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Silverwire Newsletter, Lenard W. Kaye Apr 2003

Silverwire Newsletter, Lenard W. Kaye

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

The Silverwire Newsletter is a triannual publication that highlights the work of the UMaine Center on Aging. The topics covered in this edition of the Silverwire Newsletter include the Center on Aging's work with the Relatives as Parents Program, the Center on Agings work in the Bangor Community, and the Center on Aging's recent research publications.


Silverwire Newsletter, Lenard W. Kaye Jan 2003

Silverwire Newsletter, Lenard W. Kaye

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

The Silverwire Newsletter is a triannual publication that highlights the work of the UMaine Center on Aging. The topics covered in this edition of the Silverwire Newsletter include successful aging for LGBT adults, research on local elder housing needs, and new Center on Aging staff.


Polypharmacy In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Polypharmacy In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Polypharmacy is the ingestion of four or more medications. This is a common occurrence in correspondence with the aging process, as 30 percent of older adults are taking eight or more medications, and 80 percent of older adults are taking an average of three prescription medications per day. Awareness of this topic is crucial to avoid drug misuse and to promote healthy living for as long as possible.


Potential Adverse Consequences Of Benzodiazepines In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Potential Adverse Consequences Of Benzodiazepines In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

There are many potential negative consequences that come with Benzodiazepine usage in older adults. These include neuropsychological effects (e.g., cognitive impairments and psychomotor impairments), physiological and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to become properly educated on the effects of these drugs and to communicate with a doctor.


Managing Multiple Medications, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Managing Multiple Medications, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

As an older adult, you may find yourself with multiple prescriptions to take in one day. It is crucial to know the hazards of taking multiple drugs and carefully monitor them in order to maintain your health and independence. The risks of taking multiple medications includes increased risk of falls and hospitalizations. It is important to regularly discuss the details with your doctor, inform your pharmacist of any medications you are taking, ask about alternatives, and utilize reminders. By taking these steps, it will be easier to protect your health and independence for as long as possible.


Benzodiazepines And You, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Benzodiazepines And You, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Benzodiazepines are a group of commonly prescribed drugs utilized to manage anxiety, sleep problems, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, or as a muscle relaxant. Older adults are a common population to be prescribed these drugs, and the prescriptions often come in inappropriate amounts. Long term use of Benzodiazepines increases the risk of negative side effects, such as addiction, misuse, memory loss, and falls. It is important to discuss these factors with your health care provider and to discuss possible alternatives.


Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Benzodiazepines are utilized by an average of 25 percent of individuals over the age of 65. They are the most commonly misused medication by elders. It is important to know the risk factors of inappropriate usage of these drugs, and to openly discuss this with your doctor.


Ready Or Not—Here They Come!, Laurie Lachance Jan 2003

Ready Or Not—Here They Come!, Laurie Lachance

Maine Policy Review

Laurie Lachance, Maine’s state economist, outlines the economic implications of the “tidal wave” of aging baby boomers that will shortly be hitting Maine, and what might be done to prepare for it. She asks whether Maine has appropriate housing, transportation, and health care services to care for the needs of an aging population, and how Maine will fund the needed infrastructure with a smaller labor force. Lachance notes that there is still time to prepare. Seniors are and will be living longer, healthier lives; they are and will be increasingly engaged in social, cultural and educational activities; this and future …