Japan is home to a thriving, innovative culture and Honda, best known for the prevalent Civics and Accords that fill highways, has been developing two devices that may assist older adults and others with mobility issues as they walk, offering support and assistance to maintain independence.

Honda’s new devices — Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist — are not yet available. The experimental walking assist devices offer support to those who have weakened leg muscles and have difficulty walking but are still able to bear some if not all of their body weight.

The Stride Management Assist is a belt the hooks around the waist and thighs. A motor helps lift the thighs and move the individual forward and backward. The Bodyweight Support Assist helps support bodyweight, and reduces the load on the user’s legs while walking. A seat supports the user between the legs and a frame connects the seat along the shape of the user’s legs to connect to a supportive shoe.

The device is being tested among Japanese seniors and has been featured at exhibits around the U.S. and improvements are being made before release. The tools and products available to assist seniors are always evolving and technology has the ability to improve lives and support seniors as they continue to age well at home.

If you have questions on technologies to help seniors and caregivers, call Information & Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Volunteering is the life’s breath of Council on Aging Silicon Valley’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP). In April, Steve Carusa will be honored for his 23 years of volunteered service at the Junior League of San Jose’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

After serving in the Navy at the end of World War II, Steve graduated from pharmacy school. He began working in Santa Monica. Two years later he took his young family north and opened a pharmacy in Campbell. He would operate and own the pharmacy for 30 years.

After retirement and traveling the world for a while, Mr. Carusa found a new calling in an unexpected place. “I happened to go and watch the local television station one day,” Mr. Carusa said. There was a volunteer marathon, where groups were asking for help and someone mentioned HICAP. Steve thought, “Soon, I am going to be eligible for Medicare myself.” Steve signed up for the program, completed the training, and started counseling. His desire to learn has borne fruit in years of service.

His expertise as a pharmacist also proved timely when HICAP was educating the public about Medicare Part D. “Steve dedicated his time to help train us all. He was here almost every day,” says Connie Corrales, Director of HICAP.

When asked about the value of HICAP, Steve said, “I really think I have [made a difference]. Most people thanked me and even made a comment at the desk.” He is glad to be able to give something back, reflecting that “Campbell has been really good to me in the 30 years that I had a store here.”

Steve recently underwent surgery. He’s doing much better now, but it led him to tell Connie that perhaps it was time to retire. “She said, ‘I’m not going to let you go’,” he says.

Connie realizes how fortunate COASV has been. “COASV thanks all volunteers and is proud of the recognition given to Steve.”

If you have questions about your insurance options, please call our health insurance counselors at (408) 350-3200.

Allergies are not outgrown, and can even affect us more as we age. Changes in the physical structure of our nose, sinuses, and nasal cavity can exacerbate the effects of allergy symptoms. As we live longer, sensitivity to allergy triggers can also increase. In addition, allergies can complicate chronic health issues, and can often be overlooked due to other medical conditions.

Completely avoiding allergies may be impossible, but steps can be taken to lessen the severity.

• Pay attention to the pollen and mold count in your area. Many news weather reports will include this information.
• Try to avoid going outside and keep windows and doors closed when allergens are at their highest. Often pollen and mold levels are higher in the morning.
• Avoid grassy areas or places with a lot of plants and flowers, especially if the grass has been recently mowed.
• If you have been outside, change your clothes and bathe to reduce the amount of mold spores and pollen you carry with you.
• When pollen levels are higher, changing sheets more often can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

Coping with seasonal allergies can be unpleasant and irritating. However, allergy symptoms can by reduced by decreasing your exposure to allergy causing molds and pollens. With fewer symptoms, we are free to enjoy the pleasures of spring.

If you have questions on services available to seniors and caregivers in Santa Clara County, call our Information & Assistance specialists at (408) 350-3200, option 1.