Older people need our love more than ever

It’s always appropriate to watch out for the older residents of our communities, but never more so than right now as the COVID-19 pandemic rages.

Remember that those older than 60 are most at risk of serious illness during the pandemic.

The holiday season is approaching, and that’s typically a time when much of our focus is on children. It’s perfectly appropriate and a wonderful tradition. But this year let’s be sure to bring some extra joy into the lives of our older family members.

Remember that those older than 60 are most at risk of serious illness during the pandemic. That means it’s best to avoid in-person contact. Be sure to share your love via virtual means on a regular basis. An old-fashioned card or letter would certainly be cherished as well. Drop off care packages if possible. It could be a meal, some treats such as cookies, or something fun to do or read.

And if you don’t have older people in your life, consider supporting organizations such as Berks Encore that provide valuable support and programming to senior citizens.

During the holiday season and beyond, it’s important to check up on older loved ones on a regular basis.

One pa r t icu la r concern these days is financial exploitation of older adults. A study by the state Department of Aging found that the average loss to each victim of such crimes was almost $40,000. Unauthorized bank withdrawals constituted the largest percentage of total loss, with scams making up much of the rest. We urge our older readers and those who care about them to be vigilant.

The arrival of colder weather poses particular dangers for older people. People become more susceptible to hypothermia as they age, and they are at considerable risk of serious complications during cold and flu season.

One of the biggest dangers is falling. That can be a problem for older people any time of year, but winter weather exacerbates the situation.

The state Department of Aging recently issued advice on how to reduce the risk of injury due to falls. Older people and their loved ones should take careful note.

“As adults get older, they are more vulnerable to falls that could end in life-changing consequences,” Secretary of Aging Robert Torres said in introducing the advice. “However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, prevention programs, exercise and community partnerships, falls among older adults can be substantially reduced.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people 65 and older in the commonwealth, accounting for 67.5% of fatal traumatic brain injuries, and resulting in 1,606 deaths and 57,727 hospitalizations in 2018, according to the Department of Aging. Older adults who experience a fall may face depression, loss of mobility and loss of functional independence.

The state has a series of suggestions to promote safety for older residents.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO»

• Evaluate your risk for falling

• Review your prescriptions and over the counter medications

• Evaluate your need for calcium or vitamin D supplements

• Review any issues that are causing you to experience periods of confusion or difficulty remembering

Make your home safer:

• Get rid of things you could trip over in your home

• Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet

• Put railings on both sides of stairs

• Make sure your home – inside and around the exterior – is well lit

Live healthier:

• Participate in strength and balance exercises

• Eat a healthy balanced diet

• Have your eyes checked

• Have your hearing checked

The Department of Aging offers a fall risk screening and prevention program to adults 50 years of age and older.

To learn more, visit Healthy Steps for Older Adults at www.aging.pa.gov/agingservices/health-wellness/ Healthy%20StepsFallPrevention/Pages/default.aspx