Sea Crest Health Care Center

So much to do, so little time to do it in. Ever wonder what your customers care about most? A recent survey asked seniors what aspects of aging they fear the most, and what aspects of their life they value the most. And the results are in.

Maintaining their independence tops the list, with 92% of respondents saying it was a primary concern. Financial stability came second, with 91% citing it as a major worry. Close behind was staying active, gathering 90% of the respondents’ vote. Physical fitness and easy health access came in farther behind, with only 85% and 83% of respondents choosing them respectively.

And what do seniors fear the most? There was less consensus for this response, with health care costs collecting the most votes with 49% accord. 41% worried about losing their independence. Health issues swept the board with Medicare changes coming in third at 38%, overall personal wellness next at 36%, and going to a nursing home following with 33%.

Leaving family for facility care only increases the intensity of the worries of advanced age. Provide your residents with peace of mind by actively addressing their foremost needs and concerns.

By Lydia Yolen

There’s finally good news in the health industry – heart disease and stroke death rates are down down down.

Death rates from coronary heart disease are down 30.7% since 1999, and stroke mortality has dropped 29.2%.

The American Heart Association set a goal to reduce coronary heart disease and stroke death by 25% by 2010, and it seems that they’ve succeeded. But they’re not resting on their laurels. Though death rates themselves are down, the risk factors that lead to death are perilously high, risking a reverse of the downward trend with time.

Age, being male, and genes are not risk factors that anyone can change, but you can try to reduce your risk factors by eliminating the following:

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Birth control pills
• Excessive intake of alcohol