Aging Together // Unfiltered

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people of all ages, including older adults. As we observe PTSD Awareness Month, it is crucial to shed light on how this condition manifests in the aging population, its impact on aging, and the necessary care and management strategies. In this episode, I am exploring the key aspects of PTSD in older adults, supported by data and research.

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Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to shed light on the importance of cognitive health in aging adults. As our population continues to age, understanding the factors influencing cognitive decline and implementing strategies to maintain and manage brain health becomes increasingly crucial. In this episode, I’m taking a dive into Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, specifically cognitive health and aging.

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Speech Language Pathologists (aka Speech Therapists) evaluate or assess for any potential speech, language, cognition, or swallowing disorders. For the geriatric population, they may evaluate an individual in any of these areas, whether it be from general aging, or from a diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke or other neurodegenerative and neurogenic disorders. Tune in to hear more from an established SLP on her journey and expertise in neurogenic conditions. 

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS damages the motor neurons that control voluntary muscles, causing them to die. As a result, people with ALS may experience muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. This episode dives into the background of ALS, other common neurodegenerative disorders, impact to aging, and current options for therapy. 

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May is APIDA Heritage Month. The APIDA population is rapidly growing and aging in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, the APIDA population in the US is projected to more than double from 23.1 million in 2020 to 51.9 million by 2060, making it the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the country. However, the aging experiences of APIDA individuals are not uniform, and there are disparities in health outcomes and access to care. This episode dives into the unique challenges to aging and caregiver roles within APIDA communities in the United States. 

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health is an important aspect of overall health, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in four adults aged 65 or older experiences a mental health disorder. This number is expected to rise as the population of older adults in the United States continues to grow. This episode dives into the three most common mental health illness in older adults, four factors that impact an older adult's mental health, three options for care, and five outlooks for the future. It also reviews three strategies for prevention and three strategies for management. 

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In this final episode of April, we returned to a spotlight on OT Month! In this week's episode, I reviewed a case study showcasing how an occupational therapist can be an excellent asset in the community as an independent consultant. This episode takes you through a real story of how a family member used an independent OT consultant to help them with their situation and thereafter. 

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Driving is one of those super touchy topics as loved ones get older. You don’t quite know if they should still be driving, and you definitely don’t know how to approach the subject with them. Did you know there are professionals who can help you navigate it all? This episode dives into occupational therapy, driver's rehab, and signs your loved one may need to consider driving retirement. 

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Stress is a common experience among older adults, with research showing that up to 34% of older adults report high levels of stress. There are several reasons why older adults may experience stress, including physical and cognitive changes, financial concerns, social isolation, and changes in social roles. This episode dives into these various reasons for stress, how an OT can help you manage that stress, and how families and caregivers can be impacted. 

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