The Baby Boomers started turning 65 as of January 1st this year at the incredible rate of 10,000 per day. We know that 1 in 8 persons (roughly 13%) age 65 and older will develop Alzhimer's. Statistically, that means 1,300 of the 10,000 daily Boomers reaching 65 will develop the disease.
What can we do to be ready for the staggering numbers ahead? Personally we can take better care of our own overall health. Proper diet, exercise, and living a socially active life are proven methods to staying healthy longer
Locally we can support Walk to End Alzheimer's and keep our services available, most free of charge, to the people who need them. The more education, counseling, and support we provide to families, the longer they can care for their loved one at home. Nursing facilities are expensive and the decision to admit a loved one is gut-wrenching. Enabling and supporting home caregivers benefits the family as well as the person with dementia.
Nationally we can write to our senators and represenatives and demand that they take this crisis seriously. More money is needed for research. Alzheimer's research is tragically under-funded compared to other diseases.
The power of the Boomers has always been its numbers. It's time to use those numbers in another positive way, by supporting the Walks in Alpena and Traverse City, and by contacting our State Senators, State Representatives, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and our U.S. Congress Representatives. Together we will make a difference.
What can we do to be ready for the staggering numbers ahead? Personally we can take better care of our own overall health. Proper diet, exercise, and living a socially active life are proven methods to staying healthy longer
Locally we can support Walk to End Alzheimer's and keep our services available, most free of charge, to the people who need them. The more education, counseling, and support we provide to families, the longer they can care for their loved one at home. Nursing facilities are expensive and the decision to admit a loved one is gut-wrenching. Enabling and supporting home caregivers benefits the family as well as the person with dementia.
Nationally we can write to our senators and represenatives and demand that they take this crisis seriously. More money is needed for research. Alzheimer's research is tragically under-funded compared to other diseases.
The power of the Boomers has always been its numbers. It's time to use those numbers in another positive way, by supporting the Walks in Alpena and Traverse City, and by contacting our State Senators, State Representatives, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and our U.S. Congress Representatives. Together we will make a difference.
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