Eastside Messenger - September 22nd, 2019

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PAGE 8 - EASTSIDE MESSENGER - September 22, 2019 Active Lifestyles A bi-monthly feature celebrating our community’s senior citizens www.columbusmessenger.com e benefits of growing older Although there are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives. Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some benefits to growing old. •Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people have less negativity and higher selfesteem. Qualities like self-control and altruism can contribute to happiness. •Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies, and other entertainment if they’re willing to disclose their ages. Discounts are available through an array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. •Reasoning and problem-solving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brans simultaneously something called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. •Less stress: As people grow older, they are able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of others truly mean in the larger picture, thereby feeling less stress about what others think of them. Growing older may involve gray hair or wrinkling skin, but there are many positive things associated with aging. Promoting mental health care Mental health care should be a critical part of everyone’s overall health and well-being. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 over 45 million Americans experienced a mental health condition, more than the populations of New York and Florida combined. As for adults age 55 and older, 20 percent have experienced some type of mental health condition that is not a normal component of the aging process. All too often, mental health challenges are overlooked and not addressed under the assumption they are a normal part of aging. Regrettably, far too often older adults do not access the help that they need. Mental health conditions that go undiagnosed and untreated can have significant impact on self-care, daily activities and health and safety. Depression, anxiety, personality disorders and severe cognitive impairment can be major contributors to social isolation, which can result in diminished quality of life and premature institutionalization. Mental health conditions are often implicated as a factor in cases of suicide among older adults, particularly men age 85 and older who have the highest rate of suicide of any group in the country as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Mental health care is becoming a basic part of primary care and should be addressed with the same Informed Aging Michelle Missler urgency as diabetes, high blood p r e s s u r e and other physical health conditions that can be prevented and treated through a combination of medical interventions and behavioral changes. Thus, those of all ages should feel encouraged to reach out to their healthcare team to address mental health challenges. In addition, it is imperative that we eliminate the stigma and increase public awareness about mental health conditions and the effectiveness of treatment. The Franklin County Office on Aging recognizes the importance of both good mental and physical health while aging in place. If you or an elderly loved one is in need of mental health care, please contact Senior Options at 614-525-6200 to get connected to community resources or contact the Get Connected Program with Mental Health America of Franklin County at 614-242-4357 or connect@mhafc.org that will help find trusted mental health services. It is imperative that no one suffers alone or in silence. Michelle Missler is the director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. • Planning Ahead Guide • Designing Your Funeral • Funeral & Burial Services • “Cremation With Confidence Guarantee” www.spencefuneralhome.com 6800 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester 43110 www.macintoshcompany.com/canal-winchester 614-837-7126 650 West Waterloo St. Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-7126 550 Hill Road N.. Pickerington, OH 43147
Active Lifestyles www.columbusmessenger.com September 22, 2019 - EASTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 9 Franklin County Board of Commissioners: Marilyn Brown, President, John O’Grady and Kevin L. Boyce The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and The Franklin County Office on Aging join with the Messenger Newspaper in providing this update on aging issues in Franklin County. Prepared, Not Scared Each September, during National Preparedness Month, Americans are encouraged and reminded to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. The 2019 theme is "Prepared, Not Scared." Homeowners, families, communities, and businesses can use this opportunity to find ways or help others understand more about preparing for disasters and reducing risks to health and the environment. HOW TO PREPARE: • Save early for disaster costs - Check your insurance coverage to ensure you have appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. • Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters – Create an emergency plan and practice it. Share your plan with family members. Be sure to include pets in your plan. • Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters – Include your grandchildren in conversations about preparedness. Discuss their role in your support network and how the people in this network will assist each other. • Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness – Every community has volunteer organizations that work during disasters. Learn what organizations are active in your community. Other ways to get involved include taking classes in lifesaving skills or simply checking in with neighbors to see how you can help each other before or after a storm. Additional Suggestions: • Direct Deposit - A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. • Mail order pharmacies – If you take medicines on a daily basis subscribe to a mail order service. These services can provide a 90 day supply of medicine which will enable you to keep at least a week-long supply on hand. However, it’s a good idea to place your order at least two weeks before your prescription runs out. • Weather radio – In the event of severe weather, keep a weather radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV. Subscribe to or download mobile alerts for severe weather warnings in your area. Preparing makes sense for older adults. The likelihood that you and your family will survive an emergency depends on the preplanning and preparation. Our abilities and needs are different, but we can all prepare by evaluating our own personal needs and those of our loved ones.
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Eastside Messenger - September 22nd, 2019

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