52 Weeks of 10-Minute Trainings

52 Weeks of 10-Minute Trainings

Intro

After initial staff training, it is important for staff to continue to learn and apply successful aging concepts. As the name indicates, the 10-Minute Training Series is a 10-minute or less training topic on a specific element of successful aging. The topics are meant to spark conversation among staff and residents. Designed to be integrated into routine staff meetings- from leadership meetings to departmental meetings- the 10-Minute Trainings are a quick and efficient way to keep successful aging in the forefront of staff member’s minds and to continually aid staff in applying the concepts they are learning.

We encourage you to supplement the trainings with news articles, additional information and exercises. For each of the topics, discuss with residents and staff what is available in your community that relates to the topic. For example, when discussing health risks, talk about what options are available at your community for health screenings and special health sessions. Another example would be to do one of the mobility review tests while discussing flexibility.

Please note that some of the topics are sensitive subject matter. Participation in discussion should be voluntary to ensure privacy and comfort of all participants.

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Nutrition

Eating healthy foods is important at any age, and for older people it is even more important. Studies show that older adults’ metabolism slows down by as much as 30%. Older people need less food as they age, so they must be sure they eat healthy foods that have vitamins and nutrients. A food pyramid has been created especially for older adults (see handout).

Older people can lose their sense of thirst, so drinking enough water is important. Unless their doctor tells them otherwise, older adults should drink six glasses of water during the day whether they feel thirsty or not23.

No matter our age, a well-rounded diet gives us more energy, makes us feel better, prevents many diseases and improves our overall quality of life.

Staff:

· What kinds of foods do you eat? Do you think you eat healthy foods?

· What are some changes you could include in your diet to make it better-rounded?

· How can you share what you have learned about nutrition with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting).

Nutrition

As we age, proper nutrition becomes very important. Research suggests that older adults’ metabolism slows down by as much as 30%, so limiting food intake as we age is important. However, older people must be careful to get the vitamins and nutrients they need. A modified food pyramid has been created especially for older adults (see handout).

Also, it’s important to know that thirst sensation decreases as we age, so proper hydration is important. Unless their doctors say otherwise, older adults should drink six glasses of water throughout the day whether they feel thirsty or not23.

No matter our age, a well-rounded diet gives us more energy, makes us feel better, prevents many diseases and improves our overall quality of life.

Resident:

· What are some of the positive things about your current diet?

· What could you improve in your current diet?

· Discuss how you can eat healthier in your community’s dining room.

Sleep

As people age their sleep patterns change. Older adults tend to spend less time in the deeper stages of sleep, including the Rapid Eye Movement, or REM stage of sleep24. This means that sleep is generally lighter and can be interrupted very easily. For this reason older adults have problems with staying asleep at night. However, modifying the environment by making the room darker and quieter can help. Physical activity also increases the chances of getting an adequate amount of sleep - which is about seven to eight hours.

Staff:

· How would you rate your sleep? How long do you usually sleep?

· What are some things that you do to help you sleep better?

· How can you share what you have learned about sleep with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting).

Sleep

Residents:

· How would you characterize your sleep patterns?

· How have your sleeping patterns changed as you have aged?

· What are some things that you can do to get better sleep?

Preventing Chronic Disease

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, certain lung diseases and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the world. They are called chronic diseases. These diseases cause 60% of all deaths. Out of the 35 million people who died of chronic diseases in 2005, half were under the age of 70 and half were women25. A Masterpiece lifestyle can help you avoid chronic disease and live a long, healthy life. Cheap and simple ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can prevent chronic disease includes a healthy diet, physical activity, avoiding too much alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Staff:

· In what ways do you live a healthy lifestyle?

· What else can you do to help prevent chronic disease?

· How can you share what you have learned about chronic diseases with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting).

Preventing Chronic Disease

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, certain lung diseases and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the world. They are called chronic diseases. These diseases cause 60% of all deaths. Out of the 35 million people who died of chronic diseases in 2005, half were under the age of 70 and half were women25. A Masterpiece lifestyle can help you avoid chronic disease and live a long, healthy life. The MacArthur researchers found that it is never too late to improve your lifestyle! Cheap and simple ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can prevent chronic disease includes a healthy diet, physical activity, avoiding too much alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Resident:

· What kinds of things is your community doing to help combat chronic disease?

· List some of the things that you are currently doing to prevent chronic disease.

· What is one thing that you can add to your lifestyle that would help to combat chronic disease?

Health Risks

Sometimes we can be at risk for certain illnesses even if our lifestyle is very healthy. Factors that we cannot control may be to blame for putting us at risk, such as age, gender, race, or genetics. If you have condition that runs in the family, there is a chance that you could be at a high risk for getting that condition. The best way to deal with this is to live a healthy lifestyle and be aware and educated about the condition. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor so that the two of you can monitor the situation carefully. Finding an illness early is very important.

Staff:

· What are some health conditions that run in your family?

· How can you determine if you are at risk?

· How can you share what you have learned about health risks with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting).

Health Risks

Sometimes we can be at risk for certain illnesses even if our lifestyle is very healthy. Factors that we cannot control may be to blame for putting us at risk, such as age, gender, race, or genetics. If you have condition that runs in the family, there is a chance that you could be at a high risk for getting that condition. The best way to deal with this is to live a healthy lifestyle and be aware and educated about the condition. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor so that together you can monitor the situation carefully, and take advantage of preventative screening. Early detection is crucial.

Resident:

· Are you aware of your family history for chronic health conditions?

· How have you managed your risks?

· What are some of the ways your community supports you in managing your health risks?

Walking

Walking is one of the simplest forms of physical activity that can be done anywhere, with anyone, and without cost. Walking is a simple activity that has important health benefits. Research shows that older adults who participate in regular walking increase muscle strength and improve their physical and mental health status26. Walking has also shown to improve flexibility and balance, and decrease the risk of chronic disease. One way to get a routine going is to start a walking club in your community and invite others to join.

Staff:

· Are you getting an adequate amount of walking during your workday?

· How can you get more walking in during your work day or after you get off of work?

· How can you share what you have learned about walking with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting).

Walking

Resident:

· Does your community have a walking program you can join?

· How can you benefit from walking more?

· What are some of the barriers that prevent or discourage you from walking more?

Social Support (Giving)

When it comes to social support, it is good to give and to receive! Research has shown that those who provide social support enjoy increased self-esteem over time. Recipients of such support also enjoy health benefits, including a longer life, better, sharper brains and better immune function*. So when you are able to offer support for someone else, do so! It will be a win-win situation and both parties will benefit.

*Alameda County Study, Okinawa

Staff:

· What are some ways you can offer support to coworkers or residents?

· How can you inspire residents and coworkers to offer social support to others?

· How can you share what you have learned about giving social support with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting.)

Social Support (Giving)

When it comes to social support, it is good to give and to receive! Research has shown that those who provide social support enjoy increased self-esteem over time. Recipients of such support also enjoy health benefits, including a longer life, better sharper brains and better immune function*. So when you are able to offer support for someone else, do so! It will be a win-win situation and both parties will benefit.

*Alameda County Study, Okinawa

Residents:

· Does your community offer programs or resources that allow you to offer support to others?

· What benefits have you received from offering emotional support to someone in the past?

· What ways can you offer more emotional support opportunities to fellow residents in your community?

Social Support (Receiving)

As we experience challenges that come with aging, having a network of family and/or friends who can offer social support is important. In fact, receiving social support is important to our health and well-being as we age. Research shows that older adults who reported needing more emotional support also reported having poorer health compared with better health of those older adults who said they were satisfied with the emotional support that was being offered to them27. So offer social support when you can, and be open to receiving such support from others. It is good for your health!

Staff:

· Are you satisfied with the amount of social support you are receiving from your close network of family and/or friends?

· Do you have someone close that you work with that you can turn to for emotional support whenever needed?

· How can you share what you have learned about receiving social support with others? (Brainstorm this question and encourage staff members to talk to someone about what they have learned and report back next staff meeting.)