Age And Stage

• Dying Matters Awareness Week

  Marking Hospice UK's Dying Matters Awareness Week (https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters) Liz Pryor from the Anne Robson Trust talks frankly about an essential conversation that is often avoided until it is too late. The Trust (https://annerobsontrust.org.uk/) provides advice, training and companionship, working alongside partner healthcare organisations, bringing support, comfort and compassion to those nearing the end of life, and those closest to them.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgThe story behind the Anne Robson Trust.Liz set up the trust in memory of her mother, providing resources, workshops, and work with healthcare organisations to provide support for those dying. The most important thing to do for those supporting relatives and friends who are near end of life, is to have conversations as early as possible - rather than making hasty plans during their final days. There is a helpful "my wishes" checklist available on the Anne Robson Trust website.Understanding the Process of DyingLiz explains the process of dying, including physical changes and the importance of understanding these stages. She mentions the concept of "Cheyne-Stokes breathing" and other physical signs that indicate the end of life. She also highlights the importance of having a calm and supportive environment for the dying person.Practical Advice for Family MembersFamily members should ask direct questions about the expected timeline of death and to have early conversations about end-of-life care. it is also important to have advanced care plans, DNRs if appropriate, and other legal documents in place. Liz also explains the role of hospices in providing support both in hospitals and at home, and the importance of accessing these services.The Role of 'Death Doulas'Liz introduces the concept of death doulas or soul midwives, who provide spiritual support during the end-of-life journey. She mentions the Anne Robson Trust's new project to engage volunteers to support people in their homes as they die and highlights the importance of moving end-of-life care back into the community to reduce emergency admissions and provide better support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Holidays in later life

  Holidays, vacations and excursions are the subject of a fun and upbeat conversation in this episode. Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew speak to Silver Travel adviser, Kelly Gallagher (https://silvertraveladvisor.com/). They talk about the cost benefits to travelling out of season, the challenges of solo travel and the dreaded 'single supplement', and how travel companies and advisors are upping their game to encourage a mature customer base to holiday with them.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgChanges in the Travel Industry for Older TravelersAn aging population has influenced the travel industry with a growing popularity in long-stay holidays and a flexibility for older travellers, who are able to take advance of low or 'shoulder' seasons and avoid peak prices.Special Interest Holidays (SPIN Holidays)Another development is a 'SPIN' holiday - a 'special interest' trip. These holidays have increased by 64% in 2024 and can focus on cookery, language learning, walking, photography, bird watching etc.Meeting Physical Needs of Older TravelersEnquire about the availability of accessible rooms, assisted support on airlines, and fully assisted holidays. The important thing is to work with the right companies and operators to meet specific needs. Silver Travel Advisors work with Dementia Adventure which offers retreats for people living with the illness (https://dementiaadventure.org/)Solo Travel for Older AdultsTips for solo travelers include starting with shorter trips, joining group tours, and choosing cruises that cater to solo travelers. It is important the there is an understanding of what the solo holidaymaker wants from their experience..Addressing the Single Supplement IssueThere are various options, including sharing rooms with same-gender travelers and booking with companies that offer no single supplements. The importance is to work with travel agents who can find promotional offers to reduce or eliminate single supplements. Some cruise lines offer solo cabins with no single supplement.Sustainable Travel PracticesA number of cruises depart from the UK and reduce carbon emissions. The importance of considering the residents of the area you visit and being a respectful tourist is important, regardless of age.Cruise ships and hotels have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact, such as no plastic policies and water conservation efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Benefits & advice in a new tax year

  Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew have a long overdue catchup, two months into the podcast. This episode includes advice on the increasing costs but also the increased benefits available for parents and friends needing later life care. Plus, Annabel and Daisy review some of the key points from the show's interviewees to-date (with apologies for Annabel's dodgy microphone!).Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Cognitive impairment & why it matters

  Dr Simon Adelman, consultant psychiatrist and leading expert in cognitive health and mental health, discusses what cognitive impairment is. We talk about impairment in old age, how it can affect our family and friends and practical advice on symptoms, prevention and treatment. Dr Adelman can be found here: https://halcyondoctors.com/doctors/Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgFrom the conversation:Recognising & addressing cognitive impairment. There is an increasing recognition of mental health issues in older adults, including dementia. It's important to consult a GP for any health concerns, physical or mental. There is an overlap between mental illnesses and physical conditions, such as delirium, which can be caused by infections or other medical issues.There's a difference between acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) cognitive issues. Acute conditions, such as delirium, are often caused by physical conditions like infections and can be treated with antibiotics. Common symptoms of acute cognitive issues include disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, and physical symptoms like urinary incontinence. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, develop over a longer period and require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment.Dr. Simon Adelman differentiates between lifelong depression and depression symptoms that develops in older age. He explains that depression can be a symptom of dementia or other physical conditions, and it can be exacerbated by life changes like retirement or bereavement. It's advised to seeki medical help if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, cause significant distress, or interfere with daily functioning.There is a process of diagnosing dementia, including memory testing, blood tests, and brain scans. Memory clinics, which are part of older adult mental health services, conduct these assessments and provide diagnoses. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of dementia.Dr. Adelman provides practical tips for maintaining mental health, including addressing hearing and vision problems.He emphasizes the importance of controlling vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to reduce the risk of dementia. He also recommends engaging in activities that are enjoyable and mentally stimulating for maintaining cognitive resilience.There is a link between sensory health (hearing and vision) and the risk of dementia. The brain is a muscle that needs stimulation to stay healthy, and sensory input is essential for this. Addressing hearing and vision problems can help prevent or slow down the onset of dementia.While there is no cure for dementia, treatments can slow down its progression and improve quality of life. There needs to be better awareness and access to mental health services for older adults. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Finding local services - how Age UK can help

  Dan Skipper from Age UK Norwich (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/) outlines the resources available for older friends and relatives, both in his native Norfolk and as part of the wider Age UK network. Services include clubs and trips, health and wellbeing and advice on benefits and entitlements. We also discuss the challenges of funding care services in a cost of living crisis.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgThis episode briefly references suicide ideation. If you need to talk to someone, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or go to https://www.samaritans.org/Age UK is a federation of independent local charities, providing locally driven services with a national influence. Age UK Norwich itself has been around for 80 years, offering information and advice on various subjects, including money, welfare entitlement, care, health, loneliness, and social connection. The services are free and provided within people's homes or in the community, helping with practical support and completing application forms. Dan highlights the importance of physical health coaching, practical support in the home, and addressing issues like loneliness and social connection.Nearly 60% of Age UK Norwich's clients come directly to them, while the rest are referred by friends, family, or professionals. It's important to address issues holistically, as problems like loneliness and financial difficulties often intersect. The organization aims to provide multiple services to clients, addressing various aspects of their lives.It's important to address frailty, which is a complex syndrome involving physical health, resilience, and social connections. Dan encourages planning for wills, power of attorney, and discussing long-term care preferences with elderly parents and relatives.Age UK works with other organisations including the NHS, social care, and smaller local charities. Whilst volunteers are important, the majority of services are delivered by paid staff due to the complexity of the work. Sadly, there has been a decline in volunteering due to the cost of living crisis and the physical frailty of older volunteers.Many clients seek help with financial issues, such as affording food, heating, and repairs. Age UK provides emergency hardship grants for essential items like food and fuel. Last year, they secured £2.87 million for Norwich residents, mostly for debt reduction and improving living conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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