This sentence should make sense to you when you read through this weeks newsletter: “I want to see a murder of flamboyance prickles”. Go figure. Let us know if you can come up with a better grouping of these words! As usual keep positive and thanks for being part of our community.
-The Editors

🏥Medical Insights:

Misdiagnosis in Older Adults: How Specialized ERs and Trained Clinicians Can Help

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University highlights the severity of this problem, with nearly 800,000 Americans suffering death or permanent disability each year due to diagnostic errors. So, we set out to find what else can be done?

The Importance of Specialized Care

Glen Cove Hospital on Long Island has taken significant steps to address this issue by creating an emergency department specifically designed for older adults. Dr. Maria Carney, Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine for Northwell Health, explains that understanding a patient’s baseline health and medical history is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Glen Cove's ER is accredited as a geriatric emergency department by the American College of Emergency Physicians, one of over 500 such facilities in the U.S. This accreditation means the ER is equipped with numerous enhancements for safety and comfort, including private rooms with fogging glass doors for privacy, textured floors to prevent falls, and ambient lighting to reduce delirium risks.

Enhanced Communication Tools

Effective communication is vital in diagnosing older patients. Glen Cove’s ER provides tools such as assisted hearing devices to help patients who arrive without their hearing aids. These devices, along with large, well-lit rooms that can accommodate family members, help reduce stress and improve communication, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

The Need for More Geriatric Specialists

Despite the growing population of older adults, there are significantly fewer geriatric fellowship positions compared to other specialties like cardiology. At UConn, Dr. Coll advocates for better training across all medical providers to enhance care for older adults and improve diagnostic accuracy.

The Role of Nurses

Nurses often spend the most time with patients and can be key in communicating important health information to physicians.

By focusing on specialized care, enhanced communication, better training for healthcare providers, and active patient advocacy, the healthcare system can improve the diagnosis and treatment of older adults, ensuring they receive the care they need and deserve.

Read up more here.

🎮Test Your Lie Detection Skills
How well do you know your animal packs? One of these are incorrect- Do you know which one? Select the link to find out!

1. A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance."

2. A group of hedgehogs is called a “prickle.”

3. A group of crows is called a "murder."

Any other animal interesting groups we should know about? Let us know by replying to this email!

📚Interesting Study:

Good Genes Are Nice But Aging With Community Is Better

As we age, social connections and a sense of belonging become increasingly vital. Seniors face unique challenges, such as isolation and loneliness, which can impact overall well-being. However, fostering a sense of community can lead to numerous benefits, contributing to a fulfilling and joyful life. Here's how you can thrive in your golden years with the support of a strong community.

Social Engagement & Emotional Well-being: Maintaining social connections is crucial for seniors' emotional health. Being part of a community helps combat loneliness and isolation, enhancing happiness and life satisfaction.

Mental Stimulation & Cognitive Health: Active participation in social activities provides mental stimulation, helping preserve cognitive function. Engaging in conversations, games, and learning opportunities keeps seniors mentally sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Physical Health & Longevity: Community involvement often includes physical activities like group exercises or outdoor events. Regular physical activity promotes overall health, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions, leading to increased longevity.

Support System & Safety Net: A strong community provides a support system for seniors. In times of need, community members offer assistance, comfort, and resources, giving seniors peace of mind and a sense of security.

Purpose & Meaning: Belonging to a community gives seniors a sense of purpose. Active involvement allows them to contribute their knowledge, skills, and experiences, fostering a sense of value and fulfillment.

Read more here!

🤝Community Corner:
Q: Question: My spouse and I are thinking of getting a dog now that we're both retired and have more time at home. We've heard that having a pet can be beneficial for many different reasons. What are the specific benefits of pet ownership for people our age? Are there any considerations we should keep in mind?
Jennifer, Age 63, Chicago, Illinois

Over 64: We love this question! Dog ownership can bring numerous benefits, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key ways having a pet can improve health and happiness, along with important considerations:

1. Increased Physical Activity: Owning a pet, particularly a dog, encourages you to stay active. Regular walks, playtime, and other activities with pets help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve cardiovascular health, and increase mobility.

2. Routine and Structure: Caring for a dog provides a daily routine and structure, which can be particularly beneficial. This routine helps stay organized, focused, and engaged, contributing to overall mental health.

3. Unconditional Love and Joy: Dogs offer unconditional love and bring joy to their owners' lives. The bond between a senior and their pet can be incredibly rewarding, providing emotional support and enhancing overall happiness.

Be sure to consider the financial responsibility that comes with owning a pet, and the energy requirements that come with owning a pet. Some dogs may require more of an energy investment than other so do thorough research before bringing Fido home. There are no days off however, if it makes sense, the pros can very quickly outweigh the cons.

Do you have a question you'd like one of our experts to answer?
Shoot us an email at [email protected]! Each week, we feature one question from our readers. We'd love to hear from you!

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