Alzheimer’s takes a disproportionate toll on women, according to a report released from the Alzheimer’s Association. The report, as noted in USA Today, found that women are far more likely to develop the fatal disease than men: one in six women over 65 will get it during their lifetime, compared with one in 11 men. And, not surprisingly, women are…
A Senior Journal story related the fact that more than half of older Americans – those age 45 through 75 – take an aspirin every day, even though this use is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for most people who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine quotes a…
By Richard Ueberfluss Clinical depression in the elderly is common. That doesn’t mean it’s normal. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older. But only 10% receive treatment for depression. The likely reason is that the elderly often display symptoms of depression differently. Depression in the elderly is also frequently confused with the effects of multiple illnesses…
Staying physically active is critical to a senior’s physical health and emotional well-being. Simply sitting for long durations throughout each day does incredible harm to the human physique—which is designed to benefit from a hefty dose of physical activity daily. In fact, the US Department of Health and Human Services presents specific recommendations, known as the Physical Activity Guidelines, that…
Consumer Affairs reports that up to 80 percent of falls in the home occur inside a bathroom. Even more startling is that one in three people over age 65 fall every year. Hospital emergency rooms are inundated annually with 200,000 Americans who are injured at home due to bathroom-related mishaps. The bathroom can be a slippery, steamy and outright dangerous…
Is your mother okay? Here are 4 tips to make sure you understand her physical and mental condition when you are together: Watch Your Mother. How is she walking? Is she moving slower than the last time you saw her? How does she look? Is she clean and groomed? We don’t mean that she has to be dressed like June…
Seniors recovering from surgery require extra emotional and physical support. Given their susceptible state, aging individuals who are released from a hospital stay should be monitored closely—especially when they are left unaccompanied at home. Fortunately, even when alone, recuperating seniors can receive the attention they require to heal. From modifying the home environment to installing smart technology to hiring professional…
In general, senior citizens are less distracted while behind the wheel than younger adults. In fact, more senior citizens wear their seat belts (as drivers and passengers), drive slower and in better weather condition, and do not drive after drinking. With all of those good driving habits, one would think that accidents among with senior citizens would be rare, but…
Perhaps you volunteer at a nursing facility, where seniors in varying conditions appreciate a smile and a few minutes of pleasant conversations. Or, you may have an elderly neighbor you haven’t gotten around to knowing just yet. You might even serve meals to the elderly in their homes when they are unable to venture out to grocery shop or cook….
An estimated 76 million births took place during the baby boom period that started in 1946 and ended in 1964. Today, approximately 76.4 million baby boomers live in the United States. These seniors make up almost one-quarter of the country’s population of 314 million. Given today’s society of bountiful conveniences, it is no surprise that many baby boomers elect the…
