How to Get a Cake with 100 Candles

The opening line of an article in the May/June issue of Psychology Today asks the question: “What does it take to get a cake with 100 candles?”

A loaded question, it may seem, but the article continues to discuss the connection between attitude and life longevity. It may seem obvious, but the more positive and optimistic a person, the more likely that he or she will live a longer and healthier life. A recent study published in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research noted that those who are optimistic, conscientious, welcome new experiences and maintain close relationships might live well beyond the century mark.

A growing body of academic research is now focusing on the psychological state of people as they age rather than looking at physical and genetic dispositions that support longevity. One particular study published this year in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes showed that individuals’ own actions had a greater influence on their overall health than outside factors, including upbringing and environment. Such actions include but are not limited to positive self-talk, healthy physical activities, and strong self-efficacy.

Numerous people have reached – and gone beyond – the 100-year mark. More than a decade ago, Perelman wrote that positive attitudes reap long life. In his book “100 Centenarians,” Perelman outlined the lives of 100 individuals who lived to be at least 100. Although published in 1999, the book carries an underlying theme that is still relevant today. It revolves around what today’s modern scientific studies are now finding through research: positive attitudes are associated with long and healthy lives.

Here are three key examples noted by Perelman:

1. Grandma Moses (aka Anna Mary Robertson) was born in 1860 and died in 1961 at the young age of 101.  Anna Mary suffered through numerous family losses from the blizzard of 1927 and an influenza epidemic of 1932. As she began to age, she started to paint to ease the pain of arthritis. At age 80, Grandma Moses sold her first paintings and the sales never stopped. Through family turmoil and her own physical aging, Grandma Moses never once uttered the words “woe is me.” She held a positive attitude and lived a long and prosperous life because of it.

2. Famous comedian George Burns had been born into poverty.  His given name was Nathan and he was one of 12 children of the late Louis Phillip Birnbaum and Dorothy Bluth. According to Perelman, George “joked” his way out of poverty. At age 7, he joined a quartet and sang on the street to make money. He quit school in the fourth grade to sing, dance and perform roller skating tricks in vaudeville. As the story goes, George became a famous comedian, actor and television star. His secret to a long life might be attributed to his healthy sense of humor.

3.  Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy, mother of former president John F. Kennedy, lived to be 105. She was a stern mother and one who demanded that children behave properly. In the limelight quite often, Rose always kept an air of dignity. She maintained a positive attitude and outlook, regardless of what challenges faced her. According to a quote in Perelman’s book, she said, “God wants us to be happy and take pleasure in life. He doesn’t want us to be sad.” Of interest, her latter years were spent in a wheelchair due to multiple debilitating strokes; however, she always kept a positive attitude.

Two other interesting individuals who lived a long and prosperous life are not as well known. One of them was Marie Louise Levesque Chasse Meilleur, 117, mother of 10 children and resident of Canada. She had 85 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-great-grandchildren. Perelman noted that she attributed her longevity to hard work and staying healthy. She had quit smoking at age 90 and died of natural causes in 1998. The other individual was Christian Mortensen, 115, of Denmark who stated in Perelman’s book: “A good cigar, lots of water, no alcohol and staying positive will keep you alive a long time.” He also died in 1998.

Some other notable Centenarians are: Dr. Katherine Bain, 101, a pediatrician who spearheaded efforts to create childproof safety caps for medicines as well as safety release standards for refrigerator doors; Irving Berlin, 101, writing of 1,500 songs including “God Bless America” and “White Christmas;” Dr. William D. Coolidge, 101, developer of the modern x-ray tube and tungsten filament used in electric light bulbs; Bessie Delany, 104, one of the first African American female dentists in the United States; Chester Cornelius Hoff, 107, New York Highlander major league baseball pitcher from 1911 to 1915 who struck out Ty Cobb during his second appearance; and Victor Mills, 100, Proctor and Gamble chemical engineer who developed Pampers disposable diapers.

Positive attitudes reap longevity. Research has confirmed this concept and real people have proven it by living to and beyond 100 years of age. Just maintain a positive attitude and you too may be able to blow out 100 candles on your birthday cake some day.

References

Bowling, A., & Iliffe, S. (2011). Psychological approach to successful ageing predicts future quality of life in older adults. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 9(1), 13-22.

Conrad, M. (2011). Feeling great at 108. Psychology Today, May/June 2011, 41.

Duenwald, M. (2002). Power of positive thinking extends, it seems, to aging. Global Action on Aging. Retrieved July 1, 2011 from http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/positive.htm.

Umstattd, M. R., McAuley, E., Motl, R. W., & Rosengren, K. S. (2007). Pessimism and physical functioning in older women: influence of self-efficacy. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(2), 107-114.

Gambling Addictions Rising Among Senior Citizens

The legalization of gambling in many states has not only provided additional entertainment for some, it has also added both financial and health concerns for society and individuals.  Studies have shown that casino gambling is one of the fastest growing entertainment industries nationwide with Americans wagering more than $551 billion annually. Forty years ago, the prevalence of gambling addictions was most common among the younger generations; however, with the opening of casinos in various states, the Baby Boomers have grown along with the industry and are among the most common casino dwellers.

Senior citizens, ages 65 and older, account for a large percentage of the people who participate in gambling activities across the country. One study found that the number of seniors who gamble has more than doubled since the mid-1970s. This increase in gamblers suggests a concurrent increase in problem gamblers, especially among senior citizens.

Pathological gambling has only recently been reported among the elderly, who are considered a vulnerable population for risky behaviors. Because senior citizens often struggle with loneliness and depression, they are particularly at risk for participating in addictive behaviors such as gambling (as well as drug and alcohol abuse). Furthermore, people – again, especially senior citizens – with increased mental health issues and poor physical health have also been associated with problem gambling behaviors.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health has been designated as the lead agency under Act 1 of 2010 to manage the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Program. Its main charge is public awareness, training, and prevention of compulsive and problem gambling. At the local level, Crawford County has seen a small increase in the number of addicted gamblers through the Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Commission (CCDAC). Because of their concerns, CCDAC has certified two of its counselors as gambling addiction specialists.  While it may appear that the blame for the increased cases could point toward the recently constructed Erie County casino, CCDAC notes that gambling addictions are not limited to casino goers.  Many opportunities for gambling exist in the form of what may seem to be socially acceptable and family-oriented fun including the PA lottery, BINGO, raffles, and other small games of chance.  In Crawford County alone, 34 geographically diverse locations offer BINGO on a regular basis, 74 offer general games of chance, 13 provide limited occasional games of chance, 11 operate special raffles, and 63 places sell state lottery tickets. So, the opportunities to participate in such gaming are widely available.

In many instances, gambling or participating in similar activities can be quite harmless.  This has been shown to be true as one study, performed in 2002, found that public and media outcry against gambling has blown the risk of addiction out of proportion. According to this particular study, casino visits or small games of chance participation occurred because of the social benefits of being with others – as if for a night out with the gang. Those attending such events were far from addicted to the games.

Regardless of a person’s perceived risk or their actual danger of becoming a problem gambler, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board indicates that older adults have more threats aimed at them that could easily push them into addictive behaviors. For example, senior citizens suffer more losses and face more life transitions such as declining health than the general population, making them more vulnerable to desperate or self-destructive behaviors. Also, older adults may not understand addiction and are less likely to identify themselves as having any gambling problems; therefore, they continue their risky actions. Many older adults have easier access to gambling than their younger counterparts and are drawn to the casinos or BINGO halls to feel more wanted and less lonely. Last, some older adults may have cognitive impairments that interfere with their ability to make sound decisions; hence, they believe their financial risk is a solid pecuniary investment.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania is working to address the problem of gambling addiction across all generations through a three-year pilot program called Smart Choices. Through this program, students are taught the difference between games of skill and games of chance and why games of chance (i.e. gambling) can often lead toward other unhealthy choices such as smoking and alcohol abuse.

Again, not all who participate in small games of chance or visit Las Vegas are prone to a lifetime of addiction. If you question your own participation, the state encourages you to take their online, fully anonymous quiz that will assist you in determining your own risk or current status as a problem gambler. Simply visit www.paproblemgambling.com and click on the “At Risk Quiz.”

References:

Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Commission. (2011). Personal communications on April 5, 2011.

Hope, J. & Havir, L. (2002). You bet they’re having fun! Older Americans and casino gambling. Journal of Aging Studies, 16, 177-197.

Krisberg, K. (2011). Pennsylvania turns to public health to help problem gamblers. The Nation’s Health, April 2011, 11.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. (2011). Retrieved April 5, 2011 from http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/?p=66.

Pennsylvania Problem Gambling. (2011). Retrieved April 5, 2011 from http://www.paproblemgambling.com.

Zaranek, R. R. & Lichtenberg, P. A. (2008). Urban elders and casino gambling: Are they at risk of a gambling problem? Journal of Aging Studies, 22(1), 13-23.

Excessive Drinking Prevalent Among the Elderly

Studies over the past decade have shown that excessive drinking as well as binge drinking (drinking more than seven drinks in one week) is commonplace among elderly individuals. While that may seem like a small amount to some, public health professionals are concerned for these senior citizens, who are more sensitive to alcohol than their younger counterparts.  In a recent study of nearly 13,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that 9 percent (about 1200 people) consumed unhealthy amounts of alcohol. Yet, according to a Pennsylvania State University study, less than half of those who are age 65 and older are diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol-related problems. 

The NIAAA also revealed that the prevalence of alcoholism is steadily rising among the older population. Considering that the general population is also aging, this may not be surprising that the problems of alcoholism will grow along with them. Yet, here are some staggering revelations that worry public health professionals:

• 6-11 percent of elderly patients admitted to hospitals, 20 percent admitted to mental health facilities, and 14% seen in emergency rooms exhibit some sign of alcoholism.
• Within the hospital setting, rates of alcohol-related admissions of those ages 65 and older are similar to those for heart attacks.
• Incidence rates of hip fractures increase with alcohol consumption.
• Reaction times while driving slow in the elderly, and slow even further when alcohol is added to the mix.
• Moderate to heavy drinkers are 16 times more likely than nondrinkers to die of suicide, which is commonly associated with depression (exasperated by alcohol in the elderly).

Furthermore, alcoholism or alcohol-related problems in senior citizens is associated with poor mental health functioning, loss of physical brain tissue that may result in permanent brain damage, and increased risks of falls and injuries, according to a study done through Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Unfortunately, as people age, their interactions with others are limited; therefore, drinking alone or away from others can often go unnoticed by family and friends. The longer the problem exists, the more damage it can cause.

There are several behaviors that family members and caregivers should watch for to identify signs of elderly alcohol misuse. The National Center of Substance Abuse Treatment has identified 13 key areas to be watchful in senior citizens. These include memory loss (especially after taking medications or a drink), loss of coordination, changes in sleep habits, unexplained bruises, being unsure of themselves, irritability or sadness, unexplained chronic pain, changes in eating habits, an increasing desire to be alone, failing to maintain personal hygiene, difficulty concentrating, unable or unwilling to stay in touch with family and friends, and lack of interest in normal activities.

If any of these signs emerge in an elderly person, the first point of contact is with the person’s primary healthcare physician. Screening tests can be used to determine is alcohol is the culprit for the behaviors or if the cause points toward other health issues. Paying attention to the lives of the senior citizens around you is the key to keeping alcoholism and alcohol abuse from taking the life of a close friend or family member.

References:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (1998). Alcohol Alert. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa40.htm.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. (2011). Elderly alcohol and substance abuse. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/AdMed/FYI/FYIInDepth-Elderly.cfm.

Sacco, P., Bucholz, K. K., & Spitznagel, E. L. (2009). Alcohol use among older adults in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions: A latent class analysis. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, November, 829-838.

Science Daily. (2008). New study sheds light on excessive drinking among the elderly. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080305173347.htm.

Older Adults Should Subscribe to Daily Walks

While there is no question that childhood obesity has moved to epidemic proportions, adult obesity is no better. Public health officials around the country are equally concerned about adult obesity, yet, and unfortunately, more recent programs seem to focus on children.  Adults and even senior citizens can reduce their body mass indices through behavioral changes that can ward off diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

As the population grows and the Baby Boomers start turning 65, the health needs of this group will also expand. According to the journal Long-Term Living: For the Continuing Care Professional, the aging of the population is expected to bring an increase of chronic illnesses, many which can be avoided or delayed through a change in health habits. Numerous studies have shown that healthy habits, even when formed late in life, can improve health and delay the onset of diseases or even prevent them from occurring. Illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, cardiovascular disease are costly to treat, especially in the elderly who often suffer from multiple health issues. Slowing the progression of such diseases through improved health habits could lower the costs of health care, reducing the payment requirements from Medicare or Medicaid as well as out-of-pocket and private insurance expenses.

While most adults, especially senior citizens, cannot participate in high-intensity sporting activities, they can do one cost-effective and easy activity: walking. Research around the world has discovered that walking at any age can combat obesity. Senior citizens who walk every day can increase their lean muscle mass, reduce their body fat, and increase their heart health.  The benefits of walking for senior citizens are numerous and include improved mobility that can lead to an improved quality of life.

Anyone over the age of 60 should be able to slip on a pair of sneakers and go for a walk. Walking can be done anywhere, but in Crawford County, we are especially blessed with multiple walking paths. These include the trail at Oil Creek State Park in Titusville as well as the Ernst Trail in Meadville. Other walking places include neighborhoods with little traffic as well as college campuses throughout Crawford County. If the weather is too cold, treadmill walking is a good option. Various fitness centers or senior citizen centers offer free or low-cost memberships for older adults.

With so many options, there is no excuse for not walking.  And the benefits can result in a higher quality of life and reduce health care expenses over the long haul. So, what are you waiting for?

Reference:

Keogh, S. V. (2010). Promoting best outcomes in the bariatric elder. Long-Term Living: For the Continuing Care Professional, January, 14-15.