Jan 2, 2023 —
With more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 11 million providing unpaid care, the impact of dementia is huge. Between 2000 and 2019, while death from heart disease was declining, death from Alzheimer’s disease increased 145%. But that doesn’t mean people want to talk about it. The Alzheimer Society of... Read More
Dec 1, 2022 —
Holiday travel can mean long lines and hurried sprints through sprawling terminals. It also can mean neck, wrist, back and shoulder pain, and even injury, from carrying and lifting heavy luggage. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 85,000 luggage-related injuries in 2017. “Hurting your neck, back,... Read More
Dec 1, 2022 —
Recent studies confirm that loneliness is a serious issue for older adults today. The health impact of social isolation rivals obesity and even smoking. Loneliness raises the risk of heart disease, depression, sleep problems, stroke, hypertension and dementia, and can shorten life. The holidays are considered a time of comfort and joy, when families get... Read More
Nov 1, 2022 —
People may think that dehydration is only a thing that happens during summer heat. Yet even during cooler times of year, older adults are at risk of having a less than optimal level of fluid in their bodies. Dehydration can cause heart problems, low blood pressure, digestive disorders, confusion and heat-related illness. It raises the... Read More
Nov 1, 2022 —
During the past decade or so, evolutionary biologists have been looking at an interesting question: Why do humans, unlike almost every other species in the animal kingdom, survive long beyond their reproductive years? Despite the ageist stereotype that older adults are a “burden,” anthropologists agree that living in social groups that included older members was... Read More
Oct 1, 2022 —
You’ve probably heard the old adage that couples shouldn’t go to bed angry. This advice could apply to other relationships as well, according to a new study from Oregon State University (OSU). The study authors also say older adults are better at heeding this advice than are younger people. The research team reports that after... Read More
Oct 1, 2022 —
Norman Vincent Peale, author of the book The Power of Positive Thinking, once said, “Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” Repetitive thoughts – such as “Life is hard,” “I’m a failure,” or “I’m not good enough” – form neural pathways in the brain. The more you think them, the more ingrained they... Read More
Sep 7, 2022 —
Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been experiencing another epidemic—this one of misinformation! Spreading unsubstantiated rumors is never a good thing, and in the case of health information, it can be life-threatening. For most of us, it feels good to know we’re sharing factual, accurate information—but how can we be sure we really are? “Health... Read More
Sep 1, 2022 —
Shirley’s phone rang early one morning. “Grandma?” the caller said. “This is your grandson.” “Well hello, Mark! It’s good to hear from you,” said Shirley. It had been a long time since her college-age grandson had called her. “Grandma,” said Mark, “I need your help. I’m in the hospital in Mexico with COVID and I... Read More
Aug 3, 2022 —
Prescription and nonprescription drugs help seniors manage a variety of health conditions. They preserve both life and quality of life. Of course, they only work if we take them properly. How much do you know about your medications? True or False? If my doctor prescribes a drug, and then I start to feel better, it’s... Read More
