Disordered Speech and Language
There are many reasons why some older people have problems with their speech. Working with a speech therapist may be required for some people, but there are things that families and friends can do to help enhance communication.
• Address any hearing loss or vision changes.
• Background noises should be at a minimum
• Make sure the person has your attention.
• If understanding speech is difficult, speak in short, concrete sentences or about familiar topics.
• Write down key words of your conversation.
• If memory is a problem, ask questions that have choices for the answer.
• Ask person to repeat, rephrase, or write what he or she said.

Communication helps people remain active in their communities, social circles, and families, which is important regardless of age.

Hearing Loss
Many older people have problems with their hearing. Hearing loss is not always recognized by the person experiencing it, but it can have a major impact on a person’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Some of the effects associated with hearing loss can be embarrassment, interference with a person’s ability to interact with others, and feelings of depression and isolation. Audiologists can help determine if a person’s ability to hear can be improved, and there are ways family and friends can help a person understand more of what is happening around them.

If the hearing impaired person does not understand the speaker, rephrase or simplify the question. Don’t just repeat the same thing. Likewise, the hearing impaired person should let the speaker know what he or she does understand, as in “Jane went where on vacation?”

Hearing and communication help people remain active in their communities, social circles, and families, which is important regardless of age.

Alzheimer's Disease I
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory, along with their ability to reason, make judgments, communicate, and perform daily activities. While a person’s memory can be affected by many different factors—including illness, diet, medications, alcohol, depression, and grief—significant changes in memory, behavior, and mood should be taken seriously. A doctor can determine if a person’s symptoms indicate a memory impairing illness like Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are community groups that can assist both patients and their caregivers. If you need help, contact your doctor or the Alzheimer’s Association in your area (www.alz.org)

Alzheimer's Disease II
While some change in memory is normal as people age, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than just forgetfulness. Other warning signs include:
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Poor or decreased judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Putting objects in strange places
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

If someone you know exhibits some of these characteristics, encourage them to see a doctor. You can also contact the Alzheimer’s Association in your area or www.alz.org for more information.

Memory
For many people, getting older brings the fear of memory loss. While there are some progressive disorders that are irreversible and can destroy a person’s memory, simply getting older does not mean memory will automatically decline.

Memory can be negatively affected by factors like attitude, illness, diet, hearing loss, medications, alcohol, depression, and grief, but these conditions can be managed. The important part to remember is that the brain is a muscle—just like the other muscles of our bodies, it needs to be exercised in order to function properly.

Here are some ways you can help compensate for or improve your memory:
• Relax
• Allow yourself time to remember .
• Choose what to remember and which details to forget
• Pay attention
• Have confidence
• Remove distractions
• Use all of your senses
• Keep your mind active

So remember what you can do to not forget.

Elder Falls
One of the most serious dangers to a person is falling. Accidental falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and emergency room visits for Americans over age 65. Those who survive falls often times experience significant health consequences, like a broken bone, hip, or even a brain injury, and many of these people never return to their previous level of function.

The risk of falling increases with age for many reasons. Aging affects a person’s vision, hearing, strength, coordination, balance, and reflexes. These effects can be made worse by certain diseases and medications, and environmental factors like walking surfaces and other items in the home and outdoors.

But there are many ways to help prevent falls and serious injuries. To learn more about preventing falls and to get tips on how to make your home or the home of someone you love safer, click here.