Supplemental Activities

1. Assess the oral health services provided by nursing homes in the area where you live.
   
2. Conduct an oral cancer screening at a local senior center.
   
3. Try a few simple exercises to empathize with older adults by simulating some of the physical limitations they may experience while trying to see, hear, or ambulate:
   
4. • Spread a lubricant such as vegetable oil over the lenses of a pair of nonprescription glasses
   • Put cotton in your ears and try to listen to someone giving you directions
   • Put a pair of gloves on and insert the middle and forefingers into one opening. Try turning the pages of a book or counting out pocket change.
   • Place popcorn kernels in the bottom of your shoes and walk up and down a flight of stairs.
   • With an assistant, sit in a chair that can spin and have the other person spin you around while closing your eyes. Try to stand immediately when the chair stops.
   
5. View Web sites for additional information on oral care for older adults.
   
   www.census.gov
   www.health.gov/healthypeople
   www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/oralhealth
   www.nidcr.nih.gov
   www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov
   www.nia.nih.gov/health/pubs/clinicians-handbook
   www.merck.com/pubs/mm_geriatrics/tables/104t2.htm
   www.alz.org
   www.aoa.gov
   www.seniorsource.com
   www.medscape.com
   www.outreachdentistry.com
   www.medinfosource.com
   www.ncoa.org
   www.go60.com
   www.americangeriatrics.org
   www.asaging.org
   www.cdc.gov
   www.dentalcare.com
   www.adha.org
   www.ada.org