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One of the scariest things for a caregiver is when their loved one falls. Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries among older adults. As the number of Americans choosing to age in place increases, so does the number of seniors who fall at home. The most important thing to remember is that falling is not a normal part of aging. Falls are a symptom of homes that have not been modified to suit a population that is aging in place. By taking a few safety precautions, we can reduce the number of falls and keep our loved ones healthy and happy at home. Following are some ways to reduce the risk of falls: Staircases – If your loved one lives in a two–story home, the risk of falling on a long staircase is probably apparent. But, even if they live in a one–story home, there could be steps in other areas of the home that you might not consider when fall–proofing, like two steps going down to the living room. Many houses have two or three steps heading to the porch or other steps in the yard or garden areas. Ensuring that all the home’s stairs have handrails on both sides of the steps can help prevent falls. It’s also important to remove clutter from the staircase and attach non–skid treads to the edges of the steps. Ensuring that every staircase is properly lit also helps prevent missteps, which often result in falls. Try some simple stick-on LED lights with motion sensors. They are great for automatically illuminating stairs and walkways. Outdoor staircases made of concrete can prove to be a challenge to seniors because they are targets for ice, and more prone to chipping and can be harder to keep clear.

School districts throughout the nation, including schools in Kay County, have seen an increase in the student use of electronic cigarettes and vaping pens. According to the latest data, 1 out of every 4 Oklahoma high school students use vaping products. Common additives used in such devices include nicotine and flavorings. These substances are proven to have negative effects on adolescent brain development. Additionally, e-cigarettes and vaping pens are devices that can be used as a delivery system for marijuana. Parents should be aware of the dangers associated with vaping marijuana and how to recognize if their teens are vaping. According to the CDC in 2022, a significant percentage of teens reported last year marijuana vaping- 8% of 8th graders, 19% of 10th graders and 22% of 12 graders. Vaping marijuana can have permanent effects on the developing brain, mental health issues, as well as medical concerns. Teens who use marijuana have difficulties with learning, memory issues, and problem solving. The brain is still developing until the age of 25. Marijuana use increases the chances of not graduating high school.

Dear Rusty: My wife turns 65 in November of 2023. She was born on 11/21/1958.1 am a year younger with an 8/1/1959 birthdate. I know my wife is not at full retirement age, but the difference in her SS payment is not much and collecting 3 years of the lower amount far exceeds her waiting until age 68. My question is: because half of my SS is more than her SS, if she retires this year, will she still get 50% of my SS when I retire? Signed: Planning Our Future