Our Care - All of Houston! Facts About Aging
There are a number of pervasive myths about the elderly. Assisting Hands Houston works to dismiss those falsehoods. Our experiences with in=home care in Houston Texas have taught us a great deal. Our residents are teaching us new things every single day.
We’ve assembled a list that dispels many common assumptions about the aging population. The residents that we work with have plenty of energy, and they have a lot to contribute to society. They still work very hard, and they have a lot of fun too. Read over some of these facts and see what you can learn.
One in every eight American adults is over the age of 65.
In fact, one in every three Americans is over the age of 50. According to the data gathered by the 2010 Census, the senior population is actually growing at a faster rate than the youth population is. Because of this, the median age in the United States has risen from 35 up to 37. By 2030, it is expected that 1 in 5 American adults will be over the age of 65.
Elderly brains are still developing.
A lot of people assume that our brains stop growing and developing after a certain age. However, research has found that the brain can develop new neurons regardless of a person’s age. One study, which was published in the Journal of Neuroscience, looked at a group of 60-year-olds that took juggling lessons. The results of the study were impressive. The majority of patients saw growth in the portion of the brain that was responsible for visual perception. Our brains change when they take in new information, regardless of our age.
Your environment can impact health conditions.
A number of the health conditions that elderly individuals struggle with exist because of the environment that they grew up in. For example, people that are poor are more likely to eat poor diets or live in unsafe conditions. This can increase the risk of heart disease, and can even impact a person’s eyesight. It is more difficult to treat these conditions later on. That’s why it’s important to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise now.
Falls can be caused by a negative mindset.
Many elderly individuals are injured in falls. Surprisingly, these falls have been linked to a negative mindset. In a study that was conducted by the University of New South Wales, it was found that people that have anxieties about falling were more likely to fall than those that didn’t. When people are anxious, it can actually cause them to slip up and injure themselves.
Are there any compelling aging facts we’ve missed?
If you have some great information about aging, let us know by calling or contacting Assisting Hands Houston! We’re passionate about in-home care in Houston Texas, and we’d love to share the fact that you send.
Never stop taking a medication just because you feel you or your loved one no longer needs it. Also never adjust the dosage because you think the drug may be ineffective or the side effects are too severe. Always consult with a healthcare professional to voice your concerns and ask them to adjust your dosage if necessary.
Any brain exercising activity would do, but puzzles, Sudoku, and crosswords are very good for stimulating your thoughts. They help you to develop better mental dexterity and problem-solving skills.
Sharing a new joke with someone you’ve just met is a great way to break the ice. Memorizing a new joke helps to increase your ability to retain information and to recall that same information while under pressure.
With home care, the average rate per hour all across Texas stands at $19. The areas with the most affordable home care include Waco, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo, where the hourly cost ranges from $15 to $16.50. The most expensive areas include Wichita Falls, Austin/Round Rock, Odessa, and Midland where the hourly cost ranges between $20.50 and $25. For those who need a higher level of care, home health care is also available, and typically adds about $0.50 to $1 an hour to the normal rates.
People with assets and income that exceed these limits may still be eligible for the Medicaid program in Texas. A Medicaid planning professional can work with you to find a way to allocate the monthly income in excess of the limit into income trusts. Moreover, the financial assets that exceed the limit may be converted into exempt assets in some cases. If you are an individual near the financial limits, consulting a Medicaid planning professional before applying is highly recommended, to make sure that you have the best chance of being accepted into Medicaid.
