All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

When ‘sleep divorce’ is best

On average in the U.S., 32 percent of adults sleep in separate beds from their partners. In Washington, the percentage is 27 percent. Twelve other states have higher averages, led by Georgia’s 51 percent.

Sleep experts and researchers say there are a variety of reasons for sleeping apart under the same roof. According to Mattress Next Day, a mattress retailer that asked Americans in a survey if they’ve ever slept in a separate room from their partners, 14 percent said they always sleep separately to ensure they both get a good night’s sleep.

A study in 2017 by Ohio State University revealed that quality sleep improved communication between couples and reduced irritability. When running on less sleep, couples interacted in a more hostile manner with one another.

Mood was again linked with sleep quality in a 2010 study published in the National Library of Medicine, which concluded that happily married women reported lower numbers of sleep disturbances than those who are unhappy in their marriages. 

“I have often heard couples consider ‘sleep divorce’ for better sleep quality,” said Martin Seeley, chief executive officer of Mattress Next Day and a sleep expert himself. “While this decision might at first seem unconventional, it can indeed have benefits. Sleeping apart can significantly improve sleep quality for partners facing issues like snoring, different sleep schedules, or disruptive sleep habits.” 

More people (36 percent) said they never sleep separately than those who do, according to the survey by Seeley’s company. Another 11 percent said a they sleep separately a couple of nights a week, and of those, some do it only on weeknights.

Bottom line: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, say the experts. And they offer this advice, some of it from a marital/partnership perspective:

  • Always be careful when approaching a conversation about sack time in different beds to get a better night’s sleep. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine together, respecting each other’s space, and initiating a trial period can all help separate sleep arrangements run smoothly. 
  • Every relationship is unique, and what works for one couple might not work for another. Therefore, finding a balance that prioritizes both partners’ sleep quality and emotional connection is key. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that both partners experience restful sleep while maintaining a healthy and thriving relationship.
The Senior Scene by — February 13, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults and carry the risk of permanent disability, high medical costs, and premature death. For people with cardiovascular disease, the risk of falling is even higher, with 60 percent at moderate or high risk for falls. Medications, increased frailty, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and fainting are some of the reasons for a fall. 

Even when falls don’t cause significant injury, they can result in increased fear of falling and functional decline in seniors, leading to a diminished quality of life. But despite the frequency of falls among people with cardiovascular disease, the topic is often overshadowed by other medical issues. Many older adults may also be hesitant to mention falls to healthcare professionals or others in their life, thinking they will lose independence in their day-to-day activities and be treated differently. 

Certain medications for cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, can contribute to falls. The same is true for prescription drugs for non-heart-related conditions. Medications that can increase increase risk of falls include:

  • Arrhythmia medications.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Antipsychotics.
  • Anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) such as lorazepam and nonbenzodiazepine, and sedative hypnotics such as zolpidem.
  • Diabetes medications and diuretics.
  • High blood pressure medicine, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
  • Opioids.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

It’s important to discuss the side-effects of all medications with a healthcare professional and weigh any increased risks of falling. It’s often possible to choose medications with fewer side-effects or that can be taken in lower doses. In some cases, alternative, non-pharmacological options may be available and should also be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Here’s a rundown of cardiovascular conditions that can lead to falling:

Fainting (syncope).

A person with decreased blood flow to the brain can lose consciousness and fall. The risk increases with age. In addition, people with cardiovascular conditions are more likely to suffer from low blood pressure and experience dizziness and faint.
Heart failure and arrhythmia.

A person’s heart may not pump as efficiently or may beat in an irregular rhythm, causing a decrease in blood flow to the brain. They are also more likely to take multiple prescriptions, which may increase dizziness. People with heart failure are more likely to fall than those with other chronic diseases.and suffer a fracture that requires hospitalization. 
Atrial fibrillation.

Patients with this irregular, rapid heartbeat also face a higher fall risk.
Other non-cardiovascular conditions–arthritis, neurological problems, deafness, blindness, and cognitive impairment such as dementia–can affect mobility and balance, and in turn increase the likelihood of falling. The risk can be reduced by:

  • Addressing hazards at home such as loose rugs, mats, clutter and stairs, and ensuing adequate lighting and ambient temperature.
  • Wearing comfortable footwear.
  • Incorporating physical and occupational therapy into wellness plans.
  • Review medications.

Source: American Heart Association.

The Senior Scene by — February 13, 2024 in Health & Fitness
Pets and cold weather: Keep ‘em safe

With the possibility of more frigid, even snowy weather between now and spring, Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society has tips for keeping pets warm and protected during winter chills. 

  • Provide dry, draft-free shelter that’s snug enough to retain body heat if the pet spends a significant amount of time outdoors. Indoors, provide a warm, comfortable spot. 
  • Bundle up and wipe down. Just like people, pets are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. For short-haired dogs, consider dressing them in sweaters for even brief walks. Afterward, wipe down their nose, ears, and paw pads with a damp towel to remove any rock salt or other chemicals used for snow and ice melt, preventing potential irritation and harm if ingested during self-grooming. 
  • Warm engines in parked cars can attract cats and small wildlife seeking refuge from the cold. Before starting the engine, give the hood a few bangs to scare away any hidden animals. 
  • Regularly check and refresh your pet’s water supply to ensure it’s not frozen. 
  • Pets may require more calories in colder weather as they burn extra energy to stay warm. Adjusting their diet accordingly. 
  • Avoid leaving pets in the car:. It’s not just a concern in warm weather; cold weather can be equally hazardous. Cars act like refrigerators, trapping cold air and putting animals at risk of hypothermia or, in extreme cases, freezing to death. 
The Senior Scene by — February 13, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
Downtown Tacoma library closed for makeover

The main downtown branch of Tacoma Public Library is closed while it’s being upgraded to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency for the public.

Upgrades are underway for the building attached to the Carnegie building, last remodeled in 1990); the Olympic and other meeting rooms; and the Handforth Gallery in the original 1903 Carnegie Library. Among the changes is a transformation of the second floor into programming space for non-profit organizations.

Work began in September and is scheduled to be done in time for a reopening this spring.

Officials said the project is addressing concerns such as a lack of parking and safety concerns for library visitors. The work is being paid for through a combination of city of Tacoma, state and federal sources.

Tacoma Public Library has five other branches.

The Senior Scene by — February 7, 2024 in News