At Home Activities & Games For Seniors

At Home Activities For Seniors

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia want and thrive from connection and fulfillment, just like everyone else. There are stimulating, interactive activities for seniors with dementia that offer fun, creative, and productive ways to spend time with your loved one.

Fulfilling Activities For People With Dementia At Home

Seniors with dementia, like all of us, enjoy the feeling of a job well done. Failure-free activities provide daily accomplishments and increase feelings of self-worth. Choose an activity based on the person’s level of cognitive decline — ideally something that will make them feel productive.

  1. Fold laundry- Soft fabrics and a repeated motion can be calming. Plus, classic detergent smells may elicit comforting memories. Start with easy items like hand towels and T-shirts.
  2. Simulate handy tasks- If your aging relative always loved to tinker, suggest a project with visible results. Painting wooden boards and fitting together PVC pipes are good activities for seniors with high motor function.
  3. Untie knots- Tie loose knots along a thick rope. The elderly person may enjoy untying them, though avoid making the knots too tight or using a rough rope.
  4. Do a puzzle- Pick a puzzle with large, tactile pieces. Wooden color or shape puzzles help with matching and are fail-safe.

Sensory Activities For People With Dementia

  1. Stop and smell the roses (or coffee, fresh cut grass, or warm bread)-
    Studies suggest smells trigger more vivid emotional memories than images, according to Harvard scientists. This is because scents are processed by the hippocampus and the amygdala, the same parts of our brains that control memories.
  2. Explore familiar objects- Tactile exploration can bring up memories that may not be accessible through pictures or verbal prompting. Even if your loved one doesn’t remember their first car or their wedding, the feeling of weighty keys or hand-embroidered pearls could encourage reminiscence.
  3. Have a taste of history- Tastes can elicit emotions and memories.
  4. Feel diverse textures- Unique textures provide sensory stimulation, as well as memory cues. If your aging family member is a pet lover, consider the soft fur of an animal. If they liked to garden, suggest touching damp soil or leaves.

Technology-Based Dementia Activities For Seniors

Technology use has wide-reaching health and safety benefits for seniors. Immersive tech can also provide mind-stimulating activities for people with dementia at home.

  1. Explore the world with live cams- Zoos, nature preserves, and aquariums around the world offer Internet live streams for animal lovers. Many art museums, like the Louvre in Paris, offer continuous live tours of their galleries.
  2. Travel the world with Google Earth- Google Earth allows users to upload photos from across the globe. If there’s a place your relative loves — whether it’s their childhood hometown or the Sahara Desert — you can load the location into Google Earth and let them explore.
  3. Create a family video tablet for dementia patients at home-
    Technology can help families stay connected through video calls and chats. But when relatives aren’t available to talk, their presence can still be comforting. Record videos of family members, favorite pets, and big moments and upload them onto a tablet your loved one can use when they’re feeling restless or having trouble sleeping.
Discussing The COVID-19 Vaccine

Discussing The COVID-19 Vaccine With Loved Ones

As the COVID-19 Vaccine becomes more readily available, it is more likely that you or a loved one will schedule an appointment to get one. While it is not required, it is highly suggested that elderly with underlying health conditions receive the vaccine. This includes many seniors who are diagnosed with dementia. As the time draws nearer for you to get vaccinated, here are some tips for discussing the the COVID-19 vaccine with loved ones.

1. Have Open Discussions

If you and your senior relatives have different opinions and feelings about the COVID-19 vaccine, certain strategies can help bridge communication gaps, address concerns, and invite discussion. The following active listening traits can enhance your conversation: make sure your loved one knows you have considered and understand their stance, paraphrase and ask for clarification throughout the discussion and ask specific questions.

2. Talk About The Vaccine’s Efficacy

It’s widely understood that seniors are at increased risk for serious illness and death from the coronavirus, which is highly contagious.  According to the FDA, which ensures vaccine safety, the Moderna vaccine has a 94.1% efficacy rate. Meanwhile, the Pfizer vaccine boasts 95% efficacy. It is ultimately every individual’s choice as to whether or not they choose to become vaccinated, however it is always best to be an informed decision maker.

3. Talk About Any Safety & Risk Concerns

Research suggests side effects of the vaccine are minimal, such as pain at the injection site or a low-grade fever. While there is little information on long-term effects, according to a study of 40 older adults published in the New England Journal of Medicine, no seniors reported adverse effects a month after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, early studies show that older adults may be at a lower risk of vaccine side effects when compared with younger people.

4. Review Trusted, Expert Sources

Avoid becoming overwhelmed by identifying one or a few credible, unbiased sources. Watching the news can be scary and overwhelming and sometimes it is difficult to decipher what’s true and what is not. Seniors and their families can seek guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the World Health Organization (WHO). A trusted local medical institution may also be a good source.

5. Speak With Your Doctor

Every person who is considering the vaccine should talk to their doctor first. Sometimes, a personal outside perspective can provide much-needed information and counsel.Not only can a doctor share medical expertise, but they can also ensure your loved one  doesn’t have allergies to a COVID-19 vaccine ingredient or other health conditions that could increase their risk of vaccine side effects.

6. Consider The Social Benefits & Return To Normalcy

Getting vaccinated won’t instantly transport recipients to their pre-pandemic lifestyle. There won’t be an immediate “back to normal”. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults may have missed out on seeing family and friends and participating in countless activities. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can be a step toward returning to beloved hobbies and rebuilding in-person social connections.

Winter Activities For Seniors To Stay Active

Winter Activities For Seniors To Stay Active

In the cold months of the year, when going outside is not as much of an option, people may find it difficult to get adequate exercise. Thinking of outdoor activities can be challenging, but it is still possible to stay active, even when it’s snowing! Older adults shouldn’t let the winter months turn them into couch potatoes; there are so many health benefits that come from regular exercise, so it shouldn’t be ignored. This articles provides from winter activity ideas for seniors.

Use An Indoor Pool

Indoor pools are a great way to get exercise during the cold months of the year. Swimming is a low-impact activity which is great for the joints and the muscles. Water exercises have been shown to increase strength, flexibility, and agility among older adults. This is a simple way to stay active without having to venture outside.

Integrate In-Home Exercises & Stretches

Exercises within the home are another alternative to outdoor activities. Yoga is a fantastic way for older adults to improve flexibility, improve balance, and keep bones healthy. There are also a variety of stretches and balance exercises that can be done at home to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Bodyweight exercises or other calisthenics like sit-ups or squats are also great ways that older adults can improve strength and coordination. All of these activities can be searched on the internet. Easy-to-follow videos are a great way to get ideas and stay active.

Look Into Home Equipment

Investing in some exercise equipment at home can be a great way for older adults to add some extra strength or cardio training to their regimen. A basic pair of dumbbells can be used to burn fat and build muscle in the arms, chest, and back with various exercises. Larger machines like ellipticals or stationary bikes are also great for improving cardiovascular health. Even yoga equipment can be useful for stretching and low impact movements.

Being active out of doors is not possible year round. This does not mean, however, that you cannot stay active. Whether it’s exercising at the pool or the gym, walking around the mall, or working out at home, any type of exercise is better than none. It may be tempting to take it easy during the winter, but older adults need exercise just as much as anyone else, if not more so.

Seniors & Preventing Dehydration

Seniors & Preventing Dehydration

One of the foremost signs of dehydration is the feeling of thirst. It is important to listen to one’s body and respond to the feeling as soon as you feel it. If you are feeling thirsty, having a water bottle handy can allow for convenience. An even better idea would be to try to drink water regularly throughout the day. You can try setting personal hydration goals, say by challenging yourself to finish the bottle before lunch and drink another one before you head home in the evening. There are water bottles that are popular now that help track time of day and how much water should be consumed by those times.

Identify Dehydration By Urine Color

Assessing the color of your urine when you use the bathroom can clue you in to your level of hydration. Typically, the darker your urine is, the less water you have in your body. You want your urine to be as clear and light as possible.

8 Glasses a Day & Then Some

We have all heard that the standard amount of water to drink per day is 8 glasses. As time has gone on, medical professionals have determined that this may not be enough for some to stay hydrated. The amount of fl oz you should consume per day varies from individual to individual. The exact amount that’ll be right for each person depends on a few things, including age and activity level.

Look To Drink Extra

When a person is exercising regularly, sick or in hot weather, they should increase their intake of water. When we exercise, we get rid of a lot of the water in our bodies. It is important to replenish this supply after exercising. If you are sick, your body is likely attempting to fight off foreign bacteria. Water can help with this. It can also help to flush out bacteria that we do not want in our bodies. When you are outside enjoying the sun, you might not notice how hot you are. It is important to stay ahead of the heat and consume more H2O.

Ideas Beyond Water

There are other ways to get liquids in your body. Eating certain foods can help with water intake. Foods such as kale, watermelon, grapes berries, grapes and lettuce, have a high water content and can help one with staying hydrated as well. Drinking seltzer waters along with juices or coffee is another alternative way to get water into one’s system. You could add hydrating supplements to your water. There are many different kinds of hydrating powders that can be added to water to make it more quenching.

Hydration is key to staying healthy and alert. Seniors are at greater risk for dehydration because of how body composition changes with age. Water is necessary for all bodily functions and we can have serious health consequences if we aren’t getting enough of it.

COVID-19 Vaccination For Georgia Seniors

COVID-19 Vaccination For Georgia Seniors

It may have been more than a year since you have been able to see someone you love. The elderly community, particularly those in facilities, have been greatly affected by the global pandemic. Now, with vaccines becoming available, it seems as if there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This article will outline what you or a loved one needs to know about the getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia.

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccination?

  • Georgia Residents
  • Individuals who are 65 or older
  • Healthcare workers

The care plan is to be phased in beginning with elderly individuals and those who care for the elderly.

How Can A Person Get the Vaccine?

If you are eligible, you can find information on the site locations list online here.  As supplies increase, the vaccine will be offered in a variety of locations across Georgia, including doctor’s offices, federally qualified health centers, health clinics, retail pharmacies and mobile clinics. Georgia residents are being encouraged to call their local health departments for assistance with scheduling an appointment for the vaccine.

After Getting Vaccinated

Once a person receives both doses of the vaccine, safety precautions should continue to be upheld. Proper, regular hand washing should be adhered to. Social distancing and mask wearing should still be practiced.

One thing everyone can agree on is that this pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives in some way. Orchard at Athens is here to stand by our residents’ sides every step of the way. If you think a community like the one we offer could be the right place for someone you love, please contact us today.

Celebrating The Holidays During COVID-19

Celebrating The Holidays During COVID-19

As the holiday season is fast approaching, it is likely that you are beginning to make plans with friends and family. Your plans for this year may look a little different. You are not alone in these considerations, and this article is going to explore some potential options for getting together with families, but keeping your holiday season special and meaningful.

Celebrating The Holidays During COVID-19

  • Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably and safely manage. No one should expect you to maintain every holiday tradition or event, especially during a pandemic.
  • The stress of the holiday season (especially in a year that could have been financially strained) combined with the stress of caregiving for someone with dementia can really affect a person. This year, it is especially important to keep in mind your own health and safety. You need to make your own mental and physical health a priority while planning to carry out your holiday traditions and caring for someone else.
  • Set up a time to Zoom with, FaceTime or call other family members. You could even start an email chain. Make sure everyone is on the same page and is understanding of the situation your family is facing.

Staying A Safe Distance While Celebrating

There are many ways to celebrate the holidays from a distance. Again, while it may not like look a “normal”, there are many memories that can be made.

  • Create and send holiday cards.
  • Plan an outdoor visit with hot chocolate and blankets.
  • Schedule your own “holiday parade” and ask family members and friends to drive by the older adult’s home with homemade signs or other festive decorations.
  • Continue holiday traditions by dropping off favorite baked goods or a care package in a way that avoids close contact.
  • Go outside for a walk in the neighborhood or consider driving near home to enjoy holiday lights and decorations.

Technologies To Celebrate Holidays Safely With Covid-19

  • Record and send a “video holiday card” that includes personalized messages.
  • Use video call software like Zoom or Skype to gather virtually. Plan a video call to cook or bake a special recipe together.
  • If your loved one struggles with technology, ask a primary caregiver if they can help facilitate a video call.

Holidays can be meaningful, enriching times for both the person with dementia and his or her family. Maintaining or adapting family rituals and traditions helps all family members feel a sense of belonging and family identity. There are many ways that this holiday season can be adapted to be safe and fun. The faculty and staff at Orchard at Athens are committed to helping you and your family keep as many traditions as possible. We are happy to support in any way. Please contact us if you have questions about how we can support

Loss Of Appetite When Aging

Loss Of Appetite When Aging

Many people experience a loss of appetite with age. This can make mealtime an unpleasant experience for some seniors who either struggle to eat or are experiencing a loss in appetite. The result of this can be a refusal to eat altogether. This is an important issue to address because nutritional eating can affect many other areas of our health.

It can be difficult to convince someone to eat if they are experiencing a loss of appetite. If someone isn’t eating, the first thing to do is find out if there is a health condition or medication side effect causing them to not want food. If you know someone who suddenly loses their appetite, it is important to discuss this with a doctor and get an appointment scheduled as soon as possible.

Illnesses That Can Cause A Loss Of Appetite

Some of the following illnesses can cause a change in taste and appetite:

  • Dementia
  • Parkinson’s
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Gum disease
  • Cancer
  • Salivary gland problems
  • Medication side effects

10 Reasons For Loss Of Appetite

While this is not an exhaustive list, below are ten of the most common reasons for a loss in appetitive.

1) Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise and physical activity can help increase appetite and the body’s desire for food.

2) Dehydration

Many seniors do not get enough fluids and become dehydrated. This can lead to having an aversion to food.

3) No Routine

Having a daily routine with scheduled meal times can help the internal clock of our body prepare for food regularly.

4) Difficulty Preparing Meals

Seniors who live independently might not be eating because preparing their own meals has become too difficult.

5) Changing Sense of Taste

As we age, our taste buds are less able to detect flavors and therefore food may become bland or unappetizing to them.

6) Difficulty Chewing, Swallowing, or Eating Independently

There are many reasons why eating becomes challenging. The next article will focus on adaptations for people who are having difficulty eating.

7) Sensitivity to or Loss of Smell

Hyper sensitivity to smells can cause someone to not want to eat.

8) Depression or Loneliness

Having no one to eat with can increase someone’s sense of loneliness.

9) Loss of Control

Sometimes, not being able to choose what to eat makes someone not want to eat at all.

10) Mealtimes Become Unpleasant

When we try to convince someone to eat that doesn’t have an appetite, it can become conflictual and mealtimes can become emotionally unpleasant.

Orchard at Athens team keeps hydration and healthy eating a TOP PRIORITY. You can learn more on our dining page.

Difficulty Eating: Common Causes & Recommendations To Improve

Causes

Some of the common causes that can lead to difficulty in eating are:

  • Normal aging
  • Dental problems
  • Medications
  • Medical treatments such as surgery
  • Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, other health conditions

Recommendations

There are a lot of different tips and tricks to make eating less difficult. Some of our recommendations to help are:

  • Have a regular meal and snack routine.
  • Do not wait for the person to tell you they hungry.
  • Serve smaller portions.
  • Give limited choices.
  • Don’t ask open ended questions like “What do you want to eat?”
  • Use adaptive utensils.
  • Offer finger foods.
  • Use smoothies, shakes, and protein powders to boost calories.
  • Add calories with healthy fat options like avocado, peanut butter, cheese, olive oils etc.
  • Offer easy to eat and easily accessible snacks.
  • Use favorite aromas to boost appetite (bacon, bread, cookies, garlic, chocolate).

Orchard at Athens teams are trained on how to help residents with their personal nutritional needs, as well as how to support residents with changing abilities so they can continue to engage socially with others during mealtime.  Meals are healthy AND delicious. Call now to schedule a visit.

Storm Safety For Seniors

Storm Safety Tips For Seniors

Hurricane and Tropical Storm season can be a difficult time to manage without the right plan. The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family and your home prepared. Once you are in a storm or one is rapidly approaching, you may find it more difficult to remember all the things that help you and your family stay safe. We wrote this article to provide storm safety tips for seniors or caregivers to consider when preparing for a storm.

When To Prepare For A Storm

It’s always recommended to start early on and before the storm season hits. Starting early has many benefits, such as:

  • Gives you time to think about what you need
  • Gives you time to make a plan for loved ones in case you are injured or need help
  • Avoids the rush at stores
  • Provides additional time to ensure you have all the supplies you need

Home Essentials When Preparing For A Storm

Everyone will have individual needs, but below are some of the essential items to consider having available at your home:

  • Water
  • Food that does not need refrigeration
  • First aid supplies
  • Batteries
  • Matches and candles
  • Clothing
  • Extra bedding

Storm Evacuation Planning

In the event you need to evacuate due to a storm, consider taking the following actions ahead of time:

  • Charge your phone
  • Take in lawn furniture
  • Put items in water-tight containers
  • Put gas in your car
  • Put gas in your generator

Tropical storms and hurricanes bring heavy rain and winds that can create damage, as well as block roads and knock out power. Seniors and people with certain health conditions, like those that require medication, need to have a safety plan in place in case an emergency strikes.

Be prepared before, during and after a storm

Steps To Take Before A Storm

Before a storm hits your area you should:

  1. Know your evacuation routes
  2. Create a home safety kit which includes;
    • Gallon of water per day per person
    • Three-day supply of non-perishable food
    • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
    • Flashlight
    • Whistle
    • First Aid Kit
    • Garbage bags
    • Antibacterial wipes
    • Phone chargers
    • Duct tape
    • Wrench or pliers
    • Manual can opener
  3. Set up a safety room (preferably an interior room without windows)
  4. Know your area to listen for warnings
  5. Prepare medications and take all medications with you if you have to evacuate
  6. Take out cash and fill up your gas tank

Storm Safety Tips For Pets

It’s important to also have a safety plan for your pets during a storm. Below we’ve included some items for you to consider when preparing:

  • Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and bring rabies tags to shelter
  • Bring any medications your pet is taking
  • Make sure your pet has identification and a crate or carrier
  • Have a leash
  • Keep your pet near and know which shelters take pets
  • Have a supply of dry food, water and bowls
  • If you live where flood waters may rise, secure a life vest for your pet

You can visit AlleyCat.org‎ for additional pet safety tips.

Senior Safety Tips During A Storm

While the storm is actively hitting your area, seniors should consider the following safety tips:

  • Stay alert and know the updates
  • Go to a safe part of your home  (interior room, under stairs, away from windows)
  • Keep your refrigerator cold by turning it on the coldest setting
  • Keep in contact with your family and let them know your plan to either stay in place or where you will be evacuating.
  • Keep medications close
  • Be aware of possible mold growing in damp places

Steps To Take After A Storm

Below are some safety tips to consider for after the storm has past:

  • Stay at least 15 feet away from generator fumes
  • Contact family as soon as possible
  • Drink bottled water until tap water has been cleared to drink
  • Be careful of where you step
  • Do not drive through standing water
  • Be careful of damaged trees and limbs that may fall

If you or your loved one lives in a Senior Living Community, ask about their safety plan for storms. Each community is required to have a safety plan that they can execute to keep residents and staff secure during a storm. Orchard at Athens has such a plan, and we will review it in more detail in a future blog post. If you have any additional questions about storm safety or our safety plan, please contact us. For additional storm safety tips you can also visit ready.gov‎

Seniors & Driving

Driving Safety When Aging

How do we know if it’s still safe to continue driving? Making the personal decision to stop driving is a difficult one.  Older adults are often resistant because driving, for most, represents a loss of independence.

The Georgia Department of Public Health recently implemented an Older Drivers Safety Program as current data projects by 2025, in Georgia, motor vehicle crashes will account for the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among older adults age 65 and up.

Driver Safety For Seniors

With aging comes physical change that can impact a person’s ability to drive safely.

  • Vision or hearing impairments
  • Slower reaction times when moving
  • Memory changes
  • Stiff joints or weak muscles
  • Fatigue or lack of concentration
  • Inability to turn your head decreases range of motion and visual field
  • Changing sensation in your feet can lead to mistaking the gas or brake pedal

The Orchard at Athens partners closely with residents and families in an effort to provide resources personal counsel and support wise decisions about driving.

DMV Resources For Senior Drivers

If you have a question about whether it is still safe to drive, going to the DMV and renewing your test is a good way to find out.

How To Safely Prolong Driving When Aging

Exercise programs, and physical therapy provided by Healthpro Heritage are available for all residents to help maintain mobility for those who can and want to continue safely driving.

For those who choose to stop driving, Orchard offers personalized transportation to medical appointments or shopping needs, and concierge coordination and assistance is available for setting up accounts with services like Go Go Grandparent.

It is extremely important to talk to a doctor about health conditions or medications that can affect brain function and put you or someone else at risk while driving. These changes can include:

  • Increased stress and anxiety
  • Feeling “foggy” or quickly confused
  • Trouble using a map or following directions
  • Inability to make quick in the moment decisions needed for navigating freeways or busy intersections
  • The ability to react quickly
  • Vision change
  • Comprehension of road signs or stop light messages
  • Abilities to complete the correct sequence of a task

Determine When It’s Time To Stop Driving

Even more difficult can be the conversation we have with someone who needs to stop driving. For help with this conversation watch the below video where Teepa Snow shares some key phrases and steps are to support someone when they are no longer able to drive safely.

Sleep Pattern Changes With Age

Sleep Pattern Changes

Sleep patterns tend to change as we age. Most people find themselves having a harder time falling asleep and report waking more often during the night and earlier in the morning.

One of the reasons people wake up more is because they spend less time in deep sleep. Many older adults get less sleep than they actually need. It is a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep a day and this does not change with age. Older adults should strive for the same amount of sleep as younger adults.

Aging & Sleep Changes

Common sleep experiences for older adults can include the following:

  • It may be harder to fall asleep
  • Spending more total time in bed
  • The transition between sleeping and waking up is often abrupt
  • Less time is spent in deep, dreamless sleep
  • Older people wake up an average of 3 or 4 times each night
  • Older people are more aware of being awake

Sleep occurs in stages. A normal sleep cycle is repeated several times during the night and will include dreamless periods of light and deep sleep as well as active dreaming periods known as REM sleep.

Older adults will often share that they experience insomnia. So, it’s important to consider a person’s sleep hygiene and what they can do to improve their sleep. Research suggests that much of the sleep disturbance among the elderly can be attributed to physical and psychiatric illnesses and the medications used to treat them.

Causes of Insomnia For Elderly

Causes of insomnia can include the following:

  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Poor sleep habits
  • Poor sleep environment
  • Irregular sleep hours
  • Consumption of alcohol before bedtime
  • Use of electronic tablets before bed
  • Falling asleep with the television on
  • Anxiety from feelings of needing to go to the bathroom
  • Discomfort or pain from chronic illness

Extended periods of insomnia can lead to other health conditions like depression, confusion, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, hypersomnia, and sleep apnea. It has also been reported to cause higher incidents of car accidents in elders.

Tips For Improving Sleep

Consider the following things to help you get a better night sleep:

  • A light bedtime snack may be helpful.
  • Many people find that warm milk increases sleepiness, because it contains a natural, sedative-like amino acid.
  • Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate) for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed.
  • DO NOT take naps during the day.
  • Exercise (moderately) in the afternoon.
  • Avoid too much stimulation, such as violent TV shows or computer games, before sleep.
  • Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime.
  • Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time each morning.
  • Use the bed only for sleep or sexual activity.
  • Avoid tobacco products, especially before sleep.
  • Ask your provider if any of the medicines you take may affect your sleep.
  • If you cannot fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet activity, such as reading or listening to music. When you feel sleepy, get back in bed and try again. If you still cannot fall asleep in 20 minutes, repeat the process.

Circadian Rhythm Changes With Age

In addition to changes in sleep architecture that occur as we age, other factors affecting sleep are the circadian rhythms that coordinate the timing of our bodily functions, including sleep.

Human beings typically have 1 of 3 Circadian Rhythms.

  • The Early bird who gets up early and goes to bed early
  • The Diurnal who gets up early, rests in the middle of the day, and stays up late
  • The Night owl who gets up late and stays up late

Older people tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake up earlier in the morning compared to younger adults. This pattern is called advanced sleep phase syndrome. The sleep rhythm is shifted forward so that 7 or 8 hours of sleep are still obtained but individuals will wake up extremely early because they have gone to sleep quite early. The reason for these changes in sleep and circadian rhythms as we age is not clearly understood. Many researchers believe it may have to do with light exposure and treatment options for advanced sleep phase syndrome typically include bright light therapy.

If you are living alone and struggling with sleep, reach out to Orchard at Athens for a complimentary consultation. We are happy to help you find a resources and people who can help.