The health risks of loneliness and social isolation are growing concerns for seniors. Many studies have shown a correlation. These could range from affecting your quality of life to leading towards an earlier death. The latest National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a shocking one third of seniors are lonely. In fact, some research has shown that chronic loneliness can shorten life expectancy more than being overweight and sedentary [...]
We know that without a good night's sleep, we will likely feel groggy the following day. However, what many don't realize is just how important it is in the aging population. It impacts our overall health. This includes hormones, immune system, memory and mood, to name just a few. The neurobiological processes that occur during sleep have a profound impact on aging brains. There are of course normally occurring cognitive [...]
Are we over-medicating the elderly? This is the question that families, physicians, and patients frequently ask themselves. There is no clear answer. Statistics show that nearly 36 percent of seniors take at least five medications per day. Seniors have a lower tolerance to certain medications and metabolize them differently. Therefore, great caution should be used when prescribing to seniors. Healthline discusses the risks of over-medicating the elderly. The problem may [...]
Most people hope to never need the right mobility aid. Yet as we age, this might not be very realistic. Maybe it's temporary after a surgery. Perhaps it's more permanent for balance issues. Either way, they are often necessary for our safety and independence later in life. Choosing the right mobility aid can be confusing. Due to the huge number of options, many people do not know which is most [...]
Alzheimer's is a commonly heard of form of dementia. Yet other lesser known forms of dementia are out there. And they are tearing apart millions of lives. Frontotemporal dementia is one of these devastating forms of dementia. Mental illness is a common misdiagnosis when it comes to Frontotemporal dementia. Consequently, this leads to the average time to diagnosis being about three years. It mainly affects people under 60 and is [...]
Every year, about two million seniors go to a skilled nursing facility following a hospitalization. But deciding which one to go to can be a daunting task. At the most, a few days are given to decide on a rehab facility or nursing home. Furthermore, the lists that patients are given usually lack critical details. Between the stress and confusion hospital stays place on families, patients often end up choosing [...]
It's overwhelming to prioritize what is important in today's chaotic world. Between managing a career, home, and even a Facebook feed, knowing what to prioritize in life can be confusing. However, a 75 year long Harvard study found the one "secret" to living a fulfilling and happy life. Connection and love. It is as simple as that. You can have all the money in the world. Maybe you're the CEO of [...]
We all know the elderly population requires more specialized care than younger people do. This may be due to chronic conditions, weakened immune systems, and lowered muscle tone. However, special consideration should be taken when helping elderly patients through surgery. It could mean the difference between going back to normal life and long-term disabilities. According to the Philly Inquirer, knowing the patient's baseline functioning is the first step. This is [...]
Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. Aging brains naturally have more of a build up of toxins. Although this is a natural part of growing older, certain lifestyle factors can influence the severity of impairment. Exercise, sleep, and diet all play a powerful role. However, it's never too early to pick up one of these brain boosting habits. We may not be able to totally prevent cognitive decline, [...]
Most can agree that a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine both have a positive impact as we age. However, research has shown that something as simple as your attitudes and beliefs about aging play a role as well. Exposure to aging stereotypes have a correlation to the development cognitive decline and other health issues. Therefore, the beliefs you internalize matter. Because how you think about your aging process [...]
