Category: Senior Health

Inflammation and Immune Health

We all have and know the inflammation. The aches and pains associated with getting older. Whether it be a bad lower back or knees that don’t allow you to go up stairs anymore. Or...

Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging

The world’s oldest person — Besse Cooper — is 115. If you aspire to the century mark, a healthy lifestyle and great genetics can help. The world’s average life expectancy is 68.9 years, while...

Organize Your Health

Organize Your Health

Your health history shouldn’t be lost in the clutter. Get a handle on your family’s records with these simple tips: Create a file for each person with name, Social Security number, birth date, and...

Aging Gracefully

Aging Gracefully

While no one has found the elusive fountain of youth, you can take steps to grow older gracefully — and healthfully. Try these timeless techniques: Quit smoking. Not only does tobacco use lead to...

Tai Chi

Tai Chi

On a nice day in the park you may notice people who appear to be doing a slow dance with nature. It’s a smooth, gentle combination of meditation, yoga and ballet called T’ai Chi....

Elderly Caregivers and Stress

Elderly Caregivers and Stress

Have you ever noticed how your body reacts to stress? New research shows that the body’s immune system is seriously weakened by stressful events. William’s caregiving responsibilities aren’t stressful today — but that wasn’t...

HIV Over 50

HIV Over 50

More effective medications are helping AIDS patients live into their 60s. A surprising number of people are becoming infected during their “golden years.” Sixty-two-year-old Jane got HIV 12 years ago when she began dating...

A Kinder, Gentler Death

A Kinder, Gentler Death

Seven out of ten Americans say they want to die at home, yet 75 percent die in medical institutions. Nearly half of Americans die in pain, surrounded and treated by strangers. These are statistics...

Treatment for Late-Life Depression

Treatment for Late-Life Depression

New research suggests that a collaborative intervention program called Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) is more beneficial for the treatment of depression in seniors than usual depression care. According to researchers, “Major...

Preventing Stroke

Preventing Stroke

Some risk factors for stroke — age, gender, race, family history — are not controllable. But even if you fall into a higher-risk category, there are still things you can do to reduce your...

Hospitalizations After Hip Fractures

Hospitalizations After Hip Fractures

Hip fracture patients who are discharged from the hospital before they have fully stabilized stand a much higher risk of dying — even if they are discharged to another health care facility. According to...

A link between the brain and the heart

A link between the brain and the heart

Have you noticed an older friend or relative feeling a little down lately? A link between the brain and the heart may shed some light on why the elderly suffer depression. Eighty-five-year-old Margaret Hawkins...

Experimental Drug for Insomnia

Experimental Drug for Insomnia

A new study shows an investigational compound called ramelteon can significantly reduce the time it takes older adults with insomnia to fall asleep. About 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia, and about half of...

What Dose of Vitamin D is Most Effective?

What Dose of Vitamin D is Most Effective?

The most beneficial dose of vitamin D supplementation needed to reduce fall risk has not been established. Douglas P. Kiel, M.D., associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and the director...

Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults

Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults

Researchers from Tufts revised their food pyramid to correspond with the one from the USDA – MyPyramid – and it is specifically designed for older adults. It still emphasizes nutrient-dense foods and the importance...