June 1, 2021 —
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Families who support the well-being of loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s disease understandably wonder if they, too, are at risk of the disease. Having a healthy heart makes it more likely that we’ll have a healthy brain. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently took a look... Read More
May 17, 2021 —
Have you read the recent research showing that people who played an instrument when they were young have a lower risk of dementia in their later years? Apparently, taking piano lessons or joining the school band is very good for the developing brain. Reported Emory University researcher Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, “Musical activity throughout life may serve... Read More
May 1, 2021 —
These days, it seems like people are worrying a lot more. The ongoing pandemic, of course, is top of mind. Economic uncertainty and political turmoil can also make us fretful. Personal and family problems might add to our cares. But if an older loved one seems to be worrying a lot of the time, it... Read More
April 15, 2021 —
These days a lot of people are out of work. They may be looking for ways to make money from home, and that puts them at risk of falling for a scam. Older adults, in particular, may be targeted by “get rich quick” schemes—and that, says the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), is a form... Read More
April 2, 2021 —
The kids are grown, and you no longer need all those bedrooms. Every year, the yard seems to need more attention. You’re retired, and you’d like to travel more without worrying about your home. It’s time for a move to a senior living community! Or maybe your care needs have changed, and you’re considering assisted... Read More
March 15, 2021 —
Colorectal cancer includes cancers that begin in the colon and the rectum. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year 140,000 people in the United States get colon cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from the disease. It’s important to be screened for colorectal cancer as your doctor recommends. Screening... Read More
March 1, 2021 —
Experts from the University of Michigan recently interviewed older adults about the COVID-19 vaccines. About 60% of the seniors they talked to said they would get the vaccine as soon as they could. Another 10% said they would get it—they just didn’t want to be first. Almost 15% said they would not get the vaccine,... Read More
February 15, 2021 —
Most of us think of growing older as a time of slowing down. It’s true that many health conditions that become more common with age can sap our energy. Living with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or even the side effects of some medications can make us feel like we’re moving in slo-mo! Managing those health... Read More
February 1, 2021 —
In modern medicine, oral health has traditionally been treated as a bit of an afterthought—separate from the bulk of medical specialties, and underfunded compared to other aspects of healthcare. Some Medicare programs partially cover routine dental and periodontal care, but many people are left without coverage—and therefore, oral health care tends to slide to the... Read More
January 15, 2021 —
If you’re still working on your New Year’s resolutions, here’s one that is especially important this year! The pandemic drew a lot of attention to the problem of ageism in our culture. Senior rights advocates called out events such as disparaging remarks about COVID-19 “only” being dangerous for seniors, as well as suggestions by some... Read More
