Dr. Bill Thomas

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May 2008 Archives

May 1, 2008

Ancient Elders

Liam Keene sends along this quote from Eckhart Tolle

AWAKENING AND THE RETURN MOVEMENT

In most ancient cultures, there must have been an intuitive understanding of this process (onset of the spiritual dimension), which is why old people were respected and revered. They were the repositories of wisdom and pro vided the dimension of depth without which no civilization can survive for long.

In our civilization, which is totally identified with the outer and ignorant of the inner dimension of spirit, the word old has mainly negative con notations. It equals useless and so we regard it as almost
an insult to refer to someone as old. To avoid the word, we use euphemisms such as elderly and senior.

The First Nation's "grandmother" is a figure of great dignity. Today's "granny" is at best cute. Why is old considered useless? Be cause in old age, the emphasis shifts from doing to Being, and our civilization, which is lost in doing, knows nothing of Being.

It asks: Being? What do you do with it?

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 1, 2008 6:42 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 2, 2008

13 Grandmothers

WE, THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHERS, represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for our Mother Earth, all Her inhabitants, all the children, and for the next seven generations to come. We are deeply concerned with the unprecedented destruction of our Mother Earth and the destruction of indigenous ways of life. We believe the teachings of our ancestors will light our way through an uncertain future. We look to further our vision through the realization of projects that protect our diverse cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of prayer and through projects that educate and nurture our children.

Their work meshes with my most recent thinking on neo-tribalism as an alternative social organizing principle.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 2, 2008 11:09 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)

May 5, 2008

Glass Half Full

Here is a more optimistic view of the security of Social Security...

Social Security: False Alarm Or False Hope?
A recent Wall Street Journal MarketWatch column by Dr. Irwin Kellner entitled “False Alarm” concludes Social Security is not likely to run out of money any time soon.

Kellner’s conclusion contradicts the findings of the fund’s Trustees in their 2008 report “Status of the Social Security and Medicare Programs”. As described in their summary: “The financial condition of .. Social Security …. remains problematic. Projected long run program costs are not sustainable under current financing arrangements. Social Security's current annual surpluses of tax income over expenditures will begin to decline in 2011 and then turn into rapidly growing deficits as the baby boom generation retires. …. Growing annual deficits are projected to exhaust …. Social Security reserves in 2041.” Furthermore, his conclusion also disagrees with the findings of the Congressional Budget Office which estimates Social Security insolvency will occur in 2052.

Full text is here...

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 5, 2008 6:26 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Power-Up Tuesday: Antipsychotic Restraints Part II

[Editor's Note: Continued from Al Power's April 25 post Antipsychotic Restraints]

My good friend (and restraint reduction pioneer) Dr. Bernie Shore once said to me, “You know, Al, we have a lot of people with dementia who are calm and engaged when you sit and interact with them, but they get agitated again after you leave, and you can’t do one-to-one care all day.” We have all had this experience. Here’s my explanation:

“That person is sitting on a ledge, 50 stories up. And you can crawl out on the ledge and put your arm around him, tell him he’s okay, and calm him for a moment. But when you leave, he’s still on the ledge.”

This is why simple algorithms like a weekly hand massage and daily washcloth folding don’t quite do the job. Until the environment feels safe and comfortable, not toxic and foreign, one can never make great inroads into serious medication reduction.

But it’s happening out there, as we speak. Some people have moved below 5 - 10% prevalence of antipsychotics, and a few homes keep the number near zero.
Three steps to transforming the care environment: (1) create meaningful, continuing relationships. These allow everyone to be well-known, and provide care partners with vital clues to the experiences of the elder. (2) create an environment filled with positive, affirming interactions that provide the elder with choice, engagement and meaning, and respect her basic personhood. (3) Move our frame of reference to enter the elder’s world, rather than to drag her into our reality.

This last step bothers many people, who feel that it means “giving up” on the person, or allowing her to slip further. Some of us have found, however, that much of the psychic distress people experience is caused by trying to force them back into a pattern of “normalcy” that they can no longer process. In fact, when you go to the elder’s point of view and relate on their terms, providing a safe, validating approach and reducing their medications, people usually improve their cognition and engagement to a greater extent than we see when we try to force the improvement.

Ironic, isn’t it?

Is it easy? No! Is it critically important? Yes!!

I’m collecting success stories of people working in this realm. Feel free to share them or pass on any questions; here, or to apower@stjohnshome.com.

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 5, 2008 3:29 PM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 6, 2008

Political Predictions

I was off by ten points when I attempted to predict the outcome of the PA Democratic Primary. I said Clinton would lose by one, instead she won by nine.

If at first you don't succeed...

Obama 55
Clinton 45

Obama 52
Clinton 48

You read it here first!

Actually, it will be fun seeing what the actual numbers turn out to be.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 6, 2008 6:29 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Eldertopia and What Are Old People For?

Thanks to Ronni for also posting this excellent video of Bill -- HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended:

Dr. William H. Thomas, who was the subject of a two-part TGB Interview last fall and who blogs at Changing Aging, is an extraordinarily good and influential advocate for elders. I consider his book, What Are Old People For?, one of my personal bibles on aging. Anyone who is old, getting old, knows old people or is concerned with issues of aging in terms of our culture, public policy and politics needs to read this book.
But maybe, like me, you already have too many unread books stacked up. If so, at FORA.tv, there is at a lecture Dr. Thomas gave at the Chautauqua Institution last summer that covers some of the high points of the book. It’s long, worth every minute of your time and Dr. Thomas’s enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. If you don’t have time to view it now, do come back later to watch it.

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 10:53 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Monkhouse Monday: Dementia, Diversity and Eldercare

[Editor's Note: (Below is this week's edition of 'Monkhouse Mondays', accidentally postponed to Tuesday -- Sorry Christa!)
Dr. Thomas has invited Eden Alternative's Europe Coordinator Christa Monkhouse to guest-post on a weekly basis from across the Big Pond. Christa is personally responsible for introducing the Eden Alternative to Europe, first in the UK, then Denmark, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and soon in Sweden, Finland and other European nations. Stay-tuned for regular updates on 'Monkhouse Mondays'.]

Persons with Dementia (PwD), do they need "Special Care“ or simply to be part of our "Cultural Diversity?“

Presenting the Eden Philosophy to varied audiences of professionals I am often asked: "Which model of care do you use for people with dementia?“, implying that surely they must be treated "specially“, given the proliferation of "special care units“.

My answer, informed by experience is: "Intentional and informed diversity-management.“

What do I mean by this? Some context: We know that people with dementia are overmedicated (see Al Power’s post on Antipsychotic Restraints), at conferences we hear about solutions for "wandering“, "aggression“, "unrest“ and "violence“. We keep PwD in "secure“ or "special care“ units. Research has shown that overmedication causes more deaths, that wandering is a normal and purposeful reaction to "feeling out of place“ in an institution, so are aggression, restlessness and violence. Secure units and chemical restraints keep people with dementia away from mainstream society. In Swiss law and medical ethical guidelines (www.samw.ch, english version/ethics/guidelines = coercive measures in medicine) a person can only be "secured“ for a short time if she is a danger to herself or others. Anecdotal evidence shows that people with dementia are actually very cautious, perceiving different colour flooring as "gaps“ and stopping in front of them. The question arises if "secure units“ are a severe infringement of human rights?

The answer? Why not educate the general public, schoolchildren in how to deal with PwD? How to serve them with attention and compassion at the supermarket checkout, the bus, the train, the cafe? If a person has "eloped“ from a care home, educated police will know what to do, normal, everyday business, calm, professional, warm. As there will be more and more people with dementia, they have the potential to add to the diversity of our society, visible at parties, restaurants, parks, hairdressers, beauty parlours, banks and hotels. They should not be marginalized, segregated and hidden. No, they can remind us how being, not just doing, is valuable in our lives and that tenderness and compassion can be practiced every day. This would be a true recovery approach to dementia care as outlined in Dr. T. Adams’ insightful and practical new book on Dementia care(p. 283). PwD would so re-cover the ground they have lost through the socially constructed segregation from mainstream society.

An empathic, practical and useful approach to dementia recovery on a personal level is the Spark of Life program developed by J. Verity, Eden Mentor for Scandinavia and Dementia-care pioneer from Australia. Watch the Demo-Video on YouTube and be moved (I was) to tears

--
Christa Monkhouse, www.eden-europe.net

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 11:10 AM |Permalink |Comments (2)

Dr. Bill Blogs as The TGB Geriatrician

Ronni Bennett at www.timegoesby.net has an exciting announcement that will interest ChangingAging.org readers:

I am pleased and excited that Dr. Thomas has agreed to become The TGB Geriatrician. Because there are already too few geriatricians in the U.S. and the number of elders will increase dramatically over the coming decades, I'm convinced that we ourselves must take more personal responsibility for our health by educating ourselves and working in collaboration with our physicians who may not have a lot of experience with elder medicine. Dr. Thomas is going to help us do that.
Beginning later this month, his column will appear twice monthly at Time Goes By covering such topics as the myths of aging, exercise, medications, supplements, adaptation to changes, how our bodies age, and our minds, and much more. And as long as you keep it to general topics and not your personal health problems, you will have an opportunity to suggest health issues Dr. Thomas might tackle for us.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to learn from one of the most knowledgeable, experienced and visionary aging experts in the world - and, a guy who really likes old people.

We'll keep you posted as Bill's column is published, and feel free to email your suggestions for general health topics you'd like Bill to discuss to changingaging@gmail.com.

---
Kavan, Blog Meister

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 11:34 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 7, 2008

A Double Edged Sword

Ageism cuts both ways...

This video features Dan Schawbel, find "Personal Branding" blog HERE

On his personal blog he notes...

Dan Schawbel is the leading expert on personal branding for the Generation-Y audience. He is also the first Social Media Specialist at EMC Corporation and has accumulated almost 7 years in marketing at the age of 24.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 7, 2008 6:34 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 8, 2008

World of Warcraft

This is the person thought to be the oldest elite World of Warcraft player, he started off with Dungeons and Dragons.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 8, 2008 6:44 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 9, 2008

My Flying Car

When I was a kid, I was sure that my 21st Century self would have a flying car.

It didn't really work out.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 9, 2008 6:51 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Power-Up Friday: International Eden Conference

For anyone who enjoys reading these pages, I hope you will seriously consider joining us at the 4th International Eden Alternative Conference, June 3-6 in Columbus, Ohio. Every two years, leading innovators from around the world gather at a different city to share exciting developments in changing aging in society. Columbus is easy to
get to, and it should be a fabulous time!

Eden Founder Dr. Bill Thomas will be on hand, and will give the opening Keynote address, and Executive Director Nancy Fox and Board member Sara Rowan will convene the conference. There will be dozens of speakers throughout the meeting, including Jane Verity and Hilary Lee (see the "Spark of Life" video on the 5/6 Monkhouse Monday post). There will be a presentation on Green Houses(R), and one about using computer technology to enhance the lives of elders. Bloggers Christa Monkhouse and myself will have presentations as well.

There will be a dinner/dance which will also include a theatrical performance by Howling At The Moon, a company of 8 women over 60 who write and perform sketches about what it means to be older. An International Reception kicks off the event with a convergence of Eden Associates from all corners of the world. The closing Keynote speaker will be Richard Pimentel, a prominent disability rights advocate recently profiled in the documentary film "Music Within".

In between all of this, you can learn about culture change from Europe to Australia, about aromatherapy, intergenerational experiences, changing roles of nurses and others in the elder care workforce, and many, many other topics.

A discounted "early bird" registration deadline has been extended to May 16th. Your fee covers the whole conference, plus breakfasts and lunches, the Tuesday reception, the Wednesday dinner/theater/dance, and a free showing of "Music Within". It's an incredible deal!

To see the whole program and to register, go to www.edenalt.org, and click on the conference link. See you there!
-- Al Power

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 9, 2008 8:05 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 12, 2008

Monkhouse Mondays: Care Capitals of Europe?

[Editor's Note: Dr. Thomas has invited Eden Alternative's Europe Coordinator Christa Monkhouse to guest-post on a weekly basis from across the Big Pond. Christa is personally responsible for introducing the Eden Alternative to Europe, first in the UK, then Denmark, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and soon in Sweden, Finland and other European nations. Stay-tuned for regular updates on 'Monkhouse Mondays'.]

From the European Culture Capital to the European Care Capital* – What else?

Every year the European Union (EU) selects and celebrates a cultural capital of Europe. They spend considerable amounts of money to polish them up and promote tourism. In fact, several "B-Cities“ have, through this program, become permanently attractive European tourist destinations. One such city is Graz, the capital city of Styria (Arnold Schwarzenegger was raised nearby), and Linz has been chosen for 2009. It's the capital of Upper Austria, on the (blue) Danube close to where I was born and raised. It boasts galleries, musical performances -- such as the impressive "cloud of sounds" -- and the new and well known solar-city, an energy sustainability experiment, with community and neighbourhood-building projects attached to it.

The time is now right to begin selecting the European Care Capital. Cities could apply to show how they have provided an excellent quality of life for their Elders, how they make them welcome, safe and how they promote growth by providing integrated services, imaginative housing, prevention, education for elders and carers, families and integration for people with dementia into society (see my post last Monday). Money would be proudly invested to motivate other communities to strive for the same excellence.

An inspiring example is the "generation-village“ in Burgenland, Austria, near the Hungarian border. The Strem-Village senior center is now being extended into an intergenerational village, bringing back Elders, creating work places mainly for women and thus benefitting the local school, the kindergarden, local businesses and making this rather remote village in wine growing country among rolling hills and open skys an attractive place to raise families. More housing is being built and population is on the increase while neighbouring villages are losing people. Mr. Peter Kalman (peterkalman@aon.at), the CEO of the development, will speak at the Lahsa-Vienna conference in May. He will explain how their approach makes perfect business sense in addition to preserving and enhancing local culture beyond measurement.

So why not copy, copy, copy on a grander scale.

[*Footnote: The European Care Capital is not my idea, but was put forward to me in 2005 by Mr. Rainer Bensch, a politician from Bremen, Germany. He met with me to talk about the Eden Alternative and how it could be the "blanket“ for our society to care for Elders and how European Care Capitals could become it’s gold standard.

--- Christa Monkhouse

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 12, 2008 1:43 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Age and Ageism

Senator Obama's recent suggestion that Senator McCain was "losing his bearings" offers an interesting window into age and ageism in American society.

From the Times

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday that Republican John McCain was "losing his bearings" for repeatedly suggesting the Islamic terrorist group Hamas preferred Obama for president.

That brought an angry response from McCain's campaign, which accused Obama of trying to make an issue of McCain's age.

Age is a touchy subject for McCain, who turns 72 in August and would be the oldest person to be sworn in as president if elected.

The two senators have focused more intently on one another in recent weeks as Obama has moved closer to becoming the Democratic nominee. Thursday's back and forth between Obama and surrogates for both candidates foreshadowed a likely argument for the fall campaign.

The comment struck a nerve and the McCain campaign struck back as forcefully as it could.

McCain's campaign issued an angry response that accused Obama of trying to divert attention from a legitimate question by raising McCain's age.

"He used the words 'losing his bearings' intentionally, a not-particularly-clever way of raising John McCain's age as an issue," McCain adviser Mark Salter said. "It is more than fair to raise this quote about Senator Obama, because it speaks to the policy implications of his judgment."

Here is the Obama campaign's response to the response...

Obama spokesman Bill Burton insisted that Obama was not trying to do what McCain's campaign accused him of.

"Clearly, losing one's bearings has no relation to age," he said.

Thus far, Democrats have been careful not to mention McCain's age, at least not directly.

Here are the implicit assumptions:

1) Age equals decline and the older a person is the more likely they are to have experienced significant cognitive losses.
2) McCain's age makes him likely to come into office with the mental faculties that a president should possess.

Here's John Murtha on the issue of age and the presidency.

...Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton who a few weeks ago said the rigors of running the country is too much for guys their age.

"Let me tell you something, it's no old man's job," Murtha, 75, told a union audience.

In response, McCain told CNN: "All I can tell you is that I admire and respect Jack Murtha. Speak for yourself, Jack. I'm doing fine. Thanks."

Here is my take on the issue...

1) Age is more of an issue than race in this election.
2) I oppose John McCain but I do so because of his stands on the issues not because of his age.
3) Our language and culture is LOADED with negative ageist stereotypes. Obama says that he will not talk about age. That will be an easy promise to keep. These embedded attitudes will allow him to raise the issue obliquely. This kerfuffle over "lost bearings" is just the beginning.

Wonkette, an edgy political satire blog, offers this relatively tame take on the issue...

SATIRE ALERT

This handy table gives the basic info for Arizona judicial selection. Arizona, of course, is the make-believe state that corrupt presidential candidate John McCain, 71, represents in Congress. But how can WALNUTS! be president, or senator, or really anything important, when he’s legally too old to serve on Arizona’s supreme court? That is a far less important position than president of bombs, which he is actively seeking. Arizona law realizes that John McCain’s senility will soon give way to death. Why can’t McCain supporters?

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 12, 2008 6:04 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 13, 2008

Political Predictions

Last week I made the following predictions about the NC and IN primary elections...

NC
Obama 55
Clinton 45

IN

Obama 52
Clinton 48

The actual results were...

Obama 56
Clinton 42

Obama 49.5
Clinton 50.5

I did very well in NC, the differences are due mostly to the fact that I did not account for the other (very minor) candidates on the ballot. They took a couple points out of the total.

In IN, I knew it would be tight but thought that a late surge by Obama would carry the day. It did not.

So now it is on to WV.

My prediction...

Clinton 65
Obama 35

Obama loses by thirty-- maybe even more.

Does it matter?

No. The nomination has already been decided. Obama will face McCain in the fall.

Clinton gets a late in the game touchdown that doesn't even come close to changing the outcome.

Let's see how it goes!

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 13, 2008 6:23 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 14, 2008

Age Progression Portraits

This a cool fusion of art and aging.

The text below was written by the artist, stop by and take a look.

HOW I DO AGE PROGRESSION PORTRAITS by D'Lynn Waldron ©07
There is no software that will age-progress a photo in either a scientifically accurate or artistically realistic way.
I am a classically trained portrait artist who has studied the medical forensics of aging.
I have been a developer of computer technology for the arts since the 1984 Mac.
I use a high end Mac, 30-inch cinema displays and most important a Wacom pressure sensitive tablet with a digital stylus that is used like a traditional brush
I now prefer digital technology to conventional media for most artwork.
( I also use my computer to edit my videos of symphony orchestras using Final Cut Pro and that in finitely superior to a Moviola and opticals for effects)

I am a third-generation conventionally trained artist. My portraits were first published in a book when I was 22 in 1959.
During my travels to such then remote places as the Cambodian jungle, the Himalaya Mountains and the Congo River, I worked in fine line pen & ink and watercolor (examples of this work are on my Web site.) I originally gave away all my watercolor portraits to the subjects until The Chenya Lama signed his portrait and handed it back to me advising I must keep some of my artwork. He was right and that watercolor portrait is in the British edition of my book.
I later became principally a photographer and I was one of the first photographers with the worldwide agency, The Image Bank.

I began doing age-progressed portraits when an advertising agency asked if I could do such a thing for a cosmetics company, because I had already done some medical illustrations related to effects of aging on the skin.

In doing age progressed portraits, I begin with the bone structure and then build the muscles over it using highlight and shadow in much the same way I would build up volume with clay in sculpting. Then I do the eyes, skin and hair.

The appearance of aging is determined by many factors including:
Genetics ~ Lifestyle ~ Health ~ Personality ~ Environment ~ Gravity's cumulative effects

Whenever I can, I work from as much information as possible about the person, family and ancestors.
I try to show in the eyes and the set of the mouth, the personality and perhaps just bit of the soul.

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 14, 2008 6:42 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Pinnacle of Adaptation

[Editor's Note: Below is a teaser to Dr. Thomas' new health column to be published bimonthly on www.timegoesby.net. Thanks to Ronni Bennett for inviting Bill to become the TGB Geriatrician.]

I am excited about guest blogging here with Ronni Bennett. TGB is a terrific blog and if I can add something of value to this community, I will be happy.

I am a physician and my background is in Family Medicine and Geriatrics.

My approach to medical issues tends to focus more on the big questions of emphasis and interpretation and less on specific remedies. (Although I do get into that from time to time.) In medical school we used to joke that certain professors seemed to have favorite molecules that they studied exhaustively. That's never really been my thing.

What do I mean by big ideas? Well, how about this: I believe that older people are the healthiest people on the planet.

Huh?

Aren't old people sick most of the time? What about all of the billions of dollars we spend on Medicare? What about the statistics that show older people using the most health care resources per capita of any age group?

Those objections are valid, but they miss the deeper reality.

Click here to continue reading the TGB Geriatrician...

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 14, 2008 9:38 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)

May 15, 2008

Melatonin Nonsense

This book is misleading and, when you think about it, very very sad...

The discovery of our body's aging clock and melatonin's role as its regulator is a revolutionary medical breakthrough-- one that can give you the power to reverse the effects of aging and lead a longer, healthier life. Written by two key scientists at the forefront of this groundbreaking research. The Melatonin Miracle is the first book to reveal these remarkable findings to the public. Here the experts explain clearly and simply what you should know about the natural hormone that everybody has-- and everybody wants to know more about. Find out how melatonin works, and how to use it, and what to expect when you begin to reset your aging clock. Research suggests that melatonin can: guarantee a good night's sleep as a natural, nonaddictive sleeping agent; overcome jet lag; boost the immune system; increase resistance to cancer and other diseases; lower cholesterol; prolong sexual vitality; ease stress, and more. Melatonin is readily available as a supplement in heath food stores. Discover how easy it is to restore your youthful levels of melatonin--and not just look younger, but grow younger.

The Melatonin Miracle
Nature's Age-Reversing, Disease-Fighting, Sex-Enhancing Hormone
By Walter Pierpaoli

This Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Publication Date: March 1, 1996

Please note that it was published in 1996

Here is a recent photo of the author...

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 15, 2008 6:48 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Kansas Meets Eldertopia

Last week Dr. Thomas was invited to Kansas to speak at the Governor's Conference on Aging Services. Kansas Public Radio reporter Bryan Thompson visited with Bill to discuss his ideas on a new kind of aging, which he calls Eldertopia, where the Golden Years take on a whole new set of possibilities. Listen Here.

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 15, 2008 9:18 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 16, 2008

Power-Up Friday: Enough Mickey Mouse Health Care

Reporting from Disney World, where I'm speaking at a conference:

Associated Press reporter Linda Johnson reported Wednesday in the Washington Post that 51 percent of all insured Americans are on at least one prescription drug for a chronic medical condition. The breakdown includes: two-thirds of women 20 and over, one quarter of children and teens, 52 percent of men and three-quarters of people age 65 and over.

In the final group, 28 percent of women and 22 percent of men are on 5 or more prescription drugs!

In spite of spending more money per capita than any other nation, the US continues to lag many other countries in life expectancy and other important health indicators.

Experts interviewed attributed this trend to poorer public health and more aggressive early treatment of conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol. Average body weight in US adults and children is higher than ever.

Yes, BUT...

- How many of these early treatments truly improve quality and quantity of life, and how many are fueled by relentless advertising by the pharmaceutical companies, and ready reimbursement through Medicare D and other plans? People in other industrialized nations don't treat so aggressively, yet they live longer. We need more evidence-based studies that are not sponsored by the people selling the drugs!
- How much of the pile of health care dollars do we spend for prevention, education and public health improvements? Have we decided that it's just easier to prescribe (or take) one more pill?
- Everyone runs away from the idea of universal coverage because of the fear that it will place too much of a financial burden on companies and taxpayers. Has anyone considered what it costs us all to have such poor public health and 50 million uninsured people?

-- Al Power

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 16, 2008 6:23 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Old Man

This clip of Neil Young performing "Old Man" begins with a great explanation of how the song was written...

Don't we all...

"Need someone to love me the whole night through..."

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May 2008 Archives

May 1, 2008

Ancient Elders

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 1, 2008 6:42 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 2, 2008

13 Grandmothers

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 2, 2008 11:09 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)

May 5, 2008

Glass Half Full

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 5, 2008 6:26 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Power-Up Tuesday: Antipsychotic Restraints Part II

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 5, 2008 3:29 PM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 6, 2008

Political Predictions

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 6, 2008 6:29 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Eldertopia and What Are Old People For?

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 10:53 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Monkhouse Monday: Dementia, Diversity and Eldercare

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 11:10 AM |Permalink |Comments (2)

Dr. Bill Blogs as The TGB Geriatrician

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 6, 2008 11:34 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 7, 2008

A Double Edged Sword

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 7, 2008 6:34 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 8, 2008

World of Warcraft

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 8, 2008 6:44 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 9, 2008

My Flying Car

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 9, 2008 6:51 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Power-Up Friday: International Eden Conference

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 9, 2008 8:05 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 12, 2008

Monkhouse Mondays: Care Capitals of Europe?

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 12, 2008 1:43 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Age and Ageism

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 12, 2008 6:04 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 13, 2008

Political Predictions

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 13, 2008 6:23 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 14, 2008

Age Progression Portraits

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 14, 2008 6:42 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Pinnacle of Adaptation

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 14, 2008 9:38 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)

May 15, 2008

Melatonin Nonsense

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 15, 2008 6:48 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Kansas Meets Eldertopia

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 15, 2008 9:18 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

May 16, 2008

Power-Up Friday: Enough Mickey Mouse Health Care

Posted by Kavan Peterson on May 16, 2008 6:23 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

Old Man

Posted by Dr. Bill Thomas on May 16, 2008 6:55 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)

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