Foundation Course -- Pearl

A condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures.

Pearl's experiences navigating public spaces (banks and hotels) highlight the challenges faced by older adults with mobility issues.

Professionals who understand and respect the needs of older adults, providing compassionate and responsive services.

Strategies to reduce the risk of falls and injuries in older adults, both at home and in public places.

Falls can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences for older adults.

Pearl has advanced osteoporosis, limiting her mobility and requiring the use of a cane.

Training for professionals who work with older adults, aimed at making services more age-appropriate and accommodating.

Providing services with understanding, empathy, and respect for older adults.

A bone disease where bones become weak and prone to breaks due to losing too much bone material, making too little bone, or both.

A potential symptom of the disease is decreased height as spinal vertebrae compress.

Another possible symptom is a curving forward of the upper back, causing a stooped posture.

Bone density testing (a painless specialized x-ray) is used to detect osteoporosis.

A serious complication of osteoporosis is breaking a bone, especially for older people. Broken bones are common in hip, spine or wrist areas.

A 10% loss of bone mass in the spine or hip can significantly increase the risk of fractures.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in three women and one in five men over 50 experience osteoporotic fractures.

Treatment options include bone-building medications, but these often have side effects. Other medications may focus on pain management from stiffness and inflammation.

Falls are a major concern for older adults, often leading to serious injuries, a decline in health, and fear of further falls.

Falls can trigger a downward spiral in health for older adults, often resulting in hip fractures and functional decline. Fear of falling can also lead to social isolation and depression.

Implementing measures to reduce falls is crucial for maintaining independence and overall well-being among seniors.

Hip fractures are a common consequence of falls among older adults. These fractures significantly impact a senior's mobility and quality of life.

Strategies involve adjusting the environment for safety, facilitating awareness of potential risks, and improving physical capability.

Hotels should include handrails, clear and secured floor mats, and well-positioned furniture pieces in lobbies to prevent falls in public spaces.

Highly polished, slippery floors can increase the risk of falls in public areas like hotels, posing significant risks regarding public safety.

Creating ways to minimize waiting times for individuals with limited mobility, considering factors such as seated areas and reduced walking needs.

One in four Americans aged 65 or older experience a fall every year.

Recovering from a fall-related injury can be long and challenging, often requiring months of rehabilitation and support from family and friends.

Falls can cause chronic pain, affecting daily tasks and social participation. Pain medication can have negative impacts on mood.

The fear and anxiety of falling can lead to decreased physical activity and a higher risk of future falls, impacting overall well-being.

Increased dependence on caregivers and a loss of independence can significantly affect a person's sense of self-worth and autonomy after a fall.

Ensuring a light switch is easily accessible near the entrance and bedside for individuals with mobility limitations.

Maintaining a clear and unobstructed pathway from a bed to the bathroom, crucial for safe movement.

Providing a phone on the nightstand for emergency use, enhancing safety and accessibility.

Always being mindful of potential hazards, especially in areas with polished or slippery surfaces.

Identifying and utilizing features designed for individuals with mobility limitations, such as handrails and secure mats.

Arranging furniture to avoid blocking pathways and potential tripping hazards.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining public areas to ensure safety and identify potential hazards, such as wear and tear.

Understanding that long wait times can be particularly challenging for individuals with physical limitations.

To prevent falls, secure mats and area rugs to the floor using non-slip backing.

High-gloss floor polish can create a very slippery surface, increasing the risk of falls.

Immediately clean up any wet spills to prevent slipping and falls.

Install handrails on both sides of stairs to provide support and prevent falls.

Ensure that all stairs are clearly marked to help people see them and avoid trips and falls.

Provide rooms closer to elevators for individuals with mobility issues to minimize the need for lengthy walks.

Safety recommendations for bedrooms apply to hotels, motels, cruise ships, residential facilities, care homes, and private homes.

Pearl's experience highlights the importance of adapting homes for safety as physical needs change, emphasizing the need for grab bars.

Public transportation should be accessible, safe, and customer-friendly, especially for seniors who are less likely to drive.

Seniors often face challenges with public transit, including low bus ridership, uncertainty about accessing it, and concerns about safety and comfort.

Some communities have programs to encourage seniors to use public transit and offer incentives, such as discounts, to promote accessibility.

Transportation enables seniors to stay connected to their communities, access essential services, and participate in social events.

People with hearing issues often rely on lip reading, making it crucial to face them directly when communicating.

Clear communication is essential, especially when communicating with individuals who have hearing challenges.

People with hearing impairments often rely on lip reading to understand conversations, highlighting the importance of clear facial expressions.

Background noise can make it harder to hear conversations, emphasizing the need for quieter environments for clear communication.

Accessibility is not just a feature, but a basic right that all people deserve. It emphasizes respect and compassion in serving others.

Mary, in her 80s, is preparing for a cruise. Her experiences highlight common challenges older adults face when accessing services.

Mary is an active senior who enjoys good health and goes on cruises. She exemplifies many older adults who continue diverse lifestyles.

Mary uses a gift certificate to try a new salon. She uses public transit and faces difficulties hearing the transit operator's directions due to noise.

The transit operator, recognizing Mary's difficulty hearing, tries to help by reducing noise levels and repeating the directions.

Engaging with older adults with empathy and tailored approaches, addressing their specific needs and preferences.

This course aims to equip individuals with a foundational understanding of older adults' needs, ensuring they can provide compassionate and responsive services.

Discrimination against older adults based on assumptions about their interests and needs, often leading to feeling ignored or invisible in retail settings.

As people age, their senses may decline, affecting how they perceive the world, potentially leading to misunderstandings in social interactions.

Businesses must deeply understand their customers' needs and preferences to provide effective and inclusive service, particularly for aging populations.

Ageism can negatively impact seniors' self-esteem and lead to feelings of being excluded or marginalized, reducing their sense of belonging and participation in society.

Conducting surveys and informal polls among older adults can provide valuable insights into their needs and preferences, enabling businesses to adapt and better serve them.

Businesses need to adapt their products and services to meet the unique needs of older adults, such as considering sensory changes and ensuring accessibility.

An example of ageism is assuming older women are no longer interested in looking attractive or using beauty products, ignoring their potential needs and desires.

Treating all customers with respect and understanding, regardless of their age or other differences, is crucial for creating a welcoming and equitable environment.

As we age, our taste buds become less sensitive to sweet and salty flavors, while our ability to taste bitter remains strong.

Our sense of smell deteriorates with age, making it harder to detect odors like gas leaks or spoiled food.

Physical activity, like brisk walking or running, can temporarily enhance your sense of smell.

Some medications can affect our sense of smell and taste, so it's important to check for potential side effects.

Even minor car accidents can damage the delicate nerves connecting the nose and brain, affecting our sense of smell.

Our sense of smell is typically stronger in humid environments, like during summer, compared to dry winter air.

Changes in taste perception can lead to a decrease in appetite and contribute to a limited diet, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies.

Using different spices can help compensate for reduced sensitivity to sweet and salty flavors, adding variety and enjoyment to meals.

Food tastes better when its appearance aligns with what our brain expects.

Food tastes better when shared with others in a social setting.

Avoid very hot foods and drinks as they can damage taste buds.

Providing service tailored to the needs of older adults, acknowledging age-related changes and challenges.

Recognizing customers as valued guests rather than interruptions, reflecting a mindset of service and respect.

Prejudice against older people based on assumptions can be hurtful, even when not intentionally malicious.

Creating environments and services that cater to the specific needs of older adults.

Treating all customers with respect and understanding, regardless of their age, background, or abilities.