Joffe Talks About Seniors In Crisis

July 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Bonnie Joffe, Senior Market Specialist and founder of 50andBeyond.com, a dynamic website for Seniors and Baby Boomers in South Jersey, talks about “Seniors in Crisis” in the first of a three-part series.

The “Seniors in Crisis” series addresses a number of complex, life-threatening issues faced by countless Seniors today: Depression, Alcohol and Drug Addiction; Over-Medicating; and Elder Abuse.

Compelling statistics support the ever-growing need for awareness.  

According to Focus on Aging and the Network of Aging, 2.5 million elderly Americans suffer from alcoholism or addiction to prescription drugs.  In a University of Alabama publication, Dr. Andrew Duxby, a physician board-certified in Geriatric Medication, asserts that adverse reaction to medication represents the number one health concern and risk for the elderly population resulting in 140,000 deaths yearly.  Lastly, according to Elder Assistance Daily, there are nearly 6 million cases of elder abuse every year - approximately one case every five seconds.

Unfortunately, many instances of depression, addiction, overmedication and abuse go unrecognized and unreported.

“My goal with the “Seniors In Crisis” series is to create awareness about a subject that is so profound and far-reaching that it cannot be ignored or shoved under the proverbial rug,” said Joffe.  “Countless adult children today will be faced with the challenge of caring for an elderly parent.  Regardless of whether that care is provided at home or in an assisted living facility, the ability to recognize the warning signs of a crisis is critical.”

Joffe speaks from experience.  She recalls vividly an incident involving an aging relative in an assisted living facility who began to experience a decline – depression and increasing lethargy.  Fortunately, the family was paying attention.  They recognized the signs that something was not right. It soon became evident that overmedication was the culprit, prompting tighter medication regulation and administration.  It made all the difference.

“I am not suggesting that all of our aging parents are hooked on drugs, being abused or experiencing depression,” says Joffe. “I am suggesting that these are situations that many seniors do face.  As family members, caregivers and members of the community, it is our job to look out for our seniors.  We wouldn’t be here without them.”

Joffe lives with her husband and their four children in South Jersey.  She juggles work, aging parents and a busy household, all while running a growing business. A dynamic, engaging speaker and authority on the Senior market, she is passionate about helping Baby Boomers to navigate the challenging midlife years with confidence, grace and happiness.

To read Part I of Seniors In Crisis, visit  http://50andbeyond.com/bonnies-blog/when-is-a-senior-in-c....  For more information or to schedule a date and time for Bonnie to speak to your group, call 866-886-8826 or send an email info@50andbeyond.com.

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