Researchers have developed novel compounds that may be able to reverse memory loss that relates to depression and other mental health conditions.
Source: Medical News Today

Seniors are often targeted for financial abuse. Con artists think older adults are more trusting and naïve, making them more likely to fall for a scam. Perceived loneliness can also play a role in targeting seniors. Whatever the reason, experts say this trend is likely to continue growing.

With an average of 10,000 older adults turning 65 every day, seniors are an expanding demographic group. It’s also a group with significant assets. The American Bankers Association says people over the age of 50 own 61 percent of bank accounts and 70 percent of bank deposits.

With statistics like those, it’s easy to see why seniors are targeted for financial crimes and abuse.

If you are an adult child of a senior or a professional who works with older adults, you can help keep them safe. It starts by learning how to recognize the warning signs that a senior is being victimized.

Signs of Financial Abuse among Seniors                              

Here are a few red flags that might indicate an older adult has fallen victim to financial abuse:

• Decline in standard of living: Many older adults live on a tight budget. However, a significant change in their standard of living might be a warning sign. It could indicate that someone, either a family member or a scammer, has taken money from them.
• Missing money: If you help your senior loved one pay bills and manage finances, keep an eye out for missing checks, unusual credit card purchases, and frequent withdrawals. If you notice anything unusual, ask them about it. Sometimes, older adults aren’t aware that money has been taken from them.
• New companion or friend: It isn’t uncommon for older adults who have lost a spouse to look for love again. Senior groups and online dating make it easy to meet new people. While no one wants to think the worst, it’s always a good idea to learn more about any new people in a senior’s life. Also monitor who pays for outings and if the companion seems to be benefitting financially.
• Calls from debt collectors: When a senior falls victim to a financial crime, it may leave them unable to pay their bills and too proud to admit they’ve been taken advantage of. Overdue bills and calls from creditors about past due accounts can signal that something is wrong.
• Isolation: Another sign something is wrong is when an outgoing older adult becomes isolated. Oftentimes, someone close to them is taking their money while simultaneously keeping loved ones away.

What to Do If You Suspect a Senior Is Being Abused

We all have a duty to report abuse if we suspect an older adult is being victimized. Sometimes, financial abuse is part of a broader problem that also includes physical or emotional abuse. If it seems like a senior is in jeopardy, call 911 immediately. It is the best way to get them out of an unsafe environment quickly.

Depending on the situation, there are additional avenues for help:

• Every state has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency with multiple locations. You can report your concerns to them and they will initiate a face-to-face meeting with the senior. All states allow anonymous reporting if you fear retribution.
• If you are concerned an older family member is the victim of financial abuse, talk with their financial advisor, bank manager, or attorney. Financial institutions are legally bound to report suspected cases of abuse. They can investigate your concerns and determine if there is a problem.

One final note to keep in mind is that elder financial abuse happens to older adults of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Even those who live on a very limited budget might fall victim to abuse.

To learn more about fraud and scams targeting seniors, we encourage you to read “How to help seniors avoid fraud.” It covers topics ranging from insurance fraud to identity theft.

Source: Sunrise Senior Living

A new animal study has identified the cellular mechanism that leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, which, in turn, impacts cognitive function.
Source: Medical News Today

Understanding the risk factors of cognitive decline are now more important than ever. A recent study examined the potential role of inflammation.
Source: Medical News Today

The phrase “age is just a number” is often repeated. In a culture obsessed with youth, however, adopting it as your personal mantra might be difficult. The beauty industry is a prime example. According to Forbes, it’s an industry that has grown to $445 billion a year. Much of the money spent is on products “guaranteed” to make you look younger.

The truth is, aging comes with many rewards. It can be a season of life when adults finally have the time and financial resources to pursue lifelong dreams and passions. Designing your second act in life is one of the best ways to embrace and celebrate aging.

Designing Your Second Act in Life

As you think about how you’d like to spend your retirement years and what your second act might be, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Retirement career: Many older adults feel their age will be held against them if they decide to try a new career, so they avoid pursuing a dream job. A survey commissioned by CareerBuilder showed that tide may be turning. Researchers interviewed 438 full-time workers over the age of 60 and 2,192 human resources professionals. They found that over half of all private employers hired a senior that year and expected to continue hiring more in the months ahead.
• Entrepreneurship: Another option to consider is starting your own business. Life experience often allows seniors to be successful entrepreneurs. In fact, adults between the ages of 55 and 64 are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. It doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking, either. For example, if you’ve always loved dogs and like being outdoors, you could start a dog-walking business. If quilting was a favorite hobby you had to let go when you were working and raising a family, pick it back up and turn it into a business.
• Charitable work: Getting involved in a volunteer project you feel passionate about is another way to create a healthy, happy Act Two. Research suggests that senior volunteers can receive as much as they give when it comes to volunteering. From lower rates of depression and heart disease to a stronger sense of purpose and confidence, connecting with a charity can improve your life during retirement. Call your local United Way or search VolunteerMatch to find an opportunity near you.
• Travel: Single seniors may be reluctant to travel. Even if they’ve always dreamed of traveling the globe during retirement, the idea of traveling alone can be daunting. The good news is you can easily connect with a group of like-minded, single older adults. Many senior centers routinely organize travel clubs and trips. Some are to local attractions, while others might be to popular national and international destinations. AARP Travel also has a variety of resources you might find helpful.

Live With Purpose at Sunrise

At Sunrise communities, we make it easier for residents to Live With Purpose each day. Our signature programs blend activities and outings designed to enrich the body, mind, and spirit. Schedule a visit at a Sunrise Senior Living community near you by calling 888-434-4648 today!

Source: Sunrise Senior Living

Experts break down perimenopause, which can sometimes start in a person's late 30s.
Source: Healthy Living Huffington Post

Scientists have developed the first standardized framework for clinicians to document physical findings on older patients for better evidence in abuse cases.
Source: Care Giving Science Daily

A personal survey of patients with atrial fibrillatio, one of the most important causes of irregular heartbeats, has found that the majority of triggers for the condition are easily modifiable lifestyle choices, including alcohol, caffeine, exercise and lack of sleep.
Source: Health Medicine Science Daily

New therapeutic molecules show promise in reversing the memory loss linked to depression and aging. These molecules not only rapidly improve symptoms, but remarkably, also appear to renew the underlying brain impairments causing memory loss in preclinical models.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

An international research team has created a better understanding of Alzheimer's. They have shown that the cleaning system of the brain cells, the so-called mitophagy, is very weakened in animals and humans with Alzheimer's. And when they improve the cleaning system in the animals, the Alzheimer's symptoms almost disappear.
Source: Medicine Science Daily