MATURE MARKET HEADLINES POSTED 11/24/97
Who's A Fraud Of The Phone
Con artists bilk Americans out of $40 billion every year, and the scam often starts with fraudulent use of the phone. Who are they? Phony charities looking for a hand-out of your hard-earned money. Phony investment firms with the promise of a "sure thing".
Deceptive sweepstakes that offer a prize for which you will pay and pay and pay. There are legitimate charities, but they will have printed literature and be affiliated with reputable organizations. It's okay to give, just don't get taken. Steve Mehlman, Consumer Representative for AARP advises that you not send money immediately to any one. "Don't response to high-pressure tactics.
Check it out first. Ask for written information from telephone solicitors before making a decision. Learn to say NO and mean it. Keep your holidays from becoming hollow-days with empty bank accounts. Don't be afraid to call the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) at: 1-800-876-7060 if you are unsure about an organization asking for money."
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Is Menopause ... All In Your Head?
20 million women in the U.S. are now in the age range when menopause occurs (45-60). According to a national survey, these women will experience very real symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
But these physical symptoms can be exasperated in the absence of an empathetic spouse. Unfortunately, most husbands of menopause women are not aware of their spouse's symptoms, much less their depression. The reason is that only 47% of women actually speak with their spouse about the effects that menopause could have on their relationship.
Instead, women tend to turn to their friends (44%) and physicians (32%) for emotional support during menopause. Here's a few tips for strengthening spousal communication on the topic of menopause. These tips are offered by Parke-Davis, makers of the FemPatch estrogen replacement therapy.
- Make time and decide on a comfortable place for discussion.
- Be open, consider all questions, concerns, problems or confusions.
- Freely express experiences you or your loved one are facing.
- Mutual respect is a must, listen attentively, don't be judgmental.
The bottom line is get your feelings out of your head and into his.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Doc Deciphers Diabetic Disposition
Diabetes is usually a condition that can be managed with the guidance of your health care professional, says Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, President of the Prudential Center for Health Care Research. Diabetes occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin, or if it doesn't use the insulin effectively.
While scientists haven't determined the causes of diabetes, they have identified several risk factors. Knowing these risk factors, says Dr. Koplan, is one way to fight back because some of the risk factors can be controlled. These factors include the following.
- WEIGHT:
the risk of developing diabetes increases with the percentage of body fat. Fat cells are resistant to insulin, so the higher the percentage of fat, the higher the level of blood sugar.
- LIFESTYLE:
exercise builds muscle, and muscle uses up more blood sugar.
- SMOKING:
leads to life-threatening problems like heart disease and stroke.
- BLOOD:
high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can compromise your health. Have them monitored as part of your health care regime.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Seeking The Terminal Later
"Seniors are one of the fastest growing groups of computer users", says Gary Shapiro, Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA).
Today, 30% of seniors already own a computer. Sixty percent of those seniors use their computers regularly. Their computers are used to balance budgets, take on-line distance education classes, and e-mail family members.
One of the most popular reasons for using a computer is access to the Internet. In fact, 38% of senior computer owners subscribe to on-line services or Internet service providers. That's why there are now more than 5,000 Web sites related to senior interests. Just how big can this market get?
AgeVenture estimates that the 12 million senior computer owners could easily translate into nearly 30 million within a decade and a half as the first boomers enter retirement. And that estimate may be too conservative because boomers grew up on computers. So we can assume that market penetration among boomers should far -exceed that of today's more techno-phobic seniors.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Scientists Put Screws to Back Pain
Surgeons at Saint Louis University (SLU) are testing a new procedure that may help alleviate problems associated with lower back pain in older adults. The disorder, say the SLU surgeons, is sometimes caused by bone spurs and arthritic changes of the spine which pinch on nerves, creating significant pain.
Many elders can't enjoy a simple walk because of the disorder. Currently, there are three treatment methods for this type of low back pain, and SLU will examine them all. The first two are traditional, but the third (just recently approved for testing by the FDA) involves using a "pedicle screw system" that acts as a bone anchor.
First, the bone is removed to free the pinched nerve along the spine. Second, bone is taken from the pelvis and placed alongside the spine to make the spine more stable. Third, the surgeon inserts metal screws into the spine, and attaches the screws with metal rods. The metal rods make the spine even stronger. This "pedicle screw system" study, says SLU, will last three years.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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AgeVenture News Service, 21946 Pine Trace, Boca Raton, FL 33428 USA
Dr. David Demko, Editor
E-mail:newsdesk@demko.com
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