The Health Benefits of Volunteering

Every Tuesday, Youville resident “Mary” volunteers at a local soup kitchen. She and her fellow volunteers spend three hours preparing meals for the homeless.  This weekly routine is rich with personal history for Mary.  She has made and maintained many close friendships through her volunteer work, some of whom she has worked with for 20 years. Now in her 80s, she still looks forward to seeing her friends at the soup kitchen and making a positive difference in the lives of so many.

For Mary, community service is rooted in her church upbringing. She has never thought twice about serving others. In addition to her work in the soup kitchen, she participates regularly in volunteer activities at Youville and elsewhere in the community.  She may not be paid for her service, but she believes the benefits she receives from her volunteer work are inestimable. She attributes her active service with a sense of empowerment and purpose in her life. What Mary may not know is that volunteerism can actually contribute to a host of health benefits.

Volunteering has been linked to increased longevity, improved mental wellness, relief from chronic pain and fewer hospital visits.  Of all age groups surveyed across many studies seniors report the greatest health benefits.

Less Stress, Longer life

Our body releases the hormone oxytocin when we willingly enter a situation that makes us vulnerable, such as offering help to others.  Not only does this hormone disrupt stress so that we can perform selfless acts, but it also helps our cells store nutrients and repair themselves. Some researchers believe this is why senior volunteers report reductions in stress. When we are less stressed out, we reduce our risk for heart disease.  One study found that seniors who volunteered with at least two organizations over the course of a year had healthier hearts and  44% lower mortality rate than their non-volunteering peers. 

Less Depression

According to Dr. Stephen Post, an expert on altruism and the brain, just thinking about helping others causes our brains to release dopamine– a neurotransmitter associated with elevated mood.  Studies have confirmed that volunteers over the age of 65 experience less depression than non-

volunteering seniors. A major reason seems to be that volunteering can help us maintain social connections and a meaningful role in our community after retirement.

Helping yourself by helping others

In some cases, we can treat our own ailments simply by reaching out to others with the same ailment. This is known as “helper’s therapy principle,” and there is plenty of data to support it. Here are just a few examples:

•  A 2002 study found  that sufferers of chronic pain reported relief from their symptoms when  

   they volunteered with fellow sufferers. Meanwhile, the sufferers receiving support from

   the volunteers reported no alleviation of pain. In this case, the mere act of reaching out to others  

  was the most effective pain-reducer. 

•  According to a review of research published by the National

   Corporation for Community Service, recovering alcoholics who

   volunteer with other alcoholics experience less symptoms of

   depression and greater odds of staying sober.

The data is clear: volunteering has significant health benefits. But how frequently must one volunteer to reap these benefits? 

One extensive survey found that seniors need to volunteer at least 100 hours a year– or about two hours a week–  to experience health benefits. Those who volunteered at or above the 100-hour level showed the most significant health benefits, while those who

volunteered beneath the 100-hour threshold showed little  improvement in health. The takeaway: be a regular, not a sporadic volunteer, and you will maximize the benefits to yourself and to your community!

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to start giving back, the best approach is to first think about volunteering for a cause that is of special personal interest to you. Try your local senior center, church, library or public school to find volunteer opportunities. Another option is to contact the RSVP program sponsored by Senior Corps, a federal organization whose mission is to match seniors with community service opportunities. Through RSVP, you have choice over how many hours you volunteer and what kinds of skills you put to use. For more information on RSVP opportunities in the Greater Boston area, visit their web site at www.cityofboston.gov/elderly/retired.asp or call Kelley Stout, RSVP Director at (617) 635-1794.

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”

                                                        —Martin Luther King, Jr.

How to Prevent Vision Loss

When was your last eye exam? If it’s been so long that you can’t remember, now might be a good time to call your ophthalmologist–– especially if you are over 60. Today, over 7 million seniors suffer from decreasing vision. Over the next few decades, that tally is expected to double as the senior population increases. 

Research is still making important discoveries about the causes of vision loss.  Some conditions, like cataracts, now have surgical cures that work for almost everyone.  Others, like macular degeneration, have less effective treatments and the root causes are still unclear. The following is a brief overview of common visual ailments affecting seniors today. 

Age-related macular degeneration: this is the most common type of vision loss. It rarely leads to total blindness, but seriously impairs central vision. This disease attacks the macula: a highly specialized region of the retina that allows us to see fine detail.  People with AMD have trouble recognizing faces, detail and other objects without adequate light.  They will have blind or blurry spots at the center of their field of vision, and have to rely on their peripheral vision. 

If AMD has not yet reached its advanced stage, an eye doctor may suggest the “AREDS supplement,” a high dosage of antioxidants and zinc.  This supplement can help delay the onset of advanced macular degeneration.  Ocular injections are also available that help stop the growth of leaky blood vessels that cause ‘wet’ macular degeneration.  This treatment can slow vision loss and sometimes improve vision.  Other treatment options– with variable results– include laser surgery and photo dynamic therapy.

Cataracts: these form on the lens of the eye and affect the way light travels to the retina.  The lens becomes cloudy and scatters light as it passes through, making vision blurry.  Fortunately, cataracts can be removed by surgery.

Glaucoma: this disease occurs when there is too much pressure in the eye.  Eventually this pressure damages the ocular nerve, leading to blurry vision and sometimes blindness.  Glaucoma is often painless and symptom free until irreparable damage has been done. The pressure in the eyes caused by glaucoma can be relieved by eye drops; in some cases surgery is be helpful.   

How to Prevent Vision Loss

Studies have suggested that regular eye exams and the adoption of certain “vision-healthy foods” are among the best known ways to prevent vision loss. Consider adopting these simple changes to your diet and life-style.

•  Eat lots of dark greens and colorful vegetables. These are high in antioxidants, which help keep vision strong. In particular, the antioxidant “lutein” is believed to be especially good for preserving central vision. Lutein exists in leafy green vegetables like spinach, collard greens and kale. 

•  Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the eyes and the brain. Omega-3s exists in fish and fish oils, with especially high levels occurring in wild salmon  and tuna. Other ways to get omega-3 are through supplements, olive oil, walnuts, avocados, flax seeds and flax oil.  Avoid saturated fats, trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils. 

•  Keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure low. The eyes have many arteries running through them, and data suggests that people with poor cardiovascular health are at increased risk or AMD.

•  Be sure to get regular eye exams, especially if you have diabetes or other health problems. Diabetes is a risk factor for cataract and glaucoma, as well as diabetic retinopathy, a disease that causes spotty vision. 

•  Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Ask your doctor about a good brand of sunglasses with protection against ultraviolet rays. 

•  Stop smoking–– people who smoke are more likely to have cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Not only does smoking increase blood pressure and damage the arteries, it also decreases our ability to absorb lutein, one of the most effective antioxidants against macular degeneration. 

Living with Impaired Vision

If vision loss has made it harder for you to read or see things in your environment, consider “going large.” Remote controls, telephones and digital clocks are all available with extra large displays and

buttons, that can make life much easier. Ask your librarian about large-print books.  Some people use scanners or simple magnifying glasses to help enlarge material that is too small to see. Light can be a big help. Keep your living space brightly lit and clutter free.  

Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people throughout the US cope with impaired vision every day.  Make your needs known to those around you. Talk with family and friends about your changing experiences and be sure to have regular eye exams so that both you and your doctor can stay on top of your condition.

Respecting Your Heart

Don’t limit your acts of love and kindness to Valentine’s Day. Share kindness with friends and loved ones every day. If you do, you are likely to be happier and healthier. That’s because research has shown that treating others with kindness (as well as being on the receiving end of kind behavior) is literally good for your heart, and one of many ways to reduce your risk for heart disease.

February is National Heart Month, a time of year dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease, and important preventative steps we can take. For years, heart disease has been the leading killer of both men and women in the U.S, causing more deaths than cancer, and costing hundreds of billions of dollars.

The good news is that there are steps each of us can take to improve our heart health. Since 1963, when Congress first designated February as National Heart Month, each President has issued an annual proclamation designed to get Americans focused on heart-healthy behavior.  This year, President Obama stated that while heart disease is “one of our Nation’s most costly and widespread health problems, it is also the most preventable.” 

What exactly is heart disease?    

Heart disease is a general term that refers to various related conditions affecting the heart’s ability to function properly.  The most common form is Coronary Artery Disease.  In Coronary Artery Disease, cholesterol deposits known as plaque build up in the coronary arteries, constricting blood flow and often limiting the amount of blood delivered to the heart.  This limited blood flow can result in heart failure or an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia).  Sometimes the flow of blood is blocked off entirely, which can lead to a heart attack.

What We Can Do

We’ve come a long way toward understanding the causes of heart disease.  From our dietary choices to the quality of our emotional lives, there are many factors that influence our cardiovascular health. Below are a few of the most important measures we can take to keep our heart healthy.

Check Your Blood Pressure

A low blood pressure is one of the best signs of a healthy cardiovascular system.  This generally means a blood pressure reading below 120/80. Anything higher means that you are on the way to hypertension, and a reading over 130/90 means you are at risk for a coronary event. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a doctor or at a local pharmacy. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure if it is too high.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

Avoid foods that are high in sodium. High-sodium food includes processed, packaged foods (like microwavable foods, salty potato chips) as well as most restaurant food. High-sodium foods increase blood pressure and narrow the arteries. Limiting salt in your diet will help keep your arteries healthy and blood pressure low. Instead of eating another bag of potato chips, turn to high-potassium foods like fruits and vegetables.

Quit Smoking

Smoking causes many health complications and greatly reduces life expectancy. In addition to numerous types of cancer, smoking is also a major cause of stroke and heart disease.

Limit  Alcohol Use

Moderate use of alcohol, especially red wine, can be both enjoyable and even good for your health, but the benefits of drinking disappear as soon as you go beyond the limit of moderation. Excessive alcohol leads to high blood pressure. If you enjoy wine or beer, remember to protect your heart by drinking in moderation.

Exercise

For seniors, simply engaging in leisurely activities like gardening, or walking has been shown to have positive effects on heart health. More strenuous exercising also improves cardiovascular health. Be sure to know your physical limitations and consult with your physician if you have any doubts.

Nurture Relationships

Most of us know that sharing and receiving affection feels good, and that ties to others enriches the quality of our lives. Research has shown that strong relationships also promote cardiovascular health. Simply acting with kindness toward others and having good relationships with those around you greatly reduces stress, which

is a major risk factor for heart disease. Stress compromises our immune system, our coronary arteries, and our ability to regulate insulin. When we feel connected to others, our stress evaporates and our hearts are healthier.

This Valentine’s Day, do something for someone you love, and do something for yourself as well. Remember, the life you save may be your own.

Avoiding Scams By Phone or Mail

At a time of life when many seniors rely heavily on our savings, it is especially important that they be careful about who they entrust with private financial information. Many of us are bombarded daily with ads and solicitations pushing the latest deals we “can’t afford to miss.” With all the information we receive, it is important to distinguish between legitimate offers and the scams.

Many scams today specifically target seniors. They are often conducted by telemarketers, or arrive in the mailboxes of potential targets. These scams might include free prize offers, vacation bargains, lottery tickets, and inexpensive health care products. On average, fake deals like these have defrauded seniors out of at least 2.6 billion dollars per year–– although many believe this number to be much higher.

What can seniors do to protect themselves? The bottom line is that we should all exercise great caution before giving out any private information–– this includes anything related to a credit card, a bank account, insurance information or Medicare ID. When confronted with offers from telemarketers or by mail, remember that a healthy dose of skepticism is the best approach to keeping your money safe and secure.

 

Telemarketing Scams

Telemarketing scams are among the most prevalent scams targeting seniors. Fraudsters aim to exploit the polite and trusting nature of seniors, and thereby persuade them into doing as they say–– this will ultimately include agreeing to an immediate purchase. Before giving out any private financial information over the phone, learn as much as you can from the caller–– the name and phone number of the salesperson; the name, number and address of the organization; and the organization’s business license number. Even if the telemarketer seems legitimate, tell them you will be back in touch–– never make a purchase immediately. Check out the business yourself with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, or National Fraud Information Center. Subjecting telemarketers to these hurdles is worthwhile and likely to save you a significant amount of money.

Remember that legitimate businesses rarely call consumers unsolicited–– they are more likely to make use of mass media (television or internet) for advertising.

On its website, the FBI has posted a list of typical lines you might hear from a fraudster:

“You must act now, or the offer won’t be good.” This is an attempt to pressure you into acting quickly and unreflectively–– don’t fall for it!

 “You’ve won a free gift, vacation or prize–– you just have to pay for postage and handling, convenience fees, or taxes.” Any attempt to get you to pay for a “free” prize is a ploy.  Furthermore, the caller is breaking federal law if they tell you that the payment is for taxes.

 

“You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.” Once your financial information is given over the phone, it is virtually impossible to recover the money or track down the perpetrator. Likewise, a courier who picks up your cash in person can even more easily vanish without a trace. Never agree to have a courier from an unfamiliar business come to your house to pick up cash.

“You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” In this case the scammer is hiding the fact that his or her business is illegitimate.

If you hear any of these lines over the phone, just say “no thank you,” and hang up.

Mail Scams

Common mail scams include invitations to participate in sweepstakes (which are fake) or foreign lotteries (which are illegal). In the case of the sweepstakes offer, you may be asked to buy magazine subscriptions or inexpensive jewelry, which will “automatically enter you in the sweepstakes.” Not only will you not see any winnings, but you will also see a lot more junk mail like this once you have taken the bait; your name will be put on an “easy-target” list, which scammers buy and sell from one another.

In the foreign lottery scam, you may receive an authentic-looking check that says you have won the lottery in a foreign country. The accompanying note will instruct you to wire a portion of your winnings for taxes or other fees. Alternatively, the mailing might invite you to send money for a “special chance” to win the foreign lottery. Both versions are scams, as it is illegal to buy or sell foreign lottery tickets in the U.S. If you receive any foreign lottery mailings, the best thing to do is give them to your local postmaster.

To report or inquire about telemarketing or mail scams, you can contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Public Inquiry & Assistance Center Hotline at (617) 727-8400.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

When Something Bad Becomes Good, Becomes Very Good

Apart from the crystalline beauty of a first snow, the surprising October storm brought upheaval to large swaths of the Northeast, more even than the formidable hurricane Irene did on her visit several months earlier. As these thoughts are being put to paper, the unrelenting, muffled growls of chain saws are rumbling in the near distance, and, of more concern, many thousands of households from New Jersey to Maine have neither the heat to warm themselves nor lighting to read these words.

This is the story of an elderly woman in Lexington, a visiting nurse, and the staff and residents of Youville Place Assisted Living who came into her life (it seems fair to say, changed her life) when the aftermath of that late October storm made it clear she should not be alone. It is a story of how something bad can turn to good, and then to very good.

The woman, who asked that her name be withheld (we will call her Margaret), is in her mid 90s. Amazingly, Margaret has been living alone in her Lexington home for decades. Her closest relative is 3000 miles away on the west coast. Except for weekly visits from a nurse, a housekeeper, and weekday meals provided by Meals on Wheels, this valiant woman had been living alone. There is something all of us admire in that. Yet, in so many ways it is neither physically nor emotionally healthy. The visiting nurse was ever more aware that everyday needs like preparing food, bathing, and climbing stairs (in recent months, crawling up was accurate) were becoming increasingly more difficult for her. Still, she did all she could to honor Margaret’s wish to remain on her own at home.

The October storm changed things dramatically. Whereas I wouldn’t wish to ever characterize nature, even in its full fury, as bad, the resultant darkness and cold made a difficult existence overwhelmingly for this special woman. Understandably, she was frightened. Determined to assure Margaret’s safety and well being, the visiting nurse called Youville Place Assisted Living and asked if they had an emergency respite apartment available. Margaret, she clarified, would stay just until electricity and heat were restored to her house. During this time, Youville Place had also lost outside electricity and was running on internal generator power, and working under very challenging circumstances to meet the every day needs of residents.

Nevertheless, the leadership, staff and residents there welcomed Margaret with open arms–– at no cost, to an available furnished apartment. As is customary for all who live at Youville Place, the staff made a big fuss over her. She was offered a comfortable apartment, several warm meals, help with bathing and a steady, friendly barrage of “What can we do for you, Margaret?” For their part, it was yet another opportunity to live out the Youville values of reverence, integrity, dedication, and hospitality. For all involved, the bad had turned into something good.

While this is the story of a particular woman, a particular visiting nurse, and the staff at a particular place doing their best to respond after a furious display of nature, it has a universal quality about it. That is, there are many, many elders in this city and beyond, isolated from regular human contact and struggling to get by. So too, there are many skilled nurses who respond similarly everyday with expertise and empathy. Finally, while apathy and disengagement are all too commonplace in our world today, thankfully there are many individuals and organizations that, in their own way, would have reached out to this woman as did Youville Place.

There is one more twist to this story that would further change things. During her stay at Youville Place, in addition to being kept warm, nourished and otherwise physically cared for, Margaret’s eyes were opened to something she hadn’t known for many years. She felt a sense of being valued for who she was and, in contrast to the isolation she had known for too long, part of a welcoming community. A very important part of Margaret’s emotional self was being revived.

The following day the heat and electricity were restored in her house and a staff member at Youville Place brought her back and helped her readjust. Margaret once again resumed the familiar routine that had typified her life for too long. Yet, not unlike the October storm, something surprising happened. The next morning a call came into Youville Place. It was Margaret. She said that all that had just happened helped her to realize that she could no longer care for herself as in the past. What’s more, she had felt so welcomed and at home at Youville Place that she would like to become part of that community. It might be said that the October storm provided a wonderful opportunity for one woman to trade isolation and the overwhelming burdens of daily life, to live the remainder of her life in a safe, engaging, and caring environment. Something bad became good–– became very good. For Margaret, it’s only the beginning of this new phase of life.

Bob Short, Director of Mission & Pastoral Care