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4 Light Summer Recipes for Seniors

Cooking can be a great hobby for seniors to pick up, especially when assisted by a caregiver or loved one to ensure safety. During the summer when the weather is hot, lighter meals full of fruits and vegetables can make for some of the most delicious meals. Many of these meals are also easy to prepare and require minimal cooking. For those with an aging or elderly loved one with some free time who are looking to pick up a hobby, or want to share meaningful experiences with friends and family — consider these four summer recipes from food and entertaining magazine Bon Appétit!

1) Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients (4 servings)

6 medium Persian cucumbers (about 1 lb.)

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 garlic clove, finely grated

¼ cup tahini

3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tbsp. white miso

1 tsp. finely grated ginger

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

chili oil (for serving)

2 scallions, thinly sliced on a diagonal

1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Preparation:

Step 1: Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice ¼-inch thick on a deep diagonal into 23“-long pieces. Transfer cucumbers to a large bowl, add salt, and toss to combine. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. Drain cucumbers.

Step 2: Whisk garlic, tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, miso, ginger, sugar and sesame oil in a small bowl to combine. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss well to coat.

Step 3: Transfer cucumber salad to a platter. Drizzle with chili oil, and top with scallions and sesame seeds.

2) Grilled Scallops with Nori, Ginger, and Lime

Ingredients (4 servings)

cup mayonnaise

2 tsp. fresh lime juice

kosher salt

1 toasted nori sheet

1 tsp. ground coriander

½ tsp. ground ginger

2 tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for grill

12 large dry sea scallops, side muscles removed, patted dry

½ lime

3 scallions, dark green parts only, very thinly sliced

1 tsp. Aleppo-style or other mild red pepper flakes or gochugaru (coarse Korean red pepper powder)

Special Equipment: 

A spice mill; eight 8-inch wooden skewers, soaked at least 1 hour

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Mix mayonnaise, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tbsp. water in a small bowl; set lime mayo aside.

Step 2: Finely grind nori in a spice mill. Transfer half to a small bowl; set aside for serving. Transfer remaining nori to a large bowl and mix in coriander, ginger, and 2 tbsp. oil. Add scallops and toss to coat.

Step 3: Thread three scallops onto two skewers. (This will keep scallops in place and make them easy to turn. You can also use this method for shrimp and small peppers like shishito and Padrón.) Repeat with remaining scallops and skewers. Season both sides with salt.

Step 4: Clean and oil grate, then immediately place scallops on the outside edge of the grill so that the skewers are hanging off the side. Grill, turning scallops with handles of skewers, until grill marks appear and scallops are just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side, depending on their size.

Step 5: Spread lime mayo on a platter and place skewers with scallops on top. Finely grate zest from lime half over, then squeeze juice over. Top with scallions and sprinkle with Aleppo-style pepper and reserved nori.

3) White Beans with Broccoli Rabe and Lemon

Ingredients (4 servings)

3 tbps olive oil

1 small lemon, very thinly sliced, seeds removed

2 anchovy fillets packed in oil

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½ bunch broccoli rabe, chopped

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 15oz. Cans cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed

¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

2 tbsp. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add lemon, anchovies, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lemon is softened and brown in spots and anchovies fall apart, about five minutes. Add broccoli rabe; season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add beans and ½ cup water to pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded and liquid is reduced by half (you still want it to be saucy), about 5 minutes. Mix in parsley and 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and top with more Parmesan.

4) Summer Squash and Basil Pasta

Ingredients (4 servings)

¼ cup olive oil

8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 pounds assorted summer squashes and zucchini, quartered lengthwise, sliced

kosher salt

1 tsp. Aleppo-style pepper, plus more for serving

12 ounces paccheri, ziti, or other large tube pasta

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ cup basil leaves, divided

Preparation:

Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook garlic, stirring occasionally, until very lightly browned around the edges, about 4 minutes. Add squash and increase heat to medium high; season with salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until squash begins to break down. Turn down heat once it begins sticking, and continue to cook until the squash is jammy and soft, for 1215 minutes. Toss in 1 tsp. Aleppo-style pepper.

Step 2: Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente.

Step 3: Transfer pasta to skillet with squash using a slotted spoon or spider, and add ½ cup pasta cooking liquid. Cook pasta, adding 2 oz. Parmesan cheese in stages along with more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta and pasta is al dente. Toss in lemon juice and most of the basil.

Step 4: Divide pasta among bowls and top with more Parmesan, Aleppo-style pepper and remaining basil.

More Bon Appétit Summer Dinner Ideas

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How to Help Ensure Homes are Safe for Seniors

As the Baby Boomer population continues to age, more seniors are faced with the tough decision of whether they are able to remain living in their homes safely. For example, seniors who continue to live in the homes they bought in their younger years, and maybe where they  raised their children, may be faced with multiple stories and laborious maintenance. Aging can increase risk when completing tasks like walking up a flight of stairs or mowing the lawn. Knowing this, there are a number of measures people can take to ensure their aging loved ones can still live in their homes and remain safe.

According to national membership, training, advocacy and services organization, Age Safe American, most older people live in homes that are more than 20 years old. Further, a house that was perfectly suitable for a senior at age 55, for example, may  have too many stairs or slippery surfaces for a person who is 70 or 80. 

However, research by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that home modifications and repairs may prevent up to 50% of all home accidents among seniors, including falls that take place in these older homes. Ultimately, these preventative measures can be broken down into four categories: accessibility, adaptability, universal design and visitability.

First, accessibility means taking the steps to ensure that the home itself is modified to best meet the needs of seniors. Certain features can be modified so that they are safer, easier to navigate and move around. This may include measures such as making doorways wider, lowering countertops and cabinets, installing grab bars, and making outlets easily reachable. Having a conversation with an aging loved one about what elements of their at-home life present challenges may help loved ones create a priority list for modifications that need to be made immediately,

Next, adaptability expands on accessibility by allowing for quick accommodations that do not require the home to undergo structural change. Without having to redesign a home or incorporate alternative building materials and fixtures, individuals can make small changes that will go a long way. For example, wires that used to run across the floor can be embedded into the walls or floor to prevent tripping and falls. Another example would be installing grab bars throughout the bathroom and kitchen.

More involved, changing a home’s universal design will help to make a living space more senior-friendly. These modifications help to increase lighting, safe mobility and daily activity. While these adjustments can be as simple as adding lighting fixtures to ensure that a senior has enough light to see where they are going, universal design can be more involved if structural changes are needed. This may occur if a ramp needs to be built instead of existing stairs, or if new, slip-resistant flooring  must be installed.

Lastly, increasing visitability is in regard to seniors who invite other elderly friends to come over to their homes. This, too, may prompt the need to install a ramp, slip-resistant flooring, grab bars and home cameras. Such changes may also give seniors a head start on home modifications they may need later in their lives. Early action can allow people of all ages to enjoy an independent lifestyle without undergoing a difficult and unexpected transition.

Overall, home needs and requirements change as people become older. Safety should remain a top priority, and family members and loved ones can play an important role in helping to ensure safety — even if the seniors themselves are reluctant to do so. Help them initiate the necessary changes before they get hurt.

Learn More About Senior Home Safety Modifications

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How to Protect Seniors from Scams

Each year, millions of seniors fall victim to a number of different types of fraud or financial schemes, reports the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sadly, many scammers target elderly individuals because they believe they can win over their trust and confidence. Most often, seniors become subject to technology, romance, impersonation, lottery, home repair or caregiver scams. Although there are thousands of scam attempts targeting seniors each day, there are ways to help educate and protect your loved ones.

Explain the risks of giving out personal information: First and foremost, seniors and elderly loved ones should be told why exactly giving out personal information over the phone or internet can be extremely dangerous. Emphasize to them that if someone asks for their personal information, they should call the source the person claims to work for, to verify that the request is valid. They should also resist the urge to act quickly. Ultimately, if the individual feels unsure or concerned, they should know to reach out to someone they trust for a second opinion or advice.

Do an online name search: To assess how easily accessible your loved one’s contact information is, simply search their name, number, address and emails in a search engine. Whatever information you can find, know that others searching the internet can find this as well. In many cases, the site may be able to remove this personal information upon request. If they don’t answer or refuse to take the information down, contact support through the search engine by which you found the website.

Install antivirus software: If your loved one has computer access, make sure you install antivirus and security software to protect against hackers. Malware protection should also be up-to-date. When selecting an antivirus software or firewall, ensure that the brand is reputable.

Inquire about “too-good-to-be-true” scenarios: In the case of sweepstakes and giveaways, seniors often become too excited by the prospects to consider the validity. Instead of addressing the possibility of a scam directly, AARP suggests that individuals instead ask questions about how they can participate in the same sweepstakes. This will lead the individual to explain how they came across it, what information they provided, and who they spoke with. That way, you can determine for yourself if the sweepstakes seems suspicious. If you determine the giveaway to be a scam, and your loved one is reluctant to believe you, have them call the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center toll-free at 800-646-2283.

As the Baby Boomer population ages and a larger elder community emerges, warning about elderly scams is as important as ever. Prevention is key, because it is common for seniors who have been scammed to feel too ashamed to report the crime. Furthermore, they may not understand how to report a financial scheme to the authorities. 

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center

Learn More About Senior Scams

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5 Elderly-Focused Charities

As people age, they may require increased aid to be able to navigate the requirements of daily life. For this reason, there are a number of nonprofit organizations which serve to assist the aging and elderly adult communities. From helping seniors receive necessary support to assisting with education and training and coordinating companionship, these organizations are working to change the lives of so many individuals for the better. For those looking to make a financial or volunteer contribution to a charity that focuses on improving the lives of seniors and aging adults, here are five organizations worth learning about:

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) provides education and support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. The organization also assists patient families and caregivers, and funds research toward improved treatments and a cure. Founded in 2012 by a caregiver, AFA offers a variety of resource materials, support groups and information for family caregivers, as well as training for healthcare professionals. Further, to help individuals take a proactive approach to brain health, AFA has a National Memory Screening Program which provides free, confidential memory screenings at sites across the country. Donate here.

Pets for the Elderly Foundation: The Pets for the Elderly Foundation (PFE) facilitates companionship between seniors and pets. The late Avrum (Avvy) Katz founded PFE in 1992 with a vision to provide companionship to senior individuals through pet ownership while saving the lives of companion animals in shelters. Today, PFE has helped facilitate over 78,000 happy-ending adoption stories between seniors and shelter animals across the U.S. PFE helps pay the fees to participating animal shelters throughout the United States for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat from a participating shelter — including pre-adoption veterinary exams and spay/neuter if part of the adoption fee. Donate here.

Oasis: Founded in 1982, Oasis is a nonprofit educational organization that is active in over 250 communities and reaches more than 50,000 individuals each year. The mission is to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyle and volunteer engagement. Oasis seeks to positively impact lives through partnerships to share knowledge, offer evidence- and research-based programs, conduct evaluations and adapt to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Donate here.

Second Wind Dreams: Second Wind Dreams is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of educational programs including its flagship sensitivity training, the Virtual Dementia Tour. Since its foundation in 1997, Second Wind Dreams has become involved in more than 1000 eldercare communities in 20 countries. Weaving thousands of dreams from the simple to the sublime, the mission of Second Wind Dreams is simple — to change the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities. Donate here.

SeniorNet: SeniorNet is on a mission to empower a community of older adults to leverage technology and share wisdom. The organization helps older adults take advantage of new technology that can improve their quality of life, reduce isolation and engage with others in new and interesting ways. This is done by connecting older adults with each other and with both physical and online communities. SeniorNet also monitors the most useful technology for older adults and provides reviews, online training and access to tools. Additionally, the team engages in research programs to better understand the interaction between older adults and technology. Donate here.

Additional Senior Charities

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Melanoma Monday: Ways to Protect Your Skin

Each year, the first Monday in May is recognized as “Melanoma Monday,” as May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. This national day of observance was established by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to bring about awareness of this deadly type of skin cancer. This is largely due to the organization’s reports that melanoma rates in the United States have been rising rapidly over the past 30 years — doubling from 1982 to 2011.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACC), melanoma is defined as a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. While melanoma is much less common than some other types of skin cancers, it is dangerous because this type is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.

As in the case with other cancers, this early treatment can be pivotal in increasing a patient’s survival rate. The ACC states the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 92%. For this reason, everyone, including seniors and aging adults, should make a habit of taking precautions to protect against skin damage and melanoma. To provide helpful insight, the ACC recommends people take the following preventative measures: 

  1. Seek Shade: The ACC recommends that those individuals who expect to be outside for a period of time should try to find a shaded area to remain under. Ultimately, seeking shade means to avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV). This is also true in the case of direct exposure from tanning beds and sunlamps — which should also be avoided.
  2. “Slip! Slop! Slap! … and Wrap”: This catchphrase is designed to help people remember four key steps they can take when shade is not an option. This includes slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a hat and wrapping on sunglasses. Not only does this phrase help to protect skin from UV rays, but it also protects a person’s eyes.
  3. Avoid a Weakened Immune System If Possible: Less commonly known, the ACC reports that having a weakened immune system can increase a person’s risk of getting melanoma and other types of skin cancer. While a weakened immune system can result from certain known infections (such as HIV and AIDS), it can also be caused by medication designed to suppress the immune system. For example, patients who have undergone an organ transplant may be required to take these medications. While in most cases the benefit of taking these medications will outweigh the risk, there still remains a small risk.

Knowing this information, remember that although the summer is approaching with warm weather days, everyone must recognize the importance of skin care when venturing out into the sun. Limiting exposure to UV rays can have great benefits when it comes to maintaining health and avoiding cancerous outcomes. Next time you or a loved one head outside, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen or sun protection accessories.

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4 Warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Another alarming statistic, between 2000 and 2019, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease as recorded on death certificates has more than doubled, increasing 145.2%, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More recently, the nonprofit organization has reported that Alzheimer’s and dementia deaths have risen 16% in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. These increased rates of diagnosis and mortality are reasons for the public to become more aware of the numerous, potential warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, documented by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease is often the identification of disruptive memory loss. This can include information that was recently learned, peoples’ names, appointment times and more. Memory loss that disrupts daily life can also constitute repeating the same information over and over again or asking a question and repeatedly forgetting the answer. Oftentimes, those with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease will remember this information at a later time or start to leave themselves frequent reminder notes because they anticipate forgetting the details.

2. Difficulty planning or problem-solving

Those living with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease have been known to exhibit challenges when attempting to follow a plan. They may also struggle when working with numbers, such as when they are paying their monthly bills. For example, people with this type of dementia may begin to notice that they have been making financial errors when paying bills or that they forgot to submit a payment on time. While they may write these instances off as mere errors or mistakes, a continuation of these occurrences can be an indication of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Unable to track down missing items

Someone with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease may begin to either put things in unusual places or lose items. When an item is lost, they will not be able to track the item down by retracing their steps or thinking back to the last time they were in possession of the item. As the disease progresses, these individuals may become defensive when questioned about their ability to remember where certain items are located. It is not uncommon for someone to misplace something once in a while. However, when losing items becomes more common, that is when someone may need to make others aware of the issue or seek medical advice from a professional.

4. Changes in mood and personality

A commonality among individuals with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease that can serve as a warning sign is apparent changes in mood or personality. This type of dementia can bring about feelings of anxiety, confusion, suspicion and fear. For these reasons, conversations that  normally flow may become difficult for the individual to hold. When something is misplaced or forgotten, this person may become extremely irritated, upset or depressed. If these characteristics become evident in individuals who had not previously presented such behaviors, loved ones, friends, family, co-workers or others who know the person should consider the possibility that this could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.

Other Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease 

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6 Helpful Apps for Seniors & Aging Adults

Technology has become a part of most people‘s lives, including seniors and aging adults. As they navigate computers, tablets and cellphones, people in this age group have begun to rely on apps to help them complete tasks, remember obligations, secure safety and maintain general health and wellness. By encouraging an aging loved one to download a number of apps, family members can also help to better ensure their well-being remotely. According to the family-oriented website SeniorLiving.org, here are six of the top applications for older adults:

Medisafe: Medisafe is a personalized medication management platform that helps patients stay on top of administration of all their medications. In addition to serving as a pill organizer, Medisafe connects users to their families for support, encouragement and expertise. The application learns about each user’s unique situation to deliver custom notifications for appointments, medication updates, refills, personalized health recommendations and discounts. The goal is to use Medisafe to ensure that users take their prescribed medication as needed.

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight: The Magnifying Glass + Flashlight app is an all-in-one magnifying glass, flashlight and camera snapshot app to help users to read even the tiniest print clearly. The built-in magnifier and LED torch flashlight can be used to read restaurant menus, medicine bottles and series numbers. The app itself features highcontrast mode, zoom magnification from 1X to 5X, and a library to save captured pictures.

GoodRx: GoodRx is a company and mobile application that helps users find the lowest local prices for their prescriptions at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. They can also track prices and get notified with the latest savings alerts for their prescriptions. To take advantage of these potential offers, users just show the GoodRx app to their pharmacist when picking up a prescription.

LastPass: LastPass is a password manager application. A password manager is a tool that helps users create, remember and fill in their passwords. To do so, the user simply logs into an account for the first time, and LastPass stores their username and password. Every time they return to the app, their credentials are filled in automatically. With a built-in password generator, LastPass also helps users easily create a random password for every account, so they’re always protected from hacking.

Personal Capital: Personal Capital is an application that provides users with a whole new way to see, understand and manage their money so that they can live confidently and retire well. The free online tools allow users to view all of their accounts in one place, with a powerful dashboard to provide deep insights so they can understand their entire financial picture. As an investment client, a user’s dedicated fiduciary adviser will leverage these tools to provide personalized wealth management advice that the user can trust and understand. A tailored plan dynamically evolves with a user’s changing life, with an emphasis on holistic planning, risk management and after-tax returns.

Audible: Audible is an American online audiobook and podcast service owned by Amazon.com, Inc. The company has become a leading application creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, enriching the lives of millions of listeners every day. The company’s customer-centric approach to technological innovation and superior programming has helped to reinvent the media category. Users can download the Audible app to stream audiobooks and other forms of spoken word content.

More Apps for Older Adults

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Consider an act of kindness: Send a letter to an elderly person

Those with elderly loved ones know that the process of aging can have an emotional and mental impact on someone’s life, in addition to potential physical challenges. A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) shares that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are now considered to be socially isolated. One way younger people can help the aging population to overcome these feelings is by sending them a personalized letter through the organization Love For Our Elders.

Founded in 2013 by Yale University student Jacob Cramer, Love For Our Elders was inspired by his endless love for his grandparents. Cramer recalls his wonderful memories of his grandparents, and when his grandfather passed he began volunteering at a local seniors living community to honor him. Some of the community residents would share with Cramer that he was their only visitor.

Inspired to do more to support the elderly community, he started writing handwritten letters of love to his new senior friends. Since then, he’s been on a mission to alleviate a growing loneliness epidemic, and has inspired others to join in his efforts to deliver letters to the elderly. To date, he has worked with over 50,000 volunteers across 70 countries to spread his mission and “fight loneliness with love.”

Cramer’s mission has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as many elderly people have faced increased isolation and loneliness. While physical isolation has been an important element of public health and safety, he says that the community must remember that elders deserve to continue to feel supported. Now more than ever, Love For Our Elders is in need of additional volunteers who are willing and able to craft handwritten letters. (Emailed and typed letters are not accepted.)

To participate in this initiative, volunteers must write their letters in large, legible print, exclude the date and avoid directly referencing religion, COVID-19, isolation or quarantine. The letters should also embrace creativity, be kind and thoughtful and be sealed within an envelope. Those sending more than one letter should leave their envelopes unsealed and unstamped within a larger envelope or box. The organization will be responsible for sorting and bundling letters with others to mail to senior community partners. All letters should be mailed to:

Love For Our Elders
P.O. Box 24248
Cleveland, OH 44124, USA

Moving forward, Love For Our Elders has begun to consider what the organization’s work will look like in a post-COVID-19 world. Therefore, the organization is hoping to build a diverse board of passionate individuals who will share the initiative’s work and convene at least once a year via Zoom. This meeting will be used to reflect on the year’s work and consider possible changes to public branding, website and organizational status. The deadline to apply to join this board is April 15, 2021. Questions can be sent to Jacob Cramer, Executive Director, at jacob@loveforourelders.org.

Send a Love For Our Elders letter today!

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April is World Autism Month

According to a 2016 United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among 11 surveillance sites was 1 in 54 among 8-year-old children. The report also found ASD diagnoses in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. As the identification of ASD becomes more common across the world, the month of April has become a designated observance for World Autism Month. 

The autism advocacy organization founded in 2005, Autism Speaks, established World Autism Month to focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. The month begins with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and continues to emphasize the power to foster kindness within communities.

The Light It Up Blue initiative was created by Autism Speaks in 2010. Since that time, joined by the international autism community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue on April 2 for World Autism Awareness Day and in recognition of people with autism.

During the remainder of April, Autism Speaks encourages and empowers others to lead, learn, connect, care and give with kindness. To aid the organization in achieving this goal, people are asked to support funding research for individuals who benefit from better treatments of medical conditions that often accompany autism. They can also choose to participate in the #LearnWithKindness initiative for schools to celebrate and support acceptance, understanding and inclusion with daily acts of kindness.

The #LearnWithKindness campaign asks that each day, participants reveal a kindness or fundraising challenge on a fun, interactive school or work calendar. This initiative is designed to work in virtual, in-person or hybrid settings, where everyone will love completing daily activities and reaching fundraising milestones to earn Autism Speaks “kindness swag.” Register for the campaign here.

Although this campaign is a great way to observe World Autism Month, kindness is always in season. That is why the #LearnWithKindness campaign lasts throughout the year entirely, helping propel the world one step closer toward becoming a place where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Other ways people can support the autism community include:

  • Committing to take action toward a kinder world.
  • Sharing resources and stories on social media to increase understanding and acceptance.
  • Advocating to help advance policies that positively impact the autism community.
  • Starting a kindness campaign at school or work.

More about Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. The organization does this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Autism Speaks currently employs and engages autistic people, parents, relatives, professionals and representatives who have experience and knowledge of autism. The organization also advocates for research advancements that improve the quality of life for autistic people and empower appropriate and personalized treatments or therapies in the future. Autism Speaks wants all voices in the community to be heard throughout the work done to fulfill the organizational mission.

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When is it safe to hug an elderly loved one during COVID-19?

Over a year has passed since the coronavirus pandemic changed the way families are able to safely interact with their aging or elderly loved ones. Although the World Health Organization notes that all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, the specialized agency has stressed that older people face a significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease. This is due to physiological changes that come with aging and potential underlying health conditions. Yet, as vaccinations increase and restrictions are lifted, many family members have questioned if and when they can safely hug their older loved ones.

In laying out basic COVID-19 recommendations based on age, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared that people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. Following this logic, the public agency says the greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.

This is why the CDC has stressed that older adults and others at increased risk of severe illness should take steps to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. These steps include limiting in-person interactions with others as much as possible, especially when indoors. Other ways aging and elderly adults can protect themselves from contracting the virus are practicing social distancing, keeping six feet away from others, and disinfecting shared surfaces as much as possible.

Given these recommendations, many younger and middle-aged adults with older parents have made the difficult but necessary decision to go without seeing them for weeks — if not months — during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had mental and emotional effects on both children and parents. Strides toward herd immunity have offered a glimpse of hope during these difficult times. However, cautious family members are still asking themselves, “When is it okay to see, and even hug, my elderly parents again?”

The short answer is after elderly loved ones have been fully vaccinated. New guidance from the CDC for vaccinated people states that they can visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk of contracting severe COVID-19 disease, without wearing masks or physically distancing. 

However, vaccinated people should still continue to practice prevention measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, when visiting people who have an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who has an increased risk, as well as with unvaccinated people from multiple households. Those vaccinated should also continue to avoid medium-size and large in-person gatherings.

If both parents and children have been fully vaccinated, they can meet face-to-face again and hug without concern of COVID-19 infection. In general, Dr. Aaron Richterman, an infectious disease physician at the University of Pennsylvania, shared that two vaccinated people together is “going to be about as safe as you can get.” However, it is important to always take precautions, remember the risks, and look to credible agencies for updated information and recommendations moving forward.

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