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Appointment required. 550 Water St. Suite A | Santa Cruz, CA 95060 LYRIC SPECIAL HEARING EVENT Offers Expire May 31st Why seniors are at greater risk for COVID-19 By Metro Connection It has been more than a year since the world learned about the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Since December 2019, there have been tens of mil- lions of reported cases and nearly two million deaths worldwide attributed to COVID-19, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Experts are still unclear how prevalent the virus really is because a large number of cases are not reported due to mild or asymptomatic infections. But there's no denying COVID-19 can be very risky for one large segment of the population. The chances for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the greatest risk, offers the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention. The CDC further indicates that eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths re- ported in the United States have been in adults who are 65 and older. Com- pared to younger adults, older individuals are more likely to require hospital- ization if they contract the illness. People between the ages of 75 and 84 are at eight-times more likely to be hospitalized and 220 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the youngest patients. There are some key reasons why older adults are at higher risk. Vineet Menachery, an immunol- ogist at the University of Texas Medical Branch who studies coronaviruses and their effects on aging im- mune systems, older adults are more likely to suffer from underlying condi- tions that can hinder the body's ability to recover from illness. In addition, a greater propensity for inflammation in the body and changes in the way the immune system responds with age are other mecha- nisms that increase seniors' risk for COVID-19. Furthermore, COVID-19 affects the part of the lungs that delivers oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide. As a person gets older, the lungs are not as elastic and this can affect gas exchange and other functions. Being older coupled with having cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes also can raise the threat level of COVID-19. Seniors must be extra dil- igent to engage in behav- iors that reduce their risks. Epidemiologists recom- mend the following: · Wash or sanitize hands whenever possible, espe- cially upon entering and leaving public buildings. · Shop and travel during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning, to avoid crowds. · Use contactless payment methods rather than han- dling money. · Ask friends and family to do your shopping and run errands for you. · Wear masks over the nose and mouth and stay at least six feet away from others. · If the COVID-19 vaccine is available to you, ask your doctor more about it and get vaccinated if it's safe to do so. Learn more about at-risk groups at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ need-extra-precautions/ index.html. LP213742 Metro photo Exercise ideas for people with mobility issues By Metro Connection Physical activity is vital to overall health. The World Health Organization says limiting time spent being idle and taking advantage of opportunities to get moving - even if it's just a little bit of exercise - can go a long way toward im- proving overall health. In November 2020, the WHO released new exer- cise guidelines for people of all ages. Adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes a week of mod- erate to vigorous aerobic activity, and that includes older adults and those with chronic conditions or disabilities. Individuals with limited mobility due to age or pre- existing medical conditions may wonder how they can meet the guidelines for ex- ercise. Those with chronic pain or illness sometimes find that exercising for more than a few minutes can be challenging. Even brief periods of exercise can pay dividends, and there are various approach- es people can take to work around mobility and other issues. Explore chair exercises Just because you are seat- ed doesn't mean you can't get a workout in. Seated chair exercises can work various muscle groups. Seated arm rows, tummy twists, overhead arm raises, hand squeezes with a tennis ball, inner thigh squeezes, leg lifts and extensions, and many other exercises can be customized to be performed in a chair. Work out in the water Exercising in the water can assist with movement and reduce strain on the body. The Arthritis Foun- dation says the water's buoyancy supports body weight, which minimizes stress on joints and can alleviate pain. Water provides gentle resistance as well - up to 12 times the resistance of air. That means it's possible to build strength and muscle even just walking or swimming around a pool. Use resistance bands Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands that can be used to build up strength and flexibility. Resistance bands are ef- fective, low-cost gear that can offer high-impact re- sults for building muscle, staying fit and increasing mobility. Resistance bands can be used in lieu of hand weights for many exercis- es and be ideal for those who find barbells and dumbbells are challenging to maneuver. Mind-body exercises are an option Elder Gym®, a fitness from home service for seniors, suggests exercis- es like Tai Chi and yoga for those with limited mobility. These exercises integrate awareness of body movement with the exercise through coordinated breath- ing. The exercises encourage people to focus on slow, fluid movements and deep stretching. Seniors and others with limited mobility are advised to first discuss fitness regi- mens with a physician to get a green light to proceed. Then exercise regimens can be started gradually and altered to become more vigorous as the body acclimates to exercise. Increase duration and frequency as strength and endurance builds. LP213747