Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s
AGING NEWS
For the week of August 1
Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens
Todd N. Tancredi, Director
Dutchess County Office for the Aging
TEETH WISDOM
Decades ago, it was taken as an unchangeable fact of life that as we aged, we would eventually lose our natural teeth, but that’s no longer the case thanks to much-improved oral health. The American Dental Association reportedly recently 75 percent of people over age 65 have kept some or all of their natural teeth, thanks to better preventive measures like daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, less tobacco use, and dietary improvements, including an increased emphasis on calcium. However, the ADA adds it’s important to consider the source of the calcium because adults who got their calcium almost exclusively from supplements were found to be almost twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as those who took no calcium supplements. The ADA recommends 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day from food sources like milk, yogurt and cheese.
Despite these improvements, health officials say much remains to be done. The Centers for Disease Control reports 23 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have severe gum disease, with men more likely than women to have severe gum disease. Subtracting wisdom teeth, there are 28 teeth in a full adult set of teeth, and 22 is the recommended minimum needed to chew food properly; the average American over 65 has fewer than 20 natural teeth left.
Dental experts also point out the medications commonly taken by seniors often come with side effects like “dry mouth,” a reduction in saliva production which contributes to tooth decay and gum disease if not counteracted with good oral self-care, including regular brushing. The CDC reports that there are over 400 common medications which list dry mouth as a side effect, but that dry mouth can be counteracted by drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding both alcohol and tobacco.
The CDC’s recommendations for improved oral health include continued careful daily brushing and flossing. For caregivers, it’s important to reinforce the daily oral hygiene routines of elders who are unable to perform these activities independently. Regular visits to a dentist are also important, even for those who have lost their teeth because regular exams can help catch oral cancers and pre-cancerous lesions in their early stages.
As for which type of toothbrush – electric or manual – works best, the ADA says both types work equally well, although electric models may be more suitable for people with arthritis and other movement-limiting conditions.
Conditions seemingly unrelated to dental care may also require a dentist’s attention. For example, if you or a loved one will be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment involving the head and neck, the CDC strongly recommends a dentist visit before any such procedure. Such therapies can damage or destroy oral tissues and can result in severe irritation of the oral tissues, along with mouth ulcers, loss of salivary function, rampant tooth decay, and destruction of bone.
Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone (845)486-2555, email: ofa@dutchessny.gov website: http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm
NEW LOCATION FOR PINE PLAINS SENIOR EXERCISE CLASS
The Office for the Aging Senior Exercise class in Pine Plains has recently moved to the Community Room above the Pine Plains Free Library, 7775 South Main St. (Route 82). The class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 – 11 AM. Exercise is the single most important factor needed for Successful Aging, and can help to keep you living an independent life in your own home. If you would like to join the class in Pine Plains or anywhere else in Dutchess County, you must complete an application and be cleared by your physician. You can print an application at this link:http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/Forms/exerciseprogram.pdf . You may print the application, then fill it out…or fill out part or all of the application online and then print it.
And speaking of Successful Aging, our outreach coordinator Brian Jones is scheduling Successful Aging presentations with groups all over the county. We’ve already booked several for September and October. If your group has the space to host a presentation, Brian can bring the information seniors need to help ensure that “60 and over” also means “60 and better”. Find out more by emailing bjones@dutchessny.gov.
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS FOR PLEASANT VALLEY SENIOR PICNIC (AND MORE)
The picnic for Pleasant Valley seniors is coming up this Wednesday, August 3, at Cady Field behind Pleasant Valley Town Hall, just off Route 44. Your senior friends and neighbors would love a bit of assistance and companionship as they enjoy a nutritious lunch. We need help with setting up and taking down chairs and tables, parking assistance, and food and drink service during the picnic. Here’s the Office for the Aging’s volunteer form: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGvolunteers.pdf . The rest of this month’s picnics are scheduled for (all Wednesdays) August 10 at Bowdoin Park in Poughkeepsie, August 17 at Freedom Park in LaGrange, and August 24 at East Fishkill Recreation Park.
OTHER AGING NEWS ONLINE
Some senior athletes in Dutchess may soon be in the national spotlight: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/sports/2016/07/22/area-filmmakers-hope-tell-tale-area-senior-athletes/87311020/
Retired Culinary Institute professor Corky Clark is being honored in the Boston area on Tuesday: https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2016/07/26/honoring-corky-clark-culinary-institute-america/7H5AtmoqcDUvFSTbHXTmAL/story.html
Having a stressful job may be helpful in fighting Alzheimer’s later on: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/24/stressful-job-it-might-help-you-fight-off-alzheimers/
An aging population may help drive innovations in medicine, robotics and other fields: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160725133736.htm
Staying properly hydrated is a big challenge for seniors in the summer – but here are a few foods that cover bases for both nutrition and hydration: https://www.silversurfers.com/health/diet-exercise/5-foods-keep-hydrated/
This week in senior birthdays:
Mon 8/1: Former New York U.S. senator Al D’Amato (79)
Tue 8/2: Musician/songwriter/Hudson Valley resident Garth Hudson of The Band (79)
Wed 8/3: Singer/actor Tony Bennett (90)
Thu 8/4: Mets outfielder Cleon Jones (74)
Fri 8/5: Actress Loni Anderson (70)
Sat 8/6: Science fiction author Piers Anthony (82)
Sun 8/7: Yankees pitcher Don Larsen (87)
Comments, questions, and the secret to getting grandkids to go to sleep when they’re supposed to can be sent to Office for the Aging outreach coordinator Brian Jones as noted below.
Brian Jones
Outreach Coordinator
Dutchess County Office For the Aging
27 High Street
Poughkeepsie NY 12601
