging at a rate unprecedented in history. In the U.S., the population age 65 and older is expected to double by 2030. “Americans age 65 and older are an important and growing segment of our population. While many federal agencies provide data on this diverse population, it is sometimes difficult to understand how this group is faring. For the first time, the federal statistical system has come together to provide a unified picture of the overall health and well-being of older Americans,” says Katherine K. Wallman, Chief Statistician, U.S. Office of Management and Budget.
The 128-page report covers 31 key indicators carefully selected by the Forum to portray aspects of the lives of older Americans and their families. The report is divided into five subject areas:
population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care. Highlights include:
- Population
Aging in the 21st century will be characterized by a steep rise in the population age 85 and older.
Increased racial and ethnic diversity in older population.
- Economics
The economic picture for most older Americans is improving.
Poverty has dropped dramatically. Net worth has increased.
- Health Status
Older Americans are living longer and feeling better.
An overwhelming majority rate their health as good or excellent.
- Health Risks and Behaviors
Most older people describe themselves as socially active.
Large majority of older people report social contacts with friends, neighbors, and relatives.
- Health Care
Older people report being generally satisfied with health care quality and access.
Average costs have not risen steeply during the 1990s.
The report was produced by the Federal Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, a collaboration of nine federal agencies. The public may view copies of the report on the web site http://www.agingstats.gov
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Faith Fosters Survival Among Well Elders
Hospital Fosters Wellness Via Mind-Body Services
Hong Kong Wellness Tours for Yuppies and Chuppies
Gerontologists Seek Longevity Prescription
Japan, Europe, & US Tackle Global Aging Crisis
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Survivor Pens Breast Cancer Guidebook
There's no doubt, breast cancer is a very scary disease: the second leading cause of cancer death for all women. One out of nine women will develop it in her lifetime. But the last thing the women with this
illness need is to hear terrifying medical jargon and statistics.
The first thing? Support, understanding, encouragement and hope. Psychologist Carolyn Ingram knows how it feels to need that support. A breast cancer survivor herself, she remembers, "I found a lump. I called my sister. I went to the doctor. He was alarmed. I called my sister. I got the results: 'Cancer.' I called my sister. I showed my fear, my sorrow, my bewilderment, and all my reactions to my sister…"
Now, Dr. Ingram and her sister, Leslie Ingram Gebhart, M.A., (also a breast cancer survivor) take this frightening subject and provide comfort to their readers in their uplifting book, "The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book: Two Sisters' Guide from Discovery to Recovery (Impact Publishers, Inc., 1-800-246-7228). "It's the book we wish we'd had!" say the authors.
Because no two women will react in the same way to a cancer diagnosis, the sisters offer a truly unique perspective from the viewpoints of both patient and support person. Their book covers topics such as diagnosis, body, emotions, mind, spirit, and relationships. Grief and fear are discussed, as are less obvious issues, including how to handle other people's reactions, understand what the doctors tell you, keep the rest of your life going, let others support you, and find ways to cope.
Carolyn Ingram, Ed.D., (younger sister) is a psychologist with a psychotherapy practice in Marin County, California. Leslie Ingram Gebhart, M.A., (first born) is CEO of Trineheart Publishers in Palm Springs, California. "The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book" is available at bookstores nationwide or directly from Impact Publishers, Inc at 1-800-246-7228.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk After Age 70
Foods Raise Breast Cancer Risk 400%
Breast Cancer Researchers Study Tamoxifen
Help for Women in Biological Transition
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Resort Hosts Grandparent Weekend
Many grandparents will share the Labor Day Holiday with their grandchildren during family gatherings. They'll be so glad to re-unite with the grandkids, and they'll wonder why they don't spend more quality time with them. Well, if the Labor Day Holiday peaks your desire for more quality time with the grandkids, then you will be delighted to hear about this new opportunity.
Imagine Grandpa singing along to a Backstreet Boys CD in Karaoke or Grandma zapping aliens in a video game challenge. Thanks to Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort Lake Buena Vista, Grandparents Day will never be the same. The resort will hold the first "Great" Grandparent Weekend, September 8-10, offering a $39 nightly rate, which is more than 60 percent off the regular suite rate.
"Big-top" festivities with clowns, face painting, stilt walkers and more will greet grandparents and grandchildren as a kick-off to the weekend - and that's just the start of the fun! The highlight of the weekend is the "Great" Grandparents Challenge, in which grandparent / grandchild teams will face off in a variety of fun contests and competitions.
"To celebrate National Grandparents Day September 10, we wanted to do something special to honor all grandparents," said Terry Whaples, managing partner of the resort. "This is the perfect opportunity to provide
grandparents traveling with their grandchildren a weekend of fun activities designed just for them."
"Great" Grandparents Challenge competitions include:
- Video Game Challenge
Grandchildren teach their grandparents how to zap the bad guys and maneuver through video game mazes, then play alongside each other to get the highest score among the grandparent / grandchild teams.
- Pool Kayak Race
Imagine teams of grandparents and grandchildren two-person kayaks, paddling against each other to victory in the resort's adult-pool area.
- "Pitch" Golf
Families showcase their pitching and putting skills in this special golfing exhibition.
- Ping Pong
Table tennis, anyone? Families square off in a single elimination tournament.
"Grandparents are younger and more active than ever before," Whaples added. "The Grandparent Challenge is a great way for grandparents and grandchildren to have fun together in a variety of challenging events." The weekend festivities are limited to the first 75 families who register. To continue the Grandparents celebration, the resort is offering special discounted rates through the month of September for all grandparents
traveling with their grandchildren.
To qualify for the "Great" Grandparents Weekend package, participants must book a minimum two-night stay, and register for at least two "Great" Grandparent Challenge events. Also, each family must include at
least one grandparent or great-grandparent and grandchild. For reservations from the U.S. and Canada, or for more information, call toll-free (877) 387-KIDS (5437) or (800) HOLIDAY, or visit the resort's web site at
www.hifamilysuites.com.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Faith Is Tie That Binds Elders to Grandkids
Help for Grandparents Who Raise Grandkids
Supreme Court Angers Grandparents
Grandparenthood Growing on a Grand Scale
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Snoring Sign of High Blood Pressure
In the largest sleep laboratory study of its kind, Penn State College of Medicine researchers have shown that people who snore were 150 percent more likely to have high blood pressure (hypertension) than those who didn't snore. In addition, the five-year study showed that the hypertension risk increased with the severity of the sleep problem.
People who snore and also have mild sleep apnea, a breathing pause, were two and a half times as likely to be affected by hypertension as those with no problems. Snorers with moderate to severe sleep apnea were
seven times more likely to develop hypertension compared with those with no sleep problems.
"We were able to establish the association between sleep disorder breathing (SDB) and hypertension while adjusting for possible confounding factors such as age, weight and gender. This study indicates that if you
have any kind of breathing disturbance during sleep, even just snoring, you need to be aware that you are at much higher risk for hypertension and the problems it causes," explains Edward O. Bixler, Ph.D., professor of
psychiatry and study director.
About 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses are almost always accompanied by snoring. Bixler adds that the findings in this study suggest that physicians should consider the possibility of hypertension whenever SDB is present. This study was funded by grants from The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of The National Institutes of Health.
Bixler's co-authors are: Alexandros N. Vgontzas, M.D., Penn State college of Medicine; Hung-Mo Lin, Ph.D., Penn State College of Medicine; Thomas Ten Have, Ph.d. University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine; Benjamin E. Leiby,B.A. Penn State College of Medicine; and Antonio Vela-Bueno, M.D., Autonomous University, Spain.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Sleep Loss Harms Metabolic Functions
Dentists Help Manage Snoring and Sleep Apnea
NCOA Seeks To Lower High Blood Pressure
Feeling Low Makes Blood Pressure Run High
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Miami Art Gallery Hosts Deaf Art Exhibit
GALLERY ART, located in Miami, Florida, is making its contribution to the deaf community by hosting a traveling exhibit entitled "Elements of a Culture: Visions by Deaf Artists". Deaf Art or, more precisely, Deaf View Image
Art, is a genre that uses formal art elements to express the "innate cultural or physical deaf experience." Deaf Art is created when the artist intends to express his or her deaf experience through visual art.
"Elements of A Culture: Visions by Deaf Artists" is intended to raise awareness of this vibrant category of minority art and issues of concern to culturally deaf people. The exhibit consists of works by 16 deaf artists - addressing contemporary deaf-world themes by using a variety of media and styles. Exhibition posters with Chuck Baird's Art No. 2 will be on sale, as well as exhibition catalogs.
Deaf artists identify themselves not as individuals with a disability, but as members of a linguistic minority whose shared experience gives rise to powerful, political and often celebratory imagery. Deaf Art expresses the values of deaf culture, the beauty of sign language and its oppression, the joys of deaf bonding, communication breakdowns between signers and non-signers, the discovery of language and community and the history of deaf people.
The exhibit opens on September 7 and runs through September 28. An opening reception, which is free to the public and includes wine and cheese, will be held on Saturday, September 16, from 6-10 p.m. Following the Miami tour, the exhibit is scheduled to travel to Oakland, California. This tour was organized by Brenda Schertz, working with Dr. Harlan Lane of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with financial support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to Northeastern University Trustees Chet Krentzman and Stanley Young and Gallaudet University Regional Center at Flagler College.
Gallery Art, located in the Promenade Shops in Aventura, Florida, is known on an international scale for its variety of art work in all mediums. The Gallery also has an on-site frame shop, as well as pick-up and delivery,
hanging services, appraisals, art consulting, in-home showings and world-wide shipping. For directions and information, call gallery owner Ken Hendel or art curator Michele Mack at 305-932-6166, or log on to the Gallery Art internet website at: www.gallart.com
The Gallery Art has also opened its doors for tours specifically organized by the deaf community, available to visitors on Wednesdays, September 13, 20 and 27 at 11 a.m., Thursdays, September 21 and 28 at 6 p.m. and Saturdays, September 9 and 16 at 1 p.m.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
300 Million Worldwide Suffer Deafness
Brain Helps Deaf "Hear" Lip-reading
Merrill Lynch Offers Financial Planning for the Deaf
Visual & Physical Disabilities library resources (Aging America newsletter- Oct 99 - page 1)
Speech, Language, Hearing Disorders toll-free helpline (Aging America newsletter- June 99 - page 2)
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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One-in-Ten Nursing Homes in Bankruptcy
America's nursing homes are going financially broke at a record pace ... prompting the United States Senate to schedule special hearings on the matter. Why are so many nursing homes in bankruptcy? What caused the mess? What must be done to protect this valuable housing alternative for the nation's most at-risk elders? These are the questions the U.S. Senate hopes to address in Washington, D.C. this coming Tuesday, September 5, 2000 in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Not only is the pace of bankruptcy fast and furious, but this disturbing trend involves some of the largest nursing home chains. In fact, five of the nation's 10 largest nursing home chains have filed for bankruptcy in the past year. And, says the Special Committee on Aging, the nursing homes in bankruptcy represent ten percent of all nursing homes.
Some nursing home administrators blame Congress and the Administration for the facilities' financial difficulties, citing the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which lowered rates of growth in Medicare payments
to skilled nursing facilities. However, several industry analysts attribute the financial problems to industry business practices, including the accumulation of debt and an over-reliance on a limited set of Medicare-reimbursed services for generating money.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, and Senator John Breaux, ranking member, will convene a hearing to examine the causes of nursing home bankruptcies in order to inform future policy decisions. The timing is key, says the Special Committee on Aging. Especially since this Fall's Congress is expected to consider nursing home industry proposals to raise Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities, as Congress did last year in the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999.
At press time, the current witness list for the forthcoming Senate Hearing includes:
- Laura A. Dummit, Associate Director, Health Financing and Systems Issues,
U.S. General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C.
- John Ransom, Director, Health Care Research,
Raymond James Financial, St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Charles H. Roadman, II, M.D., President
American Health Care Association, Washington, D.C.
- George Grob, Deputy Inspector General,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
- Steve Pelovitz, Director, Survey and Certification Group,
Health Care Financing Administration, Baltimore, Maryland.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Nurseless Nursing Homes Nursing Less
New Effort Improves Nursing Home Care
Market Watch: Nursing Home Trends
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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