MATURE MARKET HEADLINES POSTED 12/22/97
Elderhostel International Serves 70,000
Study Greek philosophy while visiting Athens, stay with a family in India, walk through the meadows of Scotland identifying plant species for a biology course. These are just a few examples of the types of learning adventures that adults, age 55-plus, can enjoy through Elderhostel's International programs. The purpose is to combine education with travel in order to foster a unique life experience. Opportunities for placement exist in 70 countries, and 70,000 adults participated last year. Length of stay ranges from one to four weeks. Hostelers live in dormitories, and other modest facilities while taking courses at local educational institutions. In addition to on-campus programs, hostelers can participate in bicycle tours, homestays with local families, hiking through local terrain, and shipboard expeditions that study marine life. For a free catalog, visit the Elderhostel website at www.elderhostel.org
BACK TO TOP
Debunking Common Myths About UI
Many of the 13 million Americans who suffer from Urinary Incontinence (UI) are reluctant to discuss the problem for fear of ridicule. That's unfortunate for two reasons. First, failure to discuss UI results in lack of treatment. Second, much of what we believe about UI is pure myth.
- Myth 1: Incontinence is a part of normal aging.
UI affects people of all ages, including 45% of the 65-plus age group.
- Myth 2: All incontinence is the same.
There are six types of UI, each with its own treatment strategy.
- Myth 3: Incontinence cannot be treated.
Treatments range from bladder training, pelvic exercises, self-catheterization, surgery, and medication.
If you suffer from UI, educate yourself about the facts, and talk to your doctor about the treatment options. Source: Pharmacia & Upjohn UI news bureau.
BACK TO TOP
Impact of Nursing Home Reform Act
A new study, reported in the December 1997 issue of "The Gerontologist" (Gerontological Society of America, Washington, DC) found that the Nursing Home Reform Act is really having a positive impact in some areas of long term nursing care. In particular, the Act has resulted in a 30% reduction in the use of physical restraints on geriatric patients. However, researchers reported no significant change in the types of residents who are restrained. Those most often restrained include: advanced age, recipients of antipsychotic medications, history of falls, and those with mobility problems.
Families who are shopping for a care facility may want to take note of the three factors that researchers found associated with the use of restraints.
- Facilities with high occupancy had lower use of restraints.
- More full-time nurse aides per resident increased likelihood of restraint use.
- Market competition between facilities affects the use of restraints.
In some cases, families may want to use these factors to facilitate placement choices when trying to decide between eldercare facilities.
BACK TO TOP
Cypress Gardens Hosts Big Bands
The swinging sounds of the Big Band era, the music that carried America through the Great Depression and World War II, again floats across Cypress Gardens in early 1998. Beginning in February, Cypress Gardens will host 10 weekends of the sounds of the 30's and 40's with favorites such as Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Guy Lombardo orchestras. Concerts will be performed at 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm each Saturday and Sunday. The theme park, which is open 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, is located between Tampa and Orlando, Florida. Cypress Garden can be visited on the Internet at www.cypressgardens.com
BACK TO TOP
Click here to view more Headlines
AgeVenture News Service, 21946 Pine Trace, Boca Raton, FL 33428 USA
Dr. David Demko, Editor
E-mail: demko@demko.com
the media may use these headlines free-of-charge