Page 18 - Mid Valley Times 10-7-21 E-edition

By Jim Dueck
Seniors today have more to plan for than their grandparents or parents. Currently there are 45 million Americans who are 65 years or older. In the next nine years,
there will be 73 mil- lion American seniors 65 and older. We are living in an age where there will be more older adults than chil- dren and this will be the first time that has happened and we as a nation are unprepared.
The challenges ahead can be over- whelming for seniors and their families because of the cost and lack of support. Alzheimer’s is some- thing we are all con- cerned about but few are equipped to deal with. It is challenging to care for a loved one
while trying to hold down a job. Having the option to move a family member to a
skilled nursing facility might also be a chal- lenge over the next nine years as there
could be a shortage
of nursing home beds by 2030. The demand for skilled nursing is
projected to grow by 60% and there may not be enough beds for the demand in the
near future.
Life expectancy is
going up and the need for care will exceed the available care in the coming years. The American Geriatrics Society reports there will have been a 45% increase in demand for geriatricians be- tween 2013 and 2025. There is a concern that senior services will not be able to keep up with demand very soon.
One-way seniors can stay ahead of what
is coming is to put a plan in place before they have to. Mov-
ing to a retirement community like Palm Village in Reedley, ensures a senior will have the care and ser- vices they need when they need it. Staying in your home until the very last minute and waiting until someone else decides where you will go, will not en- sure you will be able to go where you want and the care needed may not even be avail- able. Planning ahead and taking a proactive approach ensures the best outcome and care when you need it.
Thursday, October 7, 2021 | B18 | Mid Valley TiMes
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Changes are coming
The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard
to hearing. It’s easy
to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing.
People rely on head- phones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meet- ings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can
contribute to hearing loss over time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five
in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports ap- proximately 15 per- cent of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of hear-
ing problems increases with age.
Once it’s gone, hear-
ing cannot be restored in many cases. To pro- tect hearing and guard
against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations.
1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a base- line by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an au- diologist. This can set the course for moni- toring progression of any future hearing loss.
2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hear- ing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many
HEARING... Continued on Next H&F Page
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