#CPHC Twitter Chat January 28, 2014 Baby Boomers

GailZahtz Amazing radio guests this Tu: host @walkersvillemom of #TheRoadWe'veShared W @Mitzi_Beach TH @pain_talks Fr Charles Schwab AIA #CPHC GailZahtz It's time again for #CPHC everyone- join in as we talk about Baby Boomers - these 70 million affect every person and industry! Sandyhubbard Come one, come all - we're talking Baby Boomers on #CPHC - starting NOW :) GailZahtz TY- hard to imagine that #CPHC reached 1.5 million in 2013 alone- incredible community! RT @nxtstop1: @GailZahtz @sandyhubbard Congrats!! Introductions: Nursefriendly Hello Everyone, Andrew Lopez, RN from #NewJersey, #Healthcare #Tweetchat #Enthusiast #CPHC #nurseup https://t.co/w3gwWRoS3P nxtstop1 Hello everyone, Bernadette Keefe checking in~ Nice to be here~ #CPHC GailZahtz Welcome @nxtstop1 how and why did you start focusing your practice interest in the "tsunami" of Baby Boomers? Thanks for joining #CPHC Nursefriendly Aha, a new face ;) Welcome Dr. Keefe, glad you could come MT @nxtstop1: Hello everyone, Bernadette Keefe checking in~ Nice to be here~ #CPHC nxtstop1 @nursefriendly Such a super welcome! A pleasure ! Thank you~#CPHC sandyhubbard I'm Sandy Hubbard - chief moderator of #CPHC and co-pilot to the amazing @GailZahtz , founder of this chat one year ago! GailZahtz You've officially been co-moderating a year today @sandyhubbard ?! Sparkly confetti! Can't imagine this ride without you!! #CPHC Walkersvillemom Hi everyone! Checking in with #CPHC before our big debut! Stephanie from East TN advocate for #Downsyndromeawareness GailZahtz We're so proud of you @walkersvillemom http://t.co/mv0LgbBule You community is the 1st radio show under our network! Congratz #CPHC Walkersvillemom Thanks! So proud to be part of the Carpool! Have learned SO much can't wait to share! #CPHC @GailZahtz AnneCCPA @GailZahtz Anne Dang here, Canadian Physician Assistant ready to discuss baby boomers! #CPHC AnneCCPA @GailZahtz @sandyhubbard I couldn't imagine #CPHC without Gail or Sandy! GailZahtz And you! Great to see you today Anne! We're talking Baby Boomers! RT @AnneCCPA: @sandyhubbard I couldn't imagine #CPHC without Gail or Sandy PatientsCanada Hi everyone! Christina from Patients Canada joining for a bit #CPHC @GailZahtz GailZahtz Great to see you @PatientsCanada please feel free to tell us about yourself! Welcome to #CPHC Sandyhubbard @PatientsCanada Hi Christina! #CPHC VNAHealthGroup .@EddyEgan here on behalf of @VNAHealthGroup - Pleasure to be here talking about an enormous demographic that needs care. #CPHC #BabyBoomers SPINN_PHR Joining the chat a bit late #CPHC

GailZahtz Great to see you @SPINN_PHR We're talking baby boomers- which I know you'll have a lot to add with the work you're doing! #CPHC LAlupusLady Smiles and hugs to @GailZahtz @sandyhubbard & everyone in the #CPHC community. GailZahtz Great to see you! RT @LAlupusLady: Smiles and hugs to @GailZahtz @sandyhubbard & everyone in the #CPHC community. GailZahtz Speaking of nurses- did I just see the amazing @Kamiyamay come into our midst? Welcome and we miss you tons! #CPHC GailZahtz Great to see you @healthorder welcome to #CPHC you can jump right in! We're friendly lol GailZahtz TY for joining us @DrDeadline Great to have you at #CPHC HealthyNaL Little late, but happy to join the chat here at #CPHC GettysburgGerry Just got out of a meeting, thought i would catch the tail end of chat... #CPHC GailZahtz Always so happy to see you @GettysburgGerry as we were just talking falls- how is google glass helping with that? #CPHC

Statistics: GailZahtz I'll throw out some #boomer facts as everyone gathers around to #CPHC - like over 10k turn 65 daily! Nursefriendly 1/3 of over 65 adults #fall at least once per year - Ouch! #cphc

GailZahtz As everyone keeps talking & introducing themselves- please jump into #CPHC @nursefriendly brought up- falls add 18 more hospital days each GailZahtz On subject of falls- preventable are number one reason for the need for more emergency rooms, and add over $500 per hospital room cost #CPHC nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @nursefriendly 1/5 who fall live in assisted living & 1/3 fall while using #walker ! Check mom for a well fitting walker #CPHC GailZahtz Falls cost over $40 BILLION a year in healthcare costs alone-not accounting for change in lifestyle #CPHC @nursefriendly @nxtstop1 #CPHC GailZahtz So is everyone aware of how many ways we could prevent falls? 10-40% are preventable in the design of homes and hospitals! #CPHC @nxtstop1 GailZahtz Per evidence, when 65+ is hospitalized for a fall- they are 50% likely to not outlive the year #CPHC @nxtstop1 @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly GailZahtz Bathrooms are the number one location for injury of people at home regardless of age or health- healthiest fall in bath #CPHC @nxtstop1 GailZahtz Interesting fact: reducing noise pollution is a top five in reducing falls! @sandyhubbard has been writing tips on this.I have facts #CPHC Resources: Kamiyamay NIH on falls : http://t.co/RIw3EMpNxw #cphc Falls are a reality that all need be aware no matter age. Teach younger gens to be aware too

VNAHealthGroup Falls need to be treated like a disease - the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in elderly #CPHC http://t.co/0a4OtvQ9Fd Kamiyamay Educating people is the biggest! http://t.co/15pixJXlEW #cphc good resource. I often see children try to force parent to walk just walk! HealthyNaL @sandyhubbard So true! We sit so much more than we should. This video puts it into perspective: http://t.co/u71RjRCyxC #CPHC Kamiyamay Natl. Council aging another good resource http://t.co/WdNaw2Gxs6 #cphc

Falls: GailZahtz The falls are a huge issue that isn't discussed enough! RT @nursefriendly: 1/3 of over 65 adults #fall at least once per year - Ouch! #cphc nxtstop1 @nursefriendly Yes,persons even over 60 falling at alarming rate~ over 65 yo even more. At first sign balance issues see PT for eval. #CPHC GailZahtz Good advise! mT @nxtstop1: @nursefriendly over 60 falling at alarming rate~ over 65 yo even more. At first sign balance issues see PT #CPHC AnneCCPA @nursefriendly We see many hip fractures resulting from falls, impact on quality of life and activities of daily living are big! #CPHC Nursefriendly @GailZahtz #Falls responsible for many broken bones, #nursinghome admissions. Many never fully recover :( #cphc Nursefriendly @GailZahtz Losing the ability to walk from a #fall, for even short periods of time threatens #independence, living on your own.#cphc Sandyhubbard @nursefriendly Good point, Andrew - we lose all over fitnress when recuperating from a fall. #CPHC Nursefriendly Much lost, much faster in the #elderly MT @sandyhubbard: Good point, Andrew - we lose all over fitnress when recuperating from a fall. #CPHC AnneCCPA @nursefriendly These patients are treated with hip replacements, requiring overnight hospital stays, impacts health care resources #CPHC AnneCCPA @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @nursefriendly These falls are MUCH more frequent in icy conditions during the winter #CPHC Nursefriendly Pay to have snow shoveled? MT @AnneCCPA: @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz These falls are MUCH more frequent in icy conditions during the winter #CPHC nxtstop1 @nursefriendly @AnneCCPA @GailZahtz Or maybe a kind neighbor ~avoid.Altho~ My 89 yo aunt carries sand RX ice & elastic bands 4 shoes ! #CPHC Nursefriendly @AnneCCPA @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz Agree, a simple trip to the store in an icy parking lot can be hazardous :( #cphc AnneCCPA @nursefriendly Icy conditions are hazardous for all ages! Shoveling snow off the sidewalk can reduce risk of falls for others #CPHC nxtstop1 @GailZahtz Yes, preventable~Wish that every annual for pts over 65 y~testing for #balance and #gait. Referral PT, prescribe exercises #CPHC

sandyhubbard I'm noticing hospital-sponsored classes on falls & balance, strengthening core, navigating hazards in world so folks will get out more #CPHC nursefriendly @nxtstop1 Unfortunately, early warning signs for falls, like loss of balance are probably ignored until it is too late. #cphc Kamiyamay @nursefriendly @nxtstop1 #cphc They are ignored - when admitting patients at home, many unfamiliar with warning signs GailZahtz Interesting other fact @nursefriendly @AnneCCPA is that changing nurses locations and duties lessens in-patient falls dramatically #CPHC AnneCCPA @GailZahtz @nursefriendly can you elaborate what you mean by "locations and duty" changes? #CPHC nxtstop1 @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly Huge,often hip fracture is the beginning of downward spiral~IMHO women don't wish to use #walkers when need~#CPHC nursefriendly @AnneCCPA See lotsa #BrokenHips at work in #Patients that have #FallenAndCantGetUp :( #cphc AnneCCPA @nursefriendly I work with an Orthopod who performs knee & hip arthroplasties. History usually begins w/ "I had a fall" #CPHC #Orthopaedics Kamiyamay @nursefriendly #cphc Falls a good indicator of so many other health issues. Neuro, hypotension... meds... nxtstop1 @Kamiyamay @nursefriendly Yes, patient needs to B eval. top to bottom often musculoskeletal imbalance issues if no drug etc RX good PT #CPHC Nursefriendly @GailZahtz The need generated from falls is only going to grow as #babyboomers come into full bloom. #cphc #SilverTsunami Sandyhubbard That is a freaky statistic that falls and hospitalization over age 65 are so "deadly." #CPHC Nursefriendly @sandyhubbard That #fatality statistic from #Falls in the #elderly in not a New Number :( Wish it would get outdated. #cphc nxtstop1 @Kamiyamay @nursefriendly Fault med prof/ HCP/public h~Falls are preventable If personal health and built environ.issues addressed~ #CPHC GailZahtz YES! RT @nxtstop1: Fault med prof/ HCP/public h~Falls are preventable If personal health and built environ.issues addressed~ #CPHC Nursefriendly @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz Agree, much more could be done with regular screenings at routine check-ups,. #cphc Nursefriendly @AnneCCPA Overnight if all goes well, no more falls, #nosocomial infections or #HealthcareHarm in the #Hospital. #cphc Kamiyamay Part of fall talk is often geared in teaching others how to catch or let person slide. Better one elderly down than two. :-! #cphc GailZahtz Agree! @Kamiyamay I TELL people please do NOT hold onto me- much safer if I fall on my own @LAlupusLady #CPHC nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @Kamiyamay @LAlupusLady Even slightest touch can pull off balance~ Dog walking an issue with balance probs~ #CPHC Kamiyamay @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @LAlupusLady #cphc Oh see the dog issue often. Small dog underfoot in home, Yikes! AnneCCPA @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @Kamiyamay @LAlupusLady Best not to get a 120+ dog then! #CPHC

GailZahtz It's a good question on managing falls as well as preventing them! Makes a big difference in injury! Wall walking helps #CPHC @sandyhubbard Anetto Rheumatologist says for osteoporosis they treat falls risk not bone density #cphc nxtstop1 @nursefriendly @GailZahtz Trying to spread word to internal medicine & family practice~Also must assess pt #walkers ~ NOT bent over! #CPHC HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @nxtstop1 @JessicaFastball Simply modifications is all it takes to prevent a majority of falls. #CPHC GailZahtz Yes! RT @HealthyNaL: @GailZahtz @nxtstop1 @JessicaFastball Simply modifications is all it takes to prevent a majority of falls. #CPHC Nursefriendly @nxtstop1 @Kamiyamay Question is who to address #FallRisks? Harried PrimaryCarePhysicians, The #Elderly, #FamilyMembers? #cphc nxtstop1 @nursefriendly @Kamiyamay Actually everyone~ The Government has a National #Falls Prevention Day every September during Aging week ~ #CPHC GailZahtz We should do a related event during that week and day! #CPHC @nxtstop1 @nursefriendly @Kamiyamay HealthyNaL @nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard I've heard red nightlights are the best light to reduce falls. Anyone else? #CPHC GailZahtz Evidence does not support nightlights reducing falls- but floor lights do #CPHC @HealthyNaL @nxtstop1 @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard Sandyhubbard I prefer nightlights that shoot down toward the floor rather than blasting your eyes and contracting your pupil. #CPHC HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @nxtstop1@Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard It's red light that is easier for the eye to adjust. Red floor lights=best #CPHC Anetto I put some reflective tape on bottom step. Hard to see where stairway ends in dark #cphc GailZahtz Reflective tape and new LED strips that just go on like tape both good for vision and fall prevention #CPHC @anetto GailZahtz Cool idea- they make LED balls next to bed, pick it up for moving light #CPHC @nxtstop1 @HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard DrDeadline @GailZahtz Important, emergency lights in outlets for power failure. Home Depot $10 @HealthyNaL @nxtstop1 @Kamiyamay @sandyhubbard #CPHC

Universal Design: Sandyhubbard Baby Boomers need to make their homes safe for themselves as they age. #CPHC SPINN_PHR @sandyhubbard Yes! This is important when reaching the retirement age. #CPHC nxtstop1 @sandyhubbard Yes,often just minor modifications:banisters/no rugs/incr.lighting/wide hallways & for tech: life alert & falls alert #CPHC nursefriendly Must educate their kids too :) MT @sandyhubbard: Baby Boomers need to make their homes safe for themselves as they age. #CPHC GailZahtz Because we are so short on rooms and doc's (<10% neurologists going into geriatrics!) we have to accommodate homes #CPHC Kamiyamay No sharp edges, corners please! Seen some deadly things can't fix at home. #cphc

Ecomod @sandyhubbard I don't know her schedule offhand but @AfriendlyHouse would be a good person for aging in place design topics. #CPHC GailZahtz Yes she is a WEALTH of information but making a career change @ecomod @sandyhubbard @AfriendlyHouse #CPHC would still love her input!! AnneCCPA @nursefriendly @sandyhubbard What could I do to make my parents' home safer for them as they age? What resources are available? #CPHC GailZahtz There is a lot we can do to make homes safer from falls I will start listing! TY for asking @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly @sandyhubbard #CPHC GailZahtz Floors- less falls when use mid-size tile on flat surface or close weave carpet. More grout in bathroom means much less falls. #CPHC GailZahtz Lighting- use LED lighting in task areas everywhere- they don't have heat and increase lower vision to decrease falls. #CPHC GailZahtz Bathrooms- thanks to trench drains- all bathrooms can have zero step into the shower- steps #1 cause for falls of all ages #CPHC GailZahtz Egress- the first floor should have zero steps into the house, the bath and one bedroom- even amazon offers cheap fixes to 1-3 steps #CPHC GailZahtz More people are injured WITH bed rails- and yet hospitals still keep them (tons of evidence) #CPHC @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly @nxtstop1 Anetto @GailZahtz We put a motion activated light on our 2nd from bottom stair #CPHC GailZahtz Great idea!! RT @anetto: @GailZahtz We put a motion activated light on our 2nd from bottom stair #CPHC GailZahtz You can also put LED strips at stairs and other changes that are flat, inexpensive and reduce falls @anetto #CPHC nxtstop1 @GailZahtz Bathrooms (slippery) bedrooms (dark) stairs (b/c balance) ~are big three locations~sticky back bath rugs/hi friction tile #CPHC GailZahtz Yes! RT @nxtstop1: @GailZahtz Bathrooms (slippery) bedrooms (dark) stairs (b/c balance) ~are big 3 locations~sticky back bath rugs #CPHC GailZahtz Other bathroom fixes for falling (per evidence) - put toilet on opposite side of room with higher height & something to grab on side #CPHC GailZahtz Yes, remove tripping hazards everywhere- others include throw rugs, water left, clutter, furniture #CPHC @Kamiyamay @nxtstop1 @LAlupusLady Kamiyamay @GailZahtz @nxtstop1 @LAlupusLady #cphc Agree Gail and another slick socks on tile floor. Sure to slide! GailZahtz I got at the $1 store socks that have dots for anti-slip on bottom and super cute and comfy! #CPHC @Kamiyamay @nxtstop1 @LAlupusLady Sandyhubbard I love those dot socks and I even wear them in my shoes for better balance. Toeless socks, too. #CPHC @GailZahtz GailZahtz I wear zip up boots (that pre-tie in the front) and have tread on the bottom for ankle support & less falls- others? #CPHC @JessicaFastball LAlupusLady Being safe and stylish, wear gripper socks. A great example of "Design for Life and Living" @GailZahtz @Kamiyamay @nxtstop1 #CPHC GailZahtz Must keep style w/ function RT @LAlupusLady: Being safe & stylish, wear gripper socks. A great example of "Design for Life & Living" #CPHC

GailZahtz Can we stil make sexy shoes safe?! ;-) mT @Kamiyamay: @nxtstop1 #cphc Safety gives the stiletto's a kick. Be smart not flat on back- hip Sandyhubbard As residential advisors, we find that people hesitate to modify their public areas incl. bathrooms bec it's perceived of as ugly. #CPHC GailZahtz Good point @sandyhubbard It's why we have to look at all the ways that people can have beauty and hidden accessibility #CPHC Anetto @sandyhubbard I'll be laughing in my ugly bathroom when they're in the hospital #CPHC Sandyhubbard Also, people hesitate to install modifications proactively because seems like an admission of failure. #CPHC GailZahtz Good way to help reduce the admission of failure (great point) @sandyhubbard is to talk about making changes for visitors and others #CPHC Sandyhubbard Attractive grab rails, rubber backed rugs that are pretty, nice lighting - these are things Boomers want. #CPHC Ecomod @sandyhubbard I would think safety mods in the home are also a reminder of the inevitable. :( #nooneheregetsoutalive #CPHC Ecomod But... better to age at home than institutionally. #CPHC DrDeadline @ecomod: @sandyhubbard I would think safety mods in the home are also a reminder of the inevitable. #CPHC Especially mirrors. Sandyhubbard @DrDeadline I never look at myslef in anything but a spoon. Convex, concave. No mirrors! @ecomod #CPHC SPINN_PHR My grandfather used to have a recliner that would prop him upright when he wanted to get up. Made life a lot easier. #CPHC Nursefriendly @SPINN_PHR @sandyhubbard #MedicalAlert devices and services have an integral part to play in #AgingInPlace for #Babyboomers #cphc GailZahtz Recliner great way of showing that people can make own accommodations -what others can people do so others don't notice? #CPHC @SPINN_PHR Sandyhubbard I hope some of our friends in the fixtures and hardware industry are listening to this chat. Safety in the home s/b beautiful! #CPHC nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @sandyhubbard I think ppl more practical~if educated re this~doesn't matter about style:optional/ function not optional #CPHC GailZahtz A lot more people would make the functional changes if they realized they could keep their style, yes? #CPHC @nxtstop1 @sandyhubbard DrDeadline @sandyhubbard We are more actively aging in place than our parents. Care less about appearance than good health. #CPHC HealthyNaL @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard So true--our health is our wealth! #CPHC Sandyhubbard Trends in residential design these past few decades - hard floors, sharp edges - have not been kind to seniors. #CPHC Nursefriendly @AnneCCPA @sandyhubbard Makes #parents #homes safer by visiting, learning common causes of #falls, educate them, take proactive steps #cphc GailZahtz Interesting issue as color comes up- color distinction on floors and walls very important, overlooked in #design - tile change/paint #CPHC

GailZahtz So many fixes that are free or cheap! I'll start a list for fall prevention that all can add to #CPHC @DrDeadline @HealthyNaL @nxtstop1

Technology: SPINN_PHR @sandyhubbard Do you think a device such as life alert is beneficial? I know it has a negative stigma, but it can save lives. #CPHC GailZahtz @SPINN_PHR the life alerts and home monitors for caregivers not there have been statistically very helpful- more tech makes easier #CPHC Sandyhubbard Even though the field of geriatrics studies the aging population, Baby Boomers don't like the "Geritol" image. #CPHC toughLoveforx @nursefriendly I think the many new Apps for monitoring are going to help alot. #CPHC thoughts? @SPINN_PHR @sandyhubbard Kamiyamay Oh must mention too, the med alert wrist or neck call buttons a lifesaver for those who desire ndependant living but high fall risk. #cphc nxtstop1 @toughLoveforx @nursefriendly @SPINN_PHR @sandyhubbard Yes, there are several new devices for #falls alert /#falls prevention ~#CPHC nursefriendly @nxtstop1 @sandyhubbard The technology is there to keep our #parents #safer in their homes :) #cphc DrDeadline @Kamiyamay These devices provide confidence which promotes stable movement. #CPHC GailZahtz Also helpful are the cameras and apps that enable out of home caregivers to see in #CPHC @DrDeadline @Kamiyamay nxtstop1 @nursefriendly @sandyhubbard Allows them to live independently which most love~ #CPHC GettysburgGerry Don't know that Glass can help with falls, but they are working on some vision improvement apps #CPHC HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA Very cool stuff out there! Technology happily married to medicine is our future. #CPHC GettysburgGerry they are working on a contact lens that reads eye fluid for blood sugar levels and sends an alarm to phone. no more finger pricks #CPHC HealthyNaL @GettysburgGerry That's fantastic! I'd love to see that contact. I recently heard about the needless insulin pump as well. #CPHC GailZahtz So many new technologies daily- I'll get a couple out before we end #CPHC @nxtstop1 @GettysburgGerry @HealthyNaL @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA GailZahtz New @childrenshealth uses pods with LED lights, bio-feedback and iPad music for pain reduction of children! #CPHC Will send link... GailZahtz Other tech uses - you can now use your tabled for turning on and off things in the house to increase lights,decrease energy #CPHC @nxtstop1 HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @DrDeadline @nxtstop1 MisFit and and FitBit can easily be used also to track activity. Activity improves balance #CPHC GettysburgGerry @HealthyNaL technology is going to change our world in many ways in the very near future #CPHC

HealthyNaL @GettysburgGerry So true--look how TeleHealth has taken off. Technology increases satisfaction and improves the bottom line. Win-Win #CPHC

Exercise / Health: Sandyhubbard There are lots of low impact ways for Baby Boomers to work on balance - even chair yoga, physical therapy, Pilates, etc. #CPHC Sandyhubbard I wish exercise was a daily expectation for Boomers, seniors and the ill. Instead, we warehouse people in rooms, chairs and beds. #CPHC Sandyhubbard My older friends who take martial arts roll right out of their falls, say on icy surfaces. Can we manage falls, not just avoid?? #CPHC Anetto @sandyhubbard Pilates a plus. I do Arthro-Pilates, modified for me #cphc nxtstop1 @HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @DrDeadline Yes! Even mom on #walker needs special exercise classes WHILE SHE IS ON THE WALKER-NOT sitting! #CPHC

Sandyhubbard Having vision checked after age 40, even if you have good eyesight, is important. our eyes change, making balance more challenging. #CPHC Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard #cphc and add limited vision, peripheral acuity and distracted watching dr. phil :-) HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard Very true--depth perception can be a huge perpetrator #CPHC Sandyhubbard We're all limiting our vision with so much screen time, and curving our bodies in potatoes from sitting too much. #CPHC #devo nxtstop1 @HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard This is a HUGE issue w/bi tri focals >for me what you look at is never in focus :) #CPHC GailZahtz I can't stand the bi/tri focals #CPHC @nxtstop1 @HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard Agree~ have no choice but often do not wear~ #CPHC Caused one fall for me~ GailZahtz New technologies should help make these easier to wear and more attractive #CPHC @nxtstop1 @HealthyNaL @Kamiyamay @DrDeadline @sandyhubbard GailZahtz I was reading that loss of vision is decreasing in age- and something everyone has to design and account for now #CPHC @sandyhubbard GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly I have progressive lenses which help a lot #CPHC GailZahtz What are progressive lenses? RT @GettysburgGerry: @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly I have progressive lenses which help a lot #CPHC GettysburgGerry @GailZahtz @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly The script changes progressively as you look down the lens #CPHC sandyhubbard @GettysburgGerry Yes, lenses that help you perceive more realistically are so helpful. Stairs are worst for bifocals! #CPHC

HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA There are contact lesses now that say they help, but one eye is a different color. #CPHC GailZahtz I've used the contacts with the dot in the center and liked those a lot #CPHC @HealthyNaL @GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA HealthyNaL @GailZahtz @GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA What is the purpose of the dot in the middle? #CPHC GailZahtz The dot is a different prescription for close up- where in our eye it's located #CPHC @GettysburgGerry @HealthyNaL @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @GettysburgGerry @arthritisbc @AnneCCPA @nursefriendly Same as multifocal~ makes it sound better as if smooth vision ~ NOT #CPHC Sandyhubbard Also, hearing issues and ear diseases can really mess up balance in young and old. #CPHC SPINN_PHR Having comfortable shoes with good support is crucial! #CPHC @gailzahtz nxtstop1 @GailZahtz @JessicaFastball Thick rubber imprinted tread like tires-not really;) on boots~ rubber soled shoes & forefoot strap.#falls #CPHC anetto @GailZahtz You should see my boots. Can wear shoes and orthotics in them. So easy http://t.co/PuxBnBM4ir #cphc GailZahtz Yes! I check the bottom tread on everything. I figured out sandels with getting ankle strap for stability #CPHC @nxtstop1 @JessicaFastball Sandyhubbard BALANCE is a whole system effort - eyes, ears, brain, core strength, back strength, bone strength, good habits. #CPHC Kamiyamay @nursefriendly @sandyhubbard #cphc We are in the busy generation. These issues often overlooked until called to ER cause mom or dad there nxtstop1 @sandyhubbard Really important to bring up~ Vertigo (often idiopathic) not uncommon w/ increasing age or just orthostatic hypotension #CPHC HealthyNaL Other things like swelling, obesity, Parkinson's disease, or neuropathy (loss of feeling) can also contribute to falls. #CPHC

Anetto Some elderly are alone. Maybe an advice bureau for elderly would be good service. or your design idea who consult on house #cphc

GailZahtz Glad we'll have a transcript on this (thanks to @walkersvillemom who some how manages as her community takes OFF ) lots of great stuff #CPHC Walkersvillemom Speaking of, did everyone see the list of apps from last week? http://t.co/MpCrcTJWb0 #CPHC @GailZahtz Let me know if there are more to add GailZahtz You can see where we've started articles and community at http://t.co/a9WL3m5AqR @nxtstop1 @nursefriendly and more to share #CPHC Yes urgent

GailZahtz Way we're going to be able to get information out is in multiple platforms from print to radio as people take info @toughLoveforx #CPHC Sandyhubbard It's great that we have health experts as well as people who have real life experience with adapting to aging. #CPHC Lots of ideas today! HealthyNaL @sandyhubbard So true! Happy to be with such a dynamic group. #CPHC Sandyhubbard I am always astounded by what an amazing resource our #CPHC community is. That's why these weekly conversations are so important! DrDeadline Enjoyed the exchange. Must move on. Sitting too close to the exit to get lazy now. Live long and prosper! #CPHC GettysburgGerry Glad I was able to join in for the last segment...wonderful bunch of folks...talk to you again...hopefully next week #CPHC Sandyhubbard we're at the top of the hour and I know some of you need to skedaddle. #CPHC @GailZahtz